From e6c11ec684146563e2693d88bed3833ecbcf6db4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Jan Lukas Gernert Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:25:05 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] 4 more tests --- .../tests/readability/lemonde-1/expected.html | 41 + .../tests/readability/lemonde-1/source.html | 1117 ++++++++++ .../readability/liberation-1/expected.html | 16 + .../readability/liberation-1/source.html | 1803 +++++++++++++++++ .../expected.html | 694 +++++++ .../lifehacker-post-comment-load/source.html | 1305 ++++++++++++ .../lifehacker-working/expected.html | 694 +++++++ .../lifehacker-working/source.html | 1241 ++++++++++++ src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs | 2 +- src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs | 20 + 10 files changed, 6932 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/expected.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/source.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/expected.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/source.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/expected.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/source.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/expected.html create mode 100644 resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/source.html diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/expected.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5d58c38 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/expected.html @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ +
+

+ +

+

Les députés ont, sans surprise, adopté à une large majorité (438 contre 86 et 42 abstentions) le projet de loi sur le renseignement défendu par le gouvernement lors d’un vote solennel, mardi 5 mai. Il sera désormais examiné par le Sénat, puis le Conseil constitutionnel, prochainement saisi par 75 députés. Dans un souci d'apaisement, François Hollande avait annoncé par avance qu'il saisirait les Sages.

+

Revivez le direct du vote à l’Assemblée avec vos questions.

+

Ont voté contre : 10 députés socialistes (sur 288), 35 UMP (sur 198), 11 écologistes (sur 18), 11 UDI (sur 30), 12 députés Front de gauche (sur 15) et 7 non-inscrits (sur 9). Le détail est disponible sur le site de l'Assemblée nationale.

+

Parmi les députés ayan voté contre figurent notamment des opposants de la première heure, comme l'UMP Laure de la Raudière ou l'écologiste Sergio Coronado, mais aussi quelques poids lourds de l'opposition comme Patrick Devedjian ou Claude Goasguen. A gauche, on trouve parmi les quelque opposants au texte Aurélie Filipetti. Christian Paul, qui avait été très actif lors d'autres débats sur les libertés numériques, s'est abstenu.

+

Pouria Amirshahi, député socialiste des Français de l'étranger qui a également voté contre, a annoncé qu'il transmettrait un « mémorandum argumenté » au Conseil constitutionnel et demanderait à se faire auditionner sur le projet de loi. D'autres députés ont prévu de faire la même démarche.

+

Ce texte, fortement décrié par la société civile pour son manque de contre-pouvoir et le caractère intrusif des techniques qu’il autorise, entend donner un cadre aux pratiques des services de renseignement, rendant légales certaines pratiques qui, jusqu’à présent, ne l’étaient pas.

+

Retour sur ses principales dispositions, après son passage en commission des lois et après le débat en séance publique.

+

Définition des objectifs des services

+

Le projet de loi énonce les domaines que peuvent invoquer les services pour justifier leur surveillance. Il s’agit notamment, de manière attendue, de « l’indépendance nationale, de l’intégrité du territoire et de la défense nationale » et de « la prévention du terrorisme », mais également des « intérêts majeurs de la politique étrangère », ainsi que de la « prévention des atteintes à la forme républicaine des institutions » et de « la criminalité et de la délinquance organisées ». Des formulations parfois larges qui inquiètent les opposants au texte qui craignent qu’elles puissent permettre de surveiller des activistes ou des manifestants.

+

La Commission de contrôle

+

Le contrôle de cette surveillance sera confié à une nouvelle autorité administrative indépendante, la Commission nationale de contrôle des techniques de renseignement (CNCTR), composée de six magistrats du Conseil d’Etat et de la Cour de cassation, de trois députés et trois sénateurs de la majorité et de l’opposition, et d’un expert technique. Elle remplacera l’actuelle Commission nationale de contrôle des interceptions de sécurité (CNCIS).

+

Elle délivrera son avis, sauf cas d’urgence, avant toute opération de surveillance ciblée. Deux types urgences sont prévus par la loi : d’un côté une « urgence absolue », pour laquelle un agent pourra se passer de l’avis de la CNCTR mais pas de l’autorisation du premier ministre. De l’autre, une urgence opérationnelle extrêmement limitée, notamment en termes de techniques, à l’initiative du chef du service de renseignement, qui se passe de l’avis de la CNCTR. Ces cas d’urgence ne justifieront pas l’intrusion d’un domicile ni la surveillance d’un journaliste, un parlementaire ou un avocat. Dans ces cas, la procédure classique devra s’appliquer.

