I was just browsing my Google Reader and somebody linked to an application called Freedom that will prevent you from going online for a certain, predetermined time.
The idea is that during that time you do what it is you’re supposed to do:
- write your book
- work on projects
- organise your home
- menu plan, etc.
I love it and hate it.
Love that the decision is then taken away from me and hate that I would need something to help with my self-discipline.
I recognise, however, that the computer eats into many things I should be doing but don’t get around to doing.
So it is a necessary thing in our overcrowded lives. And if this is the only way for you to impose self-discipline, then I say, “go for it”!
How about you?
How do you feel about this? Would you use it (there’s a version for PC and Mac)?
PS nobody’s paying me a single cent for writing about it – it just triggered a hot button and I want to hear from you
Looks useful!
I have the same exact ambiguous feeling: I feel sort of ashamed to need such things but, being honest, I know I do need to play tricks to myself sometimes! That reminded me of your article about why you need a personal trainer: yes, of course, you could do it alone, but having someone you’re accountable to, increase your efforts and your benefits. Those types of software are quite similar: if you can reach the same result without having to use them, great for you, keep it that way! But if you can’t, then why not use any help available?
I just found out an old firefox add-on I had bookmarked a long time ago, that sounds even more interesting (because it looks more adaptable) and I just blogged about it! 😉
Thanks for sharing, Chloe. I like the idea of blogging certain sites.
its a great idea and i need help with staying off the computer but dont think i could use it because I use the net for a lot of things? what if i need to start cooking supper and need a recipe? but i’m blocked off.
I often think the same way, Amanda, til something happens like a power failure and I’m forced to be without computer, etc and surprisingly, I cope 🙂
I’m hopeless with my computer – regardless of what reason I go online for initially, it always ends up me being sucked in to my myriad of online vortexes … work email, personal email, business email, favourite blogs, googling, facebook … the list goes on and on … BUT when my husband is home, he is my ‘freedom application’ – he literally walks into the office when he thinks i’ve been on the computer for too long and talks AT ME until I get off … somehow it works!!
LOL teehee
Love how he has to talk AT you, Laura 🙂
If my timer is on, I’m good but I have to remember to turn it on!
I would so use something like this. Will check it out.
I think I would break out into a sweat if I tried to use this application, which probably means I really need it.