h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The more time I spend multi-tasking with on-line based tasks the worse my concentration gets. I used to be able to sit down and study, or read for pleasure for hours on end. But now I struggle to concentrate for more than 10 minutes or so before I wander off to do something else. I can't remember the last time I sat down to read a book or newspaper at home. There's always an e mail to check, some thing on h2g2, some guruing to do, someone on skype I need to chat to. I can spent hours posting on h2g2, chatting on instant messager, replying to e mails, catching up with the different volunteer groups.

The more time I spend on this sort of thing, the harder it is to concentrate on just one thing at a time. A lot of the things we do on h2g2 are things that require you to focus on just one thing for a couple of hours. Such as writing an entry, researching, sub-edited, writing for the post etc. And the more time I spend on h2g2, the worse I get at this sort of task. It scares me to be honest.

When I started off writing this post I was determined to just do one thing for half an hour. I've ended up listening to a pod-cast, chatting to someone on instant messager, popping outside and asking our next door neighbour in for a cup of mulled wine. All whilst attempting to write a journal at the same time.

I used to think that this was all entirely wasted time, time when I achieved nothing at all. But of course I was wrong. I have managed to form the community consortium, and organise a lot of the joint bid during time spent on this sort of little-bitty social-sort of activity. I met Ben on h2g2, but we formed our friendship and relationship by chatting on instant messenger. If it wasn't this I wouldn't be married, and we may not have saved h2g2.

I'd respond, but I don't know if I can focus long enough to do so.

>The internet is stealing my brain<
No danger there for me then, my brains mush most of the time, no-one would want to steal whats left.

I know what you mean. I can't watch telly for long at a time anymore. I've always liked something to do with my hands while I watch TV anyway (cross stitch or knitting), but it has got worse in the last couple of years. I don't think it's h2g2 and the internet, I just think of all the things I should be doing instead of sitting down doing nothing.

I think Radio would have suited me better, if I hadn't got addicted to the pretty flickering lights.

I sat down and read a book for two hours a few weeks ago. It was extraordinarily refreshing and enjoyable. But I had to lock myself in a B&B room with no TV or internet to do it...

There has been a lot of talk among scientists about the effect computers and the Internet have on brains, children's in particular.

I read a lot mostly in bed where there is no computer, TV or any other gizmo, except the radio. I actually find I multitask much better than I used to, perhaps because I am getting older and I am aware that time is precious.

I would be so lost without h2g2 - my RL friends are so busy and at least here there is usually someone online that I know, to chat to.

Thanks for all your efforts in saving h2g2, and long may your marriage prosper

Websailor

I know what you mean.

I'm on hootoo to postpone to-do-ing.

On the other hand, it is very interesting and I smile a lot. So, most of the time it is time well spent.