Welcome the latest addition – a feature borrowed without shame – that improves the browsing experience: a word count meter. Sort of a Gantt chart for open writing projects, the line graph displays real time progress on a given manuscript.

The feature serves two purposes. First, to remind myself that every project has a beginning and end, and that completion is my goal. Second, and far, far more importantly, posting the stat closes off the option of slacking. If anyone notices the meter appears jammed, dips back to the left, or moves to the right in microscopic increments over a period of many days, call me on it via comments or email. That’s correct. Consider the meter an open invitation to nag me.

NOTE: I have an important meeting tomorrow at 12pm. Any spare karma lobbed my way will be appreciated and returned many fold.