Graham – I struggle with this too, and like you, this has picked up fairly recently. Tim Ferriss is a big philosopher of going on an information-diet, but that, to my understanding, has more to do with current events than anything else. With blogs, I find it harder to stop following posts, because I feel like I’ve developed a personal relationship with the author. I tend to delete blogs from Google Reader when I haven’t read a useful/interesting post in 3-4 weeks.

Graham – This is all too true! Especially with all of the things that we have demanding our attention throughout the day. It is becoming much more difficult to focus and accomplish anything when we have too much that we “have” to do,

I especially like what you are saying about self improvement and productivity. In many of the books and blogs it seems that the end product of the various systems is to just get more done and be more productive as an end unto itself. I think that we each need to slow down and ask ourselves the all important Why. Why am I doing this? Why is it so important do do it this way? This will be a focus on my blog…not just productivity, but simple & meaningful productivity.

Great post. It definitely the wheels in my head turning!

@Alan: As I take on more and more reading, I notice that my news and current event reading is taking the back burner. I suppose that is in line with Ferriss’ philosophy? I am the same way in that I feel like I develop a personal relationship with the author. But I think that goes back to my point that you need to figure out if you enjoy the reading or you are just doing it because you feel obligated to. I am currently in the process of doing this myself but it’s usually not an easy decision.

@Sean: Thanks Sean, I’m glad you like it. And yes, improvement as an end unto itself is not a healthy way to approach life. Sometimes you really do need to step back and ask yourself why? Reevaluate your priorities and examine how you are accomplishing them. I was actually in the middle of writing this when I read your post on being productive at home. I think we are on the same page in that respect.

I totally get the feeling of the internet never having an ending page. There is always more and more engaging stuff to read and follow. One interesting twit leads to a great article.. which leads to another. In one respect.. it’s so awesome that this sort of medium allows us to connect with other like minds and share and grow.

On the other.. it makes it darn hard to get away from the computer, and actually go experience the world instead of just reading about it.

As travel bloggers, we also go not only in cycles of the amount of content we have time and energy to consume, but also in our bandwidth for producing. Afterall.. how much of our travel experience is for us, and how much is for engaging readers? There’s always a fine line balance that is difficult to strike. And likely one major reason we’re resistant to putting monetizing our blog.

That said.. we’re honored to be on your list of blogs you read and are considering cutting back on (you have some awesome folks on your list), and that we’re even on the front screen of your photo.

im going to keep this short and simple, so as to not impede on your blog reading time…

i think you are overlooking a VERY IMPORTANT personality trait that would lead you to spend so much time reading and less time OUTSIDE WHERE YOU SHOULD BE (dont forget, youre in china! lol). youre lazy! its easier to sit and drink tea and read awesome blogs. hell, ive gone a week without a computer, and im STILL not doing anything productive!

that peice of very valuable information just cos you… hm… um… something. ill think of a worthy price soon.

Thanks for the useful info. It’s so interesting

@technomadia: I totally agree, the connectivity of the internet is both a boon and a burden. There should always be a healthy balance between reading about the world and experiencing it for yourself. I find myself asking the same questions. How often am I writing for myself and how often for my readers? Where do you draw the line? No need to be honored, I’m just a small fish in a big pond. I’m glad you noticed I used you your page for my photo!

@Laura: Yes, I am lazy. So very lazy. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy going out and seeing the world. Like I’ve written, I and everyone else needs to find a balance between the different facets of their lives. Letting one thing take over your life is never a good thing.

Yeah, I am also “guilty”. Today in fact, I have done nothing but “read” trying to catch up with folks. It’s not out of any sense of obligation but i find I am truly interested. I know I still have to get your photo back to you but man I have just had too much stuff going on!

@Technomadia: There was a commercial about the end of the internet. According to the commercial, if you get DSL (from AT&T), you will wave enough bandwidth to reach the end of the internet. I can’t find it right now, but I distinctly remember it.

@Graham: I like how not only are you reading too much, but you are spending all this time to write down what you think about you reading to much instead of writing a new post.

@Expatriate Games: No worries on the picture mate. Take your time, don’t push yourself too hard.

@Conrad: I remember that commercial as well, kinda funny. Yes, that’s a good point. I have been seriously slacking on my writing. I’ve got some stuff coming up that I’m going to try to wrap up this weekend, I promise!

I have days that I turn my computer off and don’t tuoch it at all. I try to do it once a week – sometimes it’s once every two weeks, sometimes it’s two or three times a week. I love to stay current with all my sites, but what I love even more is what I accomplish when I turn the computer off. I just can’t seem to do the same things if I leave it running… the glowing screen calls to me, I guess. “I’ll just check this one thing…” — I have progressed on my novel much faster when I step away from the computer and write with my hands (imagine!) or take a laptop outside to write… without the wireless card, of course.

i know the answer to this. time management and the power of elimination. i’ve been writing articles about this, designing your own lifestyle, doing things to have the lifestyle that you want, eliminating the unimportant. it helps a lot trust me!