Coming up with ideas and topics for new articles can sometimes be very easy, while at other times can be quite demanding. I find the best way to brainstorm for topics is by simply browsing the web for articles that haven’t been covered yet.
The problem with this approach is that it’s not very goal-driven. I am simply looking for a topic, not looking to write on one yet. This leads to many ideas popping up then simply fading away as I start twittering, checking email, and viewing stats or whatever else distracts my attention.
This is why I suggest every blogger starts keeping notes to help grow their blog and bring focus to writing content. Even if you only note down 4 or 5 words a day, such as “comparison of muscle memory techniques”, you will still be putting time into creating content.
Recommended Note Taking Software
There are two programs that are free and readily available I recommend for note taking. One is a self contained program called KeepNote and the other is a Firefox browser addon called ScribeFire.
Simple Note Taking With KeepNote
KeepNote is a freeware software application for Linux, Windows, and MacOS X with a simple and light design. I found KeepNote to be easy to use and I was very happy that it is still being constantly improved and upgraded (the latest release came out 4 days before posting this article).
It does what it’s supposed to, it’s free, and it’s ultra light weight. Perfect for note taking.
Features
- Rich-text formatting
- Hierarchical organization for notes
- Full-text search
- Integrated screenshot
- Integrated backup and restore
- Spell checking (via gtkspell)
- Auto-saving
- Built-in backup and restore (archive to zip files)
- Cross-platform (Linux, Windows, MacOS X)
Integrating Note Taking Into Your Browser with ScribeFire
If you are a user of Firefox, you may have a better experience using ScribeFire for your note taking needs. ScribeFire is actually a Firefox addon that allows posting to your blog without having to access your blog.
ScribeFire is a very powerful program, but I have had mixed results with using the “publish to blog” options, so I simply use it for my note taking needs. A program that describes itself as a full-featured blog editor that integrates into your browser just has to be cool, right?
Features
- Rich-text formatting
- Publish directly to your blog
- Live preview options
- Html editing
- Spell checking
- Auto-saving
- Save directly to notes
- Firefox addon
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