How Not To Waste Your Time On The Internet

In 2006, PC World presented an article on “The 15 Best Places to Waste Time on the

Web.”  I recommend you scan it.  Do you recognize any features that resemble your own daily use pattern of the Internet?  Without employment, Internet diversions can consume your entire day!

The Internet is wonderfully powerful.  It is also dangerously seductive.  Many Web sites give you the illusion that you are being productive while you are doing nothing less than chowing down useless brain candy.

Some Particulars:

• Game sites like Pogo.com draw people in with the prospect of winning money, but the reality is most will just end up anteing up an annual membership fee.  Sites like Moola.com screen a commercial video before you can play. Games are doubtless the worst time abusers.
• Celebrity gossip-What a trap!  What does Lindsay Lohan’s detoxification or Hugh Jackman’s adoption plans matter to you?
• Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb are great sites for anyone who likes films.  Spend too much time watching the movies they discuss and I guarantee they’ll never be making a biopic about your life.
• Then, of course, there’s YouTube and Craigslist.  Do yourself a favor and tape a little warning card to the side of your notebook screen.  It will remind you to ask uncomfortable questions:

Then ask yourself

How will this Web site help me get a job?

How will this piece of information make me more employable?

What am I now learning about my profession or industry that is new and important?