whats the point of the "documents" folder?

hey!

when i got my first (this) mac a month ago, i assumed that the "documents" folder inside my home directory would be for my texts, spreadsheets and so on.

i've just downloaded the trial for iwork 08, and it seems to want to use that folder as the default for opening and saving files.

what bothers me is that several programs have used that folder to store some of their files (especially microsoft, but also others)... and i really don't want to have those files mixed up with my important stuff.

so i'm asking you: do you use your documents folder? or do you have separate folders for your actual documents? if so, can you chance iwork's (and other programs') preferences as to where to look for opening/saving files?

thanks a lot!

I use Documents, Music, Pictures, Movies and Sites for their implied purposes. However, I don't have a flat structure in them. Instead, for Documents, as an example, I have a folder hierarchy inside, with folder trees for each of my major areas of "stuff". Ditto for the rest as well.

In general, since many programs will assume you are using the standard folders for their standard intended purposes, it is easiest not to fight the plan - just go with it and personalize it to fit your needs.

Does that help?

I keep all my "Documents" like write ups, notes, bills, in my documents folder. Apart from that, I have sub folders within the Documents folder named "Projects", Websites, and some others.

I've always viewed the Documents folder as sort of a default "dumping ground" for anything that didn't fit neatly elsewhere. I rarely use it for anything.

One advantage you may wish to consider for using the Documents, Music, etc. folders for their intended purpose is that it makes backing up pretty easy. If all of your major files are in the Documents hierarchy, and all of your digital photos in the Pictures hierarchy, etc. you can backup all of your documents with one drag n drop of Documents to an external hard drive. Ditto for Music, Pictures, etc.

thanks!

i guess i'll sort my docs inside that folder then, if i go with iwork instead of ms office and adium instead of messenger i shouldn't have any weird program folders in there..

I use the documents folder for all my letters, school work, forms, personal financial sheets, etc.

The only problem I've had is, when I go to "save as" I don't always get a choice where I want to put my new document. But I've found that if I go to the hardrive and go to documents, I can then drag it where I want it.

I think it's a pretty good way to keep everything organized and I've gotten used to the format.