Babysitting Myself
So I've been investigating various ways to limit my online use. I'm still thinking about it, mind you; I haven't quite done anything yet.
But I did download a 10-day trial version of a software called Mac Minder, which basically limits the software on your computer by program. So I can have unlimited use of Microsoft Word, which I use for writing, and a time-limit (between certain hours that I choose) on Mail or Firefox or Safari.
The other day (this shows how addicted I am) while I was waiting for my daughter who was at crew practice, I went to the public library to catch some Internet time. (I had been gone ALL DAY!) The library was about to close in 15 minutes; so there was a little clock ticking down the minutes left. It was an amazing incentive to do what I needed to do, and fast.
So now the question is, how much should I allow myself? Two hours a day? Is that still a lot? Is it not very much? I have no idea. I think what I will do is allow one hour of Mail and two hours of Internet.
And I think I'll start... tomorrow.
posted by Susan at 9:08 AM
3 Comments:
Susan, I need help with this, too. I think I'm just as addicted as you are... maybe more? Argh!! I just can't stop. Maybe we need a 12 step program for writers who are internet-addicted... I may check out that software myself...
Monday, January 16, 2006 9:24:00 AM
Well, I did the very first step. I programmed it so that I can only play 15 minutes a day of this goofy game (another addiction). That wasn't so hard. Often many days go by when I don't even open it up, but often when I do, there goes an hour (zip). So it was the first step in limiting myself in SOME way. Internet next. (gulp!!!)
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 8:12:00 AM
Susan, it's kewl that you know how to even do this, as most of us might not.
My internet addiction is feeling fairly positive, if not how I once thought of it. I wake up and over coffee read breaking news on Google, newspapers, starting with NYTIMES and then go to Salon and then to Table Talk. All of this takes about 2 1/2 hours but I learn a lot, and love reading online. Only after all this do I go to my emails which are lately way less interesting. I guess I signed up for everything, because on an average day I receieve over 200 only 10 or 5 are personal and important. So, I think were I writing as once I did, I would worry about this. But I'm not and enjoy it thoroghly. THen I have my day, and then only late at night like now do I check emails, and this was great reading yr blog.... xxoo WO
Monday, February 06, 2006 12:36:00 AM
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