What I really LIKE about MyLifeOrganized!

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
MyLifeOrganized application.

The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)

So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
way.
Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
thread!

This thread is moderated and all discussions not related to the subject will be deleted/moved to other threads.

Thanks!
Andrey.
www.mylifeorganized.net

P.S. And as always you can say what you want to be improved in other
forum threads, feature requests etc.

[MLOSus]

What I really liked when I first saw MLO was the Next Action filtering
in ToDo view and the "complete subtask in order" possibility, which
both helped me a lot in getting things done, helping me to see only a
few tasks, but the ones I could act on. I like also the computed score
ordering option, for the same reason. And of course Outlook syncing
and the nice little "look up in Outlook" feature. These are still the
essential features for me, helping to avoid procrastination.

Since then, the improved filtering options in ToDo view and the
possibility to save personal ToDo-Views made me really happy, like the
formatting options which help to have a more clear outline view. And
not to forget, the possibility to flag items I want to keep an eye on.

Susanne

On Sep 16, 10:55 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

<for...@myLifeOrganized.net> wrote:
> Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
> MyLifeOrganized application.
>
> The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
> unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)
>
> So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
> what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
> understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
> way.
> Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
> thread!
>

> Andrey.www.mylifeorganized.net

[pottster]

Rather than list an extensive feature set I'd say that the unique
selling point for MLO is the way it combines the power of an outliner
with a sophisticated to do list. This combination means that anything,
and I mean anything, that you want to DO rather than just think about
can be reduced to what David Allen terms "cranking widgets". It's not
a new concept - the old Chinese proverb "a journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step" shows that, but it's how it's how you
change the world (or do your shopping).

[Tormod Halvorsen]

I'm very new to the product and to this group (first post!), but I must say that I love the small size of the program and the fact that it runs well off a USB-stick. Combine that with the great auto-backup features, and I need not worry that I'll loose all my task the day I'm forgetting or loosing the USB stick.

It also has LOTS of features, a bit overwhelming as a new user. I still need to figure out the relationships of the outline and the contexts, for one. I have used similar products before (ShadowPlan and LifeBalance) and they all have their strengths and quirks. I'm sure the same goes for MLO :)

I also like the formating options of the items in the outline and the ToDo filter.

Thanks - looking forward to learning more about the software's capabilities and how to utilize it best!

peace,

Tormod in Stockholm

[Ron]

Hi,

I have been a very satisfied user since April 2005. I really like the
basics of MLO.

I like how the default To-Do view (Active Actions with Action Filter:
Active) produces only what I can do right now through the judicious
use of the "Complete subtasks in order" field, start dates and
contexts.

The implementation of recurring tasks is superb and is a feature that
I rely on heavily throughout my outline.

I like how easy it is to enter new tasks into MLO either through the
Rapid Task Entry dialog box or directly into the outline.

I like how quick and responsive MLO is to use even after entering
mountains of data over the last 4.5 years.

The search function is quick and well designed, and is indispensable
for those few times that I have asked myself, "Where did I put that?"

I am the kind of person that is always looking for the next best thing
so I have burned through many applications, particularly task managers
after a few short months. The fact that I have stuck with MLO for 4.5
years is testimony to how well MLO was initially designed and to how
well the application is being constantly improved with new features.
This developer truly listens to his user base.

Thanks for the great product!

Ron Stockfleth

On Sep 16, 3:55 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

[petro]

I'm a Mac user running Windows (via Parallels) all day one for just
one app - MLO. I check out every new release of Mac task management
apps, but still nothing comes even close. Start dates without end
dates, multiple methods of prioritization, multiple views with
contexts and filters, flexible recurrence options, and now I've really
taken to colors to easily distinguish different types of tasks. I use
one view to see what I've done over the last week to make my report to
my boss quick and easy.

My current MLO file is over 1000 items long. My archive is many times
that.

Yes there is a lot of whining from people on the group, but hopefully
others will speak up with how happy they are with MLO!

I don't need any new functionality, but I'd love to see a Mac and
iPhone version! :)


On Sep 16, 10:55 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

[chuckdevee]

Here are a few thoughts...
The underlying logic appears to me to be extremely well thought out.
When I used previous task managers, I often wondered whether the
programmers actually used them actively. With MLO it is crystal clear
that you guys are using this product.

I particularly like the flexxibility of MLO and the customisation
options. As pottster said (above), MLO provides the tools that someone
can use, in their own way, to reduce just about any goal to a process
of 'cranking widgets'.

The ability to generate customised todo lists from the outliner is
fantastic and is core to the success of MLO.
Both outline and todo list functionality is very intuitive and cleanly
presented.

The custom formatting options are great. I can't think now, how I ever
got on without them.

The Rapid Task Entry is extremely important, I think, to the success
of MLO in normal usage as it ensures that tasks etc (or even small
reminders) are captured very easily.

Also, it feels lightweight and fast to use, which I also like.

And it's important that I can run it from a USB key.

And finally, it's reliable. There are very few bugs in the releases,
and the autosave/archiving functions work really well. I especially
like the way MLO automatically saves the open file (seemingly
instantaneously) when window loses focus.

[tomd]

After years of usage, what I like most about MLO is that it supported me in times when my system of organizing was complex as well as now whem I'm looking for simplicity. The simplicity of my usage is only allowed thanks to the complexity and configurability of MLO.

And as my wife likes to rebuild and redecorate one room in our flat every half a year, some glitch in my thinking makes me to feel the same need in regards to my organizing system, though I'm usually way less radical then wife is with the room changes. Thanks to MLO for allowing that.

Back to specifics, what I like most (that comes to mind right now):

I like outline vs. todo view, having complex outline view and simple to-do view.

Custom formatting came to my saving with latest version. And visual progress indicator.

Zoom-in. Flags. Auto-archiving.

Rapid tasks entry is so handy sometimes.

Adding tasks through command line.

Columns I wish and where I wish them.

Recurrence, just great and so well thought out.

Search. So obvious and ubiquitous feature, I like how it's done in MLO.

Again, nowadays I'm in as-simple-as-possible and don't play in the most-
complex-setup league anymore, still MLO caters my needs best out of all the
alternatives, because it allows me to simplify as I wish, and configure
pretty much everything.

Cheers,
Tom

[MikeM]

Andrey,

Most of these have already been mentioned:

- The separation between Outline and To-Do.
- Lightweight/High Performance feel
- Rapid Task Entry
- Flexible recurrence options

One that has not been mentioned: Small File size. I keep my MLO
install out on DropBox (the free 2GB version) and therefore I can use
it from anywhere and any computer. It is kind of like the USB except
I never forget the USB stick still plugged into my home or work
(depending upon where I am not) computer.

I have tried many different task management tools and keep coming back
to MLO. It is not perfect but with the way you guys keep improving it
who knows??

Thanks

Mike

On Sep 16, 3:55 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

[Luciano Passuello]

I could go on for hours talking about the features I love in MLO, but
I'll focus on the one I enjoy the most: I rarely notice it being
there.

MLO strikes the perfect combination between power and simplicity: it's
probably the most full-featured task outliner that I tried (and I
tried MANY) and, at the same time, it never gets in my way --- it just
works.

Andrey always implements new cool stuff, but is also always very
vigilant to not bloat the software.

In short: I've been using MLO since 2005 and couldn't be happier.

Luciano Passuello
http://litemind.com

[Damian Skeeles]

I should use MLO a lot more effectively than I do, but the reason I use it is:

- Instantly available on my work laptop to add/review a task
- Task hierarchies as deep as I like
- Add notes to tasks
- Pop-up alerts
- Different contexts/locations

The instant responsiveness is critical - if I'm going to use a program every few minutes, then it needs to work faster than I can. I use Treepad as a KB for the same reason - on my desktop, always there, no waiting.

That's one reason I like the iPhone 3GS - compared to virtually every other smartphone I've owned, I never actually have to wait for it (I'm sure the latest HTC WinMo devices are this fast as well).


I *should* also use features that I saw as important, such as:
- Automatic task list generation, from
 - Task prioritisation and urgency

Although I used this when I first stared, I've just lost track of this, so regrettably I'm not really using it to it's full potential, OR correctly following GTD :-)


D

[Toes_NZ]

It runs on a usb key [it can go with me, what ever computer i am
using]
good keyboard controls [is fast to use]
the filter in to do view means you can customise mlo to how you want
to work
continuous improvement of program
great support
keep up the good work, have been using mlo for over 2 years now,
fantastic piece of software.

