Do yourself a favor. Make this the last post you read today. I came to a very important realization recently that I’d like to share; maybe it will hit close to home.
How much time do you spend reading blogs? Of that time, how much is spent learning truly useful or actionable information? Furthermore, how much time do you spend APPLYING what you’ve read? All the intentions in the world won’t matter as much as one tangible action.
Here are some examples of garbage. Blog reviews: I think John Chow had a hand in creating this monstrosity – they are so useless it hurts. I’m getting really sick of seeing these. There are faceoffs, blog fights, 2000 bloggers, and tons of other stuff out there taking up your time. There are pointless catfights, blogger drama, and soap opera-esque MyBlogLog v. Shoemoney type of stunts that garner loads of attention. This is no different than watching Access Hollywood – you might as well plop on a couch and eat greasy potato chips, glued to your laptop screen while your life spirals into a pathetic pool of mediocrity.
Some of this is ok as long as you’re allocating time for it and count it as “off-time” but don’t kid yourself by thinking it’s contributing anything to your life or helping you reach your goals.
Wasting time on these things are keeping you from becoming great – it could be spent creating something great. I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of getting caught up in BS, wasting time reading too much filler, but today I’m making an effort to change.
Contrary to what I said above, you should read two more posts (and make them the last two posts for the day).
Find your inner Jerry Maguire, and DIFN!
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I rarely read blogs – I just skim over my RSS feeds (about 30) every morning (because no one honestly expects me to be able to do anything else at 9am) in about 15 minutes, and perhaps pick up 2 or 3 interesting and possibly useful pieces of information.
I really enjoy reading shoemoney.com He gives a ton of great information that has helped me make money.
Actually, lots of the time I spend on blogs yields actionable info, or at least inspiration. However, unless the blogger is an amazing writer, personal blogs are starting to get the old heave-ho from NetNewsWire. I’ll still read friends and internet friends. But unless it’s technical, creative, or old-school news, you’re right, it’s mostly crap.
Nathaniel – it sounds like you have things under control – right on. I’m not against blogs or RSS feeds, I just think it’s easy to get caught up in all the fluff. I know I did (and had to take a step back).
Chuck, I have Shoemoney in my reader and I think he’s given a lot of great advice. I like the guy, I just don’t care too much for the recent drama and the linkbaiting (I know he says he’s never linkbaited on purpose, but c’mon… “britney spears shaved”, MBL, etc.). He’s built quite a brand though, so I gotta commend him for that.
Don’t forget about my 2007 Bloggers Tournament. That’s a huge waste of time. =)
I hear your thoughts, man. I try not to get sucked into the void. Thanks for sharing.
If you’re the one putting it on (and getting attention in return) then it’s not a waste of time, derrich ;)
It takes me about 30 seconds to disqualify a blog as rubbish and equally as long to find quality. That is not to say that I do not ….occasionally….get caught up in the trash…..! The ratio of quality to not is obviously low, but when you find the jewels it sure is worth it.