Dear @Evernote, I Want to Use your Service But This is Unacceptable
Over and over tonight (strong wifi):
Looks like I’m sticking with Basecamp.
Sent from my iPhone
Great Use of Backpack with Pages for Each Day.
“I have a page set up for each day of the workweek, and I evenly distribute the action tasks for all of my marketing tactics throughout the week.
On a given day, I simply click on that day’s page and get to work on the tasks, which are within a handy checklist (see image above along the left).
Each Monday, I un-check all the lists on every page, which helps me to stay accountable to my plans and goals for my business. I can clearly see what got done and what did not get done over the previous week. After un-checking the items, I’m ready to begin another week.”
I love this implementation of workflow in Backpack.
Personally, I’m using Backpack in the GTD style (main INBOX for dumping everything then sub-folders pertaining to specific contexts or actions that need to be taken).
However, it would be very cool to do a blend of my GTD style with the daily pages style and incorporate individual classes (since I’ll be teaching 4-5 individual classes).
Clearly, I love todo lists more than actually acting upon them 🙂
From Evernote Back to Backpack
I’ve been a longtime Evernote member going back to March ’08 (and then a paying Premium member since June ’08 shortly after they opened that functionality), but I just can’t figure out the best way to integrate the service into my workflow. I’ve certainly tried because I do see so much potential in the product.
However, since I’ve been trying to do most everything using only web apps and my iPhone, I’ve had a tougher time using Evernote. The Mac desktop client is beautiful and easy to use. The Windows desktop client less so. But it’s the web interface that just isn’t working for me (and that is the most important one at this point since I can’t install the desktop client on my locked-down school Macbook). So, I’m going back to Backpack (in the old days, I would have used my affiliate link for the program there with a little disclosure) for workflow management. The web interface is fantastic (and familiar), I can easily email in material, create seperate pages, feel secure, integrate easily with GMail, Google Calendar and be completely web-based. However, the killer app Backpack has going for it is the Journal feature: http://www.viddler.com/player/a45407f8/ I’m using it for product management, status updates to myself and as a “private twitter” etc. It’s like the anti-social bookmarketing site Pinboard for micro-messaging. The problem that has plagued Backpack (and the whole suite of 37Signals products such as Basecamp and Highrise) is the lack of iPhone apps or integration. That’s been solved by a nifty app called Satchel. Yes, it costs $10, but it’s well worth the price. Satchel is speedy, works “offline” (whatever that means anymore), and intuitive. I can also easily update my Journal through Satchel. Plus, there are hacks and apps for getting Backpack to work well as a web app (like GMail) on the iPhone if preferred. So, between Backpack’s web apps and Satchel, I’m very happy (and productive). I’ll explain more on today’s Thinking.FM podcast episode.37signals Affiliate Program
One of my favorite “web2.0” companies out there, 37signals, launched an improved affiliate program. They are the company behind Basecamp, BackPack and HighRise.
My wife is hooked on Backpack for organization and lists. I use Basecamp for all of my work flow and as a nerve center for GettingThingsDone. so there’s a wide audience for this:
I know B2B offers do well in the Spring and Summer as people try to do more with less time since everyone would rather be outdoors, so check out 37signals if you need an offer in that area.