I’ve started collecting stories — some of which may be entirely apocryphal tall tales — of the purported lengths to which people are going to filter noise and to ensure that their time and attention aren’t ceded to bad ideas, thoughtless people, or garden-variety time burglars. Here’s a few of the more novel ones I’ve picked up.
Bozo filter - Filter into a “holding” folder every email message for which you are not the sole “TO:” recipient. This filter includes lists, “CC:”s, “BCC:”s, and any number of other bulk-y messages that were never destined for you alone. Then you check that folder once a day, and create compensating rules as needed.
Smoking the bacn - Filter any email that contains the string “to unsubscribe.” Although many of these certainly will be valuable (sign-ups, Google lists), that string means there’s a good chance they’re also bulk messages that are being generated automatically.
Trusted (and lazy) filter - For a very noisy, high-volume list, filter all messages except those by 2-3 people whom you really respect.
Lessons from Mr. Hand - One minute after a designated meeting time, the door to the meeting room closes, and latecomers ain’t welcome.
No gadgets - Put a table by the door to the meeting room. If you want to come in to the meeting, any electronic device you brought with you stays there, powered-off.
Remove the comfort - Related to the “no gadgets” rule, some groups are reportedly trying to reduce meeting time by making it less fun and comfortable to sit around for an hour or two.
Photo by Dunechaser.
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