Cheers
ToesNZ

Ps. I have lots of thoughts about areas i would like to see improved
without the program becoming bloatware.

[Timothee]

I like many many things about MLO -and I know just saying that doesn't
help much, so I will list them all at some time- but the biggest
thing, if I were to tell someone my favorite thing about MLO, the very
first thing that comes to mind when I think about why I chose MLO over
a dozen other good tools, it's this: (similar to what tomd said)

MLO allows me to build my own organizational system. And then change
it when my thinking changes.

MLO is a dream come true for tinkerers, for Lego builders, for
programmers, for engineers, for people to whom "other's ideas are
never good enough - I can always improve on them."

MLO is a large toolkit, with powerful tools for task definition,
powerful tools for task organization, and even powerful tools for UI
layout, look and feel.

With MLO, I design and decorate a home for ALL my tasks, from dire
urgencies to silly dreams, never fearing that one will clutter out the
other, never fearing that I'll have to start all over, move every one,
if this floor plan doesn't work out.

In the past 6 months of using MLO (inside the past 14 years of
seeking out good time management tools, both on paper and in software)
-in the last 6 months, I have tried no less than 5 drastically
different methods of my own invention, different strategies and
different tactics, different approaches to my tasks -all within the
same application, never having to re-enter any tasks, or delete any
tasks that "don't quite fit the system", or which I don't know where
to put into the system yet.

I am not wasting time changing my system, trying out new methods: I
have increased my productivity -and life balance- every iteration.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

forwarding here post from Vicki :
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/e648b91380779c33#

---
From: Victoria Macklin <vickimack...@googlemail.com>
Subject: MLO Feedback
---
I have been using MLO probably about 18 months now. I love so many
thangs about this tool it's hard to pick the best bits.

I have not missed a birthday since I installed this. I love the fact
that its simple, yet powerful and you can customise it so much to fit
your needs.

I read David Allens "Getting things done" and that is what prompted me
to find the right tool. I got lucky - I hit on the perfect tool first
time, and haven't looked back.

I love the way you can get everything down into the tool, but only see
what actions are relevant / necessary / doable at that moment in time.
The comfort of knowing you will reminded when something needs doing
and that you haven't got to try to keep it all in your head is very
comforting!

I am starting to get the hang of using the rapid entry. Great to know
thatyou can just at least put a place holder in quickly so you don't
forget when someone has just given you a new action as you are about
to run off to a meeting.

I keep mine on a USB stick, and back it up to a hard drive, again very
convenient. #

I'd be lost without this tool now!

Vicki
---

[Greg.O]

I've been using MLO for over 3 years now and, like many people here,
have gone through many many other similar applications. Every time,
however, I would go back to MLO. I love the fact MLO is very stable
yet light and responsive. I've trusted MLO with helping me manage both
my work stuff and personal tasks. I also use it for keeping all sorts
of notes (I use AxCrypt to encrypt the data files) and have to say it
works great as an information manager as well as task outliner/
manager.

All of the great things about MLO have already been mentioned by other
posters so I won't be going through them again. For me it's the very
high level of customizations allowed that have made me stick with the
program through all these years - I do tinker with my organizational
system every now and then and MLO is easily adaptable to whatever
approach/methodology I try to use at a given time (GTD, DIT etc.). MLO
have grown from strength to strength adding very powerful filtering,
formatting, task dependencies and many other features that make the
application extremely versatile.

I still miss a few things (e.g. ability to manage workload a bit
better by showing the total duration of all tasks scheduled for a
given day to avoid overscheduling) but so far MLO has proved to be the
best task manager application I've seen. I really hope it will
continue to be actively developed further (it's been a bit quiet on
that front recently) as, with a few additions, it can really become
almost perfect.

Regards,
Greg Osimowicz

[Merlin]

Before I go more into detail what I love about MLO, I would first like
to thank Andrey for one of the best software that is running on my
computer. I was looking for a decent time management and todo
application now for years and I have tried loads of differnet ones.
This is not only the first application that satisfies my neads, but
also one that is surprising me every single day by it's thoughtfulness
and extraordinary configuration options. You can feel it within your
day to day work how much thought must have gone into the software. I
have not discovered a single bug since I am using it, instead I am
discovering more and more usefull features that I have never thought
of I would need. But now I can not live without them anymore!!! The
software is very well documented and comes with a exceptionaly good
help functionality. Most software I am using and that includes all MS
SW hits a point where you could freek out, since there is a feature
missing that you really need and you can't configure it how you like
it. Different with MLO, until now all things which I thought about
would be usefull to make my work more efficient are build right in. I
am surprised how far it goes. You can sync with outlook, with a
central database file for colaboration and it simply works!
One of the most things I love, is the rapid task entry. learn the
short cuts and you enter tasks in no time!! I have never seen
something that great within the past decade.You can shortcut
everything and you can define the shortcuts yourself. Want to assign a
context via hotkey? Just do it, no problem. You do not like the strg r
shortcut for zooming into a project, assign arrow right and boom here
you go! If you are looking for a great time management software that
even follows the GTD concept your search is over!! Use MLO and it will
change your working live forever!

Thank you Andrey!



On Sep 16, 10:55 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

[Andris Ozolins]

Like to have tree structure for tasks arrangement and quick edit /
move capabilities.
For the moment have used mainly as tasks / subtasks notepad.
Looking forward also to have it more for daily task-lists, and
completed works reporting.
In general like - and am looking forward to buy it, and for future
developments.
Regards,
Andris

[Philb]

This is the one tool (thankfully), that stopped me jumping from
application to application for several years.

Key things I find invaluable.

Rapid Task Entry!
Rapid Task Entry!!
Rapid Task Entry!!!
Ability to Parse (in RTE and Outline.)
Pocket PC client is fantastic.
Ability to get reminders
Ability to hide tasks in the outline.
Recurrence.
Responsiveness of Developers.
New feature requests are well scrutinized, and the ones that are added
always seem to make sense.

It let's me do what I need to do, the way I need to do it, without
getting in the way. That speaks volumes about the thought that has
gone into it.

Cheers,

Phil

[Philb]

Oh, and the User Community too!!!

[qhamel]

First Audrey thanks for all the hard work you do. You have a great
product!

MLO fills an important niche between a heavy project tool (like MS
Project) and the light (dumb) tool like the Outlook Task product.

What appealed to me first with your product was the ability to:

1. Create sub-tasks (and keep nesting them) easily
2. Light, responsive software
3. Ability to drag from Outlook and create a task
4. Ability to easily outline a series of tasks
5. Ability to import templates. This was very interesting at first as
it showed me quickly how I could use the software. We could expand on
this as a community.


As I used the software more I appreciated:

1. Rapid task entry. I have this mapped to a mouse button and can
bring it up quickly. Love the smart parsing and ability to easily
create a reminder
2. The To-do view. I have explored this more and have set up a
"Flagged view" that let's me see everything that is flagged (and can
be a basic To-do list for the day)
I also have a "Done Today" view that let's me see what I have
accomplished today. A shopping list view (using contexts) to view and
synch with my Blackberry.

3. I like the email reminders. Use this to send an email to my wife to
remember to do something. Had a hard time using Gmail...but finally
got it to work using a service (see thread on this site)
4. Recurring reminders. I have them set up in weekly, monthly and
seasonal reminders (like change oil, pay bills etc.) which I really
like for my personal things.
5. I like how you respond to your customers and this forum. That is
really important..as we want to see the product change and grow based
on our needs as well. Please don't change this...there are plenty of
businesses that ignore their customers.

I could write more....thanks again.
Quinton

[Jonathan Davis]

2009/9/16 petro <pet...@gmail.com>

I'm a Mac user running Windows (via Parallels) all day one for just
one app - MLO.