+

L’avis de la CNCTR ne sera pas contraignant, mais cette commission pourra saisir le Conseil d’Etat si elle estime que la loi n’est pas respectée et elle disposera de pouvoirs d’enquête. Ce recours juridictionnel est une nouveauté dans le monde du renseignement.

+

Les « boîtes noires »

+

Une des dispositions les plus contestées de ce projet de loi prévoit de pouvoir contraindre les fournisseurs d’accès à Internet (FAI) à « détecter une menace terroriste sur la base d’un traitement automatisé ». Ce dispositif – autorisé par le premier ministre par tranche de quatre mois – permettrait de détecter, en temps réel ou quasi réel, les personnes ayant une activité en ligne typique de « schémas » utilisés par les terroristes pour transmettre des informations.

+

En pratique, les services de renseignement pourraient installer chez les FAI une « boîte noire » surveillant le trafic. Le contenu des communications – qui resterait « anonyme » – ne serait pas surveillé, mais uniquement les métadonnées : origine ou destinataire d’un message, adresse IP d’un site visité, durée de la conversation ou de la connexion… Ces données ne seraient pas conservées.

+

La Commission nationale informatique et libertés (CNIL), qui critique fortement cette disposition. La CNIL soulève notamment que l’anonymat de ces données est très relatif, puisqu’il peut être levé.

+

Lire aussi : Les critiques de la CNIL contre le projet de loi sur le renseignement

+

Le dispositif introduit une forme de « pêche au chalut » – un brassage très large des données des Français à la recherche de quelques individus. Le gouvernement se défend de toute similarité avec les dispositifs mis en place par la NSA américaine, arguant notamment que les données ne seront pas conservées et que cette activité sera contrôlée par une toute nouvelle commission aux moyens largement renforcés. Il s’agit cependant d’un dispositif très large, puisqu’il concernera tous les fournisseurs d’accès à Internet, et donc tous les internautes français.

+

L’élargissement de la surveillance électronique pour détecter les « futurs » terroristes

+

La surveillance des métadonnées sera aussi utilisée pour tenter de détecter de nouveaux profils de terroristes potentiels, prévoit le projet de loi. Le gouvernement considère qu’il s’agit d’une manière efficace de détecter les profils qui passent aujourd’hui « entre les mailles du filet », par exemple des personnes parties en Syrie ou en Irak sans qu’aucune activité suspecte n’ait été décelée avant leur départ.

+

Pour repérer ces personnes, la loi permettra d’étendre la surveillance électronique à toutes les personnes en contact avec des personnes déjà suspectées. En analysant leurs contacts, la fréquence de ces derniers et les modes de communication, les services de renseignement espèrent pouvoir détecter ces nouveaux profils en amont.

+

De nouveaux outils et méthodes de collecte

+

Les services pourront également procéder, après un avis de la CNCTR, à la pose de micros dans une pièce ou de mouchards sur un objet (voiture par exemple), ou à l’intérieur d’un ordinateur. L’utilisation des IMSI-catchers (fausses antennes qui permettent d’intercepter des conversations téléphoniques) est également légalisée, pour les services de renseignement, dans certains cas. Le nombre maximal de ces appareils sera fixé par arrêté du premier ministre après l’avis de la CNCTR.

+

Lire : Que sont les IMSI-catchers, ces valises qui espionnent les téléphones portables ?

+

La loi introduit également des mesures de surveillance internationale : concrètement, les procédures de contrôle seront allégées lorsqu’un des « bouts » de la communication sera situé à l’étranger (concrètement, un Français qui parle avec un individu situé à l’étranger). Cependant, comme l’a souligné l’Arcep (l’Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes), sollicitée pour le versant technique de cette mesure, il est parfois difficile de s’assurer qu’une communication, même passant par l’étranger, ne concerne pas deux Français.

+

Un nouveau fichier

+

La loi crée un fichier judiciaire national automatisé des auteurs d’infractions terroristes (Fijait), dont les données pourront être conservées pendant vingt ans.

