750 words (http://750words.com) is an online journalling tool created by developer Buster Benson.
The concept is simple: every day you write 750 stream-of-consciousness words. It’s based on an idea in ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron, a workbook to encourage creativity. One of the exercises in the book is called morning pages. These are three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing that are supposed to be done long-hand every morning to get the thoughts flowing.
750 words takes the idea and moves it online. Why 750 words? Apparently 250 words is the average number of words per page, so 750 words = 3 pages.
The layout of the site is reassuringly simple – there are no complex instructions to follow, once you’re logged in all you have to do is write. There’s even an auto-save function which saves your words every 10 seconds.
Of course, you’re not limited to the 750 and can write as much as you want. A handy little word counter at the bottom of the screen lets you know how far you’ve progressed and turns green when you’ve hit the 750 word target. At that point you might think you’re done, but that’s where this site’s quirkiness sets it apart from other computer-based journalling applications.
Interesting statistics and Funky Badges
Mindset and other statistics
Once you’ve hit the target and saved your entry, you’re taken to a statistics page. These range from how many words you’ve written and how long it took, to pie charts showing how you were feeling and what you were most concerned about while writing. There is also a movie-style rating of the content (G, PG etc.), a section on your mindset while writing and a list of frequently used words.
Mood and Topic pie charts
These statistics and the badge rewards (such as a penguin for a 5 -day writing streak and a leopard/hamster for being a speedy typist) are strangely motivational. There is also a points-based system, which uses a complex algorithm to calculate a score for that month so far.
More stats and animal-based motivation
I could just use my good old word processor to write 750 words every day, except there is far more reward when you can start to analyse your writing afterwards. True, the ‘what you were most concerned about while writing’ section can produce slightly dubious results sometimes but overall, it’s usually quite revealing.
The best thing about 750 words is that it makes journalling easy. With past journalling, I’ve inevitably reached the point where I have to really motivate myself to sit down and do it. With 750 words, the site takes the task of motivation into its own hands, and I’ll totally admit that I’ve fallen for its tricks. The semi-competitive nature (how many days in a row can you go without breaking your streak?), with the points and badges rewards systems had me stumbling over to my computer each morning, coffee in hand, way before I realised that the act of putting my thoughts down on paper itself was incredibly cathartic.
Security
The one aspect of the site that leaves me feeling slightly uneasy is the security. There is no separate sign-up; instead, users log in through Facebook, Google or Yahoo, which raises a few questions about privacy. The reason for using this login method is that users don’t have to create new accounts. However, even after you’re signed in, there is the ability to put a timed ‘lock’ your account, which needs a secret word or phrase for access, avoiding awkward situations with shared computers.
Although I know intellectually that no one is going to be reading my 750 words (after all, why would they?) emotionally this association with email and social networking sites is a bit of a sticking point. I come from a background where there was very little privacy; it’s been a real challenge so far to un-censor myself so the idea that my writing might not be totally secure provokes some anxiety. For journallers who have similar backgrounds or thoughts, a downloadable app might be better suited to help overcome self-censorship.
In Summary
PROS:
- Free
- Simple and easy to use
- Motivational rewards system
- Email reminders
- Interesting statistics
- Ability to choose between keeping entries private or uploading them to blogs etc.
- Everything stored online so if your computer meets an untimely end, your words will still be waiting for you
CONS:
- Some users might not like the idea of storing very personal information online
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO:
- Want to get on with the writing without having to spend hours working out how to use the site
- Sometimes need an extra little push to sit down and journal
- Enjoy a ‘community’ feel to their daily journalling
- Are interested in statistics on their mood/mindset/topics etc.
- Like cute animal badges
Coming up tomorrow: an interview with 750 words creator, Buster Benson. Check back then for more information about the site!
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Thanks for the thorough and honest review! I will definitely be looking into ways to address the privacy concerns (once the site stabilizes for a while and I get a little breather).
An Interview with 750 Words Creator Buster Benson | Becoming Who You Are // Mar 19, 2010 at 12:04 pm
[...] RSS ← Journalling Tools Reviewed: 750 Words [...]
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
I’ve recently joined the website which as taken me by storm! Having fun getting up every morning and completing my 750 words and watching how many points/awards I get for my efforts! Fantastic idea. Thanks for mentioning this.
Journalling Selection Box: online and offline journalling tools | Becoming Who You Are // Apr 12, 2010 at 6:14 pm
[...] here for a full review of 750 words and here for an interview with its [...]
I used 750words for a while and I think it has a lot of potential. What finally put a bad taste in my mouth, however, was the punishment-based motivational system. Each month there is a contest to see who can journal every day of the month. You sign an agreement, in which it is encouraged that you commit to a self-chosen reward for completing the challenge, and a self-chosen punishment if you fail. When you miss a single day, your name goes onto a “Wall of Shame.” The most encouraged punishment for failure is that you donate to the site. All of this is voluntary, of course, but I was amazed to see how many people were willing to enforce shaming punishments on themselves (goals can be made public) for the “failure” of not writing every single day.
I see what you mean there, Cheryl. I tried doing the monthly challenge two or three times and stopped signing up in the end as it just felt like a whole heap of pressure! I think you make an excellent point that there is a risk people might use the journalling they do on the site as a way to shame themselves without necessarily being conscious of it. Thanks for a thought-provoking comment!
Other People's Awesome Ideas | Becoming Who You Are // Sep 9, 2011 at 10:16 am
[...] cute little animal badges had me from day one. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote about it here, and was lucky enough to be able to ask Buster Benson (its creator) some questions. It’s [...]