Comments on: It’s a Jungle in Here

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:59:09 +0000

You are so right about the double screen thing… my production went way up when I had more electronic desk space.

I also have to have my trusty steno pad next to me, it isn’t just functional in that I can immediately jot down a note or thought, but it also keeps me in touch with the “old fashioned” pen and paper mind set.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:21:32 +0000

The essentials for my office include my music (need it to relax and focus), my handy notebook for jotting down my weekly to-do lists, and the bookmarks & passwords on my computer. I’d be lost without them.

By: Free Agent Jungle Online Roundup for March 24, 2009 | Free Agent Jungle

Free Agent Jungle Online Roundup for March 24, 2009 | Free Agent Jungle — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:33:18 +0000

[...] because it had the word “jungle” in it. Jennifer Mattern at All Freelance Writing shares anecdotes about her home office set up and asks: How do you make your own workspace more comfortable for you? What are your must-haves in [...]

By: Isaac

Isaac — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:33:34 +0000

I agree with Ed. It does look awfully neat. I envy you.

I had a plant once. It died. I had a fish once too. He died eventually. Now, I just have papers. Some of them die as well.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:50:07 +0000

LOL That’s hilarious.

I’ve had to bring a few plants back from the dead. I had to finally give up on one just this morning – I couldn’t coax it back from its hibernation after a few months. They tend to become quite bare before I realize I’m forgetting to do something (not opening the shades enough or not watering them enough). I don’t have much of a green thumb, which is one of the reasons I went with the bamboo – they’re quite forgiving. As for the fish – he’s just very very patient with me.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:21 +0000

lol I used to work in similar conditions, but it was hazardous to my health (meaning, to my sanity). I feel a little cluttered at the moment with the candles and plants, but usually more to do with index cards thrown about (I just stacked them neatly before taking the photo – they’re usually laid out over my main keyboard and anywhere else there’s room – my bonsai is actually a nice little card holder for my daily checklist).

Most of my paper clutter is in my cubbies. To clean some of that up I also bought some plastic drawers a few months back. I just toss papers in there if the “to file” pile becomes too large. This way it’s out of sight and not zapping my energy (nothing makes me want to do less work than having to see all of the filing I need to do around me all the time). And then I can get to it easily on the weekends as I find time.

Having plants around everywhere has probably helped a lot with the paper mess too. There just isn’t room for me to flop a pile of papers down on the desk anymore! :)

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:20:43 +0000

My first reaction is: where’s the clutter. I was raised on filing systems that amount to well-balanced mountains of paper. I remember an editor’s desk groaning from the load of month-old newspapers, yellowed clippings and empty Styrafoam coffee cups. Congratulations on such an orderly workspace.