I am in exactly the same situation :-)

JD

[gadgety]

I've been using MLO for a couple of years, currently the 2.5.1
version. The reason I chose MLO was originally to be able to run it
both on a PC and on a mobile phone, enabling me to bring my lists and
actions with me wherever I go. The main advantage of MLO is its
flexibility. I started running a GTD based system, and have since
progressed to a combination of GTD with Forster's Autofocus. The great
thing about MLO is it adapts to my needs. I havent used the automatic
prioritization algorithm. I like the ability to set as many contexts
as I need on each task, enabling me to use various sorting principles.
The rapid text entry feature is also great, and the ability to color
text is great, too. I also use it as a reference depository. I'm
certain I'm so used to MLO that I take some great features for granted
and therefore forget to mention them. The able to expand list items
with notes is one such feature. One feature I would like to see added
is some type of password protection so that I could keep sensitive
information in the files.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from: http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/ea907c6b1e6068d3#
From: motto <jmotl...@gmail.com>

-----
I like that the application does not get sticky. Everything I need it
to do, it does, or does it without me asking.

I probably don't use it quite to the extent that I could, but the
simple outline, utilizing projects and having the ability to instruct
it to sync with my Outlook for a daily updated task list is fantastic.

Thanks and keep up the good work!
---

[nschm873]

There are three filter features that I really like and use in MLO and
they are the "sort", "advanced setup feature" and the "group" filter

Sort

It is almost impossible to get a software task planner to get the
order of the tasks in the way you prefer. This is because priority of
tasks is such a uniquely personal preference. What should be listed
first "the task that will save your company the most money?" or "the
task you committed to having accomplished by a certain date to some
mid level manager in some random department?"

In the filter section of MLO you can select "sorting" by a number of
different methods. I want to see tasks that I committed to being
completed by certain dates first and then see tasks by importance.
You can do that by the "sort" feature. Of course there are a lot of
other options for people that need prioritization using other
methods. This one just works really well for me.

Advanced setup feature

The first rule on organization I learned in high school was "write it
down". The second rule I learned was to take my individual "things to
do" and put them in two piles; "things I am working on" and "things to
be done in the future." The second pile I was taught to not worry
about (or even look at) until I had finished enough things in the
first pile to need to add something to it. MLO gives you that ability
to filter out "@someday" context projects.with the advanced filter
feature "context does not contain". You can then have another select
view that only shows the @someday context tasks and projects. The
technique of "not getting any visual reminders for things you aren't
working on to help you not stress out about them" is a good one and
MLO helps you do that.

Groiup

I originally purchased MLO for helping me at work. But I soon found
that I liked the "recurrence" ability to schedule "home stuff". As an
example, I hate having to remember to pay the second property tax
bill in September when you get both bills in March. There is too much
added stress with me when I start getting afraid of forgetting to do
something. Now with recurring tasks set for the correct days or
months with enough lead time I no longer worry about stuff like
that.

So I now use MLO for both home and work tasks. To do that in the todo
section I use the "group" filter. I have a "top parent" for Home and
one for Work. You can have others like "Volunteering" or whatever.
Then your todo lists views can be grouped by the "top parent" You can
then "close home and open work while at work" and do the reverse at
home. Again it might be symbolic but closing what you shouldn't be
worrying about at the current moment and only focusing on what you
should be dealing with is a really nice feature and MLO helps me do
that.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from Rainer:

----------
What I really like about MLO is the sophisticated prioritization of
tasks which helps me in keeping a better work-life-balance. What's
been also quite helpful for me is the colored sidebar which allow me
to see at a glance which 'hat' I need to give more focus on that day
(such as business, family, community, sports etc.). One of the first
reasons I bought MLO, however, has been the ability to sync with a
Palm PDA. I got rid of that way of organizing my life in the meantime,
but since then MLO has become even more important for me.

I also like a lot the different views, the filtering and especially
the filtering using functions. I also use quite often the context and
plan to use icons more in the near future. However, it took me some
time to find out how these icons work and where they are placed. If
you have worked it out it's a very nice feature though.

I used to be very chaotic in task management, changing between brain
memory, paper, some PC applications and whatsoever almost every day
(believe it or not - it worked for me very well on the short-term).
Now with MLO I got more structured and a working task management not
only for short-term but also for long-term and routines. Thanks for
that, Andrey!

Cheers,
Rainer from Frankonia/Germany

[Pavel Borkovec]

There is a couple of small things I like about MLO:

- MLO is portable: I can take it with me on USB stick
- the sync with PocketPC version: I have my tasks all the time with me
- customization: so far I have not found anything I could set up the
way I want

I use MLO both at work as well as at home and it replaced all other
ways of keeping track of what needs to get done. With PocketPC and the
right context I could even use it as a shopping list :)

PB

[Simon G Upton]

My 2c worth, from a few years of use:
- Flexibility: I can configure and use MLO completely differently to
suit my home and work situations, big dumping ground at home vs
dynamic and quick moving at work
- Task Notes: I use this for accumulating snatches of conversations,
key parts of emails etc to keep a running log for a specific item, but
still within an outline structure. As a professional Project Manager I
find this really useful to be able to keep many more threads going
than I could with any other tool (and like others I tried a number)
- Like others: Light on resources, fast!, autosave when swap windows,
very stable, responsive developers
- Simplicity of interface combined with depth of features, not getting
bloated (*please* keep it that way)

A number of other PM's have noticed me using this at work over the
last couple of years and asked about it, no-one has failed to be
impressed, and none have ever said "not as good as product x".

All round just great

[Nick.Ross.UK]

What I really like about MLO...

1) Very easy to use - with a very clean interface
2) I can organise my next actions underneath projects (and sub-
projects)
3) The Rapid Input panel is a lifesaver - note it down and forget
4) Outlook Sync has been useful (although looking forward to the over-
the-air sync so I don't need to use Outlook as a 'middle-man')

and finally...

5) It just works. I don't need to think about using it.

Thank you Andrey - looking forward to the iPhone version so I can make
my lists properly portable ;)

Nick

On Nov 25, 8:53 am, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"

[F.C.G.]

I like the SIMPLICITY of MLO....

I've used several programs for organizing project tasks along several
years, but I usually left using them because they were toooo
complicated and boring to use...

With MLO it's all simple, current tasks, groups, order... sync with my
pda...

I hope it will maintain its simplicity in the future.

[rpl]

The first thing which makes MLO so useful for me is the fundamental
tree structure. Being able to add sub tasks to main tasks and sub
tasks
to sub tasks really helps not only organisation but also helps to
sharpen my thinking.

In addition, many of the features which have already been mentioned
here
make MLO just an excellent product: simplicity, task notes, back-up,
USB
capability and the aspect I particularly like is the keyboard
shortcuts which
make it so easy to input and manage.

I can't think of any new features I would like to request : ) Though
if it becomes
available on the iPhone I shall probably buy an iPhone! That's how
much
I like it! : )

[Floppy66]

- it is a light-weight and fast application
- that it runs from usb stick!!
- i can configure it the way i want, so that it meets all my needs at
home and at work!!
- the simple and intuitive user interface
- the number of features
- To-Do Views
- XML export formats!!!

Best regards,
Dirk Weirowski

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from other thread:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/b7c6993a3253393b/

----------
From Lisa Stroyan

I just wanted to chime in on this thread after spending hours
fighting with buggy overpriced software... I LOVE that MLO is so
dependable. I think it's one of the least buggy, most reliable
software I have ever seen (and I was a software developer - I seem to
find bugs that no-one else can - maybe it's my special talent
:). I really love the complex, well designed features, but if it
didn't work as well as it does, that wouldn't matter nearly as
much. I know we don't mention it much, so I just had to comment.

But man, I would jump through hoops to get my hands on an Android
version right now!!!

Lisa

----------
Lisa Stroyan, mailto:lstro...@gmail.com
www.empathic-parenting.com

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from other thread:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/b7c6993a3253393b

-------
From MATSURU

Hi everyone~!

I started using MLO about 1 month ago. As a trial user, I am looking
for a tree-like list manager to implement GTD. Previously, I am using
another freeware which serves me good but then, I needed more and
decided to give MLO a try.

This is not the first time i stumble upon MLO. I've seen and tried
MLO about 1 year + ago when I started GTD. at first, I find MLO to be
complicated, with too many options and functions. It is confusing to
me and I uninstalled it and move on to something else.

