crazy question: temporarily blocking self from selected domains?

This is only peripherally related to networking per se, but I couldn't
immediately find a more appropriate group ... if you know of a better
one, please let me know.

Let's say you're a moderate net addict, and you've found that certain
specific discussion forums or web sites are especially distracting at
times when you really should be getting other things done, while you
still need to access other sites for your work. You want, in effect,
to lock yourself out of the problem sites, give the keys to a friend
and say, "Whatever you do, don't give them back until I get this report
done."

I could imagine a software package that allows you to enter the
relevant domains and a specified period of time in hours or days, and
once they're entered, your network connection CANNOT access those sites
for that period short of uninstalling the software.

Does such a thing exist for Linux? Is it even theoretically possible?
Is this better addressed as part of a browser package?

I know of many people who claim they would use such a package if it
existed.

On 24 Feb 2005 17:38:47 -0800, "Jim" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>This is only peripherally related to networking per se, but I couldn't
>immediately find a more appropriate group ... if you know of a better
>one, please let me know.
>
>Let's say you're a moderate net addict, and you've found that certain
>specific discussion forums or web sites are especially distracting at
>times when you really should be getting other things done, while you
>still need to access other sites for your work. You want, in effect,
>to lock yourself out of the problem sites, give the keys to a friend
>and say, "Whatever you do, don't give them back until I get this report
>done."
>
>I could imagine a software package that allows you to enter the
>relevant domains and a specified period of time in hours or days, and
>once they're entered, your network connection CANNOT access those sites
>for that period short of uninstalling the software.
>
>Does such a thing exist for Linux? Is it even theoretically possible?
> Is this better addressed as part of a browser package?
>
>I know of many people who claim they would use such a package if it
>existed.

Such a thing does indeed exist:
http://thomer.com/lockout/

I haven't tried it but I'm sure it can be customized to block only certain
sites.

In article <(E-Mail Removed) .com>, Jim wrote:

>Let's say you're a moderate net addict, and you've found that certain
>specific discussion forums or web sites are especially distracting at
>times when you really should be getting other things done, while you
>still need to access other sites for your work.

I'm told that when the boss fires your ass (or you get kicked out of
school - whatever), and you start going hungry, you may change your
surfing style.

>You want, in effect, to lock yourself out of the problem sites, give the
>keys to a friend and say, "Whatever you do, don't give them back until I
>get this report done."

You could stick a firewall rule in - that's easy enough. Having your
friend change the root password, and so on. And this is as effective
as you throwing away the current pack of cigarettes while standing next to
the vending machine, or trying to work in a bar while you are an alcoholic.
You have physical access, and it takes but a moment to circumvent.

Sorry, but there is no reasonable replacement for self control.

>I could imagine a software package that allows you to enter the
>relevant domains and a specified period of time in hours or days, and
>once they're entered, your network connection CANNOT access those sites
>for that period short of uninstalling the software.

Sure - the firewall is built into the kernel. But if you have root on the
box, how long do you think that is going to last? Even if all you have is
physical access, how long do you think it takes?

>Does such a thing exist for Linux? Is it even theoretically possible?
> Is this better addressed as part of a browser package?

There is no patch for user stupidity - that's really the bottom line. Do
you think the car manufacturers could come up with something that would
prevent people from trying to drive through other cars, trees, bridge
abutments, etc? Some things have to be left to the driver. If the
driver can't be responsible, then the driver gets replaced, not the car.

>I know of many people who claim they would use such a package if it
>existed.

You could ask the network admin to block the site you are so fascinated
with. Of course, that tends to be a permanent block unless the admin is
open to bribery. High quality single malt over 12 years old is sometimes
useful, especially in case lots.

Old guy