A New Process

Engineers are always solving problems. Many of which are optimization problems. My problem to be solved? How can I continue blogging without investing more time at a keyboard? In order to understand the change, let's start with what my process had been.

First, I would have an idea for a post. The ideas would strike at any time. Not always opportune times for capturing the thoughts in a post. I would attempt to remember the idea, sometimes jotting a note or sending myself a message to not lose the idea. Then that night I would go to my desk and get as much of the blog post captured as possible. Not always getting it into a shape that could be posted. Sometimes, the editing of the post would have to wait for a different night or three. Believe it or not, this worked for a long time. The main issue I had with the process was remembering the essence of the idea, then the issue of sitting at a desk that much longer in a day. The obvious question to me is, why not buy a laptop and get away from your desk? I do have a laptop. I could capture the blog post anywhere in the house that was comfortable. No matter where I sit with a traditional keyboard and computer I consider desk time.

I have been watching e-paper tablets for a couple of years, really since the Remarkable tablet was widely available. I thought they were such a great idea. As a lifelong note-taker, I would have a half-sheet grid notebook within reach for the majority of my adult life. With an e-paper tablet, I could carry all the notebooks I wanted. Possibly some books too! Earlier this year I tried an e-paper tablet for the first time, it was a great experience, so I bought it on the spot. This purchase changed the way I blog for the better.

My new process removes the need to remember an idea, jot down a little note, and send messages to myself. Since I always had the half-sheet notebook with me they have been replaced with the e-paper tablet. When the idea hits me, I can easily switch to the blog notebook on the tablet, recording as much or as little of the idea as I want. Time permitting, I can just start writing it. Often I am at work when an idea strikes me. I tend to capture several bullet points and over lunch write a solid portion of the post. I can now sit in the comfortable spots around my house not getting traditional screen time thinking through and writing blog posts on the e-paper tablet. Often with something similar to a baseball game or race playing in the background. Once I have the general concept of the post and a first draft ready, I commit to a shorter amount of desk time, typing up the post. Then after some editing, the post is published. This change in process results in capturing more ideas with more focus and quicker than I could with the other process. Ultimately this change created a healthier relationship with writing and screen time.