The Journal Newsletter
Introduction
As of June (which missed having a newsletter, unfortunately), The Journal is now 10 years old. The Journal 1.0 was released 18 June, 1996.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported The Journal with suggestions for improvements, details about bugs, demands for better documentation, and generally helping me test out new versions. It’s been a great 10 years!
This month’s Tips & Tricks section provides even more details about The Journal’s new reminder features, describing the different display and popup options. Plus, Susan provides a new set of writing exercises.
Thank you for choosing DavidRM Software’s The Journal!
Tips & Tricks
TIP: Advanced Reminder Options – Display & Popup
To make them easier to use, The Journal’s reminders have been organized into 4 main types: appointments, events, tasks, and special days. Sometimes, though, you might want more control over how a reminder is displayed and if/when it pops up a message for you.
All of the possible display and popup options for reminders can be found by clicking on the “Advanced” tab of the “New Reminder” and “Edit Reminder” form, and then bringing up the “Display” and “Popup” sub-tabs.
Display
Calendar Charm – Every reminder can be assigned a Calendar Charm. Default charms are chosen for the different types of reminders, but you can change them to be whatever you like.
Show Reminder on Calendar – If checked, the reminder’s Calendar Charm will be shown on the calendar. If the same date has multiple reminders, only the top 3 will be shown, overlapping, on the calendar. Since the calendar can get cluttered very quickly, you might want to limit the number of reminders that show on the calendar.
Show Reminder above Entry – If checked, the reminder will be listed above the entry editor. You can double-click the reminder when it’s listed above the entry like this, and edit it.
Show Reminder – That Day Only – If checked, the reminder will show above the entry only on the actual due date.
Show Reminder – N Days Before – If checked, then the reminder will show above the entry for the specified number of days before the due date. Use this option to get advance warning of a reminder coming due.
Show Reminder – Until Completed/Canceled – If checked, the reminder will always show above the entry, until you cancel (or delete) the reminder, or mark it as done.
Popup
Popup Reminder when Due – If checked, and if the reminder has a specific time it’s due, a reminder will popup in The Journal.
Popup Reminder N Minutes Before – If checked, a popup reminder will happen the specified number of minutes before the due time. The popup will include an option for you to be reminded again.
Play Sound on Popup – The default sound is the Windows “beep”. You can specify any sound file (*.WAV) you want to be played when the reminder pops up.
Writing Prompts
by Susan Michael
Free Writing Prompt – 1. Write a for 20 minutes without editing using the following title: “The Salesman”.
2. Write for 20 minutes using the following: “Removing the Stitches”.
Poetry Prompt – 1. Write a poem that refers to “Romeo and Juliet”.
2. Write a poem using the title, “Lines of Conversation”.
Prose Prompt – 1. Write a short story using the title, “Permanent Press”.
2. Write a short story using the title, “We All Fall”.
Journaling Prompt – List the people that you trust. Write about your list. What are the boundaries of trust?
Memoir Prompt – Write about your current projects and what you are accomplishing right now.
Opinion Prompt – What do you think about athletes use of performance enhancing drugs?
About the author: Susan Michael facilitates the Tulsa Writers Cafe for the Arts & Humanities Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ms. Michael has also led writing & creativity workshops for children, teenagers, and adults.
Submission Information
If you would like to contribute to the “How I Use The Journal”, “Writing Exercises”, or “Tips & Tricks” sections, or would like to submit an article about journaling, writing, or another The Journal-related topic, we would love to hear from you.
Submissions for the newsletter should be sent to: support@davidrm.com
If you are submitting for a particular section, please indicate which one. Try to limit your submissions to 500-1000 words. Submissions may be edited for length and content.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, please state this in the email. Otherwise your name (but not your email) will be used in the article heading.
As always, if you have any suggestions for, or bug reports about, The Journal, please feel free to email them. Both are always welcome.