Comments on Check It Twice: The B&A Staff Reveals the Way They Make Lists

Jacqueline Bannerman — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:42 GMT

Please add a few large trash bags to your camping list. I have found them invaluable for surprising rain storms, taking wet things to the laundromat, and serving as immediate rainwear. Thank you for a terrific list!
This is a great site – I plan to implement Jorge’s Mantra box today!
Thanks!!

noaddedsugar noaddedsugar — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:36 GMT

Increasingly I find myself working on multiple machines in multiple environments and I am currently trying to keep lists in one place, but in all places, Google, Yahoo and the like all offer global repositories for lists and notes – but I am still not convinced. As a fan of GTD I used to use a Palm for lists etc. But have returned to pen and paper in a moleskin for it’s sheer ‘scribblibility’.
Interesting article, thanks.

Daniel Jewett — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:26 GMT

Follow-up to the closing paragraphs about life’s lists and such… Emmit Smith, the great Dallas Cowboy running back, had the best statement about lists that I every heard. It was in an interview where he talked about the things he had accomplished and how he approached the game and his life.
His quote was something like:

“It is a dream until you write it down. Once you write it, it becomes a goal and you can then achieve it.”

Dan Kalafus — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:25 GMT

I’ve always been a fan of paper-and-pencil to-do lists… but once about half of the items are crossed off, it becomes harder to pick out the remaining items. Liz Danzico’s open-box lists are a great solution – it’s easy to scan the list for open boxes, even when most of the items are checked. Thanks Liz!

Stephanie L. Trunzo — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:25 GMT

It’s funny what a sick bunch we are, but isn’t it nice to feel at home in an article about to-do lists. :-)

For more cozy at-home feelings, check out Getting Things Done by David Allen. I listened to it on audiobook during my drives to and from work. I recognized myself in all of his organization techniques, but I enjoyed hearing WHY I do the things I do…

daria slivka — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:24 GMT

I agree: when committed to a list, it’s like a contract, something with a higher likelihood of getting done. *** Like Jorge, I have *3×5 index cards* all over the place to help capture story lines, dialogue, gift ideas, intentions, even found objects. I dump them into an old tin, and every so often I read, sort, toss, file, or act on them. *** Jim’s mention of the *Ta-da Lists* is just what I was looking for to manage my reading, listening and watching lists. Can’t wait to check out the site. *** And like Pat, I also run across old to-do lists when pulling an old book or journal off the shelf. It’s like running into myself backwards. *** Thanks to all the contributors for their inspiration-information and pics.

Joe Lamantia — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:24 GMT

looks like someone’s showing a little Moleskine :)

James Craig — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:22 GMT

I love Pat’s closing paragraph. It was a great end to a great article. Thanks.

Justin G. Mitchell — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:22 GMT

I like really like the mantra box idea as well. I have a couple of notecards I keep a list of phrases on to inspire me but not a whole box. I also keep refrigerator lists. I love them due to the fact they are in your face every time you get something from the fridge.

Donna Maurer — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:22 GMT

I love Jorge’s Mantra box list – both the idea and the contents. I’m going to create one to go with all the other lists in my life.