Every week, we ask notable people how they work.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
I dislike repeating the same things Iwrote last yearif nothing’s changed.
However, I have added some new tools to my repertoire!Plexhas become my go-to media center manager.
It took me far too long to get into this app.
All of my movies and TV show rips are available on nearly every equipment I own.
It’s like my own personal Netflix.
We’ve also switched toSlackinternally at Gawker.
Everyone who publishes stuff for a living keeps talking about it.
It’s pretty okay.
The plugins are neat and it certainly helps organize conversations.
Other than that, it’s pretty standard fare, but it is useful for getting work done.
I also started usingInbox by Gmail, and it’s completely changed how I approach email.
What’s your workspace setup like?
I continue to use my L-desk with a dual monitor setup.
Other times I use it to monitor analytics for our traffic at Lifehacker.
I also usegamingperipheralsto monitor my desktop’s system resources, and control whatever’s media I’m playing.
The volume wheel on my keyboard is particularly delightful.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut/life hack?
It’s cliche by this point, butslow cookers.
I can make a decent pot roast in less time than it takes to make microwave mashed potatoes.
But for apacket of powered mashed potatoes?
Well, I have to boil water, pour thewholepacket into the water, and thenstirit.
Like some kind of savage.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
That and the internal tracker Adam Dachis made for us at Lifehacker.
I can’t stress enough how much a significant other can boost your productivity.
I highly recommend getting one.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
It’s fairly handy for clearing out notifications when I’m out and about.
Like Inbox, it changes the mindset around the equipment, rather than introducing any individual feature.
It also serves to unlock my phone.
Now I use a password unlock, which is harder for someone to get by glancing over my shoulder.
However, as long as my watch is within Bluetooth range of my phone, it bypasses the password.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
Justifying superfluous gadget purchases.
What do you listen to while you work?
Lately, a lot ofCinemaSins.
Also that voice is silky smooth.
What are you currently reading?
Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four series.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
What’s your sleep routine like?
This question presupposes that there is a “routine”.
When it’s the weekend, this means I may stay up many, many hours later than normal.
I have terrible sleep habits and every article I’ve ever written about sleep makes me a hypocrite.
However, if I’d already solved all my problems, I wouldn’t be writing for Lifehacker.
I’d be writing for Lifesolved.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _________ answer these same questions.
It’s still Louis CK.
He seems like a successful dude who still has just as many problems as I do.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“If you want to be a writer, write.”
Not because I’m a writer, though.
I mean, like, yeah, it’s good advice for writers.
But it’s also good advice for everything else.
If you want to do something, do it.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be interesting to readers/fans?
You’re all beautiful, wonderful, delightful people.
You know who you are.
