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Contract Worker - Freelancing Experiences

How to Keep Twitter From Killing Your Productivity

by Rico on May 25th, 2008

twitter.gifPersonally, I don’t bother with Twitter. I really don’t see the point of sharing every minutiae of my life with other people.

But I understand that many of you are hopelessly addicted to the frequent updates the Twitter offers. And, there are some people who use the micro-blogging service to maximum effect. So, how can you indulge the habit without killing your productivity?

Still, Twitter can be an unnecessary distraction that keeps you from accomplishing anything meaningful. Just like the sites that every freelancer should avoid, Twitter will waste hours of your time as you attempt to stay on top of the numerous personalities you’ve “subscribed” to.

So, to keep twitter from killing your productivity, apply the same principles you use to cut down on your email barrage: get rid of what’s not absolutely necessary from a “business” point of view. “Unsubcribe” ruthlessly.

Do you really need to know what’s happening with a celebrated online personality who doesn’t add to your career knowledge, no matter how entertaining their tweets are? With all due respect to master web designer Shaun Inman, his tweets are ultimately useless from an educational point of view.

In other words, do the people you follow on Twitter provide value or entertainment? It’s a rare person who can supply both; in the meantime, until you find them, stick to value please.

POSTED IN: Productivity Drivers

4 opinions for How to Keep Twitter From Killing Your Productivity

  • Neerav
    May 25, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    100% agree with you

    I joined twitter recently and only follow people who provide valuable information

    Tried following people like Scobleizer and Jason Calacanis but too much of what they say is useless fluff

  • Miki
    May 25, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Three cheers, Rico. It’s good to find a kindred soul who clearly sees the danger inherent in being over-wired.

    I find it sad that so many people waste their own lives while vicariously living other people’s.

  • Rico
    May 26, 2008 at 9:26 am

    Neerav: Yeah, it’s too bad. Those two have lots of useful info to share, but choose to “pollute” their valuable “signals” with lots of “noise”.

    Miki: Well, I understand why people are interested in the lives of others. But you’re still right; it can be quite a waste.

  • Miki
    May 26, 2008 at 10:27 am

    Interest is one thing obsession is another. And based on the paparazzi frenzy it seems that millions have crossed that line.

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