The blacklist has no bells or whistles whatsoever-just start entering domains you want blocked. So, while you'll be able to see your IRC buddies chatting away in the background (if you didn't block it), you can still access the things you need to get things done. Unlike apps like WriteRoom-a word processor that visually blocks you from seeing anything in the background-and Freedom-an app that blocks all Internet access for 8 hours at a time-SelfControl lets you specify exactly what you want blocked through a blacklist while allowing everything else. The app works with websites, e-mail servers, and, as I discovered, even IRC servers and the like.
Created by developer Steve Lambert for free under the GPL, SelfControl blocks a list of domains for a specified period of time in order to help you focus-presumably on work. 'Is there a word for someone who blocks themselves from accessing everything work-related, leaving them only with Twitter?' That's the question I asked shortly after blocking myself from everything Ars in an attempt to test out SelfControl, a simplistic (if not strict) distraction-blocking app for the Mac.