I've been on Pinterest for three or four weeks now. My obsession was instantaneous. What can I say - it came along at a time when I've found myself with fuck all to do, and a stable Internet connection.
I didn't really understand it at first, despite my friend's explanation. She was right about one thing, however - once you start, it's hard to stop.
Here's why I feel it's a benefit to me: I've learned an incredible amount in a short period of time. It's really incredible to see what other people have come up with to address problems/make life easier. It's inspiring. I'm really enjoying being a part of a community which shares ideas in a positive way. Is there a lot of stuff on there with absolutely no relevance to my life? You bet. But there's also a lot of great stuff I never would have thought of on my own.
I think one of the major benefits of Pinterest in our current situation is that we're right on the verge of setting up our lives. We don't own pots and pans, dishes, storage containers, furniture, or even hangers for our closets. We have clothing. My partner has thousands of records and an Ikea bookshelf to house them. I just bought an Ikea bookshelf of my own for shoes and handbags. But that's really it, save some paintings from Uganda and Egypt, some painted tin and carved wooden animals from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda, and a blanket and some light fixtures from Morocco. (All of which fit into a single box.) We have two sets of sheets in different sizes, but no bed.
Basically, we're starting from scratch. So, unlike 99% of users who seem pretty settled in, we have the opportunity to do whatever we want...within reason, and according to our budget. But that's one of the beautiful things about Pinterest - there seems to be a DIY element to EVERYTHING! It's a frugalistas dream come true.
An unexpected benefit of Pinterest is that it has significantly reduced my desire to purchase things. I believe I've mentioned previously that I absolutely love fashion, so to me, it would be a logical reaction to want to shop more when part of a network in which people can post photos of their favourite clothing and accessories. But I've actually found the opposite to be true. I feel thoroughly satisfied just to look at what's out there. It's like window shopping on speed - you're inundated with new looks and ideas which you can quickly skim through. But there's no end. The pins just keep coming in from all over the world, day and night, and you can look at as many or as few as you like. Brilliant.
So, I think my online Pinterest addiction has been helpful thus far. It's given me lots of ideas I'm planning to implement as we set up house, and it's curtailed my urge to shop. It's not taking time away from things I should be doing, yet it's helping to pass the time as we await the next step. I find it a lot more fulfilling than some of my other online vices (which I'll discuss next), and it's a thoroughly positive experience. I'm learning. It stimulates my brain.
I just hope I'll be able to go cold turkey once the new job begins. ;)
I didn't really understand it at first, despite my friend's explanation. She was right about one thing, however - once you start, it's hard to stop.
Here's why I feel it's a benefit to me: I've learned an incredible amount in a short period of time. It's really incredible to see what other people have come up with to address problems/make life easier. It's inspiring. I'm really enjoying being a part of a community which shares ideas in a positive way. Is there a lot of stuff on there with absolutely no relevance to my life? You bet. But there's also a lot of great stuff I never would have thought of on my own.
I think one of the major benefits of Pinterest in our current situation is that we're right on the verge of setting up our lives. We don't own pots and pans, dishes, storage containers, furniture, or even hangers for our closets. We have clothing. My partner has thousands of records and an Ikea bookshelf to house them. I just bought an Ikea bookshelf of my own for shoes and handbags. But that's really it, save some paintings from Uganda and Egypt, some painted tin and carved wooden animals from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Rwanda, and a blanket and some light fixtures from Morocco. (All of which fit into a single box.) We have two sets of sheets in different sizes, but no bed.
Basically, we're starting from scratch. So, unlike 99% of users who seem pretty settled in, we have the opportunity to do whatever we want...within reason, and according to our budget. But that's one of the beautiful things about Pinterest - there seems to be a DIY element to EVERYTHING! It's a frugalistas dream come true.
An unexpected benefit of Pinterest is that it has significantly reduced my desire to purchase things. I believe I've mentioned previously that I absolutely love fashion, so to me, it would be a logical reaction to want to shop more when part of a network in which people can post photos of their favourite clothing and accessories. But I've actually found the opposite to be true. I feel thoroughly satisfied just to look at what's out there. It's like window shopping on speed - you're inundated with new looks and ideas which you can quickly skim through. But there's no end. The pins just keep coming in from all over the world, day and night, and you can look at as many or as few as you like. Brilliant.
So, I think my online Pinterest addiction has been helpful thus far. It's given me lots of ideas I'm planning to implement as we set up house, and it's curtailed my urge to shop. It's not taking time away from things I should be doing, yet it's helping to pass the time as we await the next step. I find it a lot more fulfilling than some of my other online vices (which I'll discuss next), and it's a thoroughly positive experience. I'm learning. It stimulates my brain.
I just hope I'll be able to go cold turkey once the new job begins. ;)
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