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Tag and Dump styles of File Management
caseykoons | Feb 14 2007
In kind with Todd V's question about file management, I seek the experience of those who have come before. I'm a graduate student and have found that the sudden increase in the amount and diversity of data that is coming into my computer completely broke (my trust in) my old filing system. I find myself wishing there were an iTunes-like app for file management, no more spacial metaphors, just all my files with meta-data to group them and arrange them on the fly. I am a Mac user, a Quicksilver cultist, and an (albeit confused) user of DevonThink Pro. I am considering abandoning the folder structure, and having a dread heap /Documents folder that I access entirely through desktop search technology like QS and Spotlight and organize ad hoc with DT and Smart Folders when I need. My question is: have any of you implemented a system like this? Will it violently explode in my face? Do you tag? What sorts of tags do you use? Any advice on this sort of system would be greatly appreciated. 15 Comments
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 Hi there, I'm also a...Submitted by akr95 on February 14, 2007 - 10:58pm.
Hi there, I'm also a Mac user and have had similar thoughts lately re whether my filing system is really cutting it. I have recently started using the colour labeling system available in the Mac. The system allows you to essentially tag a file with a colour code. Each colour code is associated with a particular area you wish to define eg, Studies, Home, Client Matters, Admin, Investments etc. The next step is to set up Smart folders in your Finder that correspond with these colour labels ( I also have mine set up with a time frame). For example, red label = Studies; Time Frame = only last 2 months), that way the Folder will only ever hold files colour coded red and that were created and/or modified in the past 2 months. The folders have less clutter in them for every day use. However when I need something older I need to dig deeper in the Finder for archived files (that is when Quicksilver is handy). Just an idea. » POSTED IN:
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