Part 2: Leechblock

So as promised I am continuing my three part blog on curbing digital procrastination.
For part one go here: here

I talked about manic time, a tool used to ~~guilt you~~ provide you the motivation you need to move away from your procrastinating tendencies.

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Now I should say that relaxing every now and then is fine, but if procrastination is affecting your work or your studies to the point where you can’t control yourself, then you’re probably addicted. I would define an addiction to procrastination as not being able to control oneself when wasting time.
This is where leechblock comes in. Leechblock is an addon for firefox that can help regulate your time online. If you use google chrome, then check out chrome nanny https://chrome.google.com/extensions/detail/gpdgmmdbbbchchonpfanphofpplhmcmn or stayfocused. If you use safari or opera, then I’m sorry you probably don’t have any similar apps. If you are using internet explorer, you should go check out this software.

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Now leechblock is a tool that has been documented on numerous blogs by people, and on numerous review sites. I had planned to show you guys a foolproof way to make leechblock work, but the instructions would be rather convoluted, and you could serve yourself better by experimenting with leechblock yourself. There are numerous ways to work around leechblock, but I’ve decided that you should slowly learn those ways yourself, and then use your creativity (or ask me) to find ways to block your workarounds. The most important thing about using leechblock is to never give up on it. If you fall into a rough spot, don’t blame the software, edit your settings or try something different (adapt), and try again. Don’t give up.

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Please note that I am not in any way involved with this company, I just feel this program was specifically designed for people who have problems with procrastination. It stops you from using the internet to procrastinate too much. I set it to lockdown an hour ago, and was able to finish my calculus homework because of it.

+ Show Spoiler [ Setting up] +

Download here: clicky
For instructions on setting up:
http://www.online-tech-tips.com/free-software-downloads/online-productivity-tool/
http://www.proginosko.com/leechblock_examples.html
Here’s a great list to start you off:
http://www.phpbbplanet.com/thebuzz/viewtopic.php?t=73&mforum=thebuzz
Some people have a lot of willpower so they can just set leechblock to have a 32digit random password, and only allow one hour of procrastinating sites every day. For us mere mortals, we’ll want to check the options the way I have here:
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If you want to set up a block set that blocks every website except the one to your school & your email address, then you’ll want to set up leechblock the way I have here.
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Oh and sign up at procrastinators.org if you're really serious.

TheCabDriver

Canada159 Posts

August 08 2010 01:06 GMT

Thanks man, I will definitely try this when the semester starts in September. I swear my procrastination is like a heroin addiction. This may work!

intrigue

Washington, D.C9933 Posts

August 08 2010 03:26 GMT

hadn't seen your previous blog, but i downloaded, installed both, and five starred both blogs. you are a saint.

Hyde

Australia14568 Posts

August 08 2010 03:41 GMT

Pretty awesome piece of software. There's a similar program for Macs, it's called Selfcontrol although it's not nearly as customisable as Leechblock. It only allows you to set up websites to block and how long (max of 12 hours). This is a lot better since you can set days etc.

myopia

United States2928 Posts

August 08 2010 03:57 GMT

Leechblock is great, one of the reasons I miss FF after switching over to chrome. Chrome Nanny and Stay Focused aren't nearly as good.

sLiniss

United States849 Posts

August 08 2010 04:12 GMT

I'm too weak. Good luck and Godspeed.

Klapdout

United States282 Posts

August 08 2010 04:24 GMT

Bookmarked for later use.

hellokitty[hk]

United States1309 Posts

August 08 2010 04:50 GMT

Bookmarked for later use.

Haha,
I really am going to, but ATM I came downstairs from SAT's to look up the proper usage of like/as.
Then I wandered to TL

.
Back to work!

Hidden_MotiveS

Canada2562 Posts

August 08 2010 17:51 GMT

@Hyde, yeah the other types of software usually don't work too well because they don't have advanced features. Good to know they at least have them for macs.

@hellokitty, GL on your SAT's, score high and you can get into Northeastern on a four year scholarship! (if you are a citizen)

Merit-Based Scholarships
Northeastern University's National Merit and National Achievement Finalist Scholarships
Admitted freshman applicants who are designated National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation are eligible to receive up to a full tuition scholarship from Northeastern University. In order to receive the scholarship, you must designate Northeastern University as your college choice to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation before April 29. To receive this scholarship when Regular Decision admission decisions are made, you must also send a copy of your Finalist notification letter to Undergraduate Admissions by March 1. These documents should be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via fax or email. Fax number: 617-373-8780. Email: i.figueroa@neu.edu. National Merit Finalists may also be considered for Northeastern’s Trustee Scholarship.

http://www.financialaid.neu.edu/grants/merit/NU_scholarships.php

I think they also had one for valedictorians but it sounds really easy to be a valedictorian at some schools, particularly small ones. Maybe they removed the scholarship for valedictorians.

I miss having a shared computer at home downstairs. When you get to college you have to control yourself T_T

Zona

40426 Posts

August 08 2010 21:27 GMT

#10

not many people are replying to your blogs, but I for one would like to encourage you to keep introducing such tools to us.

Zergneedsfood

United States10671 Posts

August 08 2010 23:17 GMT

#11

You are a life saver dude! I'm definitely going to be ~~guilted~~ motivated to waste less time now!

I'm going to show these to my friends too. They're bigger procrastinators than I am!

Thanks so much! 5/5

MetalMarine

United States1559 Posts

August 08 2010 23:29 GMT

#12

Still amazed over how great the first picture is

Z3kk

4099 Posts

August 09 2010 02:05 GMT

#13

This is beautiful; thank you so much!

I'll try to get these programs to work for me, because procrastination/distraction is a HUGE problem for me right now, and is truly stopping me from accomplishing many, many things...

:>