I need a Time Tracker that nags me or just an app to nag me.

February 3, 2009 2:03 PM

I need a Time Tracker that nags me or just an app to nag me. I've searched past ask me-fi threads and am aware of the multitude of web, widget, desktop and offline time tracking apps and methods. I'm having trouble finding one to nag me on a configurable schedule. For example, every hour or so between 8am and 6 pm I'd like something to remind me to track time. At that point, I could jot notes on paper or in a text file or whatever, but if the nagging app could facilitate jotting down what I've been working on and for which job, so much the better. I don't need reporting or any other features, just a nag, then a place to enter a job number and task note. I'm using Windows. I could set up a recurring calendar event in Outlook to do the nagging (and the ability to snooze an Outlook reminder is a plus), but I'm seeking a possibly more integrated alternative that is better suited for the task. Thanks for the insight, hive mind!
posted by drinkspiller to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

Response by poster: More Info: Actually, I don't believe I can set up Outlook or ReminderFox to do hourly nags. Looks like "daily" is the greatest frequency of recurrance (short of setting up a separate daily reminder for each hour between 8am and 5pm).

So I really just need a good nagging app. Then, I'll just use Klok for tracking. So, anyone know of a good, configurable reminder app?
posted by drinkspiller at 2:33 PM on February 3, 2009

Best answer: If you're not adverse to a little coding, this reminder script could be easily modified to pop up every hour.

Also consider using task scheduler with a simple batch script to launch an application. It could be as simple as having notepad open a text file every hour.
posted by chrisamiller at 2:40 PM on February 3, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, chrisamiller. Task scheduler...nice. That should work for now. Is there a way to have the "Display a Message" action render as a System Tray balloon instead of an alert-style window?
posted by drinkspiller at 2:52 PM on February 3, 2009

Recently downloaded and installed RescueTime, which generates beautiful reports automatically without any data entry, and allows you to set goals. There's nothing to fill in. It's very nice indeed.
posted by idb at 3:24 PM on February 3, 2009

Why not set an egg (or cooking) timer? You don't need a reminder for the actual type of activity, just the activity itself, right? That way, you're not tied to the computer, and you can find something that makes a sound that doesn't annoy you. You can then manually set the time to whatever increment you'd like. Most go up to an hour or two, though I'm sure there are some for longer periods.

If you are only working on your computer, you can keep a text document on the desktop (or always open, making sure to save once you update your work status.
posted by filthy light thief at 3:25 PM on February 3, 2009

For actual time tracking, we use Allnetic Time Tracker, though it's not particularly well-supported, it worked.

Plus, you could configure it to nag you when you first sit down, and also to prompt you if you go inactive for a period and ask what to do with the time you spent inactive. The system tray has a popup space for writing notes for each task and you can create projects and tasks and export them in a number of ways.

A good app, for sure, but the makers are a bit AWOL.
posted by disillusioned at 7:54 PM on February 3, 2009

Check out Intervals, a web-based project management tool that includes task management and time tracking.
www.myintervals.com
posted by johnjreeve at 8:48 PM on February 3, 2009

I got hold of a vibrating watch with an hourly reminder plus multiple alarms for a similar purpose. That way I don't annoy my partner as much with my weird rituals. I don't know how I previously got by without it.
posted by jcwilliams at 1:50 PM on February 4, 2009