Topic Mapping

Under Construction

There are several ways to file your notes:

Linear - May be sorted alphabedically, by date, file type, ...
  Notes may be further categorized by metadata 
   (e.g. tags in  Evernote)
  or by file name (e.g. dir-family, dir-photography for directories of contacts)
Hierarchal - Notes in sub-folders in folders.

These categories may also apply to email rules and web browser bookmarks.

A note may have several attributes: domain, type, function, ... (see below). You may pick one or a combination for your primary organizer, although there are metadata features in some systems (e.g. tags in Evernote) that allow you to sort by a secondary category.
An alias function on computer filing systems allows you to put a link to a file in one folder in another folder. This function has been requested for evernote, but as of Spring 2013 it didn't exist.
In any system a good search function is necessary because there will always be ambiguity as to which category you used.
A search function should list matches by title and tag before matches in content.
A synonym algorithm is important also. e.g. "CA" = "California" = "Calif."
An encryption function is also a good feature.

Attributes:
Domain (where)- Home, Community, Family, Business, Hobbies, Organizations, Arts, School
Type (what, when)- Contacts, Places, History-Journal-Timeline-Events, Things, Notes, Records, Meeting Minutes, Plans, Reference, Financial
Function/Topic - Health, Learning, Relaxing, Handyman stuff
Activity (how) - Creating (Blogging, constructing), Maintenance, Shopping, Observing, Research, working

Digital Media: You can use a filing system like Evernote for media, but media specific programs, e.g. iTunes, iPhoto, Kindle app are more appropriate for this.

My system in Evernote:

I Contacts
   Personal, Family, Organizations, [services-see below]
II Stores-Products-Services
    stores, products, services, travel (bus/train/air schedules)
III Info-Ref
   Arts (Books, Music, Movies, ...), Politics, Religion, Environment, Science, 
IV Help
   Computer support/notes, How to/DIY (Home, car, ...)
V Information about my stuff
   Purchases (dates, ...), Home (floor plan, garden records, ..),
   Electronics (computers, AV)
VI Personal Info
   Medical, Correspondence, Travel log, cards-permits,

Some categories:

Personal
Business
Family
Travel
Info or Reference
Help (product/
    service notes)
Products
Services
Orgs
Hobbies
Sports
Food
Drinks
Health
Meeting Notes
Presentations
Jokes
Books
Movies
Music
Contacts

Other Systems

Source: How to Organize Evernote for Maximum Efficiency | Michael Hyatt

Tips:

Minimize the use of subfolders. You don't want to have to keep zeroing down to find something.
Use consistent file names. e.g. if you abbreviate California as Calif, do it consistently.
Do not use spaces in file names, keep file names under 27 characters. (optional).
Give files logical, specific names and include dates in file names where appropriate.

Links:
The TAO of Topic Maps at ontopia.net
Towards a Conceptual Model of Knowledge Organization Systems: 1. The Functions of Knowledge Organization Systems
Evernote
How to Organize Evernote for Maximum Efficiency | Michael Hyatt
[windows] What is the best way to organize in Evernote - Evernote - Evernote User Forum
Evernote for Moms
10 File Management Tips - Computer File Management

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last updated 4 Sep 2006