Private gardening is a note-taking system. Public gardening is an information-sharing philosophy.

Public digital gardening involves conscious decision/desire to share information collection in whole or in part. This reflects a value that is distinct from the digital gardening methods of info collection and thought creating, which are typically inspired by evergreen note-taking, second-brain, and/or Zettelkasten systems. While they may be associated with tech spaces and internet philosophers, private gardens are nerdy note systems.

Private gardening is concerned with better note-taking, better thinking, drawing connections between ideas, and allowing the author to accumulate insight.

Public gardening wishes to show this process, and I think that this is an impulse that is distinct from wanting to have specific kinds of notes. I think many who publish their gardens do so because they think that imperfection adds value, and hold some views on the ways that we share information with each other. At least, this is the reason I do so and others have said as much.

Other things to think about

• Public gardening also often involves customized publication methods and web design.
• Nerds about taking notes -> developing personal note-taking style -> taking pride in what has worked -> wanting to share this with people
• Nerds about taking notes -> already interested in "internet philosophy" -> come to some conclusion about information sharing

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