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I often feel like I just don’t have enough time for all of the online things that I want to get done. With having several sites (this one, as well as The Homeschool Classroom, Catholic Mothers Online, and Catholic Gadget), as well as writing at others, there just doesn’t seem to be a way to get it all done.
Well, at least it seems that way at times.
But, here’s the thing – I sometimes can spend hours on the computer and get nothing done. I sit at the computer with the best of intentions, but I am quickly pulled away to sites like Facebook and Twitter. Maybe those are time suckers for you, or maybe you get pulled away by something else online. (Or, then again, you might have fabulous focus. Bless you, if you do.)
Megan from Half-Pint House mentioned an app that can be downloaded called Self-Control. Doesn’t that just make you laugh? If you don’t have self-control on your own, it’s downloadable. Who knew? Self-Control can block certain sites for an amount of time that you determine.
I was all ready to download it when I noticed it was for Mac only. I was so bummed. I needed some downloadable self-control. (But, if you’re on a Mac, it may be a great option for you.)
Then, I found an add-on for Mozilla Firefox called LeechBlock. It allows you to block certain sites (that you tell it) for specific periods of time. I like to just set it for a couple of hours when I really need to work. But, you can also set it up to where certain sites are blocks on particular days, at specific set times of days, or even that you want it to shut down certain sites after you have been there for a period of time that you tell it ahead of time.
While I use Firefox, I do have both Safari and Internet Explorer still on my computer. So, when I block sites, I could just break down and use a different browser. However, I haven’t had a desire to do it. I think it’s enough of a reminder when the message pops up that the site I tried to visit is blocked right now that I need to get back to work.
What are some methods that you use to be more productive while online?
Post linked to: Works for Me Wednesday
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My ancient computer cannot hold anymore programs, but I find making a list of online jobbies to do in an hour helps to keep me focussed…sort of.
I do end up visiting a lot of blogs and learning a lot, but I have to find time for that.
Annie Kate
That’s awesome! I’m going to download that add-on to help m keep track of time.
I have difficulty focusing on one task and find myself jumping around online when there’s work to be done. I was thinking of getting an egg timer to limit my time wasting websites like Farmville on Facebook.
this sounds like something I need to check out for sure
I’m quite sure I would just switch to another browser. But thanks for the info anyway
I have been thinking about how to fix the same problem! Between blogs, Conservative Homeschoolers and facebook…I could stay forever. I need to try that tool!
There’s a similar add on to firefox called pageaddict.
http://pageaddict.com/
I don’t think I’m ready to sub out my self-control yet, but I cannot say that I probably don’t need to consider it!
; 0 )
Those are great apps—why didn’t I think of that?!
Wow that’s valuable info thank you!
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