Prioritize Timeless Filetypes
At the end of 2023, inspired by Steph Ango’s file over app philosophy, I began taking control of my digital life.
If you want your writing to still be readable on a computer from the 2060s or 2160s, it’s important that your notes can be read on a computer from the 1960s.
I ditched proprietary platforms in favour of something much simpler: plaintext. Every device can read and edit it.
By choosing simpler formats, I become less dependent on companies’ platforms. I no longer need 17 flavours of JavaScript to reference an article I saved, or check items off my grocery list. Often, I don’t even need internet- I save PDFs and screenshots for later. I now enjoy intentional offline time, and it’s become my favourite part of the day.
The apps I use now are vehicles for opening files. Currently, my main vehicle is Obsidian. I enjoy its simple UI, file-reading capabilities, and its devoted community. I know the tools I use won’t last forever, and I don’t need them to. My plaintext files will be fine in whatever tool comes next.
Tools of choice:
Recommended reading:
- Steph Ango, File Over App (1 minute read)
- Derek Sivers, Plain Text (5 minute read)