During that period of time, I went through various GTD practise
methods and read whatever I can find regarding GTD to improve myself.
And on and on, I keep on seeing people highly recommended MLO as a GTD
tool. Until recently, I decided to check MLO out again. Seeing there's
a 45 days trail, I jump ship and install both Windows Mobile version
on my IPAQ 210 and Windows desktop version on my Laptop. To my
surprise, MLO syncs perfectly, instead of file sync, MLO is actually
item sync. This is a pleasant surprise! Now I need not to worry about
accidentally replacing new file with old file. :)

Another thing I like about MLO is the TO-DO view where I can
customise and see my next actions based on contexts or any other
category i specified. :)

There are alot more features of MLO that I haven't realy explored
yet. As I explained above, MLO is a "complicated" software which
delivers more than you ever need for GTD and life implimentation. I
truely believe that in the future, there will be more users and there
will be better MLO versions, to serve us all!

1 suggestions/question, nowadays mobile devices seem to move towards
the stylus-less captivative screen direction. Any plans to develop a
stylus-less finger friendly version of MLO, anytime soon? I asked
because I am eyeing on HTC HD2 windows phone. I wish MLO can be as
useful without stylus if I migrate to another phone. :)

That's all for now. Thanks for reading! :)

[davew]

Hi!

I just wanted to send a few words of well-deserved praise regarding
your work.

After exploring several other task management programs, I settled upon
My Life Organized over a year ago, and it remains one of my most
useful tools. I’ve even recommended it to some of my strategic life
coaching clients who wish to organize their time and improve life
balance. I especially appreciate the text parsing feature—a great time
saver!

Many thanks, and keep up the excellent work.

Dave Wheitner
idealistcoach.com

[Earwig oh again]

Matsuru,

I couldn't be happier with my HD2, having replaced my iphone with it a
couple of months ago. I couldn't get on with the limitations of the
iphone's OS and the fact that there was no MLO app! or anything that
came close.

As you've no doubt seen in numerous reviews, HTC have done away with
the fiddliness of Windows Mobile by skinning it beyond recognition,
and that combined with the larger screen means that MLO for PPC works
on it very nicely thank you. Starring tasks and the like can still be
a bit fiddly but viewing the program and/or entering tasks via the
ppc's own rapid entry link is perfectly acceptable for me.

The only downside with the HD2 for me is that the keyboard takes
rather more getting used to than HTC may care to admit. Unless it's
me.

Hope this helps,

Ian

On Dec 30 2009, 1:37 pm, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"
<for...@myLifeOrganized.net> wrote:
> Forwarding here from other thread:http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/b...

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Re-posting here from Ron Stockfleth:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/b297a579096198d1#

--------
In April I will become a 5-year user of MLO. ... That's what I love
about MLO, 12,000 tasks in a 1 MB data file and MLO
is still lightning quick!
----

[MLOSus]

... in addition to all the features mentioned above that I like in
MyLifeOrganized, there is the new "starred" feature which really makes
it easy to plan my day on the PPC.

I didn't think it was possible to improve such a good software, but
with every new version, I have a good surprise!

Susanne (using MLO since July 2006)

[Steve Wynn]

This is easy for me to answer, flexibility is what I really like about MyLifeOrganized (MLO).  No matter what system I decide to use, Gettings Things Done (GTD), Do It Tomorrow (DIT), Autofocus (AF), Franklin Covey (Covey) or some hybrid inbetween - MLO can accomodate my requirements.  More importantly I can retain some sense of balance/order while I try different systems and methods.  A change in system in MLO can be as simple as defining a 'new view' on existing data.  The hard work is done, you have all the data to hand.  Everything is in MLO.  That is what I really like about MLO, the flexibility that allows you to take the same data and display it in very different ways to suit very different systems.

 

All the best

Steve

[ssintay]

I should also add that I love the keyboard shortcuts.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from Mike:
-----
I never send these kinds of emails but I bought your app about a month
ago and think it's simply amazing. It works exactly as I would expect
it to - it's very easy to use yet powerful. And I haven't used half
the features yet either.

Thanks for a great product!

Mike
-----

[Anton Tsvetkov]

I like rich functionality, overall speed.
I often use it not to forget about smth (e.g. on the road). So i use
quick task add (on both pc and ppc) with lexical parsing (smth like:
"call to friend remind in 15 min") - very useful.
Using custom colors helps me to analyze my tasks.
From time to time i print pocket-mod sheet and use pencil for an
additional marks.
Task dependencies and tree-view are very good features also. I think i
use about 70% of the features. Tried outlook sync, but it was too
complicated, cause tasks have various of setting, outlook is not able
to use trees, etc.
Thank you for great software!
// using MLO since Feb 2009

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from Ladislav:

----------
this software is what makes the smart phones powerful .Without it I
would not use my HTC Touch PRO2 so much . Without MLO was my daytime,
projects, goals... just.unrealised tangle.
MLO helps with my life being organised but together not be slave of
digi world - anyone can decide how much of it he/she use MLO helps me
keep my training session for my kids ready, dated, with me (pocket
version) and organised (I am soccer coach in my free
time..)
I like MLO for same reasons like peaople say here, I am not searching
for better product any more , I never sent any appreciate email but
MLO deserve it. I dont know how is MLO bussines management and
marketing but it should deserve to become world famous ....

...

Ladislav Chovanec (Czech Republic)
---------------

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[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Forwarding here from HyannisJohn:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/65567544644fc042#

"Just wanted to say that your addition of manual sorting has made a
world of difference to me. I now am one step closer to "using" this
tool in the same way I "think". I spent an inordinate amount of time
trying to defeat the automatic sorting. thank you for this simple
little addition!"

[Anthony]

In my opinion, the three main advantages of MLO are:
1. Exceptionally thought-out user interface (many key features and
small tricks are already inside)
2. The possibility to customize this user interface to meet my own
needs and practices.
3. PocketPC synchronization and a real working program on my PPC, not
a poor excuse for the Big Brother version, like Pocket Outlook is, but
a really helpful thing.

The features I like the best are of course customizable views of ToDo
list, so simple and so powerful checkboxes in "Task To-Do Visibility",
one-click changing the task to a project and automatic calculation of
percentage of its completion, task dependencies, customizable
shortcuts, ability to assign a custom icon to the context (have
managed to show a nice green frog near the tasks which are unpleasant
for me ;) and many others.

So thanks a lot for a great life management tool which is always
available wherever I am.

[DaMaul]

I've been using MLO for over 4 years now, and use it for all sorts of
different things as well as the usual TODO list:

* Brainstorming - I'm a video game designer and I use the outline view
to create new ideas & designs. It's really useful being able to group
similar ideas together. I guess I use it like a mind map, but much
quicker.
* Keeping a diary - I like to keep track of what I do each day, as I'm
getting older & my memory isn't what it used to be :-) I have a folder
in MLO that contains a subfolder for year, then a sub-folder for each
month, then a sub-folder for each day. Underneath that I keep an item
for everything notable I did on that day. Obviously I mark the whole
branch as hidden so it doesn't show up in the todo list!
* Storing important data - Like bank logins & software registration
codes

I keep everything in a single data file which I synchronize between
work & home using a USB stick. I used to use dropbox by my company
outlawed the use of such programs! Really looking forward to the cloud
sync & iPhone app, they're just what I've been waiting for!

I've tried using other organisational tools such as Remember The Milk
& ToodleDo, but I always end up coming back to MLO. It's just the most
flexible tool of its type!

[Steve]

I've been using MLO for about 2 years. I'm an IT project manager, so
the application helps me store, manage and process all the tasks I
have on the go. Once I have brain dumped everything into MLO, my mind
is free to concentrate on the task at hand. I also use the app to
organise my personal life. I've recently upgraded to the latest
version and am loving it!

Specific features I love:

* USB stick. I can work on up to 4 different PCs/laptops in any given
week and I may not always have internet connectivity (e.g. on the
plane). Having the whole app and database on my USB stick means I can
use it anywhere.
* Tree structure interface and user defined filter and sorting. This
accurately reflects how my mind works, so I never feel like I am
fighting the application.
* Quick task entry. My mind often goes on tangents and I my focus can
wander off to look at some new idea that I've just had or thing that I
need to remember to do. With MLO I can pop it into the quick task
entry and forget about it until a more appropriate time.
* Search. This is invaluable as sometimes I foget where a specific
task is stored in the tree.
* Starring tasks. I use this to set my 3 most important tasks for the
day and my custom to do view/filter puts them at the top of my list.

Thanks for a great application and keep up the good work!

