CTNET

Niklas Luhmann described his Zettelkasten as 'a combination of disorder and order.' I've been thinking about that while writing this post.

The disorder is you creating notes and linking them. The order - the hub notes - is what emerges, often pointing to ideas you didn't know you cared about.

New post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/zettelkasten-hub-notes/

#PKM #Zettelkasten #KnowledgeManagement #Obsidian

What does an AI see when it reads your entire Obsidian vault? I ran the experiment — the results were illuminating, and occasionally humbling. https://www.ctnet.co.uk/ai-obsidian-vault-analysis/ #Obsidian #ClaudeCode #AI #PKM

Something from my Claude-Spotify experiment worth flagging: Claude live artifacts.

Unlike regular outputs, they can be refreshed on demand — so I built a mini listening dashboard showing my top tracks, artists, and genres. Each time I open it, it pulls fresh data.

Small thing, but it hints at what's possible when AI can query live services. Full post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/claude-spotify-integration-experience/

#AI #LLM #ArtificialIntelligence #Productivity

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

Level 2: Socratic Interrogation - where AI becomes a thinking partner.

The workflow:
1. Develop thinking independently
2. Ask AI to challenge assumptions
3. Ask AI to identify gaps
4. Ask AI for alternative perspectives
5. Synthesise back into your framework

AI input is the start of deeper thinking, never the end.

#CriticalThinking #PKM #AILiteracy #Zettelkasten #SocraticMethod

New on CTNET: AI PKM Framework Levels 1-2

Level 1 = Critical Refinement
Use AI summaries as starting points, never endpoints. Still engage with source material and write your own notes.

Level 2 = Socratic Interrogation
AI as thinking partner, not answer machine. Challenge assumptions, explore alternatives.

The red lines from Level 0 still apply.

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/ai-knowledge-frameworks-level-1-2/

#AI #PKM #Zettelkasten #PersonalKnowledgeManagement

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

New post: How do you know when your PKM is ready for AI?

The expertise paradox: you need cognitive skills to use AI effectively with PKM, but AI can undermine those very skills during development.

I've built five diagnostic questions and a readiness checklist to help you assess honestly whether you're ready for advanced AI integration—or need more time building foundations.

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/how-will-you-know-your-pkm-is-ready-for-ai/

#PKM #Zettelkasten #KnowledgeManagement #AI #PersonalKnowledgeManagement

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

"We have given AI the keys to our operating system." — Yuval Noah Harari

Until now, only humans could shape our shared beliefs. But AI is already generating content we consume, influencing our thinking in ways we're only beginning to understand.

Research suggests AI use narrows the diversity of generated content. Is AI averaging us out? Acting as a mirror on humanity?

My latest explores these questions: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/beyond-the-individual-technology-and-the-fabric-of-our-shared-beliefs/

#AI #SharedReality #YuvalNoahHarari #GenerativeAI

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

The central question I've wrestled with all year:
How do I use AI to enhance my thinking without it doing the thinking FOR me?
In my 2026 predictions, I explore why AI agents + long-term memory might finally solve this cognitive augmentation puzzle.
It's about expanding consciousness, not offloading it.
https://www.ctnet.co.uk/ctnet-review-of-2025-and-predictions-for-2026/
#PersonalKnowledgeManagement #Zettelkasten #CognitiveScience #AI #KnowledgeWork

Last year I made 4 tech predictions for 2025. I got all 4 right - including the long-awaited Spotify HiFi! 🎵
Tomorrow I'm publishing my annual review + making even bolder predictions for 2026.
Spoiler: AI agents are about to fundamentally change how we work with knowledge.
#AI #TechPredictions #PersonalKnowledgeManagement #ArtificialIntelligence

After publishing my Spotify review, I'm curious about your favourite music streaming service and why! What features are most important to you? Let me know in the replies! 👇 (If you missed my Spotify review, you can find it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/spotify-review-2025/ #MusicStreaming #TechDiscussion #YourOpinion

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

My in-depth review of Perplexity Comet is now live! 🚀

I've shared my honest experience with this AI-powered browser, covering its 'agentic' capabilities, what I genuinely liked, the significant drawbacks (including security concerns like prompt injection), and how it stacks up against my current workflow.

