I Built a Tool to Fix the Fact That I Forget Almost Everything I Read a Week Later

The Problem #

I’ve always been a forgetful reader. A week after reading something, I can barely recall the gist of it. This is overkill for most people, but for those who need to retain information, it’s a real pain. I decided to build a tool to help me and others like me.

The Solution #

I built a tool called MemoryMinder. It’s a simple web app that uses spaced repetition to help you remember what you read. The idea is to review the material at increasingly longer intervals, which helps reinforce the information in your brain.

How It Works #

MemoryMinder uses a modified version of the Leitner system, which is a well-known method for spaced repetition. You start by reading a passage, and then you’re prompted to review it at intervals of 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and so on. If you get it right, you move it to the next interval. If you get it wrong, you go back to the previous interval.

Why I Chose This Method #

I chose the Leitner system because it’s simple and effective. It’s not the only method out there, but it’s the one that works best for me. I haven’t tested this on ARM, but it should work fine on any modern browser.

The Tech Stack #

I built MemoryMinder using Python and Flask. The front-end is a simple HTML/CSS/JavaScript setup. I used SQLite for the database, which is lightweight and easy to manage. The app is hosted on a DigitalOcean droplet, which is reliable and affordable.

User Feedback #

One user, u/ReadAndRemember, said, “I’ve been using MemoryMinder for a month, and I can already see a difference. I’m retaining more information, and it’s not as much of a struggle to recall what I read.” Another user, u/ForgetfulReader, mentioned, “I love this tool but it has one fatal flaw: it’s too good. I’m reading more now, and I’m worried about my memory capacity.”

Pricing and Availability #

MemoryMinder is free to use, but I do offer a premium version with additional features like advanced analytics and a mobile app. The premium version costs $10 per month. I haven’t tested this on ARM, but it should work fine on any modern browser.

Alternatives #

There are other tools out there that do similar things, like Anki and Mnemosyne. Anki is a popular flashcard app that uses spaced repetition. Mnemosyne is another spaced repetition tool that’s been around for a while. Both are great, but MemoryMinder is simpler and more focused on reading retention.

Setup Time #

Setting up MemoryMinder is pretty straightforward. It took me about 2 hours to get everything up and running. I haven’t tested this on ARM, but it should work fine on any modern browser.

Conclusion #

If you’re like me and you struggle with forgetting what you read, MemoryMinder might be worth a try. It’s not a magic solution, but it can help you retain more information. The community is genuinely split on this, but I think it’s worth a shot.

FAQ #

Q: Is MemoryMinder free to use? #

A: Yes, MemoryMinder is free to use. I do offer a premium version with additional features for $10 per month.

Q: Can I use MemoryMinder on my phone? #

A: The current version is web-based, so you can use it on any device with a modern browser. I plan to release a mobile app in the future.

Q: How does MemoryMinder compare to Anki and Mnemosyne? #

A: MemoryMinder is simpler and more focused on reading retention. Anki and Mnemosyne are more general-purpose spaced repetition tools.