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General discussion (archive)Regulating time spent on the web(22 posts)solved(22 posts)solved
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This is my favourite topic
Posted March 24, 2010
I'm in grad school and one of the main things that distracts me from my dissertation is the internet. The trouble is, I also need the internet to do my work (e-mail, research, etc.). I want to get more hardcore about limiting my time at specific internet sites, while still allowing access to the sites I need for my work. Is there any software like those parental control programs, but that would allow me to restrict my own access to entertainment sites for a specified time each day. For example, it might let me view my favorite videogame sites for 60 minutes per day, but then it blocks those sites for the rest of the day once the 60 minutes has been reached. The problem with most programs is they either block certain sites all the time, or if you can set a time limit, it only allows a time limit for all internet usage.
Freeware would be preferred naturally, but I need to get a lot of work done quickly and I need to be rigid with myself about how I spend my time, so I'd be willing to pay for something at this point too. Any advice on a program for me?
Post edited March 24, 2010 by jungletoad
This question / problem has been solved by soulgrindrimage
Posted March 24, 2010
Honestly, part of "growing up" is learning how to be responsible and understanding time management. If you ever get a real job, you probably won't have such a program installed on your work PC.
So you are probably better off without the program. But that is just my two cents.
Posted March 24, 2010
What I'm trying to do is be responsible and use time management. I just think a computer program would do the job very effectively and be more rigid about it.
Post edited March 24, 2010 by jungletoad
Posted March 24, 2010
Move to China and get censored. You'll regulate your time pretty effectively.
Posted March 24, 2010
Google "internet access control software free" and you will find several solutions that may be what you are looking for . . .=)
Posted March 24, 2010
Getting such a thing set up an configured will probably take you more time than it will end up saving you. Seriously, if you're working on a graduate dissertation you should have learned some self-control by now, and if you haven't then it's way past time that you did.
Posted March 24, 2010
I use the Firefox addon LeechBlock when I'm at work. I'm on a break now, so I can access GOG :)
Sounds like it may do what you want, but it's specific to that browser.
Post edited March 24, 2010 by Ois
Posted March 24, 2010
If you can't find something that will do what you want, here's what I'd suggest:
- take all your entertainment related sites out of your favorites/bookmarks.
- configure your browser to clear history when your browser closes.
- drop any RSS feeds from sites you're trying not to spend too much time on.
This will at least force you to search or type in the address for the sites you're trying to restrict yourself from accessing.
Set aside a certain time slot each day for your 'free time' to browse the internet for entertainment. I suggest this be after you've done your research and not before (too easy to blow your time limit).
In short: make it as tough as possible to access your time-wasting sites. But the bottom line is you need to be able to discipline yourself or you'll find that not even a program will stop you from wasting time.
Posted March 24, 2010
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michaelleung: Move to China and get censored. You'll regulate your time pretty effectively.

This will save him a few thousand dollars.
Posted March 24, 2010
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michaelleung: Move to China and get censored. You'll regulate your time pretty effectively.
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chautemoc: This will save him a few thousand dollars.

That's really funny.
Posted March 24, 2010
I've had the exact same problem. And it's a pain in the ass to overcome. the internet is pretty darn addictive, and if you have your browser open anyway then it's much harder to resist. Still not sure I've totally managed it, but i made a few big breakthroughs recently.
A few suggestions:
Leechblock is pretty good, and I use it, but it won't work alone and without some self control, because it's really easy to disable it "for just a few minutes" and that way lies failure.
I've used it unsuccessfully for a long time, but now i'm using it successfully.
The main thing I'd suggest, if like me you have firefox packed with extensions, toolbars and lots of tabs, is to make another minimal firefox profile to use for work. In this profile don't add lots of gmail notifiers, or bookmarks for twitter, or distracting icons. Add only Leechblock and any extensions you really need for work.
Then set up two shortcuts, one for each profile.
Then, if possible, set firefox to open in fullscreen mode, or hide as many toolbars as possible, and get the tab bar to autohide. (tabbed browsing is the killer of productivity as there are always distractions right there in another tab).
Then the other main thing is to separate your time into distinct and regular groups. So, for example, 9-11am is work time and 7-9pm is free time. Then, whatever you do, don't break these time rules, no matter what the temptation.
(use alarm clocks, sticky notes, popup reminders (easy to set up in vista) to make sure you are doing what you should be doing at the right time).
It really is a case of willpower, but that makes it sound easy, when actually it's the hardest thing in the world. Its not exactly true that it'll be necessary when you start work though.. you'll still find half the workforce being distracted by the internet half the day.
Other tips:
Listen to music with headphones to help you focus.
If you can "get started" and get into it, you'll usually find that you won't get distracted, but the first 1-15 minutes are dangerous.
Maybe break your time into 45minute segments with a kitchen timer, and then take a few minutes break and get up away from the computer (not a break to check facebook!).
Start each session with a concrete goal. not something big like "do dissertation" but a smaller milestone like "this morning I'll write 1000 words on my dissertation".
Posted March 24, 2010
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soulgrindr: The main thing I'd suggest, if like me you have firefox packed with extensions, toolbars and lots of tabs, is to make another minimal firefox profile to use for work. In this profile don't add lots of gmail notifiers, or bookmarks for twitter, or distracting icons. Add only Leechblock and any extensions you really need for work.
Then set up two shortcuts, one for each profile.
Then, if possible, set firefox to open in fullscreen mode, or hide as many toolbars as possible, and get the tab bar to autohide. (tabbed browsing is the killer of productivity as there are always distractions right there in another tab).

So, basically just download chrome, it's very minimalist.
Posted March 24, 2010
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Gundato: Honestly, part of "growing up" is learning how to be responsible and understanding time management. If you ever get a real job, you probably won't have such a program installed on your work PC.
So you are probably better off without the program. But that is just my two cents.

Having a job means external motivation and a sense of urgency. When you're dependent on just you and you are also working at home, it takes a whole lot more discipline to get things done than when you have a deadline in the near future; clients that depend on you; your boss looking over your shoulder or colleagues, team members or fellow-students partnering with you.
I'm actually dealing with the same thing and I'm constantly fighting against losing myself in starting random fights over the internet or looking for interesting threads on GoG...
ARGH!
Posted March 24, 2010
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jungletoad: What I'm trying to do is be responsible and use time management. I just think a computer program would do the job very effectively and be more rigid about it.

It could be more effective, yes. But only if you have the self-restraint to not disable it every time you wanted to spend more time using the Internet.
Posted March 24, 2010
I have a few suggestions:
Have a word to your student advice people and ask for some help on time management.
Designate a time to use the net recreationally and set a fucking loud and annoying alarm on the other side of the room that you can't possibly sit there and ignore, that might help break the spell and remind you that its time to work
Do your research away from home, go to the uni computer lab or something, it'll feel different enough that you might focus more and google image searches for hot asian teens may be blocked
Fail a critical class that acts as a prerequsite for later subjects because of your lack of discipline, you won't make the same mistake again
Hire someone to sit with you and punch you if you access non-research sites during study time
Post edited March 24, 2010 by Aliasalpha
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General discussion (archive)Regulating time spent on the web(22 posts)solved(22 posts)solved
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