The key principle I follow is this: how I take my notes will evolve over time. I do not stick to any system too dogmatically.
That said, I’ve settled on a system that’s been fairly robust and stable for the past few years. I have tweaked it here and there to make it easier for me to find what I need.
...I’m starting my third year as a PhD student. I thought it would be good to look back on some of the things that have helped me to this point. I study programming languages, but I imagine these things will help anyone in computer science—and some might have application to other STEM fields as well.
There are many softer skills that you need as a PhD student: curiosity, good work ethic, organization, etc. These are essential and nothing can replace them. (Note: that was not an exhaustive list.) I’m going to focus on some of the tools and hard skills that made the ride a little more comfortable. These compliment, rather than compete with, the softer skills that one develops as a beginning researcher.
...I got a paper published at ECOOP this year! This is my first big paper published at a big conference. As such, I wanted to write down some things that I learned so that in the future I can remember a bit better what was hard for me. That way, should I one day advise PhD students working on their first papers, I can help them through the learning curve better.
...I got a strange email the other day. Here it is, with parts redacted:
Hi there,
My name is G—, I am the main editor at —————.
While browsing your site, I noticed you have an amazing article from this page:
Link to an extremely old post of mine
My team actually just published a comprehensive article on “Semi-related title” which I think your visitors would truly appreciate and add value to your awesome article.
...