+

Ce fichier concerne les personnes ayant été condamnées, même si une procédure d’appel est en cours. Les mineurs pourront aussi être inscrits dans ce fichier et leurs données conservées jusqu’à dix ans. L’inscription ne sera pas automatique et se fera sur décision judiciaire. Certaines mises en examen pourront aussi apparaître sur ce fichier. En cas de non-lieu, relaxe, acquittement, amnistie ou réhabilitation, ces informations seront effacées.

+

Renseignement pénitentiaire

+

Le renseignement pénitentiaire pourra, dans des conditions qui seront fixées par décret, profiter des techniques que légalise le projet de loi pour les services de renseignement. La ministre de la justice, Christiane Taubira, était défavorable à cette disposition, soutenue par le rapporteur du texte, la droite et une partie des députés de gauche. Pour la ministre, cette innovation va dénaturer le renseignement pénitentiaire et le transformer en véritable service de renseignement.

+

Conservation des données

+

La CNIL a fait part à plusieurs reprises de sa volonté d’exercer sa mission de contrôle sur les fichiers liés au renseignement, qui seront alimentés par ces collectes. Ces fichiers sont aujourd’hui exclus du périmètre d’action de la CNIL.

+

La durée de conservation des données collectées – et l’adaptation de cette durée à la technique employée – a par ailleurs été inscrite dans la loi, contrairement au projet initial du gouvernement qui entendait fixer ces limites par décret. Elle pourra aller jusqu’à cinq ans dans le cas des données de connexion.

+

Un dispositif pour les lanceurs d’alerte

+

La loi prévoit également une forme de protection pour les agents qui seraient témoins de surveillance illégale. Ces lanceurs d’alerte pourraient solliciter la CNCTR, voire le premier ministre, et leur fournir toutes les pièces utiles. La CNCTR pourra ensuite aviser le procureur de la République et solliciter la Commission consultative du secret de la défense nationale afin que cette dernière « donne au premier ministre son avis sur la possibilité de déclassifier tout ou partie de ces éléments ». Aucune mesure de rétorsion ne pourra viser l’agent qui aurait dénoncé des actes potentiellement illégaux.

+
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/source.html b/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/source.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..093b02e --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lemonde-1/source.html @@ -0,0 +1,1117 @@ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Le projet de loi sur le renseignement massivement approuvé à l'Assemblée + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + +
+
+ + +
+
+
+
Pixels
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+

Le projet de loi sur le renseignement massivement approuvé à l'Assemblée

+

Le Monde | + • Mis à jour le + | +Par +

+
+
+
+
+ +
+

Les députés ont, sans surprise, adopté à une large majorité (438 contre 86 et 42 abstentions) le projet de loi sur le renseignement défendu par le gouvernement lors d’un vote solennel, mardi 5 mai. Il sera désormais examiné par le Sénat, puis le Conseil constitutionnel, prochainement saisi par 75 députés. Dans un souci d'apaisement, François Hollande avait annoncé par avance qu'il saisirait les Sages.

+

Revivez le direct du vote à l’Assemblée avec vos questions.

+

Ont voté contre : 10 députés socialistes (sur 288), 35 UMP (sur 198), 11 écologistes (sur 18), 11 UDI (sur 30), 12 députés Front de gauche (sur 15) et 7 non-inscrits (sur 9). Le détail est disponible sur le site de l'Assemblée nationale.

+

Parmi les députés ayan voté contre figurent notamment des opposants de la première heure, comme l'UMP Laure de la Raudière ou l'écologiste Sergio Coronado, mais aussi quelques poids lourds de l'opposition comme Patrick Devedjian ou Claude Goasguen. A gauche, on trouve parmi les quelque opposants au texte Aurélie Filipetti. Christian Paul, qui avait été très actif lors d'autres débats sur les libertés numériques, s'est abstenu.

+

Pouria Amirshahi, député socialiste des Français de l'étranger qui a également voté contre, a annoncé qu'il transmettrait un « mémorandum argumenté » au Conseil constitutionnel et demanderait à se faire auditionner sur le projet de loi. D'autres députés ont prévu de faire la même démarche.

