Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#1

Post by jhylands » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:12 AM UTC

Does anyone have any tips for handling the fact that there is an ever growing number of apps to check messages on. I have to check linked in, email, texts, messenger, whatsapp, signal, telegram, slack etc Everyone seems to have their preference I have loads of friends who only use messenger, some who only use signal. As a dyslexic I find it super hard to keep up and end up missing and forgetting loads of things as a result. Does everyone just deal with it? Or is there a way to centralise my communication without hiring a pa?

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#2

Post by thebiblelover7 » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:14 AM UTC

I personally use Matrix and bridge all my social accounts to there. It works super well, because my friends don't have to switch their app, but I see everyone in just one app. matrix.org/bridges

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#3

Post by theshrike79 » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:23 AM UTC

I'm just listening to a talk by Scott Hanselman about things like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWPgUn8tL8s

His solution: Schedule it. Reserve time in your calendar to check each of the sites based on urgency.

And if you don't want to be contacted by some method, don't reply using it. The best way to get more email is to send more email.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#4

Post by Tmpod » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:35 AM UTC

thebiblelover7 wrote: post #2

I personally use Matrix and bridge all my social accounts to there. It works super well, because my friends don't have to switch their app, but I see everyone in just one app. matrix.org/bridges

Worth mentioning: https://www.beeper.com/

Essentially a Matrix-powered service focused on bringing a ton of inboxes. I've heard it's great, but never tried it myself.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#5

Post by endisneigh » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:38 AM UTC

just stop using all of those apps - done. Pick 2-3 and cut the rest.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#6

Post by bil7 » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:42 AM UTC

endisneigh wrote: post #5

just stop using all of those apps - done. Pick 2-3 and cut the rest.

amazing advice, thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#7

Post by endisneigh » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:43 AM UTC

bil7 wrote: post #6

endisneigh wrote: post #5

just stop using all of those apps - done. Pick 2-3 and cut the rest.

amazing advice, thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion

It's just the truth - what's your suggestion?

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#8

Post by samh748 » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:43 AM UTC

endisneigh wrote: post #5

just stop using all of those apps - done. Pick 2-3 and cut the rest.

OP's point is clearly to stay connected with his friends etc. So simply stopping isn't solving the problem.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#9

Post by samh748 » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:44 AM UTC

endisneigh wrote: post #7

bil7 wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

amazing advice, thank you for your valuable contribution to this discussion

It's just the truth - what's your suggestion?

Truth if you want to isolate.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Reducing the Number of Inboxes

#10

Post by endisneigh » Mon, May 23, 2022, 10:44 AM UTC

samh748 wrote: post #8

endisneigh wrote: post #5

just stop using all of those apps - done. Pick 2-3 and cut the rest.

OP's point is clearly to stay connected with his friends etc. So simply stopping isn't solving the problem.

OK, what's your solution? Users of all of those apps necessarily need a phone and/or email. The apps aren't necessary. You can just email or SMS for literally all of 'em. Either you stop using them or just deal with it. How many people on here regularly use 7+ different messaging apps for their friends? In my experience people usually use one for work, and maybe 2-3 tops for personal life.