Work- now with 20% less fun!
I work for a professional organization, with a constantly changing corporate structure, and rules, standards, and policies galore.
Since the rulemakers can't be everywhere at once the good folks in the IT department have set us all up with some sort of internet filter - which blocks out all the fun, non-worky type web sites and allows us to visit the more boring, useful type sites.
For example:
We can visit CNN's home page, but the sports section is blocked.
We can go to yahoo to look up a phone number, but cannot visit their music section.
We can use google, but gmail is off limits.
The software also gives you a reason for the block:
Homestarrunner is classified as "useless,"
whereas MP3Sparks registers as a "music/entertainment site."
Since the web is constantly changing this software is updated frequently, and as such, I have to keep finding new sites to visit during my downtime or when I need a break.
I used to enjoy listening to NPR podcasts while I worked - but as of today those are blocked now. Very disappointing.
No more LOLCATS either - too bad, thoze catz iz funni!
Odd Todd and XKCD still seem to be flying under the radar for now, and amazingly blogger is working too (at least for now.)
OK, my break is over - post your favorite (non-blog) websites in the comments if you like!
-Shifra