+

Ce texte, fortement décrié par la société civile pour son manque de contre-pouvoir et le caractère intrusif des techniques qu’il autorise, entend donner un cadre aux pratiques des services de renseignement, rendant légales certaines pratiques qui, jusqu’à présent, ne l’étaient pas.

+

Retour sur ses principales dispositions, après son passage en commission des lois et après le débat en séance publique.

+

Définition des objectifs des services

+

Le projet de loi énonce les domaines que peuvent invoquer les services pour justifier leur surveillance. Il s’agit notamment, de manière attendue, de « l’indépendance nationale, de l’intégrité du territoire et de la défense nationale » et de « la prévention du terrorisme », mais également des « intérêts majeurs de la politique étrangère », ainsi que de la « prévention des atteintes à la forme républicaine des institutions » et de « la criminalité et de la délinquance organisées ». Des formulations parfois larges qui inquiètent les opposants au texte qui craignent qu’elles puissent permettre de surveiller des activistes ou des manifestants.

+

La Commission de contrôle

+

Le contrôle de cette surveillance sera confié à une nouvelle autorité administrative indépendante, la Commission nationale de contrôle des techniques de renseignement (CNCTR), composée de six magistrats du Conseil d’Etat et de la Cour de cassation, de trois députés et trois sénateurs de la majorité et de l’opposition, et d’un expert technique. Elle remplacera l’actuelle Commission nationale de contrôle des interceptions de sécurité (CNCIS).

+

Elle délivrera son avis, sauf cas d’urgence, avant toute opération de surveillance ciblée. Deux types urgences sont prévus par la loi : d’un côté une « urgence absolue », pour laquelle un agent pourra se passer de l’avis de la CNCTR mais pas de l’autorisation du premier ministre. De l’autre, une urgence opérationnelle extrêmement limitée, notamment en termes de techniques, à l’initiative du chef du service de renseignement, qui se passe de l’avis de la CNCTR. Ces cas d’urgence ne justifieront pas l’intrusion d’un domicile ni la surveillance d’un journaliste, un parlementaire ou un avocat. Dans ces cas, la procédure classique devra s’appliquer.

+

L’avis de la CNCTR ne sera pas contraignant, mais cette commission pourra saisir le Conseil d’Etat si elle estime que la loi n’est pas respectée et elle disposera de pouvoirs d’enquête. Ce recours juridictionnel est une nouveauté dans le monde du renseignement.

+

Les « boîtes noires »

+

Une des dispositions les plus contestées de ce projet de loi prévoit de pouvoir contraindre les fournisseurs d’accès à Internet (FAI) à « détecter une menace terroriste sur la base d’un traitement automatisé ». Ce dispositif – autorisé par le premier ministre par tranche de quatre mois – permettrait de détecter, en temps réel ou quasi réel, les personnes ayant une activité en ligne typique de « schémas » utilisés par les terroristes pour transmettre des informations.

+

En pratique, les services de renseignement pourraient installer chez les FAI une « boîte noire » surveillant le trafic. Le contenu des communications – qui resterait « anonyme » – ne serait pas surveillé, mais uniquement les métadonnées : origine ou destinataire d’un message, adresse IP d’un site visité, durée de la conversation ou de la connexion… Ces données ne seraient pas conservées.

+

La Commission nationale informatique et libertés (CNIL), qui critique fortement cette disposition. La CNIL soulève notamment que l’anonymat de ces données est très relatif, puisqu’il peut être levé.

+

Lire aussi : Les critiques de la CNIL contre le projet de loi sur le renseignement

+

Le dispositif introduit une forme de « pêche au chalut » – un brassage très large des données des Français à la recherche de quelques individus. Le gouvernement se défend de toute similarité avec les dispositifs mis en place par la NSA américaine, arguant notamment que les données ne seront pas conservées et que cette activité sera contrôlée par une toute nouvelle commission aux moyens largement renforcés. Il s’agit cependant d’un dispositif très large, puisqu’il concernera tous les fournisseurs d’accès à Internet, et donc tous les internautes français.

+

L’élargissement de la surveillance électronique pour détecter les « futurs » terroristes

+

La surveillance des métadonnées sera aussi utilisée pour tenter de détecter de nouveaux profils de terroristes potentiels, prévoit le projet de loi. Le gouvernement considère qu’il s’agit d’une manière efficace de détecter les profils qui passent aujourd’hui « entre les mailles du filet », par exemple des personnes parties en Syrie ou en Irak sans qu’aucune activité suspecte n’ait été décelée avant leur départ.

