about
mastodon: @esamecar@social.lol
web: esamecar.net


To directly counteract the logo shown above, I stole the idea from Canion and asked ChatGPT to describe my blog:
Can you review the articles on mb.esamecar.net and tell me what the key themes emerging are?
Here is its complete answer:
1. Productivity & Personal Knowledge Management
- A strong focus on Obsidian-centric workflows, including automated daily notes powered by Apple Shortcuts, templates, and Dataview—highlighting a deep interest in enhancing information capture and retrieval.
- Frequent sharing of favorite plugins (e.g. Dataview, Templater, Actions URI) and related tools—indicating a continuous refinement of a digital “toolbox” for productivity.
2. Apps & Automations That “Just Work”
- Reviews of small Mac/iOS utilities like BarCuts, Zero Duplicates, Swift Shift, BookPlayer, Yomu, etc., praised for simplicity and seamless utility.
- Also noted are playful or mood-enhancing apps (e.g. Festivitas, BananaBin, Typibara), valued for experience rather than strict productivity.
3. Mindful Tech Consumption & Costs
- Ongoing inventory of app and subscription costs, with attention to budgeting under €5/month per service—tracking annual spending and tag classification (keep, cancel, lifetime, new).
- Willingness to resist the urge for novelty—an emphasis on balancing desire with rational self-control around gadgets and subscriptions.
4. Digital Privacy & European Data Sovereignty
- A deliberate shift away from U.S.-based platforms (iCloud, OneDrive, Amazon, Google) toward EU/NG-owned services such as NextCloud (Hetzner), Posteo, Koofr, OsmAnd—underscored by privacy and political responsibility.
5. Offline, Low-Tech Practices & Personal Rituals
- Embracing lifestyle habits like Dry January, homemade bread baking, voting in local elections, media fasting—reflecting intentional real-world living.
- Observational posts like “Birds and Frogs” and nature photography, connecting digital life with everyday analog experiences.
6. Hobby Tech Exploration
- Persistent interest in consumer electronics and hobby tech (e.g. Playdate console, drones, AR glasses, handheld gaming) — driven more by exploration than pure utility.
- A reflective awareness of tech fatigue, leading to smaller, curated acquisitions rather than chasing novelty.
🔍 Summary of Emerging Themes
Theme | Insight |
---|---|
Productivity & knowledge workflows | Strong emphasis on Obsidian, automation, and efficiency tools |
Utility-driven apps & automations | Prioritizes simple, well-executed tools |
Cost-conscious tech consumption | Budget-aware subscriptions and mindful purchase decisions |
Data privacy & sovereignty | Active shift to European-hosted, privacy-first services |
Mindful offline living | Value placed on analog rituals and personal mental health |
Hobby exploration vs practicality | Tech curiosity tempered with a maturity in ownership |
Overall, the blog paints a picture of someone combining streamlined digital workflows, carefully curated tech, and mindful living—where productivity, privacy, and personal well-being intersect.