Did you know that multitasking is addictive? I didn’t until I read this article by the Seattle Times which I cheaply framed yesterday and posted next to my work computer.

When I look back on it I can definitely recall how good it felt whenever I was successfully juggling a number of tasks. I can only describe the feeling as pleasurable squeeze of my mind, a rush of pleasure… what I now understand may be the dopamine being released by my brain. That said, perhaps it was all in my head and I was just feeling the incredible satisfaction of being challenged. All I know, is I am trying to crack my addiction to multitasking and create a more focused work environment. I am also trying not to do so in a claustrophobic way because I have to have some freedom to switch gears without beating myself up for not “sticking to the plan”.

Anyway, I mainly wrote this post to share the article that changed my perspective on multitasking; a work ethic that I knew was not the most effective (50% less so – in fact) but I had no idea it was physically addictive.

So go ahead and read Multitasking hurts brain’s ability to focus, scientists say and let me know your thoughts.

Now, back to my other 6 ongoing tasks…

As a member of Scoopt I received the following message this morning announcing that Scoopt is shutting down.

Dear Scoopt members,

I am sorry to inform you, as a member of Scoopt, that we have decided to close the business.   We will not be taking in any more imagery after February 6, 2009 and will close the upload application.   We will also cease licensing any imagery through Scoopt on that date.

Our experience with Scoopt has taught us some very valuable lessons.  We remain convinced that there is a demand for this kind of material as part of an editorial product, but for the moment are choosing to focus our energies within Getty Images on our core products in news, sport and entertainment.

It has been a pleasure working with Scoopt, your pictures have provided a fascinating snapshot of the circumstances in which you find yourselves and have added valuable viewpoints to the news service we provide our customers on a daily basis.

A holding page will remain until March 6, 2009 but from February 6 we will not be accepting any new imagery and so the upload path will be closed, and the galleries shut down, at which point all rights over the photos revert to you, the copyright holders.

All Scoopt content that also appears on Getty Images will initially be reviewed and any Scoopt member that has photos deemed to have longer term value on Getty Images will be offered a separate contract.  To be clear, on February 6, 2009 all Scoopt content will be taken down from the Getty Images website and only be reposted, once the relevant contractual relationship with individual photographers is in place.

If your material is selected for continued inclusion on Getty Images, you will be contacted directly.   We will be posting some FAQ’s on the website to try to answer any questions you may have, so please do refer to this section.

Please note that we will be retaining your contact details in order to service any outstanding payments that are due and in case there should be need for a further communication update.  If you would like your details removed from the database, please respond to enquiries@scoopt.com with the words Remove Details in the subject line, and citing your Scoopt member ID.

Please use the email enquiries@scoopt.com for all correspondence regarding the closure of  Scoopt

Thank you for all your enthusiasm and support which have made Scoopt such an exciting place to work.

From the team at Scoopt

It is sad to see yet another innovative service shutting down but then again that is the nature of a tough economy – it tends to cleanse the industry of poor performers. Of course, I am making a supposition that the economy forced Getty Images’ hand but I think that is a good bet

Until later.

Ross

The following is an interview I did with WebProNews in Las Vegas. It didn’t go perfectly but all press is good press right? Heh. I did offer some additional tips in a followup on the StepForth SEO Blog.