+

Pour repérer ces personnes, la loi permettra d’étendre la surveillance électronique à toutes les personnes en contact avec des personnes déjà suspectées. En analysant leurs contacts, la fréquence de ces derniers et les modes de communication, les services de renseignement espèrent pouvoir détecter ces nouveaux profils en amont.

+

De nouveaux outils et méthodes de collecte

+

Les services pourront également procéder, après un avis de la CNCTR, à la pose de micros dans une pièce ou de mouchards sur un objet (voiture par exemple), ou à l’intérieur d’un ordinateur. L’utilisation des IMSI-catchers (fausses antennes qui permettent d’intercepter des conversations téléphoniques) est également légalisée, pour les services de renseignement, dans certains cas. Le nombre maximal de ces appareils sera fixé par arrêté du premier ministre après l’avis de la CNCTR.

+

Lire : Que sont les IMSI-catchers, ces valises qui espionnent les téléphones portables ?

+

La loi introduit également des mesures de surveillance internationale : concrètement, les procédures de contrôle seront allégées lorsqu’un des « bouts » de la communication sera situé à l’étranger (concrètement, un Français qui parle avec un individu situé à l’étranger). Cependant, comme l’a souligné l’Arcep (l’Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes), sollicitée pour le versant technique de cette mesure, il est parfois difficile de s’assurer qu’une communication, même passant par l’étranger, ne concerne pas deux Français.

+

Un nouveau fichier

+

La loi crée un fichier judiciaire national automatisé des auteurs d’infractions terroristes (Fijait), dont les données pourront être conservées pendant vingt ans.

+

Ce fichier concerne les personnes ayant été condamnées, même si une procédure d’appel est en cours. Les mineurs pourront aussi être inscrits dans ce fichier et leurs données conservées jusqu’à dix ans. L’inscription ne sera pas automatique et se fera sur décision judiciaire. Certaines mises en examen pourront aussi apparaître sur ce fichier. En cas de non-lieu, relaxe, acquittement, amnistie ou réhabilitation, ces informations seront effacées.

+

Renseignement pénitentiaire

+

Le renseignement pénitentiaire pourra, dans des conditions qui seront fixées par décret, profiter des techniques que légalise le projet de loi pour les services de renseignement. La ministre de la justice, Christiane Taubira, était défavorable à cette disposition, soutenue par le rapporteur du texte, la droite et une partie des députés de gauche. Pour la ministre, cette innovation va dénaturer le renseignement pénitentiaire et le transformer en véritable service de renseignement.

+

Conservation des données

+

La CNIL a fait part à plusieurs reprises de sa volonté d’exercer sa mission de contrôle sur les fichiers liés au renseignement, qui seront alimentés par ces collectes. Ces fichiers sont aujourd’hui exclus du périmètre d’action de la CNIL.

+

La durée de conservation des données collectées – et l’adaptation de cette durée à la technique employée – a par ailleurs été inscrite dans la loi, contrairement au projet initial du gouvernement qui entendait fixer ces limites par décret. Elle pourra aller jusqu’à cinq ans dans le cas des données de connexion.

+

Un dispositif pour les lanceurs d’alerte

+

La loi prévoit également une forme de protection pour les agents qui seraient témoins de surveillance illégale. Ces lanceurs d’alerte pourraient solliciter la CNCTR, voire le premier ministre, et leur fournir toutes les pièces utiles. La CNCTR pourra ensuite aviser le procureur de la République et solliciter la Commission consultative du secret de la défense nationale afin que cette dernière « donne au premier ministre son avis sur la possibilité de déclassifier tout ou partie de ces éléments ». Aucune mesure de rétorsion ne pourra viser l’agent qui aurait dénoncé des actes potentiellement illégaux.

