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RE: [GWL]: Managing the mess

Nan,
Over the years I've tried a bunch of systems and always came back to the
basic file folder in the file drawer.  The problem of course is you have to
file the stuff to be able to find it and to be honest, my filing pile is
about a foot tall as I write this.  I have three four drawer file cabinets
almost full; remembering I have been clipping articles for 21 years.  I have
a separate file folder for each company in the industry with which I have
any interest.  That includes plant catalogs, product catalogs, press
releases, and whatever I acquire that is from a company. I do not file by
product; so I must remember which products are produced by which company.  I
have maybe 450 company files.  I go through them periodically and throw
about half of the stuff away; once company materials are over 5 years old,
it is not much good.  I have a separate file folder for about 600 plants,
150 pest and bene insects, 35 pest animals, 50 diseases, 300 weeds, and 100
topics - a topic can be composting, drying flowers, planting trees, etc.
Since I have had a PC since 1981, I have a subdirectory on my hard disk for
almost every subject for which I have a file folder.  Whenever I write about
something, a plant or a topic or a bug, I pull the file and go to my
electronic subdirectory for the same subject.  When I use up the information
on a paper document, by putting it into electronic form of some kind, I
throw away the paper document.  Theoretically, I try to keep from having the
same data in my electronic files and in my paper files.  The electronic
files are the priority.
In the area of trying to keep track of my current projects, setting up
time-lines and work programs, and keeping track of stuff I am working
on....I am a complete failure, always have been, and always will be.  People
with A.D.D. just have trouble with that kind of system, even with making
lists.  I need to make a list to keep track of the lists (grin).
So I have my long term data maintenance in pretty good shape, as long as I
keep that filing pile under 12 inches.  My short term management system
doesn't exist.  I rely on panic and stress overload to keep my in tune with
what needs to be done today (grin).  Some things just never change.

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Nan Sterman [n*@plantsoup.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 11:02 PM
To: Gardenwriters@topica.com
Subject: [GWL]: Managing the mess


I have yet another managing the mess question -- i have piles of
information on various plants, tools, products, societies, etc etc on
my desk and I am overwhelmed by the prospect of managing all this
paper.  Other folks can throw things out but I never know when I am
going to need informatoin from my archives and truth is, I use this
stuff on a regular basis.  I am tired of the piles, anyone got any
good methods or suggestions?

Nan
--
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Nan Sterman                     PlantSoup

205 Cole Ranch Road
Olivenhain, CA 92024            760.634.2902 (voice)
nsterman@PlantSoup.Com          760.634.2957 (fax)
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

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