I use email the same way I use IM and Facebook. I've heard all three described as time-wasters. I find that ridiculous. Each is a medium designed for a specific

I use email the same way I use IM and Facebook. I've heard all three described as time-wasters. I find that ridiculous. Each is a medium designed for a specific thing; each can be abused; each can be a boon if it's used right. Only email the people that you really have to email with, keep everybody else in a junk folder. Block all but the five or six IM names you'd care to have a live conversation with. You'll find it impossible to waste your time.