+
+ +
+ +
+

+
+
+ + +
+
+ + +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
Piratage de Sony Pictures ▪ Fibre optique ▪ Gouvernance du Net ▪ The surveillance files ▪ Neutralité du Net ▪ SXSW ▪ Hadopi ▪ Sécurité informatique ▪ Cyberespionnage ▪ Drones
+
+
+
+
+
+ + +
+
+ +
+ + +
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+ + +
+
+ +
+ + +
+
+ + +
+
+
+ +
+ + + + +
+ + +
+
+ +
+ + +
 
+ +
+
En Continu
+
+ +
+ +
+ + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/expected.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..af1c912 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/expected.html @@ -0,0 +1,16 @@ +
+
+ + + +
+

Un troisième Français a été tué dans le tremblement de terre samedi au Népal, emporté par une avalanche, a déclaré jeudi le ministre des Affaires étrangères. Les autorités françaises sont toujours sans nouvelles «d’encore plus de 200» personnes. «Pour certains d’entre eux on est très interrogatif», a ajouté Laurent Fabius. Il accueillait à Roissy un premier avion spécial ramenant des rescapés. L’Airbus A350 affrété par les autorités françaises s’est posé peu avant 5h45 avec à son bord 206 passagers, dont 12 enfants et 26 blessés, selon une source du Quai d’Orsay. Quasiment tous sont français, à l’exception d’une quinzaine de ressortissants allemands, suisses, italiens, portugais ou encore turcs. Des psychologues, une équipe médicale et des personnels du centre de crise du Quai d’Orsay les attendent.

+

L’appareil, mis à disposition par Airbus, était arrivé à Katmandou mercredi matin avec 55 personnels de santé et humanitaires, ainsi que 25 tonnes de matériel (abris, médicaments, aide alimentaire). Un deuxième avion dépêché par Paris, qui était immobilisé aux Emirats depuis mardi avec 20 tonnes de matériel, est arrivé jeudi à Katmandou, dont le petit aéroport est engorgé par le trafic et l’afflux d’aide humanitaire. Il devait lui aussi ramener des Français, «les plus éprouvés» par la catastrophe et les «plus vulnérables (blessés, familles avec enfants)», selon le ministère des Affaires étrangères.

+

2 209 Français ont été localisés sains et saufs tandis que 393 n’ont pas encore pu être joints, selon le Quai d’Orsay. Environ 400 Français ont demandé à être rapatriés dans les vols mis en place par la France.

+

Le séisme a fait près de 5 500 morts et touche huit des 28 millions d’habitants du Népal. Des dizaines de milliers de personnes sont sans abri.

+

+ +

+
+
+
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/source.html b/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/source.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f3013e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/liberation-1/source.html @@ -0,0 +1,1803 @@ + + + + + + + + + + + + Un troisième Français mort dans le séisme au Népal - Libération + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+ +
    +
  • + +
    • +
+ +
+ +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+ + + +
+ +
+

Un troisième Français a été tué dans le tremblement de terre samedi au Népal, emporté par une avalanche, a déclaré jeudi le ministre des Affaires étrangères. Les autorités françaises sont toujours sans nouvelles «d’encore plus de 200» personnes. «Pour certains d’entre eux on est très interrogatif», a ajouté Laurent Fabius. Il accueillait à Roissy un premier avion spécial ramenant des rescapés. L’Airbus A350 affrété par les autorités françaises s’est posé peu avant 5h45 avec à son bord 206 passagers, dont 12 enfants et 26 blessés, selon une source du Quai d’Orsay. Quasiment tous sont français, à l’exception d’une quinzaine de ressortissants allemands, suisses, italiens, portugais ou encore turcs. Des psychologues, une équipe médicale et des personnels du centre de crise du Quai d’Orsay les attendent.

+

L’appareil, mis à disposition par Airbus, était arrivé à Katmandou mercredi matin avec 55 personnels de santé et humanitaires, ainsi que 25 tonnes de matériel (abris, médicaments, aide alimentaire). Un deuxième avion dépêché par Paris, qui était immobilisé aux Emirats depuis mardi avec 20 tonnes de matériel, est arrivé jeudi à Katmandou, dont le petit aéroport est engorgé par le trafic et l’afflux d’aide humanitaire. Il devait lui aussi ramener des Français, «les plus éprouvés» par la catastrophe et les «plus vulnérables (blessés, familles avec enfants)», selon le ministère des Affaires étrangères.

+

2 209 Français ont été localisés sains et saufs tandis que 393 n’ont pas encore pu être joints, selon le Quai d’Orsay. Environ 400 Français ