Update a field based upon data entered in a versioned field

Here is my scenario:

I have a text field that a user can enter a note. Each timne they enter the note it is stored(Verisoned).

I have another field that I want to have populated with the Choice "Read Notes" if a note was ever entered in the field.

Problem is, after the save, the field is blank again until the next note is added. I tried a simple workflow saying that if the field was not empty change the other field to "Read Notes". This worked at first and I thought I had it. Now it does not work at all.

I am wondering if it worked as it evaluated the field for data faster than the save took place and cleared it. Any way, I need to bring attention to users that another user has left a note on this task.

Anyone know how I can build a workflow that raelly works ALL the time.

Thanks