Consuming Content

While consuming content, I quickly create Fleeting notes in my zettelkasten system on any new or interesting points. These include highlights, underlines, and marginalia, etc. along with their locations within the source (if not implicitly captured).

I also add the source to my reference manager (Reference notes in my zettelkasten system). This includes an APA citation and a brief 1-2 sentence description of the source.

In cases where highlighting and adding notes within the source itself is not possible, I take temporary Fleeting notes in my zettelkasten system directly in the Reference Note.

Processing Content

While processing content I’ve consumed, I simply review each Fleeting Note (which are really just bookmarked locations in the source) and ask whether it’s something for remembering, or for reasoning?

Notes for Remembering

If it's something I want readily available in memory, I create flashcards for Spaced Repetition. These tend to be specific facts, details, or syntaxes to remember—especially for certification exams.

When it's valuable to do so, I also add a citation in the flashcard referencing where in the source it was taken from.

Notes for Reasoning

If it's something to think or reason about, I create/update Permanent notes in my zettelkasten system. In practice, this includes more abstract concepts/ideas, as well as concrete details saved for reference.

I also add citations with locations and excerpts from the source it was taken from.

Disclaimer