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Re-posting here from Sam:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/c37297636b720842#

-----
I use MLO at work to help me keep track of projects, I usually have
between 15 and 20 similar projects running at any one time, it is very
easy to get mixed up and lost. This is where MLO comes in.

I particularly like:
- Drag and drop from outlook
- Task Notes
- Can customise everything to suit your needs.
- USB portability
- Rapid task entry
- The huge manual

You can make this software as simple or as complex as you want, it
will take a little bit of time to configure it the way you want but
when you have it will serve you well.

Sam
--------

[Roble]

I use MLO at work where I manage a large team in IT and need to keep
track of lots of different types of items: managerial, project,
tactical. It is indispensible as both an outliner and to-do list, and
the latter reminds me of my true priorities thanks to the computed
scoring algorithms. I also use MLO at home to manage my artisitc
career and personal/practical life. The ability to customise and adapt
the application to serve particular requirements is fantastic. I say
all this after using the product for three years - and recognise there
still much more functionality and customisation to leverage.

Regards, Robert Fitzmaurice www.robertfitzmaurice.co.uk

On Aug 10, 12:37 pm, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"
<for...@myLifeOrganized.net> wrote:
> Re-posting here from Sam:http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/c...

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Re-posting here from neilh:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/1161d03cae645b0b#

-----------

Firstly - thank you for implementing cloud sync: you're about to
change my life again! When I first discovered MLO it transformed my
self-management at work, but I never had a complete view of personal
projects because I couldn't use the same file at work/home (corporate
restrictions on FTP prevented my own cloud sync and writing to USB
files is prevented, so couldn't transport my file). I have been on a
high for the last 24 hours since discovering that the cloud sync works
from home and work!
...

neilh
---------

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Re-posting here from Bill:
http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/68351fd9ee3fd7a1#
--------------
As a software architect and developer and being interested in finding
a comprehensive solution for my task-focused life I have often
contemplated developing a solution.

I think the best compliment I can offer is that had I had the time,
MyLifeOrganized is exactly how I would have done it.

Bill
-------------

On Aug 18, 12:04 pm, "Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)"
<for...@myLifeOrganized.net> wrote:
> Re-posting here from neilh:http://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/browse_thread/thread/1...

[007]

I think one of the features I'm going to really like that I'm just
starting to use is the ability to easily move information back and
forth from MindJet Mindmapping to MLO and back. I'm pleased with
cloud synching and keeping the versions current on different
computers, whether at work, home or in the car on my netbook. I'm
also please MLO is developing for the iphone. It will be an
outstanding combination when abailable.

[Stephen J]

I have been using MLO for a few years now and I run my life by it. It
is always open on my computer and PPC for reference. The things that
really work for me is the way that you can structure your data with
projects, next steps, contexts, start and due dates and headings so
that only those items you can do now show up on the to do list.

I have my data under different headings that relate to my major
contexts. This means that it is easy to process a task because as I
drag it under the relevant heading it adopts the correct context.

I also break up the time frames for my data by having sub headings for
current and scheduled items, items on the tee (start date next
Monday), Items on the horizon (start date 4 weeks) and items over the
horizon (start date 3 months). This allows me to keep my list short,
but I do need to review my data regularly to make sure that I am
focusing on the right things. Anything that has a hard due date will
be in the scheduled section.

I have not used views too extendsively because I want to be consistent
between PPC and Computer. I can see the same to do list on both. I
have a couple of views for planning and review just on my computer.

I do not use the manual sorting or star views because I really like
the concept of the computed score. I can keep my list short by using
start dates and review for what I need to do next understanding that
they are roughly sorted by importance. I also use the auto formatting
and icons in my theme to help me see where items fit in.

Since i have been using MLO, I really appreciate the way that Andrey
keeps developing the product and have seen a lot of improvements over
the years.

I am an avid reader of the forum for hints and tips but I have not
found the need to post very often. When I have the response from
Andrey has always been good.

I don't understand the forthright opinions about where the product
should head. No problems making suggestions or feature requests. But
surely it is up to Andrey to determine the most marketable areas to
enhance the product. For me it is what it is. My particular workflow
is no doubt different to others. I probably use part GTD, part DIT
part Covey etc etc but I just use the program as a tool to help my
workflow. If it didn't work for me I would look for something else.

Keep up the good work Andrey.

[Peter van Lieshout]

Last may I started to get introduce myself in the the GTD methodoloy
of David Allen, but then I needed a reliable system to structure my
items and create easy view. In that period I tried some software and
collected all my items. Not happy with the tools I used eventually I
found MLO.

It really fits to my needs and although I used a GTD template from the
beginning I tried to solve of the structuring with the tree structure.
However the better I understood MLO the simpler the tree could be and
the more you can solve with contexts. In opposite of a few other tools
this one is reliable and very multifunctional. To put all your topics
and items to a system, for both profession and privat live you really
have to trust it. Then you can really relax.
To help me keep my content I store it also in the Cloud. I am really
happy with that facility.

I almost use every feature of the programme except for the
prioritising part (yet). Although I think it is very powerful as well,
but I expect to grow to it gradually.
The customisable views are one of the best features in my opinion. I
manage a software development department with a lot of projects and
people. Collecting true time al the (non) direct issues and items in
MLO and tag them with a persons name I can print my meeting agenda in
a second. I never lose a topic in that way and it saves me a lot op
preparation time.

Every now and then I discover new possibilities. Also the
autoformatting of the entries is helpfull and I use them for my
monthly reporting as well as for highlighting topics based on user
defined rules. Love that one too.

I am very pleased about the service so far. Questions get very fast
and clear replies.

Looking forward now to the Andriod version.

Great job Andrey and thanks for this really useful tooling.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Peter, Stephen

I REALLY appreciate your thoughtful and detailed reviews. Energized to
improve MLO even better :) !

Andrey.

On Oct 13, 6:07 pm, Peter van Lieshout <yoga.heemsk...@gmail.com>
wrote:

[Sabrina]

I just started using MLO the past few days.  I use Mark Forster's Final Version and I LOVE the ctrl-click option of MLO.  I also love the flexibility and customizability of the program - everything from hot keys to asthetics to behaviour.  Also love that I can install it on a USB key.  Keep up the good work!

On Wednesday, 16 September 2009 04:55:35 UTC-4, Andrey Tkachuk (MLO) wrote:

Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
MyLifeOrganized application.

The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)

So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
way.
Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
thread!

Andrey.
www.mylifeorganized.net
P.S. And as always you can say what you want to be improved in other
forum threads, feature requests etc.

On Wednesday, 16 September 2009 04:55:35 UTC-4, Andrey Tkachuk (MLO) wrote:

Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
MyLifeOrganized application.

The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)

So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
way.
Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
thread!

Andrey.
www.mylifeorganized.net
P.S. And as always you can say what you want to be improved in other
forum threads, feature requests etc.

[Holmes245]

Sabrina's response to the post brought it to the forefront again. I had forgotten that this was here so I would like to post what I like about MLO because MLO is unique in what it does in my opinion and I'm always finding new features. In a few instances, MLO had "saved me" from disasters when I've been in situations where I need to be organized. Today I needed to schedule a lot of to do's for a home project but didn't want all my actions for this project to show up in my to do list. It was then that I remembered that I could hide the branch in the to do list. I love the zoom-in feature. It's like going into focus mode and tackling that immediate project without everything that's not relevant. I'm a college student so I use it for school as well to record the assignments off my class sylabus and enter the start and due dates. This has the added benefit of making me much more aware of what is expected in the following semester. There literally is so much in MLO that has helped me that I can't list it here so just wanted to give a shout out to Andrey and the team. I think you guys are getting it right on so many counts in what a personal task manager should and aught to do. It also syncs quickly with my MLO android app and adds a lot of value to having a mobile phone than I believe I would have otherwise.

You know, a few days ago I had inquired into MLO version 4 for Windows but I can wait because I really do and am getting a lot out of MLO v.3 as it is so  keep up the good work guys and here's to MLO v.4 (when it comes).

Joel

[MARIAM IBRAHIM]

Hello Andrey,

I've took about several month to get connected wit the right person who create MLO. My dear Andrey could you please assist me by giving a detail explanation on how to purchase this product, how to download and if i have any inquiries what should i do. I like MLO and try to implemented in my office system but feel unsecure when its so difficult to get info and feedback from blog and community. Please return my message ok.   

