The Goldilocks Note Taking App

I find myself on the hunt for a good notes app every once in a while – something with more functionality than Google Keep, but something less complex to set up as Notion. I came across Strut.ai via Twitter and was immediately intrigued. The folder system that could be subcategorized within was already enticing, but I was also curious about the AI assistant built in. Much to my dismay, the devs announced that they would no longer be able to continue supporting the development of Strut and that it would eventually be fully shut down… I was just getting into a rhythm with it when this announcement happened. So sad! Just my luck that I finally find a notes app I enjoy and it is getting shut down 😭

Instead of bouncing between ChatGPT and Strut, you could chat with your own AI assistant right in the folder you were working in. Say you were collecting notes on fitness and diet in a dedicated folder. The assistant would be aware of everything you had written in that folder and could reference it to better respond to any questions or prompts you put in. Cool!

You could even change how you wanted the layout of your writing to be if you worked better with a certain style of interface.

I was able to generate all the writing you see above in a matter of minutes with the help of the assistant! From ideating to referencing existing work, I can see how this workflow can greatly help speed up productivity. I even used it to explain what Strut is, you can read that below ⬇️

Comparison: Strut vs. Standard Notes App

Strut, as a unique writing app platform, offers several advantages over a standard notes app in terms of enhancing the writing experience and fostering creativity:

Advantages of Strut over a Standard Notes App:

• Unique Writing Environment: Strut provides a distinct and inspiring space for users to write and explore their creativity, unlike the basic interface of a standard notes app.

• Collaborative Tools: Users can collaborate with others on writing projects within Strut, fostering a sense of community and shared creativity, which is typically not available in a standard notes app.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Strut offers feedback mechanisms to help users improve their writing skills and receive constructive criticism, a feature lacking in most standard notes apps.

• Publishing Capabilities: Users can publish their work directly on the Strut platform, allowing them to share their writing with a wider audience, a functionality not present in standard notes apps.

• Interactive Elements: Strut incorporates interactive elements to engage users and make the writing experience more dynamic, going beyond the basic text-based format of a standard notes app.

• User-Friendly Interface: The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for writers to navigate and utilize its features effectively, offering a more intuitive experience compared to the simplicity of a standard notes app.

Overall, Strut's unique features and focus on creativity set it apart from a standard notes app by providing a more engaging and collaborative writing environment for users.

Closing Thoughts

Hi, I'm back! Even hopping back onto Strut to get some screenshots of it made me kinda sad. It was initially slated to shut down at the end of July (2024), but the devs kept it up a bit longer so people could still access their work for a bit longer. As of this post, I still have access to it but I have no close when it will shutter for good.

I enjoyed the time I had with Strut, and I wish the developers the best of luck in their next endeavour! At the end of the day, not every business is able to survive. What will scratch the itch now?

Quick Update: I saw that Notion has released a new assistant that integrates with your workspace. Maybe it's time for me to give Notion another go! I've tried setting it up a couple times and I have not been a fan of the process so far. Maybe I'll get better at it someday. Anyways, that's all for now!