I long back to the internet of old, where not everything is dominated by algorithms that determine what is interesting for you. Over the last year I have changed the way I use the internet, I use it more consciously.

Ryder Carrol, of Bullet Journal fame, explored the world of conscious computing, where he basically looks at devices and technologies that let you focus on the thing at hand. Over the last 4 years I have used my remarkable notetaking tablet in that way, only notes, nothing else.

One of my academic heros, Cal Newport, wrote a book called Slow Productivity in which he argues to take it a bit slower to get more calm, clarity and creativity.

I stopped using Reddit and other time sinking platform, although I watch the occasional Formula 1 / WRC video on youtube (and immediately feel the suck-you-in-effect).

But that leaves a hole, how do I get information if not given to me through some algorithm? Well, I have setup a tool called FreshRSS in which you subscribe to people's websites and it shows you the new articles/blogs they have written.

As FreshRSS is running on my own little server, together with Forgejo and some other tools, I have access to my news all over the world. On my phone I use the Capybara RSS client to connect to my own source of news and I am always up to date.

The challenge to this, however, is to find interesting websites to follow. The indieweb is growing and is of a higher quality then ever. Like that very nice little family owned restaurant in Barcelona, you need to run into it to know it is there. That is my current itch, and I am working hard to fix that.

Tsjoch!

Tags: #selfhosting #rss