[deepandmeaning]

I never thought of it like that. Rather then passively consuming content in the vague hope it will come in useful one day, or endlessly reading best practice guides or hot new trends/technology. But instead to search for the information as and when you need it.

Perhaps we over rate serendipity in the vague hope something will come along and solve a current problem, or more truthfully we're looking for distraction and legitimise it by linking it to work in some way.

Either way - it's given me a new perspective. Thank you Daniel, I always find your articles insightful.

[sdoering]

You could make the difference between 'just in case' kind of reading (I could someday use this) and 'just in time' kind of reading (I need to know how this works right now).

If it belongs to category 1 it is entertainment/waste of time. Else (and if good content) it is actionable, valuable resource.

[loceng]

I think it really depends on what problems you're trying to solve, and what you need to maintain an expert in; Needing a good understanding and overview of the holistic picture vs. if you're dedicating the next X months-years problem solving some engineering problem.

[kinleyd]

Serendipity may be over rated sometimes, but that's more desirable than under rating it systematically. :)