CTNET

Earlier this year I wrote about prompt engineering — how to talk to AI better. I thought that was the main thing.

Since then my understanding has shifted. Context engineering — everything you give the model — matters more than the prompt itself.

My Zettelkasten in Obsidian is becoming key to this. The knowledge is there. Now it's about using it well with AI.

Post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/context-engineering-vs-prompt-engineering/

#PKM #Zettelkasten #Obsidian #AI #KnowledgeManagement

There's a useful way to think about the prompt vs context distinction:

Prompt engineering asks: what should I say?
Context engineering asks: what should the model know?

The scope, mindset and goal are completely different. Once you see it this way, the importance of building good context becomes obvious.

More in my latest post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/context-engineering-vs-prompt-engineering/

#PKM #AI #KnowledgeManagement #LLM #Obsidian #NoteTaking

What would make you cancel a streaming subscription you'd been with for years?

For me, it wasn't the price or the catalogue. It was realising I couldn't trust the service to keep track of what I'd saved. My latest post explains:

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/why-i-cancelled-tidal/

What's your breaking point with streaming services?

#MusicStreaming #HiFi #Tidal #Music

'Using any system or service is a matter of trust.'

That line from my latest post sums up why I left Tidal after years as a subscriber. A 9,999 track library cap I didn't know existed was enough to make me question everything.

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/why-i-cancelled-tidal/

#MusicStreaming #HiFi #Tidal #LosslessAudio #Music

I'd been with Tidal for years. When I transferred my library across, it stopped at 9,999 tracks and wouldn't move.

I had no idea if the rest of my saved music had made it. That uncertainty was enough for me to cancel.

New post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/why-i-cancelled-tidal/

#MusicStreaming #HiFi #Tidal #Qobuz #LosslessAudio

The three red lines I never cross with AI in my Zettelkasten:

1. I write my own literature notes
2. I write permanent notes in my own words
3. I link my own notes

Why? Because these are where understanding deepens, connections emerge, and cognitive abilities develop.

Let AI add to your external schema and you're letting your cognitive abilities decline. Like asking a robot to go to the gym for you.

#Zettelkasten #PKM #AI #KnowledgeWork #CognitiveScience

Quick question for creative folks:

Where are you when your best ideas come to you?

Mine are specific:
- Early mornings (just-waking state)
- During walks/rhythmic movement
- While working on unrelated tasks

That's the Illumination stage—when unconscious work suddenly surfaces.

Everyone's different. Shower? Cooking? Conversations?

Drop yours below!

(More on the framework: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/unleashing-your-creative-potential-the-four-stages-of-creativity/ )

#Creativity #Ideas #CreativeLife #MastodonCreatives

I've been reflecting on how creativity actually works—not the romanticised "waiting for the muse" version, but the real, practical process.

Tomorrow I'm publishing about the four stages of creativity and how understanding this framework helps us work WITH our creative process rather than fighting against it.

Those "random" idea moments during walks or late at night? Not random at all.

More tomorrow.

#Creativity #CreativeProcess #WritingCommunity #PersonalGrowth #KnowledgeWork

2026 Prediction: AI Agents Go Mainstream 🤖
By end of 2026, most knowledge workers will interact with AI agents daily - not chatbots, but autonomous systems completing multi-step workflows.
The question: What do we offload without harming our cognitive abilities?
This is the challenge I'm exploring through my Zettelkasten and AI integration experiments.
#AI #KnowledgeWork #Productivity #PKM

After some time away, I've been revisiting Spotify in 2025. It's been an interesting experience, especially with the new lossless audio options. Is it enough to make me a permanent subscriber again? My detailed thoughts are coming in a blog post tomorrow. Keep an eye out! #MusicTech #SpotifyReview #AudioQuality

The integration of Gemini CLI with Obsidian wasn't without its bumps, especially when dealing with newer features like Obsidian Bases. It's a great reminder that AI is a rapidly evolving field. My blog post breaks down the debugging process and lessons learned.

Learn more: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/gemini-cli-and-obsidian-bases-a-showcase-of-llm-strengths-and-weaknesses-in-2025/

#LLMdevelopment #Obsidian #GeminiCLI #TechBlogging #AIchallenges

One of the most rewarding parts of writing my Generative AI post was reflecting on the moments I truly grasped the technology. It's not just about the tech, but the human journey of learning. Read about my "aha!" moments:

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/demystifying-generative-ai-my-journey-from-novice-to-understanding/

#PersonalJourney #TechLearning #GenerativeAI #AI

My new blog post is now live! 🎉 'Becoming a Responsible Digital Citizen' explores ethical content consumption, protecting yourself from misinformation, and contributing positively online. Read it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/how-can-we-all-become-good-digital-citizens/ #DigitalCitizenship #ResponsibleTech #OnlineSafety

I'm publishing a new blog post tomorrow at 5pm (UK time) exploring what it means to be a responsible digital citizen in the age of AI and misinformation. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts! #DigitalCitizenship #AIethics #infosec