The Internet and the Time Vortex

I have always known that the internet, which puts information at our fingertips, allows us to communicate at lightning speeds, etc., increases efficiency on one side of the coin, while decreasing it on the other. For instance, just about any blog owner will admit that most readers come around during normal business hours. I know that I have used the internet to put off doing unpleasant tasks (what, is that my messy studio I hear calling right now?). One day at the office I was disgusted at the low level of efficiency I was having. It was a balmy, slightly muggy day, and what was a little research into a European record distributor got a little off track, looking at photo sites of the city the distributor was in, and that reminds me of the Roman ruins in...etc. As I went downstairs to force myself from the computer, I saw the graphic designer frittering away time looking at irrelevant stuff. Downstairs, three coworkers, including the general manager, were crowded around the monitor looking at vintage guitars and mandolins on eBay. 100% worker non-productivity, and this with employees who were generally conscientious and content.

This article confirms some of what I guess is the case, but I am willing to bet that it is even worse. My guess is that all gains in efficiency from the technology have been wiped out, and the net productivity change has been negative. I can't prove it, but it is my guess.

Anyway, back to the messy studio. I will try once again to blog this evening, but this studio task is big (I am coming to terms with several years' worth of "to be filed" boxes).