If This Then That or IFTTT ( http://ifttt.comm ) is one of the key tools I use to save me time in shifting data around my personal knowledge systems. IFTTT allows me to concentrate on how I want to promote, share and move data rather than the physical doing of moving. This one can be basically moved into the productivity category that is focused on marginal gains. It probably saves me 10-20 minutes per week if I were to assess the tasks performed – but those are low level tasks which would infuriate the hell out of me. Here are the key processes, called recipes in IFTTT terminology, that I use:
|
Action |
Automation |
End Result |
|
Favourite an item in Instapaper |
Move Share* |
Copy stored in Evernote Share on @stuisreading* |
|
I move an item in Instapaper to Twitter Folder |
Share |
Share on @sdownes1972 |
|
I highlight text in Instapaper |
Move |
Move to Evernote |
|
I tag an Instagram photo with #pic |
Share |
Share on @sdownes1972 in a native twitter image |
*all Instapaper favourite items go to pinboard, all pinboard items are automatically tweeted on @stuisreading
Most items going to Instapaper, where I do my reading, come from either Chrome, Reeder for iOS or Zite for iOS. It’s a very simple swipe or click process to get content into Instapaper.
The picture is from the recent street theatre in Liverpool bringing a story about the Liverpool Pals going to war in World War 1. The story was brought to life using amazing giants.
Stu Downes 