I admit it. Sometimes, the siren call of Facebook or Twitter gets to me, and I head over to social media to see what’s going on. Maybe it happens to you, as well? Or, perhaps instead of social media, you feel an overwhelming need to check out your auctions on eBay, or the news on CNN? Whatever your preference of online distraction, it’s still just that–a distraction.
When you’re at work, spending too much time on these kinds of things can be problematic. If you’re addicted to LOLCats and you’ve got a ton of work, it can be very tempting to just take a peek at I Can Has Cheezeburger…and then that “peek” turns into too much time down the drain. Not all of us have the necessary restraint when faced with infinite online inducements. But, never fear, technology is here!
Cold Turkey is a free web app that you install to your computer. You tell it which sites (or even applications) to block and when to block them. And, you’re done. No more Facebook, no more eBay…the crying commences, but maybe the work gets done.
What does this mean to me, Laura?
- Circumventing Cold Turkey is difficult or impossible. You can’t even uninstall it if it’s running. In other words, no cheating.
- As I mentioned above, Cold Turkey also blocks applications on your computer, not just websites. A unique feature that may be helpful if you spend too much time on solitaire.
- This software also blocks things for anyone using a computer, not just particular profiles or accounts. So, this might have use in a library on staff machines (just a thought, don’t kill me, please).
- The download screen might make it seem like money is required for download–but it isn’t. It has a unique donation system, where you can donate if you find the app useful, and even designate how much of your donation goes to charity.
- No Mac or mobile versions yet.
What do you think? Would you use this, either personally or in your library?
