Organizing for Change

Note: This was originally published on my Patreon page as a members-only discussion and is now being shared in the new year. I also did a follow-up video that you can access below: Well, it’s Officially been one week since I received and opened the Supernote A5X2 Manta. You can see my unboxing video above. I have to admit that the device has been a joy to use so far. My content came over seamlessly from my A5X and the writing feel is almost identical. As a heavy user of the Supernote platform, I want to share my first thoughts after one week of use. We will start with the opportunities and move on to improvements. Opportunities Software Consistency - This is something that is easily fixed. I know that in the lead up to the Manta release, Ratta was releasing software updates direct, without first doing beta releases. While I understand the pressure to just "get it done," I think that came at a price. Here are just a few things that are currently not consistent:   Touch Input  ...

Well, the wait is finally over, the Supernote Manta (A5X2) is finally here, as well as a surprise new LAMY collaboration. There has been much excitement, anticipation, frustration, and what some might call drama surrounding this device. However, it appears now that Ratta, the manufacturer of Supernote, has delivered on their promise to release what some see as a groundbreaking device in the e-note space. After all, this is only the second device to be modular in design (the other being the Supernote Nomad). While this is more of an announcement post, I plan to be releasing a fair bit of content on the device, putting it through its paces. For now, I am happy to share my unboxing and first impressions: I do want to make clear (also stated in the video) that the device was sent to me by Ratta for review. I have not been asked to provide any specific opinions or get authorization for any content prior to or after release. All my opinions, observations, and conclusions are completely un...

Warning, this is a lengthy post, but this topic really struck a nerve. As someone who was in the customer service space for over 25 years (more depending on some definitions), I have had a difficult time watching the descent of the discussion on Reddit in the Supernote community. What used to be a place for serious discussion and support, both by community members and the company, has devolved into a constant barrage of hate, vitriol, and drama. Don't get me wrong, Ratta is not perfect as a company, and I have been a leading proponent of them not being as restrictive on comments about other competitors. While I recognize their right to do so, I just think it's a bad look from a public relations perspective. Additionally, the delays surrounding the A5X2 and the decision to reduce transparency has caused even more angst. Acknowledging all of that, there is something even more insidious at play here. First, we need to examine what started this firestorm. In October, Ratta rele...

Editors Note: As mentioned in the introduction, this was written as part of the creation of a video on the same topic. Additionally, the bulk of the writing was done completely on the Supernote, as mentioned. Unfortunately, it did take more time for this initial use than I feel it would as you continued to work with the process. I am also aware that my conclusion section may seem overly long, but at the same time, I really got into the flow of writing with the keyboard in that section. I do really appreciate the approach of the Supernote team regarding writing in Word. This entire blog is going to be written in the Supernote with native word document format. While this may seem like a crazy workflow, you will notice that it does take on different characteristics and the advantage over reMarkable and other platforms is that whatever I do on my A5X is immediately available in Word on my PC. We will discuss all three ways to write on the Supernote, clean it up in Word by opening from the...

This is probably one of the biggest questions I get asked. So, why don't I use a planner? I know that I have talked about some of these reasons before, but let's dive a little more deeply into it. Before doing so, please understand that I am in no way minimizing or looking to say that planners are not useful for a whole lot of people, including my lovely wife. However, I just feel that they keep me from working the way I want and need to, keeping me from being the most successful version of myself. You may be asking why something designed to be efficient could be inefficient for someone. That’s a great question, and not easily answered. As with most things related to productivity, there is nuance. I know everyone wants straightforward solutions, but generally those are as elusive as things that promise to be too good to be true. For example, even though I don't use a planner, I do plan extensively. I use my Google Tasks heavily. I also use the Supernote ToDo function ...

In this very short post, I wanted to think through the Rocketbook and how it may have been underrated as a technology. I have been planning to revisit how this particular blending of paper and digital technology works, but it seems I have an even better reason to consider this with the rise of new “smart pens” that seem to be looking to compete with the e-ink market. I find this whole concept very interesting. Alright, enough of an intro. Below, you will find my initial reaction created completely on my Rocketbook . Let me know your thoughts. If you want to see the whole process of how this article was created and drafted, you can visit my Patreon site here:  https://www.patreon.com/OrganizingforChange?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Rocketbook Export (Edited Text Below) I recently saw Kit Betts-Masters review the Newyes Sync Pen and began thinking about the Rocketbook again. After all, this was the first digital technology (or quasi-digital at least) that I ever reviewed. So...