Ask HN: Are you still an information addict?

I'm inclined to think that having perfect information (or as close to it as possible) can lead to "analysis paralysis". Generally speaking, the more information you have, the more you can see all the possible upsides and downsides that might occur as the result of a given choice. This makes everyone prone to not making a choice at all -- some people manage this tendency better than others -- and this can be worse than making even a bad choice. While you were trying to optimize an outcome, the opportunity passes you by.

In this respect, imperfect information can make a difficult choice easier to make. So yes, so there is such a thing as too much information. Some people just manage it better than others.

First, as long as I am living a healthy life and following through with my responsibilities, I fail to see how being a major purveyor of information is a negative trait.

At this time, as a great team has finally gotten my cancer, after six years of work, into remission, I find that I have to be on disability for a number of years. It is time to fix all that we damaged on my body over the past years.

Well, with this time I have really jumped into gathering and wanting to absorb more information. And, I want to understand how the information affects my life, this world, or those I love. I use Evernote (www.evernote.com) to collect so much data, then find the back-up data that I had no choice but to find such a system to manage it all. And, I now enjoy finding the information which can help others. So, I have designed Evernote notebooks for them. They can just access it, and they will find a very well organized "notebook" of information which they may be able to use now or later, or they may be able to add to and come up with a solution to some issue they were working on.

Now, when I am in the hospital, as I was last week, and I did not have my computer with me, I was a bit testy. However, my phone has an Evernote phone program on it and I was able to do just enough gathering and learning (I never add something to a notebook without first reading it through, top to bottom.). Sure, a nurse or two thought I was a might over the top, but, I did what I was supposed to do, heal from a surgery, and, then, was released with no medical issues. The information I gathered helped make the stay just a bit better.

The first major mathematical calculation, which is augmented by information, as babies, is the taking of our first step. The math and physics the brain must use to control what is essentially a fall is massive for such a young being. But, as noted by others, our minds are always taking in information. It is, as we get older, more of our choice in what we take in and what we find as "good" information.

I found that when my God Daughter, now 21, was but 4, she wanted to sit on my shoulders and walk around outside so she could feel the different colors on the signs. It makes so much sense, her mind was looking for more information to better understand what she saw. Though, when she did not feel a difference between the red on the stop sign and the yellow of the yield sign, her mind took in more information and she moved on to the shapes of the signs. Yes, as was said, our minds are always taking things in and working with them to see how they fit with our understanding of the world we find ourselves in. And, for me, and for my God Daughter, I pray the day never comes when I am not interested in information of any form.

About a week ago, I decided to cancel my ISP bill at home. The support technician was very confused when I answered him that I would not be switching to another provider. The most noticeable result from the experiment thus far is that I sleep much better and longer--making me more relaxed. Also my eyes don't burn and I can even go outside without sunglasses. I surf less (obviously this comment got here somehow) and actually program more. The necessary stuff gets done, the unnecessary crap doesn't (at least not on my watch). I see more, and look at less. I'm beginning to think I'm more of a feedback junkie than information addict.

> I'm beginning to think I'm more of a feedback junkie than information addict.

Good distinction. I am in the same boat I think. Well, here's your feedback ;-)