A new app keeps you writing 鈥� or else
The app and desktop program 'Write or Die' fights procrastination by deleting text or making obnoxious noises when writers fail to buckle down.
The app and desktop program 'Write or Die' fights procrastination by deleting text or making obnoxious noises when writers fail to buckle down.
For many writers, procrastination is their biggest demon. They find themselves opening new Facebook windows and Googling their own names while an empty Word document sits on their desktop.
But a new app, titled Write or Die, hopes to change all that.
鈥淎s long as you keep typing, you're fine,鈥� the website reads somewhat ominously. 鈥淏ut if you become distracted, punishment will ensue.鈥�
Within the app writers 鈥� who type inside a file that looks like a word document 鈥� can set the word count they鈥檙e aiming for as well as specifying their own 鈥減unishment鈥� mode. The least serious is the "gentle" mode. At this level, a pop-up window appears to remind the writer to keep typing if there is no activity after a specified amount of time has passed.
At the next level 鈥� the "normal" mode 鈥� a 鈥渕ost unpleasant sound鈥� will play if writing ceases.
At the level known as the "kamikaze" mode, text in the document will be deleted until writing recommences.
鈥淚t requires only that you recognize your own tendency towards self-sabotage and be willing to do something about it,鈥� the website says of the app.
The app is available for the iPad and can also be bought as a desktop version.