Stop that ‘Crazy’ Surfing habit

Kishore C.S. (November 2000)

For quite sometime I was afflicted with syndrome of visiting every site name I come across. Typically I am bombarded with site address in e-mail newsletters, in ads, sometimes through e-mails from friends. And I used to spend time going to the site and check what is available. I find some good content in each site and think I should visit the site regularly to keep myself updated.

I have been feeling guilty that I am not keeping my appointment with the sites I should visit and read the content. Last week I was wondering what I should do. Then it dawned on me:

• Do I make it a point to read all the items in a news paper
• Do I need to read every book that has a good title
• Do I need to visit every shop that promises discount sale
• Do I need to visit each restaurant in my city however far it might be
• Do I watch every TV program on each channel

That being not practical, we generally focus on few things of interest.

What makes WWW different from examples I mentioned above is:

• I can reach any site sitting at my desktop
• Most of the sites offer the stuff free without any effort or investment from me
• Everything looks interesting and luring with attractive names
• You see banner ads and promotions which promise something ‘great’ on each site.

When I am acting ‘wise’ in my real life why should I be different on my computer. I should focus on things of interest. Each site caters to different audience and find the site for your interest and liking and stick to the same. There is no need to be a ‘all-sites-visitor’. No one is going to reward me for visiting so many sites, or will I get into Guinness book of World Records?

I have decided to stop myself from getting tempted with the site names that popup out of nowhere and limit myself to the sites of utility and interest. Another good thing to do is recommend a site that others will find useful. Atleast personal recommendations would be of help. 

Moral:

All that glitter spread on the WWW is not cool.