If you're curious about the future of web browsing, dive in: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-thoughts-on-perplexity-comet/

#PerplexityComet #AIBrowser #WebTech #Privacy

It's here! 🎉 My new blog post, "Unlock the Power of AI - Your Beginner's Guide to Prompt Engineering," is now live. Learn essential techniques to communicate effectively with AI, achieve better outcomes, and boost your productivity. Dive in and master your AI interactions! 👇

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/unlock-the-power-of-ai-your-beginners-guide-to-prompt-engineering/

#AI #PromptEngineering #BeginnerGuide #TechSkills #LLM

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

If you're an Arc user feeling the need for a change, or simply searching for a powerful, privacy-focused browser, my "Zen Browser Review" is now available. I highly recommend giving Zen a look!

Find out more: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-journey-from-arc-to-zen-a-browser-review/

P.S. For more insights and updates, consider subscribing to my newsletter! https://www.ctnet.co.uk/ctnet-monthly-newsletter-sign-in/

#ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser #BrowserAlternatives #TechRecommendation #OpenSource

What's the most important feature you look for in a web browser? For me, it's organisation and customisation. In my latest post, I share my journey from Arc to Zen and why it's become my go-to.

Share your thoughts and read my review: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-journey-from-arc-to-zen-a-browser-review/

#Browser #TechCommunity #Discussion #ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser #WebBrowsers

One of the key aspects I discuss in my "Zen Browser Review" is how it handles workspaces, a feature many loved in Arc. I also touch on a minor quirk I've found with tab management. Curious?

Full details in the post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-journey-from-arc-to-zen-a-browser-review/

#ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser #BrowserTips #TechReview #UserExperience

Arc users, wondering what's next? My latest post explores the Zen browser, an open-source Firefox-based alternative. I cover its workspace features, how it compares to Arc, and my overall experience.

Dive into the review: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-journey-from-arc-to-zen-a-browser-review/

#Browser #ProductivityTools #Tech #ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser #Comparison

My new blog post is live! 🎉 I've just published "Why I moved from Arc to Zen," detailing my personal experience switching from Arc to the Zen browser. If you're an Arc user or looking for a robust, open-source browser alternative, check out my review.

Read it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/my-journey-from-arc-to-zen-a-browser-review/

#ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser #BrowserReview #TechBlog #NewPost #OpenSourceBrowser

For those who've been following my browser explorations, the next chapter is ready to be published tomorrow. I'll be diving deep into why I moved from Arc to the Zen browser, focusing on its features and how it compares. If you're curious about alternatives, this one's for you!

#TechReview #Productivity #BrowserAlternatives #ZenBrowser #ArcBrowser

My journey from a simple note-taker to a dedicated PKM practitioner has been transformative. It's not just about collecting information; it's about building a connected web of knowledge that truly enhances understanding and creativity.

I share my personal experience and the 'why' behind PKM in my latest post. Hope it inspires you!

Find out more: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/note-taking-vs-personal-knowledge-management-why-your-brain-will-thank-you/

#PKMJourney #Zettelkasten #PersonalDevelopment #LearningToLearn #KnowledgeCreation #Mindfulness

It's live! 🎉 My latest article, "Note-Taking vs. Personal Knowledge Management: Why Your Brain Will Thank You," is now published.

Dive into the fundamental differences between basic note-taking and a robust PKM system. Discover why adopting a PKM is crucial for your cognitive abilities, particularly as AI advances.

Read it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/note-taking-vs-personal-knowledge-management-why-your-brain-will-thank-you/

#PersonalKnowledgeManagement #PKM #NoteTaking #KnowledgeWorker #LearningStrategy #AI #ProductivityTips #Zettelkasten

I'm keen to hear from others using Google Notebook LM! How are you integrating it into your #PKM or research workflows? My recent post shares my personal approach, but I'd love to learn from the community.

Find my experiment here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/using-google-notebook-lm-for-research-a-personal-workflow-experiment/ #GoogleNotebookLM #Tech #Community #Productivity

t's here! 🚀 My new blog post, "Google Notebook LM Research Workflow: A Personal Experiment," is now live.

