GTD with Basecamp?

[Dave Conrad]

I'm curious to see if anyone here is using Basecamp
<http://www.basecamphq.com> for list management. They have a "one
project plan" that is free and seems like it might be a nice solution
for those of us who have to manage GTD from two locations (and two
computers.)

This dilema just drives me nuts. Have a mac at work and a mac at home
and all I want is to be able to edit one list file from both home and
work (and not have to pay $100 for a .mac account!)


--
Dave Conrad

[mamam...@gmail.com]

Why not keep critical list files on a USB thumb drive on your keychain?
Seems like a more reliable option than something that requires you to
be online, and more portable if you need to access it from elsewhere.

[{ nut - megpie }]

I'm using Basecamp for all of my work-related projects, but not so much as a
GTD implementation - I really like being able to access it over the web, and I
have been mulling over how I might be able to integrate it with Tinderbox,
since Basecamp outputs XML and Tinderbox uses it too.

Megan

[JoshD]

I've started using Basecamp for collaboration projects and work for
clients, on a trial basis (so far).

I wouldn't use it for my GTD as a replacement, just because there are
too many things I do that involve not being at a computer (and from
which referring to one would distract me), but as a tool to manage and
track tasks with email between multiple contacts, it's golden.

FWIW, for projects I manage with basecamp, I have a coin envelope with
the project goal on it, and a note to "see basecamp." That keeps my
basecamp projects from falling off the radar when I do a quick
mini-review scan of my project board.

[Dave Conrad]

These are both great ideas!

I'm using basecamp a lot for work so it seems like it might be a okay
extension to make for GTD stuff as well (there are not many situations
where I find myself without an internet connection)

The thumbdrive idea is a great one. Anyone have experiences with those
devices? They seem sort of spendy for what they are...

--
Dave Conrad

[Dennis Fisher]

My thumbdrive is my best friend after my Palm. What kind of
"expeiences" are you looking for?
_______
Dennis

[Jeffrey Long]

try sharemation.com

they have a free webdav server.

[phl...@gmail.com]

I too had this problem.

Here's my hack: get a 256mb flashdrive keychain. I got mine at Amazon
for 25 bucks.

I use TextMate to manage my lists, so I just store all the text files
and the project file on it, and whatever mac I put my keychain into, I
can edit my files with ease.

[Benjaloo]

Dave-
I played with Basecamp a little bit. It's nice in some ways, and you
can't beat the price of the "one project plan" (Free!). However, it
doesn't sync with anything (e.g. Palm), and you can't upload files to
the site on the free plan--you have to pay for that.
If ALL you're looking for is sharing a file or two, how about a USB
keychain flash drive?
Other than .Mac, there are also lots of other webhosting services which
are cheaper--even some free.
Also, if something like Basecamp appeals to you, how about a free blog
(e.g. LiveJournal) or wiki?
Ben

[Kyle Maxwell]

I keep mine on a USB drive that's always with me, and that's worked
really well. Basecamp looks cool for lots of things but, for me, it
wouldn't be great for my internal GtD system. Good pointer, though.

[Dave Conrad]

I think the keychain plan is the best one out there.... for now.

Thanks all!

--
Dave Conrad

[JoshD]

After playing with Basecamp a bit more than I had when I last posted, I
can give a mini review:

Basecamp is something I would use instead of separate email and a wiki
and blog or something, to manage deliverables and creative projects
that are done for a client.

It seems like it would shine when you're dealing with... well, most
"average users" as clients; it puts the learning curve for
collaboration, file upload, and the rest all in one place.

(I deal with average users as clients all the time, and believe me,
this is important. Regardless of how actually easy a wiki is to use,
it's "one more thing" to learn, which can be terrifying. Basecamp's
learning curve is comfortably shallow, and the SFTP upload form
prevents them from sending you word and powerpoint files via email.
This is *especially* useful when they're using various flavors of
Outlook and you aren't.)

But, although I can see how you *could* mange GTD with your Basecamp
server, it's just not quite the right tool. And certainly too much
money for that sort of thing!

In summary: if you do business with mostly geeks who won't blink at a
new kind of wiki or a blog or LJ, use that. If you're trying to set
yourself up with on-computer lists that can go with you, use a
thumbnail drive. If you find yourself having to manage email,
milestones, revisions, and file shuffle with the technically
challenged, go for Basecamp.

I happen to fall into the final camp, but suspect I'm in the minority.
I hope that was helpful.

Cheers,
Josh

[Beltza]

I use Basecamp myself for some projects, and I am very happy with it.
It gives me a central place to manage my team's tasks and gives our
clients easy access to the milestones and deliverbles.
I have a seperate GTD system, based on my Palm, in which I keep a copy
of all my tasks and milestones. For people using other systems, you
might want to look at the iCal link Basecamp provides, but I simply
copy and paste between the two systems.
In short: GTD is for me personal, basecamp is for groups.