In my ongoing shift to a more minimalistic and simplified writing life, my Mac usage is also getting simplified. I ran across this great quote from Andy Rooney over at Unplgged.
“Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done.”
- Andy Rooney
I'll write more about how I'm changing my paradigm a bit later but I couldn't let this quote pass without commenting on it. I've discovered that bells and whistles, while nice and fun, are, in the end, distractions. I've eliminated just about all superfluous applications on my computer. It's streamlined now and my writing is more streamlined. I've also changed my office layout. Some might think this is merely procrastination. I think it not. I'm reworking my writing system and my office space and computer space is getting realigned. It's liberating, actually.
There is a great post about the cost of features over at the new Minimal Mac blog. This post is not Mac-specific, it creative-specific. Take a read and see if you don't also agree.
I believe absolutely you're on the right track. I couldn't agree more, and I try to have as little of the fancy crap on any of my electronic devices as necessary.
ReplyDeleteSo, clear away the underbrush so you can actually get to the trees. Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteCharles - Too bad I don't have a photo of my writing space prior to my reorg. Would have liked to have posted a before/after picture.
ReplyDeleteDoug - Even if it means burning, clearing away the underbrush is, for me, essential.
The one thing that computers make much easier to do.... wasting time!
ReplyDeleteMy cube-mate at work mentioned that his wife recently got a new laptop and has been up until midnight or 1 am the past few nights... I asked how/why? His answer said it all-- "she's discovered facebook." He and his wife are both in their 50s which I've heard is Facebook's fastest growing demographic.