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The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

beeminder.com

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Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#3

Post by Brashman »

arthurb2 wrote: post #2

After not understanding how it was possible to get inbox zero, I remembered that Gmail has an Archive box. I personally leave everything in the inbox and concern myself about reading all emails flagged important... am I the only one to not use the archive function?

I actually don't know anyone that uses the archive function.

My "inbox zero" equivalent is to have no unread e-mails as I often leave e-mails that I need to respond to or handle as unread.

Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#5

Post by davidmp »

Brashman wrote: post #3
arthurb2 wrote: post #2

After not understanding how it was possible to get inbox zero, I remembered that Gmail has an Archive box. I personally leave everything in the inbox and concern myself about reading all emails flagged important... am I the only one to not use the archive function?

I actually don't know anyone that uses the archive function. My "inbox zero" equivalent is to have no unread e-mails as I often leave e-mails that I need to respond to or handle as unread.

We do exist. I love having an empty inbox.

Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#6

Post by [deleted] »

Brashman wrote: post #3
arthurb2 wrote: post #2

After not understanding how it was possible to get inbox zero, I remembered that Gmail has an Archive box. I personally leave everything in the inbox and concern myself about reading all emails flagged important... am I the only one to not use the archive function?

I actually don't know anyone that uses the archive function. My "inbox zero" equivalent is to have no unread e-mails as I often leave e-mails that I need to respond to or handle as unread.

[deleted]

Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#7

Post by fratis »

Brashman wrote: post #3
arthurb2 wrote: post #2

After not understanding how it was possible to get inbox zero, I remembered that Gmail has an Archive box. I personally leave everything in the inbox and concern myself about reading all emails flagged important... am I the only one to not use the archive function?

I actually don't know anyone that uses the archive function. My "inbox zero" equivalent is to have no unread e-mails as I often leave e-mails that I need to respond to or handle as unread.

+1. Archiving is a huge part of my workflow, which is similar to that of the folks above me.

Pretty sure all versions of iOS >= 4 (and new-ish versions of OS X) support Archive when you tap the Delete icon, so it's not something I even think about anymore.

Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#8

Post by dreeves »

Brashman wrote: post #4

I don't understand what happens if I "slip". It sounds like there's money involved, but it's not clear at all.

The first time, your graph ("yellow brick road") just freezes. You then have to pledge $5 if you want to unfreeze and try it again. If you derail from the yellow brick road again then the $5 is automatically charged.

Gory details at http://beeminder.com/money

Re: The Gmail Zero project: commitment device for Inbox Zero

#9

Post by jmillikin »

Brashman wrote: post #4

I don't understand what happens if I "slip". It sounds like there's money involved, but it's not clear at all.

This is Beeminder, so pricing is at https://www.beeminder.com/money

You can "play" for free, as long as you're on track to meet your self-imposed goal.

If you set a goal, and then fail to work on it, you get one free "reset". If you fail again, you can either pledge money to reset again, or create a new goal (leaving the old, failed goal as a badge of shame).

It's a clever system, which acts to strongly reward setting realistic goals.

The only thing is, you have to be a bit careful if you're the kind of person to push yourself too hard. I set a beeminder to practice piano every day, then kept increasing the practice time, and eventually just burned myself right out. Go easy.

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