Note Relationships

The graph shows extends, contradicts, implements, alternative - not just two notes mentioning the same word.

Key Concept

• Four pair types in relationships frontmatter show how ideas push and pull - not just that two notes mention each other.
• Extends asks what this idea builds on; contradicts names the tradeoff it pushes against.
• Implements names what makes the idea real; alternative names another path that does the job.

Level 1 - Recognize

Note relationships are four typed edges in frontmatter - extends, contradicts, alternative, implements - that show how ideas push and pull.

Level 2 - Explain

Like road signs that say merge, stop, detour, or share lane, typed links beat co-mention that only says two notes exist in the same folder.

Level 3 - Use

When you link two notes, pick one relationship type - that edge beats ten tags that only say both notes exist.

Level 4 - Connect

Typed edges add direction and tradeoffs that tags cannot show, but a forced type can overstate a weak link - use them where the relationship changes how the notes are read.

Level 5 - Create

Extend Linking by Meaning by creating typed edges between Atomic Notes, then add or revise a relationship type when the four choices cannot name a real connection.

Examples

• I am updating the family chore chart and add “feeds into: Saturday yard work” next to “take out trash” plus “conflicts with: bedtime when done late” before I tape it to the fridge.
• The coach's whiteboard lists “feeds into: secondary break” beside each drill - players see how today's reps connect before they leave the gym.

Note Relationships