Meanwhile, back at the farm

I’ve recently been struggling to keep up with my RSS reading on Google Reader. I find myself going to Google Reader, almost habitually, five to six times per day.  Over the past couple of weeks I started to wonder if I’m reaching the the point where the value of reading all this information every day is really helping me or if it’s just Info-candy.

What is Info-candy?  To me, info-candy is information that is interesting but doesn’t benefit you in the long term. It’s fun to read (sweet to the taste) but when I’m finished reading there is little that is memorable or lasting that comes from it.  The problem with info-candy is that it is everywhere.  It’s really easy to find, easy to read, and it is really addictive.  For me, I feel like I am getting a lot done and learning new things only to realize that it has very low relevance to what I’m working on or what I want to work on.  But yet I want more.

Info-candy is easily understood when contrasted with its opposite (which I can’t think of a clever name for so I will call it Meaty-info –inconsistency is intended).  Meaty-info requires far more time to read because it has to be absorbed and understood.  You may have to look up some of the words on wikipedia or another resource.  You may have review the information a time or two to get an understanding of what the author intended. Meaty-info, I’ve found, rarely comes from major technology outputs like Techmeme or TechCrunch.  Instead, I’ve found that finding really thoughtful bloggers is really the way to go.  Here are some examples of individuals blogs that I read that frequently publish Meaty-info:

• John Udell http://blog.jonudell.net/
• Phil Windley http://www.windley.com
• Jeff Atwood http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/
• Joel Spolsky http://www.joelonsoftware.com

Those that frequent IT Conversations will quickly recognize these names. The Meaty-info I get from these authors is enhanced and more easily understood when supplemented with a podcast. Podcasts can quickly reveal depth and provide listeners with greater understanding on complex and very meaty information, which is why I love them.

Here’s the real point that I want to make: Just like real candy, some Info-candy is good and can initiate some interesting thoughts or ideas.  It’s really good at getting you excited about trends and new technology. It doesn’t, however, provide lasting knowledge that is both usable and applicable to a wide range of interests.  Meaty-info, on the other hand, broadens thinking, explores concepts, and enriches your experience.  I’ve gone through my Google Reader feeds and started to cut back on the candy — call it a diet.  I’ve also committed to taking more time to chew on some great meat, digest it, and make it a part of my overall skill set.