# DeveloPassion's Newsletter 190 - Knowledge playground Hello everyone! I’m [Sébastien Dubois](https://dsebastien.net), your host. You’re receiving this email because you signed up for DeveloPassion’s Newsletter. Thank you for being here with me ✨ If you enjoy this, please forward it to your friends 👍. If this email was forwarded to you, then don’t forget to subscribe and become a supporter. You can also follow me on [X](https://x.com/dSebastien), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/dsebastien.net), and [Mastodon](https://pkm.social/@dsebastien). ![[DeveloPassion's Newsletter Logo.png|DeveloPassion's Newsletter logo: lightbulb sprouting colorful idea nodes]] ## Welcome Another week, another newsletter! I hope that you all had a great one 🤩 I've been quite busy these past weeks. After enjoying a well-deserved break during the Carnival celebrations (though I was completely exhausted afterward!), I've been diving back into course creation. I'm currently recording the last module of my [Knowledge Management for Beginners course](https://knowledge-management-for-beginners.com). It's exciting to see this big project of mine nearing completion. Module 8 covers going further with your knowledge system. It explores advanced topics including how to leverage your knowledge base with various [[Large Language Models (LLMs)]] (i.e., GenAI) and various AI tools. Beyond course creation, I've made some business updates, including introducing installment payment options for my products and adjusting some pricing. I've also been enjoying some beautiful spring weather with bike rides and walks, which has been refreshing after the winter months. Alright, let's gooooo 🚀 ## Before You Go Any Further I want to reach more people. Got 60 seconds? Then share [the link](https://www.dsebastien.net/) with one friend/colleague who would benefit from joining us! ## This Week's Highlights - Currently recording module 8 of Knowledge Management for Beginners about advanced PKM techniques and AI - Published "Beyond Note-Taking - Creating a Playground for Your Mind" - Exploring new tools like Mistral OCR and Claude Code ## The Lab 🧪 My [Knowledge Management for Beginners course](https://knowledge-management-for-beginners.com) is moving ahead nicely. I'm currently busy recording module 8, which covers exciting topics like how to leverage your knowledge base with AI, using live queries, going visual with your notes, exploiting serendipity, managing projects, and more. After this, I'll move on to the final editing step before publishing the course. The final module is particularly exciting as it dives deep into how to leverage modern AI tools with your knowledge system. I'm covering everything from integrating various LLMs (like ChatGPT, Claude, Deepseek, Gemini), AI tools (e.g., NotebookLM, Google AI Studio, etc) to options for running AI locally, specialized plugins, and even the [[Model Context Protocol (MCP)]]. The goal isn't to replace your thinking but to enhance your capabilities and save time. **🔥 Ready to master Knowledge Management?** Pre-order my comprehensive course now and transform how you capture, organize, and leverage information! You'll get the lowest possible price, early access when it launches, and exclusive bonuses. [Pre-order Knowledge Management for Beginners Today →](https://www.store.dsebastien.net//product/knowledge-management-for-beginners) The course is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by information and wanting to build a system that actually works. Whether you're a knowledge worker, content creator, or lifelong learner, you'll discover practical techniques to: - Build a personalized knowledge system - Capture information efficiently - Organize notes that actually serve you - Connect ideas for deeper insights - Turn knowledge into valuable output Don't miss out on the pre-order price – it will increase after launch! LINK: https://knowledge-management-for-beginners.com ## Knowledge Playground Most people think of note-taking as a static, boring activity – they write something down and then... that's it. It sits there, unused, gathering digital dust. But what if your notes could become something more dynamic? What if your knowledge system could be a playground for your mind? This is exactly what I explored in my latest article about going beyond traditional note-taking. The most powerful knowledge systems aren't just storage containers – they're interactive environments where ideas collide, connect, and transform. When you create a knowledge playground, several things happen: - Your notes become interactive rather than static - You gain the ability to query and recombine ideas in unexpected ways - Visual thinking opens up new dimensions for creativity - Serendipitous connections lead to breakthrough insights - Your system evolves alongside your thinking This approach transforms the way you interact with information. Instead of merely capturing it, you're actively playing with it – reshaping it, connecting it, and letting it inspire new directions of thought. For knowledge workers especially, this shift from passive collection to active exploration is crucial. It's the difference between having a knowledge archive and having a knowledge laboratory. Have you transformed your note-taking system into something more dynamic? