[alwayslikethis]

If you use org-mode, you can just set up a git repo which auto-commits with gitwatch. And run magit-blame when you want the timestamps. With the advantage that it doesn't distract you when you don't need to see them, but super useful when you want to check when a note is written.

[presz]

Why git though? Wouldn't it be simpler to just append the timestamp to the beginning or end of each line/paragraph, and just hide it when editing?

[aquariusDue]

Yeah, I do something similar with org-node (org-roam alternative) where every capture templates has an inactive timestamp at the end before the tags.

i.e. Idea: Build minesweeper in the terminal with Ratatui @ [2025-02-05 Wed 18:01] :@someday:

And then I capture it in a daily note (or very rarely refile it) that has an org-id. Then everything gets connected with links and backlinks.

I keep the usual CREATED in the properties drawer empty in case I want to turn that heading into a node for linking at some point.

Though I'm still figuring out some things about my approach as I go. One thing is clear, org-mode can be adapted to quite a lot of workflows regardless of their weirdness or efficacy.

[mcshicks]

My org capture template from bernt Hanson's website clocks in and out giving you a timestamp. There is a "note" capture type.

https://doc.norang.ca/org-mode.html

[alwayslikethis]

Git gives you a full history of changes which is convenient for many other reasons. I also do sometimes put dated and less often timestamped entries when desired.