Write plain text files | Derek Sivers

The written words are a precious asset: thoughts, notes, plans, diaries, correspondence, code, articles and books. They are a written history of our lives. That is why the format they should be in should be plain text files: the most reliable, flexible and long-lasting option.

Every device, including ones long gone, and ones not invented yet, can read and edit plain text.

• Every few years a new company says you should use their special format. You have to pay them a monthly fee to use it.
• You will outlive these companies. Your writing should outlive you. Plain text is un-commercial.
• There are places and times when you can't get online. Don't depend on any tool that needs an internet connection.
• If you rely on Word, Evernote, or Notion, you are helpless without them.
• Plain text files and a basic text editor are enough. If you only use plain text, you can work on any device, forever. The less you depend on, the better.