If you work on a computer in an office, at least part of the time, you know what it's like to be tempted to goof off on the Internet. For all of the Web's usefulness, it also provides a fantastic way to waste time and procrastinate from those tasks that are no fun but need to get done.

Depending on your office environment, you may have had to sign an agreement that basically says, "I promise not to use the Internet for personal reasons while on office time or office equipment." Even if there is no formal Web-use policy, you're likely to get a dirty look or a scolding from the bosses if they look over your shoulder and find something on your screen that isn't work-related. All of this leads to my question: Is Self-Storage Talk considered a good use of the Web and of your time at the office?

Recognizing my obvious bias, Self-Storage Talk is completely worthwhile and serves as a valuable resource, not to mention that it's free to participate. Additionally, if you're taking the time to read this blog, you must be allowed to read the content on Inside Self-Storage. So, why would the forum be any different from the news, articles and blogs on the ISS site?

I've heard from a few owners and managers at industry events that they're concerned Self-Storage Talk can be a distraction, especially for day-to-day operators. Though I understand to a certain extent, this viewpoint results from preconceived and outdated notions about what forums and social networking are intended to do.

Both forums and social networking have their roots in personal interests and hobbies, not in the working or business world. Most of the early forums (and many existing ones today) deal with sports, movies, cars, crafting, and many other realms that don't directly relate to self-storage or business. Similarly, "chatting online" used to be something people did only for fun and to discuss personal topics.

But in the past few years, forums and social media have adapted to meet the needs of business members and provide clear, concrete solutions. Nearly every forum area on Self-Storage Talk provides free information on how self-storage professionals can do their jobs better. Where else do you have the immediacy of answers to work-related questions at your fingertips? The key contributors, too, are either peers or seasoned industry experts who have long track records of success.

I won't spend any more time defending the forum, but I will ask you to take one quick second and visit this poll to share what the perception of Self-Storage Talk is at your place of business. I'm hoping your boss sees the value in your spending time reading and posting to the forum.

However, if there are negative sentiments about SST, we need to work with the audience to nip them in the bud so that the site can continue to grow. A forum isn't nearly as fun or effective if members feel like they have to sneak on and then minimize the screen as soon as they hear the boss's footsteps.