Note linking process

Some food for thought and possible alternate workflows.

Workflow

1. Write inline first: Start writing the “new idea” in the same note you are currently working on (if unsure of its usefulness).
2. Search before creating: Use search (or OmniSearch / Quick Switch++) for keywords.
3. Refactor if found: If something relevant exists, use the Note Refactor plugin to create a new note.
4. Fallback: If nothing is found, keep writing in the same note.

Placeholder links

• I prefer to create a placeholder link (link only) without interrupting my flow.
• Once satisfied with the original note, I check for links to nonexistent files and expand them.
• The Backlinks core plugin helps locate notes by name or aliases.

Example: Quotes

• I use this approach for quotes:
  • Verify attribution.
  • Add background/summary on the author.
    • Example: Saadi Shirazi.
• This way, I get both the quote and the context of the person.
• Avoids interrupting note-taking flow with constant searches.

Linking density

• I don’t limit the number of connections in a note.
• If there’s a real need, I link.
• If there are many, I allow them (but only if justified).
• Result: more complex notes, but covering complete topics.
• When topics overlap, I decompose into separate notes.

Rule of reuse

• If a section or part of a note is needed in more than two places, it becomes its own note.
• “Needed” = linked to or embedded in another note.

Known frequent notes

• Some concepts are known in advance to be reused often.
• For these, I create individual notes from the start:
  • People notes
  • Meeting notes
  • Daily notes
  • Glossary notes

Aggregation by source and type

• Literature books:
  • Highlights → book synced notes.
  • Personal opinion → separate note linked to the book.
  • Quotes → link to the book note.
  • Author → linked to author’s note.
• Technical books:
  • Highlights → synced notes.
  • Author notes.
  • Personal comments/review.
  • Several notes on useful topics (not one per topic from the start).

Comparison: Linking strategies

Tip