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A standard #seed node is a complete Thought Box. When you sit down to write, you simply open that box and let your words flow naturally. Tana is not a traditional word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Tana is a creative thinking workshop built around one core rule: Structure First, Polish Later.

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The Outlining Philosophy — Finish Thinking First, Polish Words Later

The biggest fear writers face in front of a blank screen is freezing up after typing two sentences. In Tana, your first line is always an Idea Line:
  • Finish thinking first: When you outline 3 to 5 core points (Point 1 leading to Point 2, then to Point 3), you have already finished 100% of the thinking work.
  • Polish words later: With your conceptual skeleton locked in, fleshing out each bullet with examples, storytelling, and tactical details happens smoothly without getting stuck.

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3-Level Hierarchy and Distraction-Free Zoom

Instead of writing a dense wall of text, organize your ideas across 3 clear levels (Parent, Child, Grandchild):
  1. Level 1 (Parent): The title of your #seed node — collapse it to see the big picture.
  2. Level 2 (Child): 3 to 5 core arguments — press Enter and Tab to indent sub-points clearly.
  3. Level 3 (Grandchild): Tactical details, stories, and proofs — press Tab again to explain the rationale or formula.

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Fluid Navigation in Tana

  • Collapse and Expand: Click bullet arrows to collapse nodes when scanning the full argument structure; expand them when diving into details.
  • Write asynchronously with Focused Zoom: You do not have to write from top to bottom. Click the bullet point of any sub-node to Zoom in exclusively on that section. Zoom mode eliminates surrounding distractions, putting you in deep focus.

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4 Steps to Package a Seed Idea

1

Pour raw thoughts onto Today

Free-write everything you know about the topic on your Today page (for example: The proper sequence to enjoy a traditional 7-dish regional feast).Do not worry about structure or grammar at this stage. Raw dumping is completely normal.
2

Use AI Chat to clarify and sequence the outline

  • Highlight your raw text.
  • Open AI Chat and prompt: “Analyze and organize these steps logically from lightest to richest flavor”.
  • Collapse the response to verify the sequence (Steps 1 through 7).
  • Create a parent node tagged #seed with an accurate title: How to enjoy a 7-dish regional feast in proper sequence.
3

Cross-reference with Google to spot gaps and opportunities

Copy your seed title and search Google (or AI Search) to see how the market currently covers the topic:
  • Find market gaps: If existing articles are generic, vague, or skipping steps, you found an open opportunity to publish a deeper, authoritative guide.
  • Spot blind spots: If outside articles mention angles you overlooked (for example: regional dipping sauces, side greens, or pairing drinks), add those missing pieces to your seed to increase its value.
4

Archive research notes and finalize the seed

  • Move your research snippets into an Attachments container (with source links) under your seed node to keep your drafting space clean.
  • Add personal stories (for example: a local host sharing why corn wine balances the meal) to make your seed completely unique.

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Format for Yourself vs. Format for Your Audience

Inside Tana: Formatted for You

Presented as hierarchical bullet points so you can scan and grasp the entire argument in 3 seconds.

When Publishing: Formatted for Your Reader

Converted into short, flowing paragraphs so social media followers or blog readers digest it effortlessly.

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4 Context Positioning Questions for Your Seed

Before handing your seed off to the writing stage, answer these 4 quick positioning questions:

1. Who is the target reader?

Identify your audience (for example: Families visiting Sa Pa for the first time).

2. What acute friction do they face?

Pinpoint their struggle (for example: Eating dishes in random order ruins half the flavor).

3. What is your unique solution?

Your field-tested framework or sequence that resolves their friction.

4. What outcome is unlocked?

Enjoying the full culinary experience as intended.

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Next Steps

Once your seed idea is refined, update its status to Packaging to begin drafting your post:

Next Step: Package a Seed into a Post

Apply the storyteller perspective to write and publish your article on social media.