How to Deal with Workflow Notes

I like the concept of workflows which has actually helped me become more proficient in some of the tools that I don't often use. However, one thing that I am finding somewhat annoying is the large number of notes that are created per workflow. For example, last week I used the Expository Sermon Prep workflow which has 38 steps. Each of these steps may have multiple note fields and even though I do not add a note for every field, by the time I had completed the flow for Ephesians 3:14-21, I had 16 notes in the notebook. Having the notebook so detailed is great but it looks far too cluttered in my preferred Bible. What I would really like to see is just one icon for the workflow notebook that I can then click and get into all of the actual notes? Is this possible? If not, how has anyone that uses workflows organized them to keep the visual clutter to a minimum?

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Koos de Lijster

That is my problem too. For me this is the reason I do not use these workflows, because I do not want my Bible text to become cluttered with rows and rows of notes icons. It's really sad that that such a useful tool does have such rough ends. With a little bit more effort it could be engineered to perfection.

Mark Barnes

What I would really like to see is just one icon for the workflow notebook that I can then click and get into all of the actual notes?

It's not possible, but it's been suggested several times, and I think Faithlife are sympathetic to making it possible – but probably after the other notes issues have been sorted out.

If not, how has anyone that uses workflows organized them to keep the visual clutter to a minimum?

In a word, 'no'!

David Thomas

how has anyone that uses workflows organized them to keep the visual clutter to a minimum?

I remove the Note icon for notes that are workflow steps, but keep icons for my notes anchored to sections of text.

1. click on the triangle next to the note icon

2. change the icon to "none"

3. If you select a group of icons (click first one, hold down shift key, click the last one) then there is an additional step to "apply style to all notes"

Andrew Biddinger

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1058781#Comment_1058781

Yes, workflows create a big mess in notebooks. This issue has been talked about and FL has acknowledged the need, but didn't give an estimate on when it would be. I personally have chosen to not use the custom workflows until this is addressed.

Simon’s Brother

I like the concept of workflows which has actually helped me become more proficient in some of the tools that I don't often use.

Workflows are crutches to help you to learn to walk with the software and apply a study methodology. After about half a dozen to a dozen max uses you should be looking to throw away those crutches and use the software and methodology independent of the workflow. Become reliant upon them and you will walk with a limp for the rest of your life because of all the excess notes they create in your shoe.

Note: my personal view and how I approach workflows and thus deal with OP’s issue. It is ok to use workflows on permanent basis if you do choose.

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1058803#Comment_1058803

Workflows are crutches to help you to learn to walk with the software and apply a study methodology. After about half a dozen to a dozen max uses you should be looking to throw away those crutches and use the software and methodology independent of the workflow. Become reliant upon them and you will walk with a limp for the rest of your life because of all the excess notes they create in your shoe.

You're assuming that you haven't created your own workflow with your own methodology…

Dennis Davis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1058781#Comment_1058781

Good workaround! Thanks David.

Dennis Davis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1058718#Comment_1058718

Thanks Mark.

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1058825#Comment_1058825

Workflows are crutches to help you to learn to walk with the software and apply a study methodology. After about half a dozen to a dozen max uses you should be looking to throw away those crutches and use the software and methodology independent of the workflow. Become reliant upon them and you will walk with a limp for the rest of your life because of all the excess notes they create in your shoe.

You're assuming that you haven't created your own workflow with your own methodology…

No assumption on my part Mark, seems to me only only on yours that I would see a workflow I created any different to one created by another. To me even less reason to rely upon a workflow if it was my own methodology. I might start with someone else’s workflow, learn from it and then adapt it by creating my own but once I had shaped and refined that after half to a dozen usages I would still step away from the workflow document and use the software and methodology without it.

But as I clarified previously this is my approach and nothing wrong with relying upon workflows - others or your own - to do your bible study if that is what works for you. I understand we are all different personalities and approach things differently.

Ron Corbett

What I would really like to see is just one icon for the workflow notebook that I can then click and get into all of the actual notes

This has been a strong feeling I have had personally about (not) using this tool. It could be a fun way to work out sermon ideas and to organize sermonic material. BUT ... with the lack of centralization of the notes, it seems much less useful. Thank you Dennis for your post (and Mark for your response). I have had this question since I first experimented with this Tool - the first and last time. FL is really onto something here but if it needs a strong push for it to materialize, I for one will cast my vote.

Dave Hooton

If not, how has anyone that uses workflows organized them to keep the visual clutter to a minimum?

Each workflow has its own Notebook, so:

you can block that Notebook from one resource Visual Filters menu e.g. hover over it and select "Do not show in any resources"
you can select the Notebook you want to view in the Notes tool!

For me, though, it raises the question of how clippings will be handled when Faithlife incorporate them into the Notes tool. I think it will be a visual disaster for reading the clips, let alone for organisation in the tool.