Cal Newport [When It Comes to taking Notes, Here's What Really Matters](https://youtu.be/4VS2usPLy0k?si=0orCFmQZiF6V5bNI) <iframe width=100 height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VS2usPLy0k?si=Xq2Z5rzlJGa3Xd8O" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ## Timestamp: 0:00 - 6:26 When people talk about notetaking, they may think of these three categories: 1. **Working memory extender:** one big text file (for Newport) that allows him to manage information inflow; quickly processed into the productivity system (calendar, to do list, etc.). 2. **Obligation Tracker:** his to do list with reference information relevant to the (Trello for Newport) 3. **Ideas**: capture your thoughts (Remarkable notebook for Newport) You need a system for each. Don't mix these categories to keep up with the complexity of modern life. ## Timestamp: 10:43 - 16:19 Don't get study advice on YouTube. The incentive structure for creating content on platforms like YouTube will morph content towards what gets more clicks. That's why you see so much content on top 10 apps for notetaking. Books have a better incentive structure because the best marketing for books is word of mouth, and word of mouth depends on the ideas in the book actually working. Podcasts also have good incentive structures, though not as good as books.