I have a problem.  I don’t know how to read… on the web.

Distractions are a plenty on any site you visit on the interweb.  Ads can be at the top of the page, bottom of the page, sides of the page, inline in the text, appear full screen before the page loads, flashing in multiple colours… you get the idea.  Not only that, there are just too many things to see on the page!  Links on the top of the page, bottom of the page, sides of the page, inline in the text, appear randomly as you move your mouse, flash in multiple colours… and so on.  And last but not least, most font sizes are horrible for reading (usually the text is way too small for my liking)!

Thankfully, I’ve found a way to deal with it (actually I found someone’s site who has found a way to deal with it).  Here’s a very useful article on how to make the web more readable: Filters for Reading on the Web.  One of the main points is to use this awesome free application/plug-in called Readability.  It basically will reformat the text on a page so that it is actually readable and distraction free.  The best part is that if you’re worried about not giving ad revenue to your favourite sites (haven’t met anyone yet like this), part of the proceeds from Readability go to the site you’re viewing (if you get the paid version).  Finally, something designed for those of us who like reading on the web but who haven’t quite figured out how to filter out the distractions.