The difference between streams and inboxes
Information systems typically manifest in two forms: streams and inboxes 2.14.11.2. Each serves a distinct purpose in how we capture, process, and maintain information over time.
Key aspects of these systems:
- Streams 2.14.11.1.1:
- Flow continuously like a river
- Preserve historical record
- Accumulate value over time
- Inboxes 2.14.11.1.2:
- Act as staging areas
- Create pressure to process
- Designed to stay empty
The two systems can work together through highlighting 2.14.11.2, where valuable items from streams become inbox items for processing.
Related concepts:
- 2025-01-27_13-40 Streams as Tools for Discovery
- 2025-01-27_13-41 Zettelkasten as an Information Stream