I believe in files

It’s possible I believe in files partly because I know how things are built in the cloud. Building things on clouds even sounds bad.

Without all the marketing talk, storing data in the cloud is simply storing data on someone else’s computer. These days, that “someone” is usually a company – or a group of people trying to start one.

🗓️ Tuesday.txt

Years ago, I felt the need to keep track of what I got done at work each day. Companies, clients, people, and their favorite project management software all change. For over 10 years, I’ve been documenting my work in simple text files – one day, one file, for each client. At the end of the day, I put the file into the appropriate folder. It’s hard for me to count how many project management apps I’ve used since I started. It doesn't matter whether the app of the day even supports this – I know what I was doing on Tuesday four months ago. And that’s valuable to me. To some of my clients, too.

🗒️ Files.md

I use Obsidian for note-taking because it’s file-based, so I can easily open my files in other apps. If I wanted to move my notes somewhere else, it would be as simple as copying and pasting a folder.

📈 User-Journey-3.1-final-final.drawio

When I need to create an important diagram, I use an app like draw.io. I trust my computer and my backups more than I trust that the hottest diagram-making startup right now will still be around in five years.

💎 gregwolanski.com.sketch

For vector graphics, I use Sketch by default because I much prefer working with local files than in the cloud, especially when it comes to the artifacts of my work.

📇 Feedbin.opml

I follow various websites using RSS. The list of sites I follow is a single OPML file that I can import to any RSS reader. Thanks to this single file, I don’t have to worry about being forced to use a specific app or painstakingly import my list of followed sites into a new one.

🗄️ 24.db

My favorite default database is SQLite. It doesn’t require a server. It’s actually just a file.

📖 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.pdf

When I buy e-books, I try to buy files. Files that I can open on any device. Preferably PDFs. If not, then EPUBs.

I believe in files.

—Greg