I first came across Digital Gardens a few years ago (2022?) - I became obsessed with the concept and initially used Obsidian and Obsidian Publish. I created an archive of .md files, easily edited in a Text Editor and massively reusable. It was the start of building a sustainable log of what I was creating.
I used Obsidian for a while and then dabbled with other tools. Somewhere along the way I came across Anton and his projects. By now I'd become a fan of tiny tools, adopting a pared back approach and making the creative process as easy as possible.
Early 2026, Anton publicised Tiny Dot. Coming at exactly the right time as I was mid-minimising and decluttering my online presence, I already had a respository of previously written content (hooray for those text files). I wrote some new stuff and migrated old stuff.
How I Write
I use a Mac app called Nota. I could still use Obsidian but I found it very slow (could be my problem not theirs). Nota is simple. I use it straight out of the box. No frills, no added plugins. I work with a number of different vaults - my original Obsidian vault, two Tiny Dot vaults plus a folder that captures my Bebop output.
Upload is instantaneous. Write something new, update a file and it's already live on Tiny Dot.
I like Markdown too. It gives me the consistency I appreciate and it's something I've used regularly for several years.
Using Tiny Dot on the Go
Tiny Dot is a Mac app but I often get inspiration when I’m out and about. While I can use Bebop for new stuff, sometimes I want to edit the old stuff.
I’ve created a copy of my Tiny Dot files on iCloud that I can access and edit on my iPhone (just as I’m doing right now to add this section).
Using iA Writer, I can open up a file (or add a new one). When I’m ready to publish, I’ll copy over the files to the Mac app folder. I don’t have to remember which files I’ve edited, just copy everything.
Tiny Dot now has an iOS app. It works in the same way as the Mac version and allows you to access your files on the go, on your phone. Tiny Dot creates a local folder in iCloud. To edit a file, just double click on it to open the file with 1Writer or other editor.
This is a massive win for me and means I can update or add writing from anywhere.
I've just started using Drafts again. I used this for a while some years ago. I've been listening to Bob Doto talking about Zettelkasten lately and, not wanting to go back to Obsidian, I've been looking at different options for my notes. Drafts fits in well with Tiny Dot and lets me edit and write on the hoof.
Drafts is becoming the place where I create new stuff that might not be ready for public consumption. I can export from here as .md files and add straight into my Tiny Dot folder.
Anton has recently added a drafts function which enables you to work on a note before making it live. It definitely helps streamline the process. I've started prefixing document titles with draft so that I can quickly spot what I'm working on. I've not created a Drafts folder, although you could do that.
Backing Up
I back up files weekly and in a few different places. These files have been following me around for some time. It's easy to copy and paste using Finder.
Domain Name
I've just configured a recently acquired (for the purpose) domain name - I'm very happy to have this option.
The One Tool
Last year I set up a number of different blogs using some other great tools. My dream scenario has always been to have everything in one place. Tiny Dot has less friction. I can write in Nota and then I don't have to do anything else. It's all done for me via the Tiny Dot app.
In the past I've used Obsidian plugins or Github that required me to do a separate upload. Not a big deal but another layer of complexity.
The Anton Ecosystem
I use other tools created by Anton. Public.me is one of my favourites. I use Recuremail for my newsletters. And Patronat as a way for people to support me, should they wish.
There are lots of apps out there, many bankrolled by big businesses. I'd much rather use something developed by a sole trader or smaller enterprise, and to be able to communicate directly with them.
Almost Analogue
I say it all the time but it bears repeating. I love tech but find myself increasingly craving a better balance. Tiny Dot occupies that middle space. It does what you need but without requiring constant tweaks or managing elements like plugins. It allows me to create more and focus on what's important to me - writing!
Related: The Obsidian Renaissance · The World Wild Web · Way Way Back · Writing in Cafés · Achieving a Better Balance