Comment author: ialdabaoth 11 March 2013 02:21:17AM 1 point [-]

I wanted to say, thanks for nudging me to stop complaining about not working and actually set up a workflow; you provided exactly the necessary activation energy.

Comment author: tsakinis 11 March 2013 02:58:23PM 0 points [-]

Nice to hear, I've had great results myself too, let's hope this continues to work for us :).

Comment author: ShannonFriedman 11 March 2013 03:12:35AM 1 point [-]

Actually, how about "24 Hour International Study Hall?" Its way less prestigious sounding, but a better descriptor and more likely to catch people's attention.

Comment author: tsakinis 11 March 2013 02:00:15PM 0 points [-]

I like simplicity and would prefer something shorter (it does sound representitive though), but wouldn't really care about the name as long as the system is working and has (my preference) people from less wrong working there.

Comment author: ShannonFriedman 10 March 2013 09:36:12PM 5 points [-]

I'm using my built in camera on my mac, so can't turn it. Do you have the option to turn my video off and on? I figure its probably better to have on for the sense of socialness, but I certainly don't need to have it on.

Also, not really sure what to do about chatting on there or not. I got the sense that some people might get annoyed when there is a lot of chat, but others want to connect. I'm not sure what is optimal. I think one nice thing would be if we could have a set of guidelines/expectations.

It would be nice to have linked rooms, like a study room and a more chatty room that people can pop back and forth on.

Another potential useful feature would be if everyone was on the same pomodoro timer, so that the room is consistently quiet 25 mins then chat 5.

Comment author: tsakinis 10 March 2013 10:16:47PM 6 points [-]

Personally I have the sound and notifications off and don't mind the chatting at all, but that also means I ignore the chat while working. I think chatting for introduction and about goals, expectations is crucial and should be limited only if it becomes about non-productive-related stuff.

Perhaps a second room with more or less chat (or other guidelines) will be good if more people join in, but now I think focus should be more on coming up with correct guidelines.

Comment author: Viliam_Bur 10 March 2013 01:56:48PM *  4 points [-]

I think this experiment seriously needs a FAQ on how to behave. At least I need it.

So I join the chat and there are people working. That's nice! But am I supposed to say "hello", or just join silently? I feel guilty for disturbing people from their work. Where is the line? Of course anyone can turn off the sound, and probably they already did, and there is also a complete silence (I guess everyone has their microphone in "push to talk" mode, me included), and it feels weird. I don't know what to expect, and what am I expected to do. Some introduction would be nice (even in the form: you are expected to be quiet and just do your work).

From a technical point of view, my Firefox froze twice after entering the chat and starting a broadcast. Then I restarted my computer, and then it worked nice. (At first I thought I set up the sound incorrectly, but that was probably everyone turning off their microphone, because then I talked a bit.)

Comment author: tsakinis 10 March 2013 03:19:41PM *  3 points [-]

I agree, a FAQ or introduction will be necessary if this is going to be used by many. Perhaps I will make one after I have a little experience myself in this.

I guess a good start in using it would be just to say hi, rather chat in text form so that people doing their work don't have to be disturbed and can respond at the time of their choosing (besides the risk that they might have sound turned off).

Then after someone responds (I don't think it would take too long if people are online) would probably follow a short introduction and chat about what you and the other person are working with, what you would like to do, perhaps mutually agree that you will update each other regarding process. After that follows naturally work in silence (unless you work together).

Technically - I've had a couple issues too, but once it's started it has worked fine.

Comment author: tsakinis 09 March 2013 08:01:09PM *  14 points [-]

I have made a small start towards this - I urge you guys to find a better alternative, but until then I invite you to:

This open chatroom

EDIT: Login as guest to avoid spam in your twitter/facebook (credit Zian). I also recommend using some sort of adblock-program (sometimes the advertisements are with sound).

Regarding the popularity, there seems to be activity at least two thirds of the time, ranging to up to 10 people during "peak" hours.

Comment author: tsakinis 07 March 2013 12:57:04AM 3 points [-]

I have tried many things over the years in my hope to shed my procrastination, but this is something different from what I have done and am very willing to try it.

Shortly about me: 26 years old, live in Sweden (Norway within near future). I recently aquired a medical degree, but because of long struggle with akrasia I feel behind from where I should be "knowledge-wise". Relevant studying (radiology) together with future planning (specific job searching) are what I want to spend more time on, but since deadlines have disappeared after University, much more of my time is now wasted on "mindless" stuff.

I would like to offer my "help" to anyone who would like to try this. I will keep the appointments and be a friendly companion. However I'm not sure if I can be of any value to you in terms of learning you relevant things or be able to keep up with a Eliezer-level discussion.

My only requirements for you are: 1. Lesswrong-reader - congrats, you passed! 2. Keep the appointment(s) we set

Contact me if interested to give it a go.

Comment author: lukeprog 27 January 2013 05:22:26AM 0 points [-]

Have you been trying this? Any luck?

Comment author: tsakinis 06 March 2013 09:57:22AM 1 point [-]

It worked with similar effectiveness as other techniques I implement - that means only until I have done enough to feel good about myself (2-5 productive days)...

Comment author: tsakinis 28 September 2012 12:55:14AM 1 point [-]

Wow, thanks for this great article that was the final piece of information that tipped me over towards getting my shit together. Within 10 minutes after reading it and browsing the comments, I was on my bicycle going to buy small treats I like, that I now give myself for every achieved small goal (~2-10 min of work).

I now wonder though if maybe I should give myself another reinforcer when starting to work with a new goal, otherwise maybe I will only strive for finishing as fast as possible, but starting with a new small goal won't be that much reinforced? Maybe this is my mind trying to get more candy though, so I would be thankful for outside perspective.