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Announcing: new Yijing/ dreams journal software coming in October

hilary

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(Hm - the forum seems once again to have forgotten how to copy blog posts over here. Never mind. Here is a copy:)

mousewithtuba-300x300.jpg


Announcing… at last… with fanfare…

The Yi-plus-dreams-plus-signs journal software – that’s been in a sousaphone-sized pipeline for a while – is really taking shape now.

We’ll be calling for half a dozen beta testers in mid-August, and after some final tweaking the software will be available to buy on October 15th*.


The core idea of the software is that dreams, Yijing readings, journalling and insights are all part of the same conversation, and so they all belong together. Hence you should have a way to store, search and explore them together – and that’s what this will be. A simple tag cloud, a Yijing cast history, and an ‘advanced search’ with specialised Yi-features make it possible to discover a lot of hidden connections.

And yes – it is for both Windows and Mac.

For updates and templates
Please sign up here -

http://www.onlineClarity.co.uk/journal/

- so I can keep you informed, and also send you some text templates you can use to import all your entries (readings, dreams, synchronicities and general entries) in one go, come October.

If you have questions, please ask!


(*The finish date is subject to the project’s chief ((and only)) programmer’s house-move going as planned. He should be happily settled in by then.)
 
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Trojina

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So if you want to get this you can transfer all your answers from the old software to the new one easily ?

I think you said yes this can be done but I have forgotten how. Also if you are 'upgrading' from existing software you get a good discount right ? You don't have to buy the whole thing again do you ?
 

hilary

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Thanks, good question.

Assuming you mean Justin's original Yijing-only journal - the one here - then yes, it will be easy to import all your readings. (I probably didn't say how - presumably by clicking something that says 'import from I Ching Journal!)

Discount? Discount? :eek:

Yes, discount.

Hang on - I will check the exact details of this with Justin and get back to you. But I agree, it'd be silly to have bought the original for full price and then buy the new one also for full price.
 

hilary

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From Justin: there'll be a £15 discount for users of the existing software.
 

Trojina

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Well that begs the question of how much the new version is ? £15 off the cost of £100 is a different matter to £15 off £30. This information may be somewhere I haven't yet seen. Or maybe the price isn't decided yet.

It is definitely worth having the existing software as there is no way I would remember or see relevant patterns in answers if I hadn't got it. I have a good memory for readings but OTOH I am truly stunned sometimes when looking to see when I had a an answer before the weird and wonderful times I had that line or that answer in the past.

What I like best with the existing version is I can put a name or topic into the search bar and all readings I ever had about that will display. That's been very revealing in that from a group of answers over time I can see more, get more perspective and sometimes new insights.

At the moment I just write dreams in the 'thoughts' box. But if this new version lets you connect everything up, dreams, synchronicities and readings......I reckon I should be enlightened by 2016 ;)
 

hilary

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Yes - this one has the quick search too, just type in a word and filter your entries. But also a more elaborate 'advanced search' that will do full text, tags, trigrams, hexagrams in various roles (primary, relating, nuclear), which lines are moving, etc. Oh, and 'cast history' which is a quick way of seeing the last time I had this hexagram/ nuclear/ change pattern etc, and reveals some really odd connections.

The tags especially help with finding links between dreams, readings, signs, randomly-occurring ideas, etc. Dead simple, but they do the job.

Price - not decided yet! (£100, you think? Interesting idea... :mischief:)
 

hilary

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There will be something you can download for free and experiment with, yes. We have yet to work out exactly how it'll work - in fact I just emailed Justin again yesterday to ask what's technically possible by way of free version.
 
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soma

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Thanks! Will there be a way to import all my .pdf readings into it? That would be super...
 

hilary

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Pdfs? Er, no, sorry, don't think so. Readings can be imported if they're stored in templates created for the software, so that question, hexagram, lines and notes are all separated out for it to store in the right places. I've been using those templates for just over a year now, and just imported a whole stack of readings and dreams.

However, you've given me an idea (thank you). I could ask Ewald (who created the online reading here) if he could create an 'export for the software' option, at least for new readings...
 

soma

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I did think that was a long shot.
I could ask Ewald (who created the online reading here) if he could create an 'export for the software' option
Yes that would be great for those who do or will use the software. Maybe also a good way to promote the program as I imagine a lot more people use the free readings page than will go hunting for Yi journalling software.
 

