Thread by @johnataylor

🧵A thread: This morning, I wrote my Morning Pages on the @obsdmd mobile app. Although I'm a dedicated @RoamResearch user, I always like to check out other apps to see what they are doing. Here are some of my thoughts: /1

While I like how Obsidian works on mobile, how easy it is to sync, and the fact that the format of the saved notes is a non-proprietary text file, I prefer the bulleted, block level format of Roam Research. /2

I can move very quickly in Roam, much more powerfully, with less awkwardness. It's easier to link, rearrange thoughts and navigate in Roam. /3

There are Obsidian power users who say the same about Obsidian, but that's why there are two products, people think, process and record their thoughts differently.

For me, Roam has a more natural and fluid environment. /4

Yes, it has graph limitations. Yes, there are areas where development seems much slower. There are things that seem underdeveloped and "clunky." /5

And, there is a philosophy behind Roam that is very uncomfortable for many. It is sometimes hard to live and work in discomfort. /6

But, to me, at the moment, @Conaw does not seem interested in polishing his product for mass consumption or pleasing the majority of his user base.

He is following an inner vision, and inviting others to come along on the journey with him. /7

It's a messy journey. There will be moments of fear, danger, and the occasional thought, "The price seems too high! Is this worth it? Why am I not getting what I expected out of this?!"

Isn't that what adventure is all about? /8

Lately, I've seen a lot of direct, as well as implied, comments concerning @RoamResearch and @Conaw's leadership as reasons to use @obsdmd, @AthensResearch, @logseq or other applications. /9

And some of those applications may better fit your needs, but to disparage @RoamResearch because of personality seems short-sighted. Here is why I think so: /10

Yes, at times @Conaw is mercurial, he doesn't always appear to play nice in the sandbox, and some people get offended and fall by the wayside. /11

But he also believes in his vision, he has demonstrated the grit to fulfill the vision, and the humility to lead by allowing others to use their gifts and enhance his product in ways he didn't even envision. /12

He is honest, transparent and very public with his thoughts. Though that is offensive to some, it is refreshing to me.

He's not afraid of his competition, not jealous of their success. And willing to acknowledge their skill. /13

@Conaw is aware of his own flaws, has strong opinions, and may even come across to some as an ass at times.

(He once replied to one of my tweets that he can be an asshole. And that made me laugh). /14

However, @Conaw is also self-aware, committed and focused enough to keep pressing toward a vision that few others can see. /15

And he has already proven that he can deliver parts of that vision, in very concrete ways, in spite of incredible challenges that would crush many others. /16

So yes, I'm a @RoamResearch guy. I'm part of the #roamcult. But I don't drink the Kool-Aid, don't hang on to every word that @Conaw says (good or bad), don't follow him blindly, nor should anyone else. /17

Yet, I can appreciate his leadership, despite the fact that it is sometimes a bit rough. But corporate polish doesn't generally create new categories, propel innovation or embrace risk. /18

Although it means very little, there is a reason that I sacrificed at a time when I really didn't have the income, to demonstrate that I was a "True Believer." /19

I believed in more than the product. I also wanted to support, in a very small way, the vision of its founders.

(In fact, had I the means, I would have willingly made a much larger early investment in @RoamResearch .) /20

So whatever you use: @RoamResearch, @obsdmd, @logseq, @AthensResearch, @WorkFlowy, @NotionHQ, @evernote or the multitudes of others out there.

Support the team, provide feedback, cultivate community. /21

Focus more on growing the product and its culture. If you can't invest $ into product support and development, invest time.

And spend less time disparaging the work of others.

🧵/end