[Grammar] Splitting a longer sentence

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Zoli

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This is the sentence:

I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof and they may disappear at any time,
so I decided to stick with a plain text system.

I think it's a little bit too long. Would it be correct to split it up using a semicolon? like so:

I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof
; they may disappear at any time, so I decided to stick with a plain text system.

or should I go with a period?

I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof. They may disappear at any time, so I decided to stick with a plain text system.
 

tedmc

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This is the sentence:

1. I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof and they may disappear at any time,
so I decided to stick with a plain text system.

I think it's a little bit too long. Would it be correct to split it up using a semicolon? like so:

2. I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof
; they may disappear at any time, so I decided to stick with a plain text system.

or should I go with a period?

3. I was initially thinking on using a note taking application such as Evernote or OneNote, but I realized that none of them are future-proof. They may disappear at any time, so I decided to stick with a plain text system.

Number your sentences.

Sentence 3 is better. A four-line sentence is too long.

I don't see the problem. Aren't Evernote and OneNote also text applications which can be saved?
 

TheParser

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I would go with periods.

Something like: "I was initially thinking about using a note-taking application such as Evernote or OneNote. I realized, however, that none of them are future-proof and may disappear at any time. I decided therefore to stick with a plain text system."
 

Zoli

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Your version sound much better, but the word "therefore" should have a comma before and after it. Right?

I decided, therefore, to ...
 

emsr2d2

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Your version sounds much better, but the word "therefore" should have a comma before and after it. Am I right?

I decided, therefore, to ...

I would use those commas.
 

GoesStation

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I would use those commas.
It works either way for me but it flows better without them. A one-word parenthetical clause is easily understood without being marked by commas.
 
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