Comments on: The to-do list problem & the ‘Things’ solution http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/ Elliot Jay Stocks is Senior Designer at Carson Systems and his work is regularly published worldwide. He's also a writer and musician... of sorts. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:02:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Amit Gupta http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1683 Amit Gupta Thu, 01 May 2008 15:55:58 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1683 Right on, Elliot. I've been using Things for months after trying out OmniFocus, and it's a breath of fresh air. Simpler and more beautiful than anything else I've used on the Mac. I can't wait for the iPhone version. Right on, Elliot.

I’ve been using Things for months after trying out OmniFocus, and it’s a breath of fresh air. Simpler and more beautiful than anything else I’ve used on the Mac.

I can’t wait for the iPhone version.

]]> By: Leanda Ryan http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1684 Leanda Ryan Thu, 01 May 2008 16:26:49 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1684 I've been using OmniFocus since last year, I wish there was an easy way to import my info in and out of Things so I could give it a try for a few weeks. Things looks slick and I like how it uses tags to filter energy and time required to complete tasks. I think the feature missing from most of the current to do list apps is a solid way to conduct a GTD weekly review. I need to be reminded to do it. I’ve been using OmniFocus since last year, I wish there was an easy way to import my info in and out of Things so I could give it a try for a few weeks.

Things looks slick and I like how it uses tags to filter energy and time required to complete tasks.

I think the feature missing from most of the current to do list apps is a solid way to conduct a GTD weekly review. I need to be reminded to do it.

]]> By: Kyle Meyer http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1685 Kyle Meyer Thu, 01 May 2008 16:33:39 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1685 I've been looking for a good to-do list app forever. I got so frustrated I went to pen and paper and emailing myself to dos and prefixing the titles so I could use mail filters to put them into an area and then archive when I had completed them. But now I'll have to have to give Things a go. Thanks for the write up Elliot! I’ve been looking for a good to-do list app forever. I got so frustrated I went to pen and paper and emailing myself to dos and prefixing the titles so I could use mail filters to put them into an area and then archive when I had completed them.

But now I’ll have to have to give Things a go. Thanks for the write up Elliot!

]]> By: kevadamson http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1686 kevadamson Thu, 01 May 2008 16:38:14 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1686 It looks very nice. I have been using an iGoogle add-on which does the job for me, but I've also rediscovered the joys of just some scrap paper (usually from junk post or forms that would usually just go straight into the recycling) and pen next to my machine. Good for the day to day tasks. I hadn't realised how much I miss making marks on paper - even boring lists! - and also how much it has improved my organisational skills. The one thing that digital lists don't offer is the ability to sketch a visual idea next to a list item. It looks very nice. I have been using an iGoogle add-on which does the job for me, but I’ve also rediscovered the joys of just some scrap paper (usually from junk post or forms that would usually just go straight into the recycling) and pen next to my machine. Good for the day to day tasks.

I hadn’t realised how much I miss making marks on paper - even boring lists! - and also how much it has improved my organisational skills.

The one thing that digital lists don’t offer is the ability to sketch a visual idea next to a list item.

]]> By: Dave http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1687 Dave Thu, 01 May 2008 16:57:50 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1687 I've been looking at using a moleskine for my uni to-do stuff for ages but i think once the iphone app comes out for things i will definitely be using this software. I’ve been looking at using a moleskine for my uni to-do stuff for ages but i think once the iphone app comes out for things i will definitely be using this software.

]]> By: Julian Schrader http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1688 Julian Schrader Thu, 01 May 2008 17:04:47 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1688 After trying way too many GTD and To-Do apps and using some of them (iGTD/Actiontastic) for several months, I think I finally stick to one of them — Things. Like Amit I'm using it for several months now and absolutely love it — and can't wait for the iPhone version and a tighter integration into Mac OS X. It'll be great! :-) After trying way too many GTD and To-Do apps and using some of them (iGTD/Actiontastic) for several months, I think I finally stick to one of them — Things.

Like Amit I’m using it for several months now and absolutely love it — and can’t wait for the iPhone version and a tighter integration into Mac OS X. It’ll be great! :-)

]]> By: Keith http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1689 Keith Thu, 01 May 2008 17:12:24 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1689 I've fallen on and off the Things bandwaggon, not because I don't think it works well - it certainly does - but mainly because I think my own personal workflow doesn't always need lists to fun smoothly. Having said that, Things is my favorite to-do app thus far and once they get some of the more advanced features (mostly related to delegation and sharing) I'm sure I'll be all over it again. I’ve fallen on and off the Things bandwaggon, not because I don’t think it works well - it certainly does - but mainly because I think my own personal workflow doesn’t always need lists to fun smoothly.

