Let go of the Outline app and embrace change in life.
Although I am aware that no app can last forever, it is disheartening to see the recent decision by the developers of the Outline app. They have chosen to force existing users into a subscription model by prompting them to update the app in the App Store. A better approach would have been to release a new application specifically for the subscription, perhaps named “Outline 2,” or alternatively, rename the old version as “Outline Classic,” similar to what Day One did in the past.
My immediate reaction stems from the fact that the Outline app is the only means to sync Microsoft OneNote and store it locally for archiving purposes. Consequently, this decision affects my use of OneNote as well. To mitigate any potential future problems and headaches, it is preferable to migrate away from the app and safeguard my data. After all, a note-taking application should not complicate my life but rather simplify it.
The world is transitioning towards subscription models, but we must evaluate the value they provide. Is it solely for the app or does it include data storage as well? Furthermore, we should consider how many features can truly be implemented in a note-taking app. Even Evernote, with its storage capabilities, has faced a decline in popularity due to the emergence of modern challengers like Notion.
Nevertheless, the world continues to evolve, and with it, the rise and fall of various applications for different reasons. Life moves forward, and so must we.
A notable trend currently gaining popularity is the shift towards open-source alternatives. The rationale behind this movement is simple: at the end of the day, we primarily write and take notes for our own use. By keeping and backing up our data without being locked into a specific vendor, we have more control and flexibility. Personally, I have made the transition to utilizing a wiki as my primary note-taking platform, and it seems to work well for me. I believe others will have their own approaches, and it is essential to choose what makes the most sense for you individually.
