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

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

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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

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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 »

My Tidal home page as it was on December 2024.

How I find new music on Tidal

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Unlock the full potential of Tidal for music discovery with our insightful guide. While Spotify might lead in algorithmic suggestions, Tidal offers a unique advantage with its CD-quality tracks and personalized playlists. Dive into daily mixes, explore artist radios, and learn how to curate your music experience by favouriting tracks. Embrace the challenge of actively engaging with Tidal’s tools to uncover hidden gems and take control of your musical journey.

How I find new music on Tidal Read More »

Screenshot of the Readwise export highlights page

Syncing notes between Readwise and Google Notebook LM

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Unlock the full potential of your note-taking by syncing Readwise with Google Notebook LM. This guide explores how to seamlessly integrate your digital highlights and notes, transforming them into a dynamic personal teaching assistant. Discover the steps to connect these powerful tools and enhance your learning experience, even with Google LM’s 50-note limit. Join me as I test this process and explore innovative ways to manage and utilize your knowledge effectively.

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Image of my conversation with GPT4o Large Lange Model via the Obsidian Smart connection plug in to write the meta description and abstract for a CTNET blog post

Enhancing My Blogging Workflow: A Journey with AI and Obsidian through 2024

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In an era where technology continually reshapes our workflows, I’ve embarked on a journey to integrate AI into my blogging process using Obsidian. This post delves into how AI aids in managing my Personal Knowledge Management system, enhancing productivity, and refining my content creation. From leveraging Obsidian’s Smart Connections plugin to utilizing AI for blog layouts, discover the interplay between human creativity and artificial intelligence in my blogging journey through 2024.

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Obsidian file structure following the changes discussed in this article.

Why I decided to update my file structure in Obsidian

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After reading Jorge Medina’s insightful article on creativity and overwhelm, I realized the need to revamp my Obsidian file structure. By streamlining my vault and adopting a more organized approach, I’ve been able to better manage the influx of information, prioritize note processing, and enhance my Zettelkasten system. This change not only aids in learning but also fuels creativity by allowing ideas to link and evolve naturally. Join me as I delve into the steps I took and the lessons learned along the way.

Why I decided to update my file structure in Obsidian Read More »

Image showing the menu to create either a import or export company in Capitalism Lab

An Introduction to Export Companies in Capitalism Lab

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Dive into the world of Capitalism Lab and discover the power of export companies. This guide walks you through the process of setting up an export company, enabling you to expand your business beyond domestic borders. Learn how to configure your game settings, build your export infrastructure, and connect with suppliers to maximize your global reach. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to thrive in international markets.

An Introduction to Export Companies in Capitalism Lab Read More »

The Plexamp home page showing my recently added music and recently played playlists

Qobuz removing the ability to re-download music you purchase

Application discussion / / /

In September 2024, Qobuz informed me that an album I purchased would no longer be available for re-download due to rights issues. This unexpected move prompted me to reflect on consumer rights and the importance of safeguarding my digital music collection. Join me as I explore my hybrid approach to music consumption, balancing streaming services with physical and digital purchases, and discuss strategies to ensure I never lose access to the music I love.

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Google Notebook LM with the notebook guide open.

Google NotebookLM and its ability to create a AI generated podcast

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Discover the ground breaking capabilities of Google Notebook LM, a note-taking app that goes beyond traditional features by incorporating a Large Language Model. This innovative tool not only summarizes notes and generates FAQs but also creates AI-driven podcasts from your content. Join me as I delve into how this technology works, its potential applications, and the step-by-step process of transforming your notes into an engaging audio experience.

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