Liselle

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If the adorable tuba-playing mouse could come along with the software, that'd be extra spiffy. I'm imagining sound effects...a dismal "SPLAT-splat" sound for really bad questions, for example :D.[SUP]*[/SUP]








[SUP]*[/SUP]Am JOKING, of course. But he is the cutest tuba-playing mouse in all the world.
 

Annamaria

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I did think that was a long shot.

Yes that would be great for those who do or will use the software. Maybe also a good way to promote the program as I imagine a lot more people use the free readings page than will go hunting for Yi journalling software.

Another way to promote I ching software could be for example starting a free and available to all study circle or thread called for example Dreams and I ching, Where people would tell/Write and share with others Their Dreams, then help each other with interpreting them by getting help of dream Imageries, i ching and one's own intuition. Kind of like it is already done in the Shared readings forum.
 

hilary

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If the adorable tuba-playing mouse could come along with the software, that'd be extra spiffy. I'm imagining sound effects...a dismal "SPLAT-splat" sound for really bad questions, for example :D.[SUP]*[/SUP]

[SUP]*[/SUP]Am JOKING, of course. But he is the cutest tuba-playing mouse in all the world.

Ah yes - and a distinct fffarrrrrppp to accompany every 4 unchanging or 21.6...

I did think that was a long shot.

Yes that would be great for those who do or will use the software. Maybe also a good way to promote the program as I imagine a lot more people use the free readings page than will go hunting for Yi journalling software.
This is an excellent idea, thank you. Justin, Ewald and I have started discussing how to go about it.

Another way to promote I ching software could be for example starting a free and available to all study circle or thread called for example Dreams and I ching, Where people would tell/Write and share with others Their Dreams, then help each other with interpreting them by getting help of dream Imageries, i ching and one's own intuition. Kind of like it is already done in the Shared readings forum.

Yes... we've also discussed the possibility of a dream sharing or dreams+readings forum, but as part of Reading Circle. Whether in public or private forums, it's a good idea - we'll get it underway before the software becomes available in October.
 

hilary

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I've set up an interest list for people who want to be kept informed about the software - and who'd like to start storing entries in simple templates that'll make it easy to import them all once the program's ready.

Here's the sign-up page:
http://www.onlineClarity.co.uk/journal/

(I'll create proper menu links to it later!)
 

tlamb

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I have been waiting for the new I Ching journal software eagerly, and I was pleased to be able to beta test it. I find the new page format easy to use, with more useful information on the screen than in the previous version. Formatting options, like bold/italic/font color, make the entries 'pop', and I can find essential information in a flash. The software makes it easy to track my casting history, see trends in which hexagrams emerge most frequently, and gives me an overview that I can correlate with the lunar cycle, planetary cycles and events, and omens (dreams, etc.). This gives me a meta level of understanding that is not available in a handwritten journal.

I especially like the ability to add my own notes and additional translations, as well as images, such as an astrological chart, Tarot spread, or other image of symbolic significance. And the three methods of entering a Yijing question are outstanding! I especially like the drag-and-drop method of adding each line as coins are tossed.

Those who are dedicated to their work with Yi will find the software an indispensable tool in understanding the universe's way of communicating with us through its ancient wisdom. It provides a one-stop place to record all our inner work and make connections that might not otherwise be possible. I heartily recommend the software for these reasons. I can't wait to enter my preferred translation, so it will pop up when I enter a question. It doesn't get more convenient than that!

If I had my druthers, I'd like to see a level of customization added to the software, so users can add fields. I in particular need a field for the time of a casting.

The formatting functions, useful as they are, are a bit awkward, since they do not return to defaults when moving to a new entry. This is the one annoyance that pops up every time I use it and my only hesitation in recommending the software. It distracts from the centered space needed for clear understanding.

That being said, I find the software overall to be easy, useful, and a joy to work with. I look forward to recording my journey in the weeks, months, and years to come. Thanks for creating a thoughtfully and well-developed technical tool!

