Thought Threads is an append-only, thread-based note-taking system where new ideas are added at the end of a sequence rather than inserted between existing ones. It preserves the natural flow of thought development while allowing connections through cross-links instead of restructuring.

Key Principles

• Append-only → Notes are always added at the end.
• Threaded structure → Ideas evolve like a conversation.
• Hierarchical depth → Indentation organizes sub-notes.
• Links over restructuring → Notes reference each other rather than being moved.

Example Structure

1 Productivity
  1.1 Time Management
    1.1.1 Pomodoro
    1.1.2 Deep Work
  1.2 Cognitive Biases

• New notes are appended (1.1.3, 1.1.4).
• Cross-references connect related ideas (e.g., “See 1.2 for biases in time management”).

Why This Works

• Preserves chronological order → You see how ideas evolve.
• No need for reorganization → Just append and link.
• Less friction → No need to decide where to insert a note.

Best Practices

• Summarize long threads with milestone notes (1.3 Summary).
• Define “Next Steps” in notes to guide further thinking.
• Use an index (optional) for quick navigation.