Sean Barnes

I currently work supporting an Enquiry and Case management system. I have a degree from the Open University. Starting writing for CTNET in October 2020 You can follow me on Twitter at @barnes_sean

Todoist a review – My experience of trying it as a replacement to Notion

In the autumn of 2024, I embarked on an experiment to see if Todoist could replace Notion as my go-to productivity tool. While Todoist impressed with its ease of task creation and smart date entry, it fell short of Notion’s flexibility and customization. Despite some app stability issues, Todoist remains a powerful option for straightforward task management. Ultimately, I chose to stick with Notion for its ability to tailor solutions to my needs.

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My Sunsama home page showing the tasks and content ideas I'm looking to work on.

Why I have stopped using Sunsama

In my latest blog post, I delve into the reasons behind my decision to stop using Sunsama, a tool I once valued for its day planning capabilities. Despite its effectiveness, a shift in my productivity process revealed that my Notion setup already provided all the necessary insights for managing tasks and projects. This change not only simplified my workflow but also saved me $20 a month. Join me as I explore the importance of regularly assessing our tools to ensure they meet our evolving needs.

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Obsidian web clipper being used to archive a page on WordPress ping backs I want to read later for specific research.

Obsidian Web clipper Introductory guide

An Introduction to the Obsidian web clipper, a browser add-on released towards the end of 2024. This tool allows users to clip websites directly into their Obsidian vault, making it easier to capture source notes from the web. The guide explores the functionality of the web clipper, how to install it, and how to use it effectively. The author mentions that while they primarily use Readwise Reader for capturing content to read later, they see the web clipper as useful for capturing websites found during research directly into their vault. The guide also advises users who don’t use a read-later app to consider how they manage these notes to avoid system overload.

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A screenshot of my weekly planning and review template that I currently use in Obsidian.

Why I moved my periodic planning and review from Notion to Obsidian

In August 2024, I made the decision to transition my weekly, monthly, and annual journals from Notion to Obsidian. This change was driven by the need to streamline my planning and review processes, which had become cumbersome due to the constant switching between applications. By consolidating my journals within Obsidian, I was able to link them seamlessly with my daily entries, reducing friction and enhancing the coherence of my personal knowledge management system.

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An AI generated image showing CTNET represented as a train entering 2025 with fireworks going of around it

CTNET review of 2024 and predictions for 2025

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year dominated by advancements in Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing. From the rise of personal AI assistants to breakthroughs in quantum stability, technology continues to reshape our world. Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate further developments in AI-driven knowledge management, growing concerns about Artificial General Intelligence, and the potential launch of Spotify HiFi. Join us as we explore these trends and their implications for the future.

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An AI generated image of how I see the Exponential gap on side are the wealthy who are able to make full use of the technology and on the other side are the people who have been left behind

The dual role of technology – Bridging or widening the Exponential gap

In this blog post, we delve into the dual role of technology in shaping our society. As we navigate the exponential age, technology has the power to both bridge and widen the gap between those who thrive and those left behind. We examine how technological advancements can drive inequality by favoring a select few, yet also hold the potential to level the playing field if harnessed correctly. Join us as we explore the skills necessary to close this gap and the societal choices we must make to ensure a more equitable future.

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A screenshot of the template I had used for my Notion daily journal

Why I used Notion as my Daily journal and why I switched to Obsidian

In the ever-evolving world of digital journaling, finding the right tool can be transformative. After a year with Notion, I discovered its strengths and limitations for daily journaling. However, as my needs shifted, I found a new home in Obsidian. Join me as I explore the journey from Notion’s structured flexibility to Obsidian’s minimalist focus, and learn how each platform can uniquely support your personal knowledge management journey.

Why I used Notion as my Daily journal and why I switched to Obsidian Read More »