In a blog post titled "I deleted all of my email filters," author Cory Doctorow articulates his evolving perspective on email management and the unintended consequences of elaborate filtering systems. He begins by describing his previous reliance on an intricate network of filters, meticulously crafted over years, designed to automatically sort incoming emails into various folders based on sender, subject, content, and other criteria. This system, initially conceived as a means of achieving "Inbox Zero" and maintaining control over the deluge of electronic communication, ultimately transformed into a source of anxiety and a barrier to serendipitous discovery.
Doctorow explains how the increasing complexity of his filters led to a sense of unease regarding potentially missed messages languishing unseen in obscure folders. The cognitive overhead required to maintain and update the filters, combined with the nagging suspicion that important communications might be inadvertently filtered out, became a burden. This burden, he argues, outweighed the perceived benefits of a perfectly organized inbox.
The author then details his decision to undertake a radical simplification of his email management strategy: the complete deletion of all his email filters. This act, he describes, was driven by a desire to reclaim a more direct and unmediated relationship with his inbox. He acknowledges the potential for a temporary increase in inbox clutter but expresses hope that this initial chaos will pave the way for a more sustainable and less stressful approach to email.
Doctorow hypothesizes that confronting the full stream of incoming mail, without the intervention of filters, will force him to more actively engage with his inbox and develop healthier habits, such as promptly unsubscribing from unwanted mailing lists and more effectively prioritizing genuine communications. He further anticipates that this direct engagement will foster a greater awareness of the volume and nature of incoming mail, leading to more conscious decisions about which communications warrant his attention. He concludes by expressing optimism about this new, filter-free approach and invites readers to consider their own email management practices and the potential benefits of simplification.
The blog post by Jonathan Corbet details the intriguing availability of personalized voice recordings from Elwood Edwards, the voice famously associated with the iconic "You've got mail!" notification from America Online (AOL) in the 1990s. Mr. Edwards, leveraging the contemporary gig economy facilitated by platforms like Cameo, is now offering bespoke voice recordings for a modest fee. This presents a unique opportunity for individuals to acquire custom messages delivered in the instantly recognizable timbre that once heralded the arrival of electronic mail for millions. The blog post highlights this nostalgic service, emphasizing the affordability and accessibility of obtaining a personalized greeting, announcement, or other short recording spoken by the very voice that defined a generation's online experience. Corbet notes the potential applications, ranging from whimsical novelty recordings to incorporating the iconic voice into professional projects, underscoring the versatility of this offering. Essentially, anyone now has the power to commandeer the voice that once signified digital connection for a personalized message, a testament to the democratizing influence of platforms like Cameo in connecting individuals with recognizable personalities and talents. This blog post serves as both an announcement of this service and a brief commentary on the changing landscape of media and celebrity accessibility in the digital age. It evokes a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Edwards in adapting to the modern gig economy and engaging directly with his audience in a new and innovative way.
The Hacker News post titled "Personalized voice recordings by Elwood 'You've got mail!' Edwards" has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the nostalgia and novelty of the service offered.
Several commenters express their fondness for the iconic "You've got mail" phrase and its association with the early internet era. They share personal anecdotes about AOL and the excitement surrounding email notifications at the time. This nostalgic sentiment translates into an appreciation for Edwards's offering, with some expressing interest in purchasing personalized recordings.
Some users discuss the potential uses for such recordings, ranging from voicemail greetings to novelty gifts and even integration into smart home systems. One commenter suggests using the service for a wake-up alarm, while others brainstorm humorous and creative applications.
A few comments touch upon the technical aspects of voice cloning and AI-generated speech, contrasting Edwards's genuine recordings with the potential for future technology to replicate his voice. There's a sense of valuing the authenticity of a recording from the original voice actor.
One commenter questions the pricing strategy, suggesting a tiered model based on usage might be more appealing. This sparks a small discussion about the value proposition and target audience for the service.
A couple of comments also mention other famous voice actors and the potential for similar personalized recording services. This suggests a broader interest in nostalgic audio experiences and personalized messages from recognizable voices.
While the overall number of comments is not extensive, the discussion highlights the positive reception of Edwards's service, driven largely by nostalgia, the unique value proposition, and the creative potential for personalized voice recordings.
Summary of Comments ( 36 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42701198
HN commenters largely agree with the author's premise that email filters create more work than they save. Several share their own experiences of abandoning filtering, citing increased focus and reduced email anxiety. Some suggest alternative strategies like using multiple inboxes or prioritizing newsletters to specific days. A few dissenting voices argue that filters are useful for specific situations, like separating work and personal email or managing high volumes of mailing list traffic. One commenter notes the irony of using a "Focus Inbox" feature, essentially a built-in filter, while advocating against custom filters. Others point out that the efficacy of filtering depends heavily on individual email volume and work style.
The Hacker News post "I deleted all of my email filters" generated a robust discussion with 58 comments. Many commenters shared their own email management strategies and philosophies, often echoing or challenging the author's approach.
Several compelling comments emerged. One commenter advocated for a "single inbox" approach combined with aggressive unsubscribing and using a separate email address for less important communications. This commenter emphasized that dealing with email as it arrives, rather than filtering it, ultimately saves time and mental overhead. They described reaching a state of "inbox zero" daily using this method.
Another compelling comment thread discussed the benefits of using multiple email addresses for different purposes. One commenter explained their system of using one address for personal communication, another for work, and a third specifically for newsletters and mailing lists. This segregation allows them to focus on important emails without distraction and easily ignore lower-priority messages when necessary.
Some commenters challenged the author's assertion that email filters create a false sense of control. They argued that properly configured filters are essential for managing high volumes of email effectively, especially in professional contexts. One commenter specifically mentioned using filters to automatically label and categorize incoming emails, which allows them to prioritize and process messages more efficiently.
The discussion also touched upon the psychological impact of email overload and the constant pressure to stay connected. Some commenters expressed a sense of relief and liberation after simplifying their email management strategies, while others admitted to struggling with the sheer volume of incoming messages regardless of their filtering approach.
A few commenters offered alternative solutions to email filtering, such as using email clients with advanced search capabilities or employing third-party tools designed to manage newsletters and subscriptions. These suggestions highlighted the diversity of approaches individuals take to tame their inboxes.
Finally, some comments centered around the author's specific workflow and tools, questioning the generalizability of their experience to users with different needs and preferences. This led to a discussion about the importance of finding an email management system that works best for each individual's circumstances.