12-step program for e-mail addiction stumbles
By Paul McNamara on Tue, 02/20/07 - 3:53pm.
Hi, my name is Paul and I am an e-mail addict.
Reuters this afternoon brings us news that an executive coach named Marsha Egan has devised a 12-step program to treat e-mail addiction.
Let's just say I am unimpressed.
1. Admit that e-mail is managing you. Let go of your need to check e-mail every ten minutes.
Where are those Guinness guys from the TV commercials when you need them? Brilliant! I'll just "let go" of my need to check e-mail every 10 minutes (if only I could wait 10 minutes) and there will be no need at all for the next 11 steps. Brilliant!
2. Commit to keeping your inbox empty.
What am I missing? I'm already committed to keeping my inbox empty. I'm so committed to keeping my inbox empty that I'm checking my e-mail more often than hibernating animals breathe. I don't need more commitment. I need to be committed.
3. Create files where you can put inbox material that needs to be acted on.
Oh, that old chestnut. Files, files, files. The only file that might do me any good is the deleted file ... and even then it would have to be set to be automatically emptied every 10 minutes.
4. Make broad headings for your filing system so that you have to spend less time looking for filed material.
Seriously, someone pour me a drink or I'll never get through these 12 steps. The only file that's a problem is my inbox. Does anyone advise an alcoholic to do a better job of filing their booze?
5. Deal immediately with any e-mail that can be handled in two minutes or less but create a file for mails that will take longer.
Again with the files. And two minutes or less? Practically all of my e-mail can be dealt with in two minutes or less. The problem is that I'm checking it every two minutes or less.
6. Set a target date to empty your inbox. Don't spend more than an hour at a time doing it.
Didn't we already empty the inbox in step No. 2? Maybe I just wasn't cut out for this 12-step business.
7. Turn off automatic send/receive.
So you mean I'll have to click an extra button to check my e-mail? Not exactly a straight-jacket, now is it. I'm an addict, I'll click the bloody button. ... Next?
8. Establish regular times to review your e-mail.
I already have regular times, they're just a bit more regular than would be considered sane. ... C'mon, c'mon, I've e-mail to check.
9. Involve others in conquering your addiction.
Any volunteers? Want to manage my inbox for me? ... No, I was just kidding; hands off.
10. Reduce the amount of e-mail you receive.
OK, I'll try. ... Would everybody please send me less e-mail? ... (Now I have to go see if that worked.)
11. Save time by using only one subject per e-mail; delete extra comments from forwarded e-mail, and make the subject line detailed.
Personally, I don't even understand the first part of that. And the second and third would seem to require more not less of my time.
12. Celebrate taking a new approach to e-mail.
Can I go check it now?
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Some people get GTD, some people don't
It's ok, Paul, to admit you can't commit to getting things done. Admission is the first step.
Google on GTD and 43folders. Lots of geeks have made the switch, you can too.
Will you GTD and 43folders addicts...
Will you all just shut up? Please?
I'm glad you like your system. You seem a bit addicted to it though, if you ask me. I've looked at the system - doesn't work for me. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, it's only useful system to a portion of the population and those of you who can use it need to shut up about it, because the rest of us either have already tried it and/or have found our own system.
The author wrote a pretty good article. I'd say the email addiction isn't that big a problem for them.
Funny!
Touché.
Less email
"Would everybody please send me less email?" That's so funny, and I can't even explain why! Awesome.
Reminds me of that tv ad a
Reminds me of that tv ad a while back... "you have reached the end of the internet." I laughed for a week the first time I saw that ad.
It sounds to be like this 12
It sounds to be like this 12 step program is for messy people and people who never respond or are slow to responding to emails rather than for someone who is addicted...seriously WTF!
This is nuts.
Ok, first the article. It's good. I'll give it an A-, though, as it fails to give more than a fairly trivial response, fails to say that this method might be good for people who are disorganized (as opposed to addicted) and fails to provide any links to any alternatives.
Now, onto the steps themselves. It must be obvious to anyone that these steps have nothing to do with actual 12-step programs, including any apparent understanding of when they're appropriate or why. It must also be obvious that they'll do nothing for addiction (except enable it). The steps may benefit some people, but not the people they are supposed to.
There are people who really are addicted to e-mail and the last thing such people need is bad advice. The primary things for such addicts to remember are:
In this case, the original hack clearly doesn't comprehend the word. It is as utterly disconnected from reality as it would be to describe the planet Jupiter as a form of postage stamp. The term has been chosen for shock-value, apparently unaware that all other hacks have done exactly the same thing, rendering the public largely immune.
What a joke...
As someone who is a member of NA, when I saw this one he news I was kinda thinking the whole thing was a joke. As someone who was an addict and addicted to drugs and has almost 2 years clean, being "addicted" to e-mail is nothing in comparison. I am happy today to check my email every minute when I have my email program on, a whole lot better then sticking a needle in my arm!!
12 Steps
THE 12 STEPS DOWN TO HELL
I imagine 12 Step recovery programs are a slow slide into the jaws of Satan. I was involved with this evil “satanic cult” [AA] for over 30 years but was saved through the power of Jesus Christ. He directed me to a therapist who was into “real” recovery, not the mind destroying, soul destroying, cult, which is AA. I have met two Steppers recently & I imagine they are completely devoid of any emotion or insight. I feel pain because both these men are decent human beings but AA has destroyed their individuality & they have no idea how to relate apart from expounding AA propaganda. I imagine Hell to be a continuous flow of AA meetings without any light at the end of the tunnel because one never recovers'. I beg you people who are in 12 Step programs, to get out before it is too late.
How does one recover when one is handing one’s power over to AA. The 12 Steps were written out of Wilson’s head, he certainly didn’t get his guidance from the Bible. I imagine he was an agent of Satan & he & Smith’s “cult religion” has filled millions of Steppers with their anti - Christ propaganda.
Step Three of AA is "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him." While many in the Oxford Group placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, there was much leeway given. Shoemaker, a leader of the Oxford Group, says, "The true meaning of faith is self-surrender to God." He further explains:
Surrender to whatever you know about Him, or believe must be the truth about Him. Surrender to Him, if necessary, in total ignorance of Him. Far more important that you touch Him than that you understand Him at first. Put yourself in His hands. Whatever He is, as William James said, He is more ideal than we are. Make the leap. Give yourself to Him.
Aside from capitalizing the "H," which Christians do to refer to the God of the Bible, "Him" could refer to any god of one’s own making [bedpan].
Can you see what is happening to you? Ask Jesus to take control of your lives, read the Bible & instead of 12 Step groups, go to Church. Burn your Big Book or use it as toilet paper. Can you see the difference: With The 12 Steps, you never recover but with John 3:16 you are guaranteed Eternal Salvation. The “ball is in your court”
Peace Be With You
Micky
you're delusional
30 yrs in AA and that's what you got out of it? What you discribed is one angry, judgemental, delusional fundamentalist. ... halleluja!!