Many blessings,
Terry
 

justin farrell

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Thanks for the review Terry. Glad you are finding the software helpful. And thanks also for all the feedback, both here and in the beta test. Your suggestion about adding a time field is particulary useful (a number of other beta testers have also mentioned this). It is something we are looking to add to the software in first update after the initial launch.
 

hilary

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Thanks, Terry! Also - lunar cycle? Astrological charts? I especially like the thought that the software is being used in ways I could never have imagined. (Though that's probably why it never occurred to me to suggest a 'time' field!)
 

1eleven

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I'm assuming this will be PC/Windows only? Is that correct?

Thanks
 

hilary

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Well, thereby hangs a tale. Short answer: PC/Windows for now, Mac as soon as possible.

(Long answer: Justin's building the software in Java specifically so it will be cross-platform compatible. In theory, once you have a program in Java it runs just the same on Windows and Mac. In practice... well, at present it runs fine on Windows, and won't open on a Mac. So we thought it best to bring out the Windows version now and Mac when we can. I'm hoping that it will turn out to be some small detail, and once that's remedied everything will work as it's supposed to.)
 

lecubiste

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Dear Hilary,

Thank you and Justin for the software testing opportunity. I have been using it off and on for a few months and as per your request I can provide the following feedback:


1) What's off-putting?

The work area is sparse. A little color would help perhaps. There are a few "fit" issues with boxes being too wide for the page. Integrated interpretations would be great!

2) What results or changes do you notice from using the journal software?

Dates are automated, I have a searchable database for past readings, I don't have scraps of paper lying around with readings on them.

3) What one thing do you like most about it?

I like the automated hexagram determination, and the drag and drop lines, though I think that could be improved on a bit.

4) What would be a couple of other 'favourite things'?

I like the display of past readings with dates. I like the journal entry area where we can expand on our take-aways of the readings. All better than me and the back of an envelope.

5) Would you recommend the journal software? If so, why?

Yes. I think it is very useful for the dedicated I Ching caster. Very helpful

6) Anything else you'd like to add?

I do not use the computerized casting feature. Instead I throw coins. This is just to be safe. Overall, I think you have a great idea and a start. This program can be as versatile and expansive as you wish to make it.

Neil
 

tlamb

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Thanks, Terry! Also - lunar cycle? Astrological charts? I especially like the thought that the software is being used in ways I could never have imagined. (Though that's probably why it never occurred to me to suggest a 'time' field!)

Yes, as I use Yi as a tool to do alchemical workings ('enabling trials'), I am finding fascinating correlations with lunar aspects, such as the Moon moving into an important planetary pattern, or a noteworthy planetary event, such as the recent eclipses. For instance, in February I did a working timed to the Moon's contact with Mars as it was about to turn retrograde (apparent backward travel), and every month after that during its 3-month retrograde, when that contact repeated itself, I got an effect that 'grew' the situation through "Accumulation of the Small". Just amazing!

I keep the time of each casting so I can run the chart and see 'what's up'. It feeds back important learning about the planetary energies and their power, and I am learning by leaps and bounds since I started this process.

My take is that Yi helps us find the 'loopholes' in the system of time. The planets and their actions offer doorways to change that we can use if we need their help. (Most people are unconscious of any of this and don't get this far until they are conscious of something of the inner realms.) However, once we learn to break through our barriers to change, our inner obstructions, we can go beyond the planetary doorways and create quantum change at any time, or infuse the opportunities that the planets provide, with quantum energy and get more bang for the buck. Absolutely astonishing stuff!

Thanks to you and Justin for creating software that will take me as deeply as I can go!
 
S

svenrus

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Note to #21 in this thread:


1. "..... There are a few "fit" issues with boxes being too wide for the page. "

- I don't know how it works in Java, but in Visual Basic You set the value of AutoSize to False to keep the frames in their size.
 

hilary

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Dear Hilary,

Thank you and Justin for the software testing opportunity. I have been using it off and on for a few months and as per your request I can provide the following feedback:


1) What's off-putting?

The work area is sparse. A little color would help perhaps. There are a few "fit" issues with boxes being too wide for the page. Integrated interpretations would be great!
It's true, we have only thought about features so far, not about 'look and feel'. Result - software that doesn't look half as sophisticated as it actually is. Probably neither of us is very good at the design aspect - we'll have to take suggestions.

