(cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/19917523)

Basically, what the title says. Do you use any app, that is proprietary, but either has no OSS alternatives or they’re all not good enough? If there is an alternative, what keeps you from switching?

  • RandomLegend [He/Him]
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    53 months ago

    I tried nearly all the good alternatives but they either don’t let me use folder structures or use proprietary formats stored inside databases.

    I can’t understand why there is nothing like it… Trilium would be perfect but I need my files in freely usable markdown…

    • RBG
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      23 months ago

      I saw some time ago on the Joplin github that they might add the option of saving the notes in markdown somehow, but not sure that’s implemented or even progressing.

    • @finestnothing
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      13 months ago

      Have you tried QOwnNotes? I haven’t used it but I’ve seen it, looks like it ticks everything you want.

      I would also highly recommend logseq, org-roam, or vimwiki. For mobile support, definitely use syncthing (logseq has a paid sync feature, but it’s not worth it over self-hosting syncthing imo. It’s easier technically speaking, but syncthing is pretty easy too)

      Logseq - I use this now, primarily because the mobile app is as great as the desktop version. Links, tasks, etc are all smooth and I love the workflow. Only reason I don’t think you’d like it is you can’t really have your own defined dir structure.

      Org-roam - uses .org files that have their own syntax and such, also foss and non-proprietary though. I used it for a while because the emacs ecosystem is very robust and I use emacs a lot. Primary downside to this system is mobile support hurts, I used OrgNote for a while but just didn’t like it much. (If you go this route, highly recommend using doom emacs instead of just vanilla. Vim keybinds are the best keybinds)

      Vimwiki - uses vim keybinds, love it. Same issue as org-roam though, mobile support makes me cry. There are plenty of foss mobile md editors, but none of them feel good. You can use this as a wiki via GitHub and have access to it from any web browser and make edits there as well, but it wasn’t a very pleasant workflow personally.

      • RandomLegend [He/Him]
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        13 months ago

        QOwnNotes i haven’t tried - gotta take a look at it

        I already use Syncthing to sync my obsidian vaults

        Logseq doesn’t let me use a folder structure… and that is an adamant must-have for me. I have to be able to build a hierachical directory tree for my notes, that’s just how my brain works best - and i tried the tag based stuff but i just have to be able to walk a path of folders to get where i want.