Here's some long awaited organizing suggestions for your Five Fat Files (FFF). So how goes the picking?
Start By Collecting Digital Files
After collecting FFF material for five years, I think it's easier for internet savvy gals to start collecting digital information. There are two reasons. First, if you're online a lot, you're already reading things that interest you. If you start saving them in an orderly way, you'll more quickly be able to see what you're collecting and be able to solidify your FFF topic choices. Secondly, it's much easier to keep track of what each saved file is, because you can rename it anything you want.
Keeping Your Ducks In A Straight Line
Some people's hard drives are like quicksand, once something goes in, it never comes out. With a bit of planning, that doesn't have to be the case with your files.
By now, I hope that you have at least a rough idea of what your FFF are. If you only have 2 or 3, that's good enough. Just like collecting physical files, to start, you'll need 5 virtual file folders to catch your material in. I created them in the My Documents folder on my computer. Because I like to put things in the order they make sense to me, I put numbers at the beginning of the folder name to hold them in "proper" place. You do not have to do this. Some people think in alphabetical order. If that works for you, by all means do it that way! Some might like a letter placeholder instead of a number. Windows will let you do that too.
Start By Collecting Digital Files
After collecting FFF material for five years, I think it's easier for internet savvy gals to start collecting digital information. There are two reasons. First, if you're online a lot, you're already reading things that interest you. If you start saving them in an orderly way, you'll more quickly be able to see what you're collecting and be able to solidify your FFF topic choices. Secondly, it's much easier to keep track of what each saved file is, because you can rename it anything you want.
Keeping Your Ducks In A Straight Line
Some people's hard drives are like quicksand, once something goes in, it never comes out. With a bit of planning, that doesn't have to be the case with your files.
By now, I hope that you have at least a rough idea of what your FFF are. If you only have 2 or 3, that's good enough. Just like collecting physical files, to start, you'll need 5 virtual file folders to catch your material in. I created them in the My Documents folder on my computer. Because I like to put things in the order they make sense to me, I put numbers at the beginning of the folder name to hold them in "proper" place. You do not have to do this. Some people think in alphabetical order. If that works for you, by all means do it that way! Some might like a letter placeholder instead of a number. Windows will let you do that too. In each main folder are several sub-folders. A couple sub-folders have addition folders. My complete FFF folder list is at the end of this post so you can see exactly how I have mine broken up. You can click on the photo to the left for a full sized image of my computer folders.
Just to restate, your Five Fat Files will be different from mine. PLEASE, please do not try to use my list. Although we may have similar interests, we're each unique individuals with a different ministry from the Lord. If you're still having trouble picking your FFF, pray and wait. God will show you when it's time. Like I said before, it took me almost a year to finalize the list below. Keep reading and keep saving articles, you'll find a pattern!
(Note: If you need help creating your virtual folders, you'll have to ask your neighborhood computer geek to help you. If you don't have one, pray that God will provide one. He's faithful like that! If I was at your house, I could show you everything you need in about 10 minutes. Unfortunately it would take me more time then I want to spend writing it all out. I hope you can understand!)
Janel's Digital Five Fat Files Folders
Just to restate, your Five Fat Files will be different from mine. PLEASE, please do not try to use my list. Although we may have similar interests, we're each unique individuals with a different ministry from the Lord. If you're still having trouble picking your FFF, pray and wait. God will show you when it's time. Like I said before, it took me almost a year to finalize the list below. Keep reading and keep saving articles, you'll find a pattern!
(Note: If you need help creating your virtual folders, you'll have to ask your neighborhood computer geek to help you. If you don't have one, pray that God will provide one. He's faithful like that! If I was at your house, I could show you everything you need in about 10 minutes. Unfortunately it would take me more time then I want to spend writing it all out. I hope you can understand!)
Janel's Digital Five Fat Files Folders
Bold text indicates a Main Folder. Regular text indicates a sub-folder inside a Main Folder. Italic text with a - [dash] indicates an addition folder within the last Regular Text sub-folder. Note: In the Health & Fashion folder I use F & H to keep the categories seperate. F for fashion & H for health. Like I said, it works for me. Use what works for you.
| 1 Renewing My Mind Abuse & Restoration Biblical Womanhood - Femininity & Modesty - Feminism & Related Issues Children & Parenting Foundations of Truth - Basic Christianity - Character - Evangelism - Family - Women Marriage - Sex Mentoring & Discipleship Ministry - Outside & Public Service Misc Prayer Relationships Responsible Manhood Unmarried 2 Creativity & Fun | 3 Health & Fashion 4 Home Education Budget and Finance - Frugality Cleaning & Maintenance Decorating Entertaining & Hospitality Forms & Schedules Gardening Menus, Meals & Food - Co-op Info - Crock Pot - Low Carb - Menu Planning - Misc - My Menus -Recipes -Smart Shopping Misc Organizing Time Management |
Tomorrow I'll share tips on how to save digital files so they are usable. And I'll tackle organizing your physical files soon. Until then... Happy Filing!
3 Nice Notes:
Looks awesome. I am looking forward to perusing it when I have more time.
Good stuff. I have a moderately effective digital filing system, but occasionally things get lost. I like the FFF idea as a place to start -- thinking more big picture.
Thanks! I'm glad I found your blog.
I love the way you've organized your files. Thanks for sharing!
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