Comments on: A Need to Know Basis

By: Melissa Schroeder

Melissa Schroeder — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:14:10 +0000

I have done the same thing. A lot of them were political blogs, and most of the time, that stuff can wait. I use bribes. If I make word count, I get to watch a movie, read a book, or read some of my favorite blogs.
And I am like Lauren. I am much happier avoiding the blogs that are famous for their flaming. It is a waste of energy when I could be writing or editing.

By: Silke

Silke — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:06:09 +0000

I don’t visit many blogs, I admit. But i manage to distract myself otherwise… under the guise of research.
I do have a rule for myself though… I visit the blog of the person posting above me - if they have one.
You would be amazed what you can find.

By: Lauren Dane

Lauren Dane — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:02:07 +0000

Like you and Shi, I also cut out most of my blog hopping. I’d cut out almost all television two years ago and with the near elimination of blog hopping and keeping track of my wordcount (which I didn’t usually do because I found I got an average of 2-3k a day one) I’m more productive.

And, to be honest, it’s better for me and keeps my blood pressure down to stay out of blogdrama and negative stuff. I still have my ranty moments, but as I only read the RWR monthly, that’s down low too, LOL.

I stick to blogs I like and find inspiring or like the voice at, I avoid places that make me mad or I find counter productive and in truth, it makes me happier and keeps me out of trouble (most of the time)

By: Melissa Blue

Melissa Blue — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:04:09 +0000

Portia, I’m with you. (and I’m probably going to sneak over to your blog) I read a lot of blogs and all of them will have no affect on my writing career if I don’t read them. I tell myself I’m networking, I’m attracting people to my blog who I hope will buy my book when it comes out. When really all I’m doing is procrastinating. Does my writing suffer? I don’t know, because I always make sure I have my writing done regardless how much time I spend on the Net. Could I get more done? Most definitely.

By: Portia Da Costa

Portia Da Costa — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:43:55 +0000

I use Google Reader.

Doesn’t it say a lot for the above mentioned discipline though, that I’m here *again*! LOL

By: Alison Kent

Alison Kent — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:59:13 +0000

Oh, I read my blogs in a reader, too. I have several in Bloglines, which I don’t like as much as Netvibes BUT I’m still finding that since I’ve been away from the blogosphere? I’m not even that interested in clicking on any of those links to read! I’m sure I’ll eventually get curious again, LOL, but for now I’m really enjoying not being inundated with the career issues of everyone else, and concentrating on my writing instead. It’s made a huge difference in my mindset.

By: Marie Peck

Marie Peck — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:50:14 +0000

I hear ya. I’ve cut my blog hopping down to nearly nothing and I’ve seen a big improvement in my ability to focus. There are two blogs that I participate in but for reading, there are only a handful that I visit regularly and they are all, 100% of them, writing related.

By: Caro Kinkead

Caro Kinkead — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:36:41 +0000

I use Google Reader, but I use the same trick — scan the blogs I want to read and click through only to those I feel a compelling needs to comment on. I’m not participating in message boards anywhere near as much and cutting down on mailing lists. This is especially important because I’ve been elected head of membership for my chapter, so my involvement in that link is going to go up with the first of the year.

It is discipline, getting the thing done. That’s one of the things that’s good about this challenge, and I’m hoping that by Round Three (if we do a Round Three) the new habits will be well and truly set.

By: Gina Marina

Gina Marina — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:57:07 +0000

I lost all my links when the computer crashed and have since narrowed down where I go during the week. Even my writing related groups are digest. The hardest part is giving up some of my reading groups.

Now I need to concentrate that time to MY writing….

….focus, focus, focus….

By: Portia Da Costa

Portia Da Costa — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:47:31 +0000

I need to be more disciplined in this area… much more disciplined.