Box-sizing - I know, it's on the bug list. Meanwhile, I find hitting the function keys to remove and restore the panes (F1 toggles left sidebar, F3 toggles right sidebar, F2 restores the default) normally straightens things out for me.

Integrated interpretations - LiSe's is already there in the beta, and mine will be added in the finished version. (Basically the 'walking your path' book with a few revisions.) You'll also be able to add your own notes/translations for display in the same 'Yijing cast' pane.

2) What results or changes do you notice from using the journal software?

Dates are automated, I have a searchable database for past readings, I don't have scraps of paper lying around with readings on them.
Hooray! :)

I think when you've got a few more entries added you'll really discover the joys of search and pattern-finding among them.
3) What one thing do you like most about it?

I like the automated hexagram determination, and the drag and drop lines, though I think that could be improved on a bit.

4) What would be a couple of other 'favourite things'?

I like the display of past readings with dates. I like the journal entry area where we can expand on our take-aways of the readings. All better than me and the back of an envelope.
Indeed. And if you find you like jotting down readings on the back of an envelope, you can always photograph the envelope and add it to your journal that way... ;)
5) Would you recommend the journal software? If so, why?

Yes. I think it is very useful for the dedicated I Ching caster. Very helpful

6) Anything else you'd like to add?

I do not use the computerized casting feature. Instead I throw coins. This is just to be safe. Overall, I think you have a great idea and a start. This program can be as versatile and expansive as you wish to make it.

Neil
I don't use the computerised casting, either. No special reason, I'm just fond of my bead set and find them quicker and easier to use than even the best designed of onscreen clicky things. So I particularly like the trigram drag-and-drop for entering readings - very quick and direct.

The only readings I've cast in the software so far have questions like, 'Just testing...' - but I haven't deleted them as the answers were all pertinent anyway, answering the questions I should have been asking... you know how it goes...

Thanks for the review!
:bows:
 

justin farrell

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Software Launch

I just wanted to apologise for the delay in launching the software. The programming work is close to completion, but I am going to be busy moving house this coming week. This means the release of the software isn't going to happen now until the first week in November at the earliest. Once I'm settled into the new house, I'll be able to give the software the full attention that it deserves.

Thanks everybody for being so patient. Hopefully there shouldn't be too much longer to wait.
 

Liselle

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the drag and drop lines, though I think that could be improved on a bit.

Hi Lecubiste,

Of course I don't know exactly what you're thinking of, but just this minute, I noticed something which might help?

You can use the "drag trigrams" feature even if there are supposed to be moving lines in them - just drag the upper and lower trigrams, and then, for any moving lines, drag the appropriate single line right on top of the trigram, in the proper position, and it will replace just that one line.

Spiffy!
 

hilary

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...yes, that's what I do: trigrams then lines on top. Come to think of it, this also means you can enter your casting without knowing which hexagram it is.
 

hilary

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I've just finished and uploaded a video about the software. It includes...
  • an introduction to the thinking behind the software
  • ...and what that has to do with tagging
  • A quick overview of how tagging works
  • the software's name
  • and me singing under the piano

Here it is:

[video=youtube_share;lDZLX7j3pv8]http://youtu.be/lDZLX7j3pv8[/video]

Feel free to share. If anyone needs me, I'll be living under this rock.
 

Liselle

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Finally just sat down to watch this. Am replying using "Quick Reply" (ha ha) because even though I did watch it twice, it's clear this will all take a good deal of thinking about (which I haven't done yet, hence the "quick" part...all groan, now).

One (quick) observation is that certainly the more effort we put into using this software - in combination with, as you said, Hilary, just paying attention - the more we're likely to get out of it.

I really love the name, and the piano metaphor :). It has never occurred to me to sing to my piano - should do that sometime.

(Rock, schmock. You come out now. This was lovely, and very well done both in content and execution :).)
 
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Trojina

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Yes Bravo




Singing underneath the piano surely goes above and beyond the call of duty for promoting software

No one has ever promoted software in such a manner before.

 

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