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Form Over Function

Sometimes distractions are more subtle than a ringing phone. Sometimes they come in the form of a gorgeous view out your window; sometimes they come in the form of techno-gadgets in the your office, the toys of programmers everywhere. Sometimes they come in the form of an emphasis on form over function. You buy the flat-screen monitor, the fire-breather of a machine, and the $100 mouse, but you never get down to the business of actually working. Do yourself a favor and put aside anything that distracts you from your work.

In his wonderful book, On Writing, Stephen King had this to say about one's priorities in the work environment: “It starts with this: put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down to write, remind ...