I dive into how I'm using Google Notebook LM alongside my Obsidian PKM setup, exploring its LLM capabilities and how it handles complex subjects. It's a practical look at integrating AI into your research.

Read the full post: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/using-google-notebook-lm-for-research-a-personal-workflow-experiment/

#GoogleNotebookLM #PKM #AI #ResearchTools #Workflow #Tech

My in-depth post on a "Google Notebook LM research workflow" is scheduled to go live today at 5 PM. I'll be detailing how it fits into a broader #PKM system and its unique benefits. Perfect for anyone looking to optimise their research process! #GoogleNotebookLM #Productivity

Permanent notes should be atomic – focused on a single, well-defined idea. This 'atomicity' makes them incredibly flexible and reusable in your Zettelkasten. Here's why: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/beginners-guide-to-permanent-notes/ #AtomicNotes #Zettelkasten #PKMtips #Writing

Are you drowning in information? 🌊 Permanent notes offer a structured way to capture, connect, and understand ideas. My latest post explains how to get started with this powerful technique. #PermanentNotes #KnowledgeManagement #InformationOverload #Learning https://www.ctnet.co.uk/beginners-guide-to-permanent-notes/

Anyone else experimenting with AI diagram generators like Napkin AI? What are your favourite use cases? I'm curious to hear! https://www.ctnet.co.uk/napkin-ai-my-first-impressions/ #AItools #diagramming #productivity

My new blog post is live! 'PKM for Beginners: Taming the Information Beast' is a practical guide to building your own Personal Knowledge Management system. Read it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/taming-the-information-beast-how-a-pkm-can-save-your-sanity/ #PKM #PersonalKnowledgeManagement #Productivity #Obsidian #BeginnersGuide

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

What are the biggest challenges in mitigating AI bias? #AIethics #BiasInAI

My review is LIVE! 🚀 Is the Obsidian Co-pilot paid plan worth the subscription? I share my experiences with PKM, content creation, and more. Read it here: https://www.ctnet.co.uk/obsidian-co-pilot-paid-plan-my-experiences-so-far/ #ObsidianMD #PKM #AI #ObsidianPlugin #Review

Putting the finishing touches on my Obsidian Co-pilot paid plan review! 🤔 Sharing my honest experiences tomorrow. Any burning questions you want answered? #ObsidianMD #PKM #AI #ObsidianPlugin

Struggling to capture fleeting notes? Keep a small notebook or use a note-taking app on your phone. Those initial thoughts are gold! #PKM #Zettelkasten #NoteTakingTips

Addressing the fears of AI is crucial. My latest post explores the potential risks and benefits, inspired by 'The Sentient Machine'. https://www.ctnet.co.uk/the-sentient-machine-key-takeaways-on-ai-humanity-and-our-future/ #AIRisks #AIBenefits #ResponsibleAI

New blog post! 🚀 I'm sharing my key takeaways from Chris Bailey's 'The Productivity Project'. Learn how to manage your energy & attention for ultimate productivity! https://www.ctnet.co.uk/beyond-time-management-key-productivity-secrets-from-chris-baileys-the-productivity-project/ #Productivity #ChrisBailey #EnergyManagement #TimeManagement

Dive into the world of #CapitalismLab with our latest guide! Discover how to set up export companies and expand your business beyond borders. 🌍 Perfect for players looking to enhance their gameplay with the experimental DLC. Check it out now! 📈 #Gaming #BusinessSimulation #ExportStrategy

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/an-introduction-to-export-companies-in-capitalism-lab/

Have you ever lost access to music you purchased online? My latest blog post explores the implications of Qobuz removing re-download rights and how it affects music lovers. Join the conversation on consumer rights and backup strategies! #MusicRights #DigitalOwnership #Qobuz #MusicLovers

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/qobuz-removing-the-ability-to-re-download-music-you-purchase/

Snipd is a podcast player for those who want to actively learn from the podcast by taking notes but don’t have time to write them. Any good? #Snipd #snipd_app #PKM #PersonalKnowledgeManagement

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/snipd-review/