Obsessive Compulsive Web Surfing Syndrome

The Obsession

I’m finally cured of OCWSS - Obsessive Compulsive Web Surfing Syndrome. A good friend of mine who recognised the symptoms had commented on the fact that my productivity and earning potential had suffered by spending considerably more time spent on the internet surfing and commenting on web forums, blogs and other photography related websites than what would be considered healthy.

Recognising the Symptoms

Lets go back to 2001 when I was invited to act as a field editor for naturephotographers.net this was rather unfortunate if I’m honest as this only served to compound what was an already serious case of OCWSS a disorder which if I did get my hourly fix I’d start to have serious withdrawal symptoms. In common with any addiction recognising the fact that you have a problem is the first step on the road to being cured.

The Cure

I’m only allowed access to the internet for a maximum of 30 minutes a day in which time I have to review my inbox for my emails and only use the internet for market reasearch. I have blocked viewing rights to all other photographers websites by password which was set by my girlfriend which in effect means I cannot peruse any site even if I wanted too. After all what benefit or purpose does it serve to view other photographers latest images as in effect they have no commercial value to my business and serves no purpose what so ever. And I’m at a stage in my career that I know I can produce. My only means of viewing the work of other photographers is to peruse the pages of editorial and book publications when I make my monthly pilgrimage to Borders.

Time to get a life

I feel now its time for me to produce my best work in terms of image making and begin the journey of writing books, collaboration, projects, revitalising my photography and outlook on life in general. It’s time to get a life and fulfill my potential and not care what others are doing, as other will always do what they want to do. This is a very liberating feeling and has instantly made me less anxious, its time to move on, to reaquaint myself with real people doing everyday activities – No! to Twitter…..  No! to Facebook………. and more importantly No! to time-wasting surfing the net aimlessly.

Look to the future

Since I first picked up a camera in the summer of 1995 I’ve learnt a lot about photography - I’ve also met some amazingly interesting and wonderfully gifted people and kindred spirits in the world of photography. I’ve also met some …. lets not go their!

Well the first step is to take time away from photography until the New Year. Spend time with friends climbing some peaks in Snowdonia, sleep in freezing cold mountain bothes, have fun and get fit in mind and body. Recce some new sites for nature photography projects in 2010.

And then?

Come back in the New Year – revitalised with high spirits and a fresh perspective. After all this is the first self-imposed break from photography in 15 years and how I need it.