Comments on: Interview: Managing Physical Media

By: Mal

Mal — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:56:28 +0000

I work hard to avoid being a pack rat. Technology books are generally out of date after 2 + years and I don’t have to show off to anyone how smart I am by having a wall full of books that are out of date.

By: GB

GB — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:54:58 +0000

It is exactly with these thoughts I started kind of cataloging all that I own, from CDs to books to every damn physical thing I can lay my hand on. Only when you look at it from a holistic perspective of why you have all those things that you have, an answer will come. In all probability you will want ot purge a lot of your stuff. Paperbacks, old mags, product manuals, even my classics collection was the first to go. But If I do intend to read something, ebooks just dont cut it, Paper is the only way. And those are the one that will stay in my collection. With 2 or 3 books by my bediside.

By: Joel Falconer

Joel Falconer — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:56:15 +0000

Thanks, Mark, for publishing my response again! These interviews have been great reading and I love the insight into the way various people work.

By: Mark Shead

Mark Shead — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:15:03 +0000

@James – I would argue that a directory of 1000 searchable PDF’s is less cluttered than a box full of 1000 sheets of paper or booklets because the time to find an item is significantly less because of search.

By: James @ Organize IT

James @ Organize IT — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:03:12 +0000

Some interesting points here but just because getting rid of your physical media and putting it on your computer might give you more space it won't necessarily mean you are any less cluttered. Physical clutter, digital clutter... it's all the same thing and you can follow the same rules about de-cluttering. I suppose I'm still quite old fashioned when it comes to physical media (I've detailed some of the reason why at my blog), I just like to have the actual product in my hands, particularly if it's an album or film that I really appreciate. If it's not something I especially care about I can sell it on and keep my media streamlined.

By: Quill

Quill — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:21:52 +0000

I can see the point of a lot of this, but getting rid of a book on the grounds that one can just borrow it from the library only works if one reads solely classics or up-to-date pop fiction. Even repurchasing can be a problem for some kinds of books. I love FH Burnett’s adult novels–but try finding most of them at all, let alone at a reasonable price or in decent shape. Same goes for many of the children’s books of my childhood. When I want to reread those, I can go straight to my shelves. If I had to find them again it could take weeks and more money than I can afford…

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:04:54 +0000

Thanks for publishing my answer and thanks to anyone who voted for my response. I really enjoyed reading everybody’s methods and techniques.