Having said that, Things is my favorite to-do app thus far and once they get some of the more advanced features (mostly related to delegation and sharing) I’m sure I’ll be all over it again.

]]> By: Shane http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1690 Shane Thu, 01 May 2008 17:39:03 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1690 "Remember the Milk" is new to me. An iPhone version certainly makes it appealing. TODO: check out Remember the Milk on iPhone. “Remember the Milk” is new to me. An iPhone version certainly makes it appealing.

TODO: check out Remember the Milk on iPhone.

]]> By: Stuart Maynard-Keene http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1692 Stuart Maynard-Keene Thu, 01 May 2008 19:17:29 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1692 I’ve tried out Things but always seem to go back to using OmniFocus, I think once both of them release their iPhone app I’ll be able to make a decision as to which one I’ll stick with. Things does *look* the business though. I’ve tried out Things but always seem to go back to using OmniFocus, I think once both of them release their iPhone app I’ll be able to make a decision as to which one I’ll stick with. Things does *look* the business though.

]]> By: Gavin http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1693 Gavin Thu, 01 May 2008 19:40:44 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1693 Hey Elliot, Did you think about basecamp? Or did you decide against it because of it being fully online? We use basecamp quite heavily with it being such a good all-in-one package. Take Care Gavin Hey Elliot,

Did you think about basecamp? Or did you decide against it because of it being fully online?

We use basecamp quite heavily with it being such a good all-in-one package.

Take Care

Gavin

]]> By: Epic Alex http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1694 Epic Alex Thu, 01 May 2008 20:12:47 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1694 Its a shame that things isn't available on windows, it looks sexy! Its a shame that things isn’t available on windows, it looks sexy!

]]> By: Josh Stodola http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1695 Josh Stodola Fri, 02 May 2008 03:49:25 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1695 I just love how you say "its simplicity that really sold it to me", directly after stating that "it looks lovely". Almost as if you wholly realize (and assume your readers realize as well) that the forte of Mac users is to put value in looks before functionality. Quite humurous, because it's <strong>real</strong>. I used a MacBook Air today at BestBuy. It was the worse computing experience of my life. I've wasted ~12 hours giving OSX a sincere chance to grow on me. But, ultimately, it is so far beneath me that I couldn't imagine being remotely as productive as I am with Windows. Someday you'll learn! I just love how you say “its simplicity that really sold it to me”, directly after stating that “it looks lovely”. Almost as if you wholly realize (and assume your readers realize as well) that the forte of Mac users is to put value in looks before functionality. Quite humurous, because it’s real.

I used a MacBook Air today at BestBuy. It was the worse computing experience of my life. I’ve wasted ~12 hours giving OSX a sincere chance to grow on me. But, ultimately, it is so far beneath me that I couldn’t imagine being remotely as productive as I am with Windows.

Someday you’ll learn!

]]> By: Josh Stodola http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1696 Josh Stodola Fri, 02 May 2008 03:51:17 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1696 <blockquote cite="http://culturedcode.com/things/wiki/index.php?title=Download_Page">While users report that Things is running very stable, we still encourage you to make regular backups of your data. If you don't backup your entire home folder anyway, please make backups of your Things library.</blockquote> LMFAO! Even the creators expect it to fail.

While users report that Things is running very stable, we still encourage you to make regular backups of your data. If you don’t backup your entire home folder anyway, please make backups of your Things library.

LMFAO! Even the creators expect it to fail.

]]> By: Simon Clayson http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1697 Simon Clayson Fri, 02 May 2008 05:22:01 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1697 I've also been round the block with every list app/online app for the past couple of years. I moved to Things between Christmas and New Year and never left. I'm impressed by their development process and obsession to get it right. I’ve also been round the block with every list app/online app for the past couple of years. I moved to Things between Christmas and New Year and never left. I’m impressed by their development process and obsession to get it right.

]]> By: Hamish M http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1698 Hamish M Fri, 02 May 2008 05:32:09 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1698 Great review Elliot, thanks for sharing. Now I just need to actually own a Mac to try this little gem out. <b>Josh</b> Simplicity and looks are not mutually exclusive, nor is functionality. In fact it's the harmony of these three principles that make most Mac applications fun and easy to use. And the "worst computing experience of your life" -- what were you trying to do, use it as a Frisbee? Your last comment makes no sense at all. That's a perfectly normal disclaimer for beta software. Every good programmer knows that applications will fail some time or another -- especially earlier versions, so they might as well advise users on best practices. Honestly, if you don't like Macs, that's fine. But you don't need to troll around like this to get your point across. Great review Elliot, thanks for sharing. Now I just need to actually own a Mac to try this little gem out.

