Post here if you use Journal functionality in Outlook

[deva]

OK, a completely unscientific assessment of interest here. Please chime in here if you use Journal functionality in Outlook, and if you do, how much do you use it. I imagine if you do use it, it is an important part of your workflow - how important do you consider it?

Journal integration is something we've been asked about a bit in the past, but not a whole bunch. However, recently it seems like we've had a few more requests, so just looking to get a little more anecdotal evidence to help us prioritize feature additions in the best possible way for our userbase.

[gsutcliffe]

deva,

I just posted about this feature. Personally, I generate between 5 and 15 Journal entries daily. It's integral in my time tracking through the day since I have input on many projects. I have even gone as far as purchasing Journal Sync for my AT&T 8525 when I'm on the road.

Time tracking is there in Outlook, just not very accessible. Integration to CC would benefit me highly. Although, you like me, could be the extreme cases.

[dgorecki]

Brad has seen me asking for Journal functionality for a while ;)

[navigator72]

Does not appear to be a substantial interest in Journal functionality in ClearContext - at least based on the limited posts here. I would, however, find it attractive. Much of my work is conference calls / web meetings on projects. It would be appealing to connect Journal notes [sometimes different from meeting notes sent by email] to the CC thread and workflow.

[dgorecki]

I truly think this is a "chicken and egg" scenario. People don't use it now because it's not part of the CC workflow (for CC users), or because they truly don't know how to use it (in general). I used to use Journal quite often, but less often now since it's outside of the CC environment.

If CC builds it into the product and process, they will come. It's the best way to track what you did on a particular day. If I have a task that takes days to complete, I'll drag the task into the Journal folder, where a new entry is created, and the timer is started. Once I stop working on it, I stop the timer and close it. If it had the topic built in, and showed up in the Related and Action Views, it would be golden.

This is what I picture as a good use:

1. Task is created.
2. When I start working on the task, I open it and click on a "Timer button". A Journal entry opens up. I can choose to add notes to it as I work on the task or not.
3. WHen completed click on "Stop timer". This will close the open Journal entry.

That's just one idea. I'm sure I can come up with more.

Please don't give up on this request. This is an example of giving the users what they need, not what they want ;)

[deva]

David,

It wouldn't be much of a surprise if it turns out the people who want/need this type of functionality are largely concentrated in fields which deal with clients and billable hours - consultants, lawyers, etc., so I'll definitely contact a number of customers in those areas to get their perspective on this functionality.

We'll put together some more specific questions and do some investigation on potential work we could do here in conjunction with the enhancements we make related to tasks.

The next beta we put out will be largely focused on enhancing the capabilities and flexibility of the dashboard. Once we've gotten that work done, we'll take a look at some of the broader feature enhancements/additions like this.

[Webbers]

People don't use it now because it's not part of the CC workflow (for CC users), or because they truly don't know how to use it (in general).

If CC builds it into the product and process, they will come. It's the best way to track what you did on a particular day.

I could not agree more! I have not used the journal in a long time. I am required to document my time spent on various projects for budget purposes, and this is how I must complete my time card for work. because the journal is not part of CC, I "cheat" and simply use my calendar and schedule "appointments" for the various projects i work. This way I can see when I worked on what project, went to meetings, etc.. so I can use my calendar to complete my time card. if CC integrated the journal, then I am sure it would be better suited for this purpose.

I know there are many people that also must track their time on projects based on budgets. So this is quite important in my opinion.

On a side note relating to Deva's post, I don't work for a lawyer or anything. I work for a publisher. But many companies not concerned with "billable hours" like doctors and lawyers still track work relating to the budget of a particular project, like me.

[deva]

Thanks everyone. We're currently getting caught up on support and feedback here, just wanted to pop in and say that I've been reading and listening to all of these posts. This sort of feedback is very useful to us and makes a big impact on our scheduling of new features on the roadmap.

[speedkills20]

I searched Google to see if there was any hack or anyway to use Journal entries with ClearContext. I've even tried digging in with Visual Basic and Macros. I'm using the trial software and am debating on not purchasing because it lacks this feature, the Getting Things Done plugin includes it.

Being able to takes Notes on a project is a no brainer, not sure why it's not there now.

[Scott - CC Support]

Thanks for the feedback.

[flowersandthesun]

+ 1 for this request.

Kind regards,
Michiel

[sanguine88]

Same here, i use Journal function to track where I spent my time.

It would be good to categorise the items in journal into that used by cc.

I have not put much more thought than that as Journal function is limited hence my interaction is also limited.

cheers
Alvin

[roberttack]

i would use the feature more if integrated with CC.

[ultradianguy]

Another vote for this. I use journal all the time to record phone conversations, and other important events that don't get registered in other electronic forms.

Would love if they were visible in the Project window.

[lkindem]

sorry posted in wrong thread... +1 but I rather see Evernote integration (or OneNote)