Solid Solutions

↓ Save this as a markdown file and keep it forever 2 min read

Reclaiming your digital independence doesn't require abandoning modern convenience entirely. Here are four simple ways to keep your documents yours.

1. Adopt the “three copies” rule

Like grandma’s secret pie recipe, a file should live in at least three places:

the computer in front of you
a second drive in the same room (usb, ssd, whatever spins your platter)
a drive in a separate building (deposit box, friend’s house, or the family villa in Italy)

Drives are cheap, lost memories are not.

2. Choose tools that put you in control

Some apps lock your data in proprietary vaults; others hand it over like a gracious host. Pick the latter.

Obsidian, Logseq and Zettlr store your notes as plain Markdown files on your drive.
Calibre is an application that helps you organize your e-book library.
Syncthing allows you to sync files across multiple devices, similar to Dropbox but completely private.

Rule of thumb: if the software can’t show you exactly where your files live on disk, you should look for alternatives.

3. Favor file & data formats that outlive CEOs

A .txt file from 1981 still opens perfectly today, and works exactly the same way it did back then.

Good luck doing the same with your Evernotes notes.

4. Run your own “mini-cloud”, aka. self-hosting

When you’re ready for extra convenience, a $50 Raspberry Pi and an external drive can become Captain You-Net, serving files over your home Wi-Fi. Software like Nextcloud or Syncthing turns the setup into Dropbox without the drop. No venture capital required, and you decide when “sunsetting” happens (hint: never).

Owning your files in 2024 takes a pinch of paranoia and a dash of DIY, but it beats surrendering your digital life to corporate weather patterns. Chart your own course, and navigate calmly while the next "sunset" rolls around.