[CTenorman]

I love nearly everything about MLO - it's so incredibly powerful, yet so fast and agile. It truly has changed my life and how I work - thank you for this incredible product!!

Oddly enough I think I fall into the category of someone who is incredibly happy with it and also has feature requests and bug reports. Just like we're always pushing the ones we love to be the best they can, so too with the software we care about. 

Keep up the great work!

[Bedrudin]

Dear Andrey, dear MLO-Team, dear community,

I have been using MLO since 2009 now. I'm using it for writing down everything I must do or I want to do, in business life as well as in home life. And I'm writing down useful information I want to remember in my outline, too. I use the same outline for work and for personal life  (having a root item for work and another for personal).

• I really like performance of MLO: my outline has a lot of items and is working fast on desktop as well as on the iPhone in spite of that big amount of items
• I really like the cloud syncing which allows me to work on different devices (my PC at home, my PC at the office, my mobile phone (iPhone)).
• I really like the multiple platform support. When I started using MLO in 2009 I was using a palm (Palm OS was near to its end at this time). I tried MLO on the desktop and wanted to use it on a mobile version, too.  There was only a mobile version for windows mobile. I bought a windows mobile phone and used it. It was ok and I lived with it due to a lack of alternvatives. But I didn't like Windows mobile for several reasons and then was so happy that an iPhone version was developed. And if some day I decide that I don't want to use iPhone anymore and use an Android device, than I can continue using MLO having a mobile version with me. Great!
  
• I really like the ability to edit multiple items at the same time. For example I have 10 recurring items that are overdue and I want to skip all occurences up to today, than I can do it with one operation (Selecting the then items, and clicking the "skip occurence" in the details pane, finally confirming the popup by pressing ok - done).
• And finally: I really like this google group here. I've learned so much here and got so many ideas how to get out more from MLO. Stop asking about MLO 4.0 and start using the plenty features of MLO that are already there in Version 3.X. Buy a good book about organizing your work and time (Like Getting things done or something similar), read this google group (you may register for the daily mail notification), ask questions here, and you will be happy how good MLO supports and fits your needs already!

Regards,

Bedrudin

[robisme]

What I like or what I love?

modify several task in a sing clic,

moving trees and subtrees easily

auto-format rules

hotkeys

context included by other context

hide in todo

flags

outlook items links, drag and drop them

speed

and a lot of other little things that make this app so ergonomic : the only time you could waste using it, is because it makes you dive into a fascinating world, and there is so much things to read on the web about GTD and other stuff, that you end up "organizing your organization" !

[CTenorman]

I want to kiss whoever came up with the idea to have the starred list be an ordered list on both android and desktop - and have that order sync!!!! It's absolutely brilliant, and I can't thank you enough! :)

[pottster]

It was me. Pucker up ;-)

[emuelle1]

I like the ability to repeat tasks, yet skip an occurrence without having to delete and recreate the task. I'd love to see the skip occurrence show up in the iPhone version.

[m...@grantsmiths.org]

Hi, Wolfgang. There are probably better ways of finding the name and address of the MLO developer but if you look at

https://groups.google.com/group/mylifeorganized/tree/browse_frm/month/2005-03/3a3eae41b1c52cb7?rnum=21&_done=%2Fgroup%2Fmylifeorganized%2Fbrowse_frm%2Fmonth%2F2005-03%3F

you will see

“Andrey Tkachuk, Ukraine”

 

From: mylifeo...@googlegroups.com [mailto:mylifeo...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Wolfgang
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 3:17 PM
To: mylifeo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [MLO] Re: What I really LIKE about MyLifeOrganized!

 

I've discovered MLO a few days ago and use it on Windows and Android.  This is the first GTD software that satisfies all my requirements (have tried paper, Outlook activity lists, Outlook add-in, ThinkingRock)!

- Syncs with Outlook and Android (over WiFi)
- Allows GTD + Covey setup
- Is flexible enough to support my personal style of doing things (structure and process)
- Superb recurrence feature
- Customizable (filters, formatting)
- Easy and motivating to use (and yes, if all else fails, reading the manual helps)
- and many more things I don't even use yet

At the moment, I can't think of any features I'm missing (and that says something...).  Maybe some more information about your company (I haven't been able to find any name or address, which happens to be illegal in some countries - if you're based there - and doesn't inspire confidence).

Wolfgang

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[kitus]

Hi there,

I love MLO. Atter droping it and going out to check other products, I'm back using it yet again for the 5th time (at least).

I wonder if there is any thread in which we can indicate what we don't like. It would be fair to have both sorts of threads, right?

Best wishes,

[Lisa Stroyan]

Anyone can create new threads; they really are just emails/posts grouped by subject line. (For those of you reading on the web, did you know you can interact with the group entirely over email? Send emails/replies to mylifeo...@googlegroups.com). However, I don't think it is effective to have a bunch of dislikes bunched under a single subject.  It's better to either start a new subject / thread with what (and how) you would like to see something improved, post it to or vote for it on mlo.uservoice.com, especially if it has been discussed to death on the forums, such as adding calendar functionality. (This group has almost 4000 members...not the best forum to "vote" for missing features that have already been discussed as it's "preaching to the choir").

Lisa

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Lisa

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Lisa Stroyan, mailto: lstr...@gmail.com

[JohnP]

I've been a user for over 5 years and I love

- dumping my mind into the Outline View, especially using Rapid Task Entry with switches
- very flexible Next Action views e.g. due today, start next few days, goals
- ability to have a list of all my projects to help with weekly review
- dropping Outlook email as a task - either by dragging or emailing in
- Cloud Sync between devices
- iPad app so I can review/add whilst on the London Underground

Keep up the excellent work !!

John

[Stephen Jones]

I have been using MLO for around 7 or 8 years now and it is the software that I use most in my life. It is always open on my laptop and my phone when I am out and about. It is by far the best personal organiser software that I have seen. One of the real features of the software is the flexibility that it has. I have changed the structure of my data a number of times over the years and each time I have been able to adapt MLO to get it to work just how I want it. There are a whole range of features that I like but the bit that got me to buy in the first place was the to do list with only next actions on it. Add to that the sorting by Computed Score and this gives a great basis for my to do list. This ability to Outline in one section and then have a to do list based on next actions for me is what makes it a powerful tool.

Over the years I have seen the product develop and have been very happy with each new version as it comes out. The Android version has been a plus for me as I changed phones last year and I love the ability to always have my MLO with me.

I use this program so much I have certainly always got my moneys worth and have no hesitation in paying for upgrades as they are developed.

Keep up the good work Andrey.

PS also a thankyou to all who have posted on this forum. I have been reading it almost daily from the time I first got the software. I have not posted very often but have got some great insights from your postings and thoughts and I appreciate you taking the time to put your ideas forward.

[Eli]

Goodness, almost too many things I like to list them all.

Here are a few of my favorites:
- The tree format and functionality is awesome - blows away every other task tree I've ever tried as far as subtasks, folders, projects, etc. all working well together.

- The custom formatting and themes are pretty awesome too - very versatile for setting it up visually in a way that is most efficient for yourself to see what's up at a glance.

- The way the filters are set up is also amazing - particularly the advanced setup with the custom rules and sub-rules are very impressive.  That's said both as a software developer, and a user.

- I really like the way almost everything shows up on the main form at once, but it's not crowded.

- The keyboard shortcuts and overall usability are very nice.  It's a very comfortable program to work with.

- I could go on all day, but will leave it at that.

[Ram Rachum]

One of my favorite things in MLO is how easily it can be controlled with the keyboard. This allows using MLO really quickly without using the mouse and inducing RSI.

[David Rees]

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013 8:55:01 AM UTC-7, Jeremy Dodd wrote:

I’m using the trial version until my time is up (might as well milk the free time while I can), but I wanted to thank you for making such great software available to PC users. I never thought I’d find something as good as OmniFocus, and it turns out I was right: I found something much, much better!

Yeah, I wish OmniFocus would catch up a bit more (I'm on a Mac), but it stills missing things as basic as priorities and OmiOutliner still doesn't have filtering...     

[testor...@gmail.com]

The outline feature is truly unique and very special.  I've seen nothing like it out there. It lets you integrate the "what to do piece" of planning with the "how are you going to get it done" piece is really powerful and that happens through the organizer. 

[Alice K.]

