Planned vs Active: A Status System That Keeps You Honest
By Playlogs
Statuses are not bureaucracy. Used well, Planned and Active become the simplest backlog diet on Playlogs.
Planned vs Active
Backlogs die when everything is “someday.” Playlogs statuses exist so your diary mirrors reality.
Planned is a promise with a limit
Treat Planned like a short shelf, not an infinite wishlist. If the list hits twenty titles you have not touched in months, you do not have a plan — you have a museum.
A practical rule: one Planned game per free evening you actually have this month. The rest can live in your head, a wishlist elsewhere, or simply unlogged until you’re ready.
Active means you’re touching it
Active should mean the game is in rotation — even if only two hours a week. If you haven’t launched it in three weeks, it is On hold or Planned again. That honesty feels harsh the first time; then it feels like relief.
Completed is a celebration, not a trophy case
Mark Completed when you are done: credits, main story, or “I’ve had enough and I’m satisfied.” Completionist culture will try to steal that definition. Don’t let it.
Dropped and On hold are adult tools
Dropped is not failure. On hold is not shame. Both keep Active clean so your home screen reflects the games that still deserve attention.
Open Playlogs, count your Active titles, and if the number is higher than the hours you have this week — move something. The diary only works if the statuses are true.