Josh
Simplicity and looks are not mutually exclusive, nor is functionality. In fact it’s the harmony of these three principles that make most Mac applications fun and easy to use.

And the “worst computing experience of your life” — what were you trying to do, use it as a Frisbee?

Your last comment makes no sense at all. That’s a perfectly normal disclaimer for beta software. Every good programmer knows that applications will fail some time or another — especially earlier versions, so they might as well advise users on best practices.

Honestly, if you don’t like Macs, that’s fine. But you don’t need to troll around like this to get your point across.

]]> By: James Mitchell http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1699 James Mitchell Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:25 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1699 Thanks Elliot for the review. Remember the Milk is what I'm currently using and I love the ability to use twitter to add, complete, and much more all tasks. I'd say that an online solution is good if you don't have access to your computer through out a good portion of the day (e.g. at work). I've tried things, albeit extremely briefly. I'll have to give it another go and see if the time is right for a RTM to Things switch is appropriate for me. Thanks Elliot for the review.

Remember the Milk is what I’m currently using and I love the ability to use twitter to add, complete, and much more all tasks. I’d say that an online solution is good if you don’t have access to your computer through out a good portion of the day (e.g. at work).

I’ve tried things, albeit extremely briefly. I’ll have to give it another go and see if the time is right for a RTM to Things switch is appropriate for me.

]]> By: Davin http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1714 Davin Thu, 08 May 2008 21:49:09 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1714 Just started using "remember the milk" and I've forgotten to maintain it. I like the web based app since I don't have a laptop and regularly use 3-4 machines in the same day. Just started using “remember the milk” and I’ve forgotten to maintain it. I like the web based app since I don’t have a laptop and regularly use 3-4 machines in the same day.

]]> By: Dan Rubin http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1720 Dan Rubin Sat, 10 May 2008 20:42:39 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1720 I tried Things a few months ago and wasn't able to get into it, for the same reason I can't seem to use any desktop app for notes/reminders: I only have my MBP with me about 50% of the time. Capturing to-do items needs to happen all the time, and though I've tried writing by hand and then transferring when I get back to my desk, that's too much extra work. That said, it's pretty as hell, and with an iPhone version on the way, come June I might just be able to add myself to the list of Things fanatics :) I'm going to give RTM a try, it seems to be fairly popular with a lot of folks. Is the "offline" aspect the only reason you aren't using it? I can't remember if you have an iPhone or web-capable mobile :) I tried Things a few months ago and wasn’t able to get into it, for the same reason I can’t seem to use any desktop app for notes/reminders: I only have my MBP with me about 50% of the time.

Capturing to-do items needs to happen all the time, and though I’ve tried writing by hand and then transferring when I get back to my desk, that’s too much extra work.

That said, it’s pretty as hell, and with an iPhone version on the way, come June I might just be able to add myself to the list of Things fanatics :)

I’m going to give RTM a try, it seems to be fairly popular with a lot of folks. Is the “offline” aspect the only reason you aren’t using it? I can’t remember if you have an iPhone or web-capable mobile :)

]]> By: Tim Norton http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1722 Tim Norton Mon, 12 May 2008 02:00:20 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1722 Looks nice, I guess I have to think about getting a Mac finally, the lean years PC's were the best economic choice but Mac time is coming ... I have used PlanPlus by Franklin Covey, it's not too bad. Looks nice, I guess I have to think about getting a Mac finally, the lean years PC’s were the best economic choice but Mac time is coming … I have used PlanPlus by Franklin Covey, it’s not too bad.

]]> By: Dennis Coughlin http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1723 Dennis Coughlin Mon, 12 May 2008 19:28:05 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1723 Very cool - thanks for the tip. I've always tried (and failed) to use a To-Do list. Maybe this will do the trick... Very cool - thanks for the tip.

I’ve always tried (and failed) to use a To-Do list. Maybe this will do the trick…

]]> By: Adam Kayce http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1725 Adam Kayce Wed, 14 May 2008 19:27:35 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-1725 I'm a recent Things user, too, and so far I'm loving it. As a solopreneur, lots of productivity apps have seemed too bloated, or over-complex. Things does the trick for me, so far. I’m a recent Things user, too, and so far I’m loving it.

As a solopreneur, lots of productivity apps have seemed too bloated, or over-complex. Things does the trick for me, so far.

]]> By: Monk http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-2385 Monk Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:58:35 +0000 http://elliotjaystocks.com/blog/archive/2008/the-to-do-list-problem-the-things-solution/#comment-2385 I've been using Todoist for about 6 months now and it is by far a simpler and superior web-based todo app than Remember the Milk. Check it out. todoist.com I’ve been using Todoist for about 6 months now and it is by far a simpler and superior web-based todo app than Remember the Milk.

Check it out. todoist.com

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