New PIL Schema Category: Art

I have written in the past about the PIL schema – Personal Information Logos scheme for categorizing one’s information.  The three main areas that the schema is used are: 1) bookmarks, 2) file system hierarchy, and 3) physical file folders.  Some categories are not applicable in one or more of these three areas.

Today when downloading some web graphics I realized the need for another category. On most systems there is by default in one’s home folder a directory called Pictures. However Pictures is not really the best category for storing stuff like backgrounds, avatars, or any other art-type images.

“Images” could also be used, however the word images is actually too broad for this. For example one could have an archive of radiological images which are not art. I also would not want to create a top-level category “images” for something like radiological images (e.g. X-ray, CAT or MRI scans) and then have a subcategory “radiological images” under it since radiological images should definitely be kept under the Medical/Health category.

Hence the need for the top-level category Art. Another consideration about art would be for example the best location for storing spirituality-related art, for example mandalas. They could either go under Spirituality -> Art or else under Art -> Spirituality. In fact a sub-category is not even necessarily needed: If you want to keep it simple just put them under Art or under Spirituality. Perhaps the personal meaningfulness to you of the images will help you decide.

Ideally in the future, whenever you start using a new operating system or web browser, or whenever you decide you want to create or re-create a home filing system, you can just use the PIL schemas the create the hierarchy in your home directory, browser bookmarks, or physical file folders.

The philosophy behind PIL is simple: It is basically universal. If you are a human, you basically need to use these categories to conduct your life. Having the schema already created makes staying organized a lot easier. Also, its a good idea to keep the PIL schema standardized and consistent.