[Get shit done] Site-blocking desktop app that really works?

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51monty

New member
Apr 30, 2011
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Guys...

Do you know of a software that can block specific domains, specific hours and days of the week?

For example:

"Block facebook and youtube from 8:00-17:00, Monday to Friday."

Browser extensions like Leechblock won't work, as I can use a different browser like IE (btw, Leechblock used to work on my PC in Firefox, but now it doesn't, for some reason).

Software like K9 Web Protection won't work because you can either block a website "always" OR block "the entire internet" certain times of the day.

Also, sites like Facebook and Youtube now show https:// instead of http:// when they load. It appears that many site-blocking apps cannot block the https:// version.

I need something that can't be bypassed easily.

The solution should be simple to apply (not involve .hosts or .batch files)

I don't mind if I have to buy it.

Any recommendations?

I think many forum members would like to become more productive.

Thanks in advance!
 


damn son, wat kind of weak ass state of mind are u in that u gotta go and block websites for certain hours of the day

they will block websites for u at a 9-5
 
Have a better reason why you work; be purposeful.

You can will yourself to do something or avoid something for only so long. That also includes "creating a new habit." Its much easier to avoid distractions when you have something that is truly meaningful that you're working on. Its also easier to work effectively when you know the significance of what you do. Being "productive" at running on a wheel is only lying to yourself. Have a clear goal and make that goal something that has emotional significance to you.

Your problem OP is that your reason for working < your reason for Facebook/YouTube.

Now, with that being said, go back to the drawing board and work on your life goals. Then make your 40, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, month, week, and day goals. Now you have a reason to work.

+rep please
 
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I used Cold Turkey for a while, pretty cool, although not sure if it works with https. What I like is that if you try and beat it by changing HOSTS etc, it blocks your entire internet for a week, which is a pretty good motivator (last time I said this someone posted a way to get round it, please no one be a dickhead and do that again).
 
Site-blocking apps are fine as a short-term solution. But creating better work habits will pay bigger dividends in the long run.

Retrain your brain. Start here.
 
I agree with everyone that site blocking is a short term solution.

However, when I first started using site blocking apps I was amazed at how often I found myself reflexively opening chrome, typing "f+down+enter" and going to facebook, or whatever site. It really was a reflex and I didn't even realize I was doing it until I got the "site not available" message. For this reason alone, I think site blocking apps are useful. They show you how bad your habits really are.

On Mac I use an app called selfcontrol which is pretty good.

You can also make a network-wide solution with a proxy.
 
chatmasta said:
I agree with everyone that site blocking is a short term solution.

However, when I first started using site blocking apps I was amazed at how often I found myself reflexively opening chrome, typing "f+down+enter" and going to facebook, or whatever site. It really was a reflex and I didn't even realize I was doing it until I got the "site not available" message. For this reason alone, I think site blocking apps are useful. They show you how bad your habits really are.

On Mac I use an app called selfcontrol which is pretty good.

You can also make a network-wide solution with a proxy.
Click to expand...

Site blocking apps are good, I alone use Chrome extension "Block Site" (I often just type in some time-wasting url without even thinking about it) - but if you need to block site on hostnames level because you will cheat - thats just wrong...
 
chatmasta said:
I agree with everyone that site blocking is a short term solution.

However, when I first started using site blocking apps I was amazed at how often I found myself reflexively opening chrome, typing "f+down+enter" and going to facebook, or whatever site. It really was a reflex and I didn't even realize I was doing it until I got the "site not available" message. For this reason alone, I think site blocking apps are useful. They show you how bad your habits really are.

On Mac I use an app called selfcontrol which is pretty good.

You can also make a network-wide solution with a proxy.
Click to expand...

I used to use Privoxy. I had a hosts file and other site blocking things for about a month until the habits were gone.
 
Thank you everyone for the feedback.

I'd like to particularly thank -joe- for recommending Cold Turkey. I bought the pro version ($14.95) and it allows me to block the websites I want at the exact days and hours I want. Blocks https:// as well!

-joe- said:
I used Cold Turkey for a while, pretty cool, although not sure if it works with https. What I like is that if you try and beat it by changing HOSTS etc, it blocks your entire internet for a week, which is a pretty good motivator (last time I said this someone posted a way to get round it, please no one be a dickhead and do that again).
Click to expand...

Also thanks to Misogynist for the pdf file on changing habits. Great stuff!

Misogynist said:
Site-blocking apps are fine as a short-term solution. But creating better work habits will pay bigger dividends in the long run.

Retrain your brain. Start here.
Click to expand...

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this thread!
 
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