I really like how it's speedy instead of relying on heavy new fashionable design that looks nice, but in the end, it's not what you need the personal management tool for. 

This is why it stands out. The only application of this kind that I didn't give up on quickly.

Apart from this, it's simply very convenient and functional, easy to use even without knowing all its functions, which are actually great, easy to find, easy to learn and incredibly useful, when you need them.

The only thing I'm currently missing is the "context" feature, which I know exists in MLO, but I haven't yet figured out how to use it. Not critical, I must say, but I'm sure when I take my time to learn about it, it will add to the overall great experience of using this app.

Thank you!

[Christoph]

I just bought MLO Pro because it does a lot of things right and it's a pleasure for me to support its further development. Here are some of the things I really like:

• The Windows desktop version has a super slick, clean, easy to use and fast UI.
• The Android version is also great and synchronizes nicely via WLAN.
• I like the feature to synchronize selected branches via Dropbox.
• Arbitrarily deep hierarchy of folders, projects, subtasks.
• Separation between review/organization mode (Outline) and action mode (ToDo).
• Ingenious "computer score" sorting and hiding of non-actionable tasks in ToDo mode.
• Tasks or projects can be "goals" with horizons of week, month or year.
• Due date and start date (that's crucial, most other programs have only a due date).
• The "review date" and "Mark review" feature.
• Custom views with complex filter conditions.
• Contexts which can be bound to real geo location and time restrictions.
• The obvious love to details in the implementation.
  

This is so far the most well-thought-out and most well-implemented ToDo Manager I have tried out on Windows (and I have tried out a lot).

Of course, as a perfectionist I still find a few things to improve and optimize and you can be sure I'll bring them up on the mailing list. But overall I'm really impressed - MLO got me hooked.

[Erich Angermayr]

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 4:55:35 AM UTC-4, Andrey Tkachuk (MLO) wrote:

Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
MyLifeOrganized application.

The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)

So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
way.
Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
thread!

Andrey.
www.mylifeorganized.net
P.S. And as always you can say what you want to be improved in other
forum threads, feature requests etc.

I'm using MLO since years for a good reason: it's probably one of the best, if not THE best task outliner on the market.

What I especially like is that the synchronization between mobile and desktop app works flawless in both directions. And that includes recurring tasks, which is where other apps frequently have problems or limitations.

While there is still room for improvement, MLO is an excellent application. For newbies I recommend to read David Allens 'Getting Things Done' book for better understanding of the concept - you will get more out of MLO.

Erich 

[Kent]

I really like MLO (Desktop, iPhone, Android -- and Cloud Syncing) for many reasons.  Some of the main ones:

1. The developers (Andrey and team) release quality software with very good quality control.  Even the beta versions are quite stable.  I have never worried about losing data or dealt with recurring crashes. 
2. The syncronization between desktop and mobile creates an environment to "get things done" that is unmatched.  The desktop is extremely powerful and ideal for data entry, processing, large reviews, etc.  The mobile versions are great for execution -- the daily doing of tasks.  Most competing programs, even if they do sync to a desktop version, limit the feature set to a "dumbed down" mobile version, whereas MLO has a powerful and nuanced desktop version that syncs the most important fields to the more streamlined mobile versions.
3. I've looked at other software -- but none can match MLO's features and flexibility -- all backed up by a development team that never stops innovating.
4. MLO is very cost effective.  While it may not be the cheapest software available, it is extremely inexpensive for what you get.

[Andrey Tkachuk (MLO)]

Re-posting here from Steve:
------
I have used MLO on Windows and Blackberry for several years and it is still my favorite program - even after more than 20 years of doing professional organizing / task management work and support for my company. Now I have switched to Android (Samsung Galaxy S III) and I want to thank MLO support - specifically Alexandra B for her AMAZING support. I had constant questions for more than 3 days straight, and each time I emailed Alexandra - within a very short time, she emailed me right back with the perfect solution for my question. Thank you Alexandra - you are the BEST!
-------
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/mylifeorganized/G0C1AETFDQo

[Poornima YK]

Hi,

I love that one click seamless integration with Outlook, next actions by location - which is actually starting to work for me in India ( a lot of location based stuff on Android otherwise refuses to work :(  and the fact that I can put a lot of random things like movies I want to watch in a folder and ask it not to show in Tasks)

Poornima

[robisme (Olivier R)]

Hi,

I absolutly love the new filter feature, notably in the windows Move and Dependency.

Its a great time saving.

Generally speaking, the ergonomy of MLO is premium and a daily source of satisfaction.

I often find myself saying "wow, this software is really great", each time I found this particular behavior or feature that saves me time and effort, and almoust gives me joy.

Olivier

[Brian Cohen]

I have decided to basically settle on MLO after a long track of bouncng between various GTD apps, looking for the perfect environment.  I always seem to come back to MLO, as soon after I move away from it, I miss various features other GTD apps are missing.  It always seems MLO's pluses far out-weight it's negatives, chiefly being MLO being only on the Windows platform.  This reason is often why I decided to move away, but the functionality and usability is so rich, I always come back.  Granted I use both Windows (at work) and a Mac at home, I do have a full personal license of Windows that I run in a Parallels VM.  So that cost of needing a Windows license if you're on a Mac, and the cost of the hypervisor, is surely a barrier for entry for many if your Mac only.   I get that.  But, that being said, Mac users need to find a way to trial MLO, you'll be surprised how much better it is that most Mac GTD apps out there.  Same goes for Web-based GTD apps.

Specifically, I favor MLO for a variety of reasons, this applies to the mobile app(s) as well.  I use Android, so my comparisons below for mobile are based off Android.  the iOS iPhone (and soon to be iPad) versions have leap-frogged Android somewhat in the visuals, but I still find MLO for Android pretty much superior to most of the other Android Task/GTD apps on the Play Store:

- Parallel/sequential project/tasks/subtasks, aka "Complete subtasks in order".  Anytime I try another task app that doesn't have this, I realize I cannot live without it.  Also, being able to hide any task/subtask at will, also great

- start date implementation (tickler, if you will).  I live and die by start dates, and the fact that the default Acitve filter is that both the start date AND start time have to ellapse is phenomenal.  Most other apps that implment start dates/ticklers only use the date, and not time.  For me using start times (or having the option to) is crictical.  During the work-week, I always have tons of tasks I need to do when I leave the office or at home, and I don't want even see them until mayb 4:30pm...I want to keep my distractions down.

- Reminders, tons of options, syncs to mobile devices.  And you get local Windows notification, not just an email.

- This has been said MANY times by others on this Group, and is one of the main unique feature of MLO, which is the Outline & Todo modes.  Most GTD and/or advanced task apps one or the other, but not both. And the way they work together in MLO is superb.  In other tasks apps, I usually have to use mutliple contexts and/or tags, along with, if the task app is GTD based, an Areas of Focus category.  In MLO, the Outline mode gives you ultimate flexibility, and you don't then need to overburden you tasks with a million tags (contexts) to organize.  But then you can see you Active Actions as a todo, and further break htat down view Stars, and filters/views.  Yet you know when you look at your Todo list views, behind the scenes everything is organized ultimately in the Outline.

- Related, the configuration and options to set up the views, workspaces, etc, is unparalleled.  Other apps might call it saveed searches or something, but MLO's flexibility to set up either an outline or todo view with the filter/view options is again unique to anything I've seen elsewhere.

- Importance/Urgency "score calculation", as it factors into Active Actions ordering combined with dates (I don't use the Goals feature, but that calculates as well).  This is much more advanced (and better) then simply High, Medium, Low.

- Project implementation.  I love the In Progress, Suspended, Not Started, etc.  THat's how I have my Project view setup by those categories.  I love the % calcualation, taking into consideration the "Effort" value if yo uput one in.  Love how on both Windows and mobile you get the blue bar for how far along you are.  I love how you can send a prepend string ([PROJECT: ]) so you clearly know in your Todo list view this is a project task.  Again, I've seen no other GTD app implement projects as good as this.

- recurrence options.  by due or completion date

- Rapid task entry dialog.  Love how you can just bang-out a quick list right into the Inbox.  Or, you can use it's lexicon to categorize and move the tasks into where you want them to be in the Outline.  

