I’m Quitting the Internet for Two Months
I am about to quit the internet for roughly 8 weeks.
This decision was inspired by a similar experiment currently being undertaken by James Sturm — cartoonist and co-founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies. Mr. Sturm is in the midst of a 4-month hiatus from the internet, and is documenting his experience as a series of articles for Slate. I can only imagine the volume of email that the Director of a University receives, and I applaud his bravery.
The Ground Rules
So what does it mean exactly to quit the internet? With the pervasiveness of web-enabled technology, this turns out to be a trickier question than I had originally anticipated. What about iPhone apps, do they count? What about text messaging? There are some grey areas, so it’s up to me to define the boundaries of how I allow myself to use technology. For me, it’s going to mean: (1) no using a web browser to go online, and (2) no other forms of web-enabled technology such as Maps on my iPhone.
I am going to try and be off email for the most part. However, I have decided to allow myself a couple of very specific exceptions which involve career development. I can go into details on these exceptions later on.
Text Messaging
I do not consider text messages a part of this Internet diet. In my mental taxonomy of technologies, text messaging falls into the category of phone-based communication.
The iPhone
I am allowed to use my iPhone to: (1) make phone calls, (2) write and receive text messages, and (3) take photos. No apps. No web surfing.
Twitter? Facebook?!
Absolutely not.
Call Me!
If you feel comfortable calling me, and you want to get in touch, please call! If you don’t have my number, you can click on this widget to call me using Google Voice, which will forward to my phone. Click the widget, enter your name and number and Google Voice will connect us and establish the call:
Write Me!
I would absolutely love to get some hand-written mail from folks. I’ve recently been corresponding with friends and family via letters and postcards in anticipation of this change, and it’s been really delightful. I will try to respond to hand-written letters, although there will be a delay because I will be traveling for about a month.
You can write me here:
Sally Carson
3150 18th Street, Box #202
San Francisco, CA
94110
Maybe…Don’t Email Me :)
If you write me an email and I do not respond, please don’t be offended. There is no way I’m going to be able to resume my regular web behavior and catch up on two month’s worth. If it’s important, just call! :)