Links to deleted objects should just unlink
under review
F
Fabian Schneider
Right now, deleting a linked object changes all links to that object to a broken link with the text "Deleted".
This is undesirable behavior in use cases where an object that was created because it tentatively warranted its own object is deleted because it didn't turn out to be valuable enough - or when an object loses its relevance.
For example, if a diary (daily note) entry references "Buy a new laptop", it's reasonable to create an object for that project. Later, however, that laptop may already have been bought, leading to clutter in terms of links and at least one page that is no longer useful. But deleting the "New Laptop" page then retroactively changes the daily note to "Buy a Deleted", which can be confusing upon later reference.
Obsidian handles this by allowing "blind" links (i.e. links that lead to an object that's only created when the link is clicked), but just unlinking the string would be a perfectly acceptable solution as well imho.
Log In
Steffen Bleher
Thanks for voting on this topic.
Our current take is that we'll keep these links so one can recover files, they accidentally deleted and you'll have transparency in the process. If you for example created a link in the middle of the sentence and you now just remove a few words, that would not be expected behavior.
We hope that this makes sense. Please, feel free to still vote on this topic so we get an idea of how requested it is.
M
Michael Allen
I think my issue is either this or related this issue, when I delete an object that is linked on a Page for example, it is impossible to delete that block, unless you undo the delete, then remove the block on the page, then go back and delete the object.
I understand the reosoning of keeping the deleted links, but it would be better if the decision is to keep doing this, to enable the user to delete the 'Deleted Content' b;ock
Steffen Bleher
Thanks for voting on this topic.
Our current take is that we'll keep these links so one can recover files, they accidentally deleted and you'll have transparency in the process. If you for example created a link in the middle of the sentence and you now just remove a few words, that would not be expected behavior.
We hope that this makes sense. Please, feel free to still vote on this topic so we get an idea of how requested it is.
R
Randy Savoy
This would be so helpful. There's so much data I want to create and link to in my journal entries or trip planning for example. But if I decide I not longer need it then I wouldn't lose the text everywhere it's linked.
S
Safwan Samsudeen
Yeah, I'd also suggest taking the Obsidian approach - allowing links to yet uncreated notes, to create them in the future.
michael_v_h
under review
E
Ethan Hamilton
Seconded. All that is needed is the ability to delete the block, because right now any references to a deleted object are simply impossible to remove. Ideally, references to a deleted object would automatically be removed.
I'm a minimalist and often delete notes that I don't think are useful anymore.