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I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

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Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#11

I've got this new strategy where I just leave a few books around the house and I've building a habit where I just reach for a book instead of my phone. It's personally been quite effective, albeit very simple. Funnily enough, I just finished a book without replacing it and I'm straight back on the phone :) Anyone else try this?

Interesting idea. I usually have books on the shelf that can be easily reached. Also I read every day, and after a few months it is just a habit. I like the feeling when I focus only on the book. Even though I don't have distraction from tech and other stuff, I have my mind to conquer. So it's easier just to fight with you mind than with mind and tech and all other distractions.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#12
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree, but there is also a ton of shitty books, still I'am more eager to read the entire book, than for example 10 blog posts. It seems that blog posts are just to 'thin' and not providing too much value.

I've read incredibly insightful articles online. One of the things that help is RSS and self-curation.

I agree. I never said that online articles are shitty, I just can't force myself to read it properly.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#14
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree, but there is also a ton of shitty books, still I'am more eager to read the entire book, than for example 10 blog posts. It seems that blog posts are just to 'thin' and not providing too much value.

I've read incredibly insightful articles online. One of the things that help is RSS and self-curation.

There are RSS directories out there, like https://iosdevdirectory.com - albeit they are so massive that curation is needed again.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#15
post #9

I think formats are better suited to express certain types of ideas than others ("the medium is the message"). Blogposts tend to be ideal to express fairly short, singular ideas. Books should develop an entire thought system and connect various ideas, which take much longer, both in producing and consuming. The range of what you can express is also much more expanded, since you need the person to be in the right stat…

Yes! It seems that blog posts are 90% written for self promotion, or to express thoughts so we can save them somewhere for later.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#17
post #8

I wish I could do this, as books are far more rewarding. However I keep getting distracted by regular browsing & SM.

We all have this issue. I just turn off everything and get a book in my hands. I started reading some easy books like adventures or something like that. And then I just start searching for some psychology / psychology books, as I have great interest in them.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#19
I no longer read blog posts because they got worse. There are no longer any active quality bloggers like Steve Yegge or Joel Spolsky.

Employee blog posts from Big Tech now push the corporate agenda. Stepping out of line "has consequences", so no one speaks freely any more.

Self employed people are afraid of being crushed by Big Tech if they dissent. The result are blogs that are as interesting as reading the Pravda.

Purely technical blogs got unfocused in presentation, are largely self-promotional and rarely address interesting subjects.

Re: I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books

#20
I'm taking a break from a few social media sites right now (not hn). I've noticed I suddenly have time to listen to books, read my email, text my friends. When you don't have a dumping ground for every thought you have a lot more to say. Similarly when you aren't reading other people's thoughts or ads constantly you seek out things to read. Only a few days in but it is nice.
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