Building a Personal Knowledge Graph with Glasp and Roam Research

Building a Personal Knowledge Graph with Glasp and Roam Research

Introduction:

In the age of information overload, it can be challenging to keep track of the articles we read and the insights we gain from them. However, with the help of tools like Glasp and Roam Research, we can seamlessly highlight, take notes, and organize our thoughts while browsing the internet. This article explores how these two platforms revolutionize the way we consume and curate knowledge, ultimately contributing to the creation of a global knowledge graph.

Glasp: A Read-It-Now App

Before Glasp, many of us would save articles for later, often forgetting to revisit them. Glasp offers a different approach by encouraging users to read articles in the moment and engage with the content actively. With the Glasp extension, we can select and highlight important sections, as well as take notes directly within the browser window. By being present in the moment, we avoid accumulating a backlog of unread articles and instead focus on extracting valuable insights.

Public Sharing and Learning in Public

One unique feature of Glasp is that every highlight and note we make is public on our Glasp profile. This transparency allows followers to see what we're reading, what resonates with us, and our thoughts on various topics. Sharing our ideas in public not only fosters a sense of community but also opens up opportunities for collaboration and learning from others. Rather than building a separate digital garden, Glasp serves as a platform to showcase our interests and connect with like-minded individuals.

Discovering Diverse Perspectives

Glasp exposes us to a wider range of articles by connecting us with people who read in different algorithmic circles. This diversity in reading habits broadens our horizons and introduces us to content that we might not have encountered otherwise. By engaging with a diverse community, we gain access to fresh insights and expand our understanding of various subjects. Learning becomes a collaborative and enjoyable experience as we discover new perspectives together.

Roam Research: Building the Global Knowledge Graph

Roam Research provides a thinking interface that resonates with users, making it their go-to platform for organizing thoughts and ideas. Unlike traditional note-taking apps, Roam leverages the power of graphs to create relationships between pieces of data. Each bullet point or block in Roam can be assigned a unique identifier, transforming unstructured data into structured information. This approach enables users to connect thoughts and concepts seamlessly, ultimately creating a personal knowledge graph.

The Vision for Roam: Organizing All Information

Roam's vision extends far beyond personal knowledge management. The ultimate goal is to organize all information, making it accessible and interconnected. By allowing users not only to read but also to remix each other's public notes, Roam aims to facilitate collaboration and collective intelligence. Just as Cunningham's Law suggests that posting the wrong answer often leads to the right one, Roam's vision embraces the power of shared knowledge and diverse perspectives to advance our understanding.

The Challenge of Organizing the World's Information

One significant challenge in organizing the world's information lies in the ingestion point. Search engines like Google can only access publicly available content on websites. However, a significant portion of knowledge resides in databases and personal computers, inaccessible to the wider public. Roam Research seeks to bridge this gap by providing a platform that allows scientists and experts to share their half-formed ideas and contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace the read-it-now approach: Instead of accumulating a backlog of unread articles, try to read and engage with content in the moment. Glasp can help you highlight and take notes directly within your browser, allowing for a more active reading experience.

• 2. Share your thoughts in public: Consider leveraging platforms like Glasp to share your highlights and notes with others. By learning in public, you invite collaboration, feedback, and new connections that can enrich your understanding and expand your network.

• 3. Explore diverse communities: Engage with individuals who read in different algorithmic circles than you do. By diversifying your sources of information, you expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives. Glasp and Roam Research can help you connect with like-minded individuals and discover fresh insights.

Conclusion:

Glasp and Roam Research offer innovative ways to consume, highlight, and organize information on the internet. Glasp's read-it-now approach encourages active engagement with content, while Roam Research enables users to build personal knowledge graphs and contribute to the global knowledge graph. By embracing these tools and adopting a collaborative mindset, we can enhance our learning experiences, connect with others, and contribute to the collective intelligence of humanity.