Call me crazy, but I'd like to suggest that you (yes, you and you and you too) refrain from reading any search industry news (blogs, forums, etc) for the next 24 hours. Actually, let's say tomorrow (Friday here in the US), will be totally SEO blog free.
Hey, don't throw rotten tomatoes at me just yet. I have solid reasons. Hear me out. We all need a break from "news" and "conversation" once in a while, just so we can actually put on our "work hats" and get a few things done. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me you couldn't stand to spend a little less time reading blogs (including mine), a little less time participating in forums and social networks, and a lot more time getting some actual work done. You know it's true.
In addition, the past few months have been rife with nitpicking and infighting, and it wouldn't hurt anyone to just step back for a breather, and let all the arguments subside for a bit. We could all use a little chill pill, don't you think?
So I dare you; in fact, I double-dare you. Don't look at a single blog post, or participate in a single forum thread, or promote anything via a social network all day tomorrow. Instead, get some non-social work done. (Yes, being social is working, too, but there's lots of other work to be done as well).
Think you can do it? Heck, I'm not sure even I can. But I dare ya to try. Deal?
Now, go on, get to work.
(Caveat: Only the official SEO news reporters can break this moratorium, but ONLY for extreme news. Otherwise, they are "off" as well).
E-Newsletter
Top SEP Blog Posts
I've done this before while traveling – have done 3 consecutive days. The only effect it has is that your news reader will be harder to catch up with, which is annoying. It's certainly doable and the break is nice sometimes (not always).
Don't know why I would want to do it voluntarily…
Pierre
SearchCap: The Day In Search, January 17, 2008…
Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the web…….
I can still post my Friday Recap tomorrow, right? I mean, c'mon, that doesn't count as "real news" anyway.
Hmm, Lisa, how about pre-posting tonight, with it automatically showing up tomorrow? That way, you didn't actually do the work tomorrow. Of course, nobody can actually read the post till Saturday.
That means I'd have to write it tonight and there's not time to do that. How about I just take tomorrow off and I'll write it on Saturday? Okay, you tell Bruce I'm not coming in tomorrow.
Can forum owners and moderators be exempt?
We sorta have to check in at least.
heh, good point, kim. y'all can be exempt for that.
Such a noble recommendation, but so hard to follow
Seriously, though, I applaud even the consideration of this do-rather-than-read for a day idea. It reminds me of how productive I can be on a plane with my laptop sometimes on long flights… with only the ability to compose or organize stuff, not scamper through the 'net.
I just can't do it, Donna…I'm still catching my breath from my enforced absence for the Internet (due to that storm). I'm tellin' ya…I practically had tears in my eyes FINALLY getting back to my feed reader. I'm just too close to that nightmare….
Miriam
duh…from the Internet. I have made about 300 typos today….I don't know what's wrong with me. Maybe I do need a break.
Miriam
Don't worry, Miriam. I'm pretty sure no one going to actually participate (nor did I really expect anyone to). But I did think it was a good idea to make people stop and think for just a second about where time might be better spent for a bit.
Adam, maybe we should all lease a private jet and get together with our laptops in the air…wait, no, that wouldn't work…but it sure would be fun!
That'd be all fine and good, Donna, 'cept for now the airlines are slowly installing Internet access on planes. Infernal progress!
Dang those airlines!
Dam…
Only just read this.. Guess i'm to late now
I doubt i can do that. First thing on my mind when i on my Vaio laptop is to read on search engine news.
Can You Stay Away from Search News for 24 Hours?…
On her blog, DazzlinDonna proposes a plan that some people think is unfathomable: stay away from search news for 24 hours. Her argument is that if you avoid the news, you might actually be able to get things done. The……
I try to do it every weekend as the news slows down, but not checking the blog reader on vacation is tough.
When I know I am going on vaca I try to tune myself down to 2-3 blogs that cover just about all aspects of online marketing I care about and only check those. A website like SE Roundtable is great for this sort of thing.
Just reading and keeping up on SEO news is a job in itself.
I lasted about 2 hours…I don't think it's possible without unplugging my computer!
Hey Donna!
I added you to my resources section, as well as grabbed your feed. Great site here!
OOPS
:::waving:::
It seems that things have simmered down a bit anyway. Time to recharge the mental batteries, dig deep and start with some fresh material in a few days.
Thanks for the suggestion Donna, I definitely will log off and try to get away from the goblin box.
I had the best weekend with very little contact with this computer..
But, I'll have to admit that after a few hours my conscience actually bothered me because I have yet to do so much to catch up as it is..
Organizing friends RSS feeds and other feeds of interest, writing preparatory post drafts, on and on…
It's almost as stressful just to not take a break at all!
But, I still enjoyed friendship, sightseeing the historical sections of my town, had a nice Thai dinner with a great friend, and conversation that went on onto the wee hours of the morning..
So, the break was a certainly a plus.
Now….back to work..
er, um, SpostareDuro, while I'm glad you enjoyed your time off, the point was to take time off from social stuff, so you could concentrate on hard-core work stuff.
Oh, I guess you're right..
Ok ok…
Maybe I'll try that NEXT weekend..(blushing)
I gave myself more "me" time over the weekend, and it was good. I've been thinking a lot about how some pressure is good for breaking down creative barriers, but too much pressure leads to overload and burnout. Good boundary pushing requires boundaries.