Comments on: mental_floss Takes Manhattan

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:16:57 +0000

Congrats, Jason. But I gotta ask, why NYC? There are so very many other great places to live & work that don’t cost an arm & a leg. And won’t be under water in 20 years! ;o)

By: tgr

tgr — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:54:02 +0000

Perfect timing! I’ve been doing contract work for a company that offered me full-time staff position yesterday. It isn’t the healthiest or most motivating place, but it had its benefits (lots of learning and projects I enjoyed).

This post got me thinking about what environment I want (and don’t want) to work in and what I need in order to be excited about my work and workplace. This reflection was a great exercise and really helped me get my head together and make the right decision.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:01:15 +0000

“extra square footage in NYC” hee hee hee

Sorry, it just made me laugh. I don’t know about office space, but a one-bedroom 425 sq ft apt on the Upper West Side goes for about $550,000. However, I’m thrilled you are joining the staff officially and will be spending time here in NY.

I’m most productive when I’ve got streaming movie soundtracks playing on my computer. That Empire Strikes Back stuff really gets me moving. There may be unconscious fears of being found inadequate when Darth Vader arrives, and I do not want to hear that the Emperor is not pleased with my lack of progress.

By: Ann

Ann — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:12:28 +0000

Oddly enough, I think I’m at my most productive when I have sports on in the background (either on a television or radio). I used to work on a sports desk at a local paper, and I got used to doing tasks while keeping one eye or ear on whatever late game was on. Plus, I find that the rhythms of a game are an easy way to schedule things. (”I’ll work on this project until the end of the next inning, then I’ll return some phone calls during the break.”)

By: Julianna

Julianna — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:59:17 +0000

I need music from live.365 coming through my speakers; doesn’t matter where. It can be work, home or the coffee shop. The music helps information go into my head or the thoughts from head comeout in writing.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:42:41 +0000

The best environment for me to be productive is a clean me. If I really need to focus I make sure I shower, shave, and brush my teeth. Once my actual body is cleaned and organized I find my mind follows suit. After that is established my actual location is inconsequential.

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:27:35 +0000

I work best sitting on a couch with the tv on playing Law and Order; preferably the original but SVU or CI will work in a pinch. I also prefer to have some kind of munchable snack and a big glass of water. If I’m doing any kind of project, this is my ideal situation.

By: Miss Cellania

Miss Cellania — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:26:57 +0000

I do my best work when the kids are asleep or at school. That one thing makes so much difference that nothing else matters much.

By: Marina

Marina — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:26:57 +0000

My best work is done when I’m surrounded by fun and talkative people. Someone who knows how to work, but also likes to wedge in some fun in between in the middle of the work day. A little bit of humor and certainly a lot of sunlight and a nice view to look out to is a definite quality in having a productive day.

By: Tru

Tru — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:32:01 +0000

It depends on what I’m trying to get done. The majority of my current job could be done from home. On the rare occasion I’m able to sneak that through, I am much more productive; tv on in the back ground, pjs, curled up on the couch.

For editing, I prefer setting up my laptop at IHOP with lots of coffee.

My photography work is anywhere in any situation. And the crazier it is, the more fun I have.