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Read the full article here: LINK - [[Beyond Note-Taking - Creating a Playground for Your Mind (Article)]] - https://www.dsebastien.net/beyond-note-taking-creating-a-playground-for-your-mind// ## Weekly Challenge This week, try adding one playful element to your knowledge management system. This could be: - Creating a visual map of related ideas - Setting up a random note generator to surface forgotten insights - Establishing a daily query that shows you connections you hadn't noticed - Using an AI tool to help you see patterns in your notes Remember, the goal isn't more complexity – it's to make your system more alive and interactive. ## Quotes of the Week - [[One of the secrets to staying young is to always do things you don’t know how to do, to keep learning]] - [[Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking around and prying with a purpose]] - [[You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time]] - [[The more notes and links you have in your knowledge base, the more possible path you can create. The number of paths grows exponentially as you add more notes and links]] ## New & Interesting Links ### PKM / Tools for Thought - An interesting overview of how to leverage knowledge in your [[Obsidian]] notes with [[Claude]] using the [[Model Context Protocol (MCP)]]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH-ZL6sC_vU - [Introduction to Obsidian through the Feynman technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiM2ZUGxowQ) – A fresh approach to learning Obsidian through teaching concepts - [How to organize your notes in Obsidian](https://medium.com/@lennart.dde/how-to-organize-your-notes-in-obsidian-f284d7dfc0cd) – Practical organization strategies - [Converting PDFs to Markdown using Mistral OCR](https://www.reddit.com/r/ObsidianMD/comments/1j77tbd/convert_entire_pdfs_to_markdown_new_mistral_ocr/) – A powerful new tool for getting text into your system - True transclusion in Obsidian: True transclusion in Obsidian: https://medium.com/workings/true-transclusion-in-obsidian-6d2e05235bd - [Password-protected notes in Obsidian](https://medium.com/obsidian-observer/lock-down-your-ideas-password-protected-notes-in-obsidian-9a51c819da7b) – For your sensitive information - [Projects and goals in Obsidian](https://bagerbach.com/blog/projects-and-goals-obsidian/) – Transform your system into a productivity hub - The rabbit hole of Obsidian: https://medium.com/obsidian-observer/the-rabbit-hole-of-obsidian-c4cad3394e76 - [Apple Widgets for Obsidian](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/widgets-for-obsidian/id6642646117) – Access your notes from your home screen ### AI Tools - How [[Simon Willison]] uses LLMs to write code: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Mar/11/using-llms-for-code/ - [Microsoft's Responsible AI Standard](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/principles-and-approach) – Framework for ethical AI development - [Claude Voice capture extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/claude-voice/oaljfolckhcnijgnnbhgahcdjhpfpjfp) – Speak to Claude directly - [Anthropic's Citations API announcement](https://www.anthropic.com/news/introducing-citations-api) – Making AI responses more reliable - [AI Automation platform: Lindy.ai](https://www.lindy.ai/) – Building AI workflows - [Data Engineering handbook](https://github.com/DataExpert-io/data-engineer-handbook) – Comprehensive guide to data engineering ## About the Author I'm Sébastien Dubois, a Knowledge Management coach, author, and creator. I help knowledge workers organize, centralize, and leverage their knowledge effectively through practical guidance on Personal Knowledge Management and mindful productivity practices. Follow me on [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/dSebastien), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiend/), or visit my website: [dsebastien.net](https://www.dsebastien.net/) ## Ready to get to the next level? If you're looking to improve your knowledge management skills and productivity, check out my offerings: • [Knowledge Management for Beginners](https://www.store.dsebastien.net//product/knowledge-management-for-beginners) – My comprehensive course (pre-order now at the lowest price!) • [Obsidian Starter Kit](https://www.store.dsebastien.net/product/obsidian-starter-kit/) – Get up and running with Obsidian quickly • [Knowledge Worker Kit](https://www.store.dsebastien.net//product/knowledge-worker-kit) – My all-in-one package for productivity • [Personal Knowledge Management Coaching](https://www.store.dsebastien.net//product/pkm-coaching) – One-on-one guidance for your PKM journey • [Free Beginner's Guide to Obsidian](https://www.dsebastien.net/free-beginners-guide-to-mastering-obsidian/) – 50+ pages to get started That's it for today! ✨ ## Promotion Your notes shouldn't be a digital graveyard. They should be a playground for your mind. In newsletter #190, I explore how to transform static notes into dynamic knowledge environments that spark creativity and insight. Plus: AI tools for PKM, exciting course updates, and useful resources. Read this edition here: https://www.dsebastien.net/developassions-newsletter-190-knowledge-playground LINK: - [[10 Essential Knowledge Management Methods Every Professional Should Master (Article)]] - https://www.dsebastien.net/10-essential-knowledge-management-methods-every-professional-should-master/-every-professional-should-master// LINK: - [[Why Obsidian is All You Need - From Simple Notes to Complete Productivity (Article)]] - https://www.dsebastien.net/why-obsidian-is-all-you-need-from-simple-notes-to-complete-productivity// LINK: - [[The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Obsidian (Article)]] - https://www.dsebastien.net/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-obsidian// LINK: - [[Knowii Community]] - https://www.store.dsebastien.net//product/knowii-community