Informational technologies and the Internet seem to oversaturate people’s daily routines, leaving almost time for meaningful and productive activities. In his article Writing in the Age of Distraction, Cory Doctorow describes the most apparent but hardly avoidable distracting factors that bother many individuals who are more or less connected with writing. The author’s central claim is that a person is ultimately responsible for scheduling his or her activities, which suggests the need to develop self-discipline and time management.
People become immersed in the space of a limitless flow of information and to-be-replied messages from colleagues or friends instantly after they enter the World Wide Web. On the one hand, there is no other way but to shut down browsers and messengers in favor of uninterrupted work. On the other hand, Doctorow argues that staying away from the Internet was the “single worst piece of writing advice” he had ever heard (1). The author’s counterargument says that the Internet boosts “creativity and aesthetics” and gives professional and personal advantages (Doctorow 2). Thus, the problem is to develop the ability to schedule one’s time and use the ‘online treasuries’ reasonably.
There are numerous methods to stay productive during the day, which may not work due to the specific rhythm of an individual. Doctorow’s recommendations can be conditionally divided into several categories, namely, the Internet and computer, writing, and personal attitudes. Although the author does not see anything wrong with the World Wide Web, he warns against researching while writing. Doctorow’s rebuttal states that “researching isn’t writing and vice-versa,” emphasizing the considerable difference between the natures of these activities (2). Each of them requires portions of time, which helps to stay focused on a single part of the work. This assumption is also fair for proofreading and editing, especially when word processors underline mistakes and, as a result, distract attention from writing. Moreover, Doctorow offers to schedule real-time communications instead of constantly bothering oneself with responses in Skype, emails, and messengers (3-4). Here, the key reason is that the need to immediately reply to relatives and friends dramatically distracts from work.
As for writing, one should apply the principle of dividing a big task into smaller parts. Instead of sitting at the keyboard the whole day, Doctorow recommends having a short but regular work schedule (2). He argues that twenty minutes can always “be found in a day, no matter what else is going on” (Doctorow 2). Undoubtedly, twenty minutes a day sounds less frightening than eight hours. In addition, it makes sense to leave sentences without an end, like “potters leave a rough edge on the wet clay” (Doctorow 2). Such a practice can give a new and apt idea the following day.
The attitude to creative work determines how it will go further. In his article, Doctorow limits the importance of rituals and ceremonies, such as playing suitable music, setting a comfortable chair, and other trifles, which only take time and concentration and give additional concerns (3). The only efficient way to use twenty minutes is to sit and begin writing.
In conclusion, one can call the Internet an absolute evil because it does not allow one to concentrate on writing. However, the continuous pace of the writing process depends on a person and his or her ability to arrange activities in a meaningful and productive way. Thus, the article gives helpful tips for writers to be at the top of effectiveness.
Works Cited
Doctorow, Cory. “Writing in the Age of Distraction.” Locus.