I used to avoid going through lengthy ChatGPT transcripts, until I learned how to turn them into valuable notes.

ChatGPT transcripts, often dismissed as repetitive and verbose, are in fact treasure troves of information. Storing them in ChatGPT's UI or saving them in your notes might seem like a good idea, but it's a surefire way to ensure they gather digital dust. Yet, every ChatGPT transcript is a goldmine of information just waiting to be reused.

But don't despair, I've got three tips to help you extract the most value from these conversations.

1. Don't Correct, Edit

Correcting ChatGPT when it errs can introduce confusion into the context window of the LLM.

However, ChatGPT's UI gives you the option to go back to previous messages and edit them. This essentially rewinds the conversation, creating an alternative branch (you can toggle back and forth using the arrow buttons).

The result? A sharper, streamlined transcript that cuts right to the chase.

2. Craft Summaries and Specialized Notes

At the end of a conversation, ask ChatGPT for a concise summary of the conversation, neatly organized into bullet points. It's also capable of highlighting key quotes or specific details that you'd like to remember.

And there's more: ChatGPT can also be your personal note-taker. It can record facts and insights on individual topics, ready for reuse in a wiki or glossary.

3. Create Actionable Takeaways

ChatGPT can also create actionable output. Long brainstorming conversations can be turned into tickets for a task management system (for best results, add your preferred formatting guidelines). If you love learning, ask ChatGPT for a set of flashcards, follow-up questions or writing prompts.

So don't let your transcripts rot! Turn them into long-lived assets for your personal knowledge system.