- automatatic formatting.  This is just plain awesome... I can see which tasks are NEW, have notes, etc.  I've totally customized this for myself, adding icons into MLO for Evernote, Gmail, Outlook, so I can quickly see if tasks have assoicated permalinks.  I can quickly tell how many Evernote links I have by scrolling my eyes down the Icons column

- Dragging Outlook emails as tasks, with link back to Outlook email.

- Keyboard shortcuts

- general speed of the app.

- cloud sync.  I do wish on Android it would sync automatically in the background thought :-/

- location based contexts/reminders on Android

-

There is a lot more, that's just off the top of my head.

-Brian

[Holmes245]

I've posted here before but must say again how much I love MLO. MLO has been one of my most often used apps, both Windows and Android, for the past three years. It's just really well thought out and put together. What it does, it does well. I love the addition of the tabs in version 4. It allows me to focus on current projects.

I just recently started using it to track my Kindle reading for example. I read a lot and often read several books at any one time. Because I have so many unread books (not good) but some have a much higher priority (as some are career-relevant for me), I set up a separate list called 'Reading' and pinned it. I copy and pasted my list from my Amazon account and pasted it into MLO using the Rapid Task Entry. After I edited the list in the Rapid Task Entry window, I ported them in. I set up categories as folders and then entered each book into it's appropriate category. I can flag which books I want to read next with colored flags. Books I'm actually reading are starred. That way, I can click on the Starred filter and see my current reading list so I know which books to port to my Kindle device. Just one way that MLO can be used. It was a little bit of a set up (not too much) but since I wanted to get a handle on my reading and filter what was read, I decided to track in MLO. Just one way that MLO is helping me (aside from others). Thanks for the hard work Andrey.

Joel

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 4:55:35 AM UTC-4, Andrey Tkachuk (MLO) wrote:

Please post here a few lines about what you really LIKE about
MyLifeOrganized application.

The happy users are usually quiet and enjoying the software. The
unhappy are posting new feature requests :-)

So let’s keep the balance here – say us what you are using in MLO and
what we did right. Your posts in this thread will help us to
understand what features are frequently used and implemented the right
way.
Newbie may get new information from real users about MLO from this
thread!

This thread is moderated and all discussions not related to the subject will be deleted/moved to other threads.

Thanks!

[AbeG]

After spending some time researching some of the alternatives, there are a few things that I think set MLO apart from the others:

MLO seems to be the only option in its class that offers a full-featured alternative to a hosted/cloud-sync service.  Many of the other GTD-Style applications appear to limit their application features if the cloud option is not used.  For example, an android app might be able to sync a limited set of fields to a google account, but in order to sync all of the fields, one would need to use the developer's cloud service.  In contrast, MLO gives you the option to sync all of your mobile information directly to the desktop application using wifi sync.

Being able to bypass the cloud sync option is important for several reasons.  For many people, cost might be the first thing that comes to mind.  Some might also have concerns about data privacy/security.  I think it's also worth pointing out that owning your own data is important.  At any given point, a given online service may close up shop for one reason or another which means that all of your data would no longer be accessible to you.

[Mun Thung Lew]

I'm a new user, I have been learning MLO features and studying how to use the app to implement my working system for 2 months, hope to boost my productivity in near future. What I like most currently about MLO is that it is sufficient complicated for me to enjoy learning and using the tool in the process.

[Chris Kunicki]

There is a lot I like. But I appreciate two things a lot. First, the program is mature. So many features and so flexible.

Second, the cloud sync with all my devices and local sync with outlook. It allows for harmony with my mobile world and desktop world (outlook) and yet still gives me a very powerful tool for serious weekly reviews (shortcut keys, etc).

Thanks!

[lrando]

I have to apologize, in the past I was unfairly critical of the desktop app. I've been using it off and on for years. But recently I read 'checklist manifesto' and realised that MLO is a great way to manage lots of checklists. Once I got into that paradigm, I have bit the bullet and dug in to learn how to use it. Now I can't see why anyone would want to work without it. So here is a quick list of things I like most about it off the top of my head.

- Its extremely flexible, in fact I'd have to say overwhelmingly flexible.

- Its overwhelmingly feature packed.

- The tab feature to set up permanent views that let you easily clone and modify them on the fly, then either save or get rid of them.

- The speed that you can just search for the name of a list, click on it, and go there for editing.

- The speed and ease of use, once you get past some of the learning curve.

One suggestion before I go.

I think Workflowy has the potential to work like MLO if they go in that direction. 

If not, I wish MLO would use Workflowy as model to implement aspects of the desktop app on the web.

Or maybe use the Phone app as a model for a web version of MLO.

Anyway, I'd like to see a web version that all the various mlo platforms can sync to the way toodledo does.
Please accept my apologies and Keep up the good work.

[lrando]

It gives you a countdown of how many days left in the due date column instead of showing you the date.

[Holmes245]

Those are good thoughts Irando. I think a lot of people find that their case is like yours - they later discover just how feature rich MLO is and realize that they've undervalued its potential. Like you said though, this is because it is so feature rich. Because it is, I suspect many people give up on it before they find out how to use those features. That's why I don't complain as much when the development team is behind on projects like the update to Android. I'm just thankful that there's a program like this that works as it does. When I started using MLO, it was a slow process to discover features. The more I used it, the more I learned about those features. In fact, I'm still learning and discovering more efficient ways to use it. For me, filtering, active actions and the work spaces make doing that much, much easier. Sticking with it, learning how to use it is key to understanding just how useful it could be.

I also like your idea of it working online like Workflowy. I wouldn't be against using it online, like something through the Chrome app store or something like that. 

Joel

[Trish Putnam]

It's unfortunate for me that I've had to look for other solutions - I love MLO, but I've moved to a Windows 8.1 phone and there's no way to use it there.  If there was a web interface, I could still manage even without a native app, but I HAVE to be able to use my task and time management on my phone.

Regards -

Trish Putnam

trish....@gmail.com

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[Holmes245]

Unfortunately, I think the reason Andrey probably hasn't added Windows Phone is that he already has a lot on his plate as it is. Either people are unhappy that he doesn't offer it on every platform or they're unhappy that he can't get around to updating them in a reasonable time. I know what you mean though. In my opinion, if I moved to Windows Phone, it would be a matter of looking at the apps I use and deciding which ones I'm willing to sacrifice. MLO is too valuable to me to drop so I stayed with Android.

Joel

[Trish Putnam]

Yes, I agree, Joel - while I would like a native app for my phone, it's not the highest priority and I fully understand that and support it, though I will continue to ask for it so Andrey knows there is an audience :)

However, a web interface would take care of those of us who are not part of the iPhone/Android ecosystems anymore, as well as people who have chosen other non-Windows/Mac operating systems.

I'm a long-time user, so it was hard to let go, and I do still look at the latest Windows-based releases regularly.  It was also a tough call to move to the Windows phone and leave MLO behind as my daily driver, but there were other things that I gained from my move that made it worthwhile for me.  I am ever-hopeful that something will change and allow me to "come home" though!

Regards -

Trish Putnam

trish....@gmail.com

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mylifeorganized/659dde33-0340-4aec-a0bb-87bdfc3addcc%40googlegroups.com.

[Dwight Arthur]

Hi, Joel. Believe me, I am not trying to disparage Windows Phone or anyone else’s choice of platform, but a recent study (http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp) showed worldwide 2014q2 market share for Windows Phone to be 2.5%, down from year-ago 3.4%. If your ability to feed your children hinged on how many licenses you could sell, these figures would give you pause. On the other hand, Trish’s suggestion of a web version promises to provide less-than-perfect but fully usable access to MLO for Windows phone and many other less-popular platforms.

 

On yet another hand, please note that there’s a recurring discussion about the need to protect the privacy of any user’s task lists. This discussion is pointing towards end-to-end encryption of customer data in the cloud. Anyone using this sort of encryption would in all probability preclude use of a web interface to display and manage cloud data about tasks. I think it should be a choice: you can have encrypted cloud data, or you can have web access to view and manage cloud data, but not both, Pick one.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mylifeorganized/659dde33-0340-4aec-a0bb-87bdfc3addcc%40googlegroups.com.

[Holmes245]

Hey Dwight, actually, I wasn't the one requesting an app for the Windows Phone. It was Trish. I was just explaining that a possible reason (although you list another) was that Andrey has his hands full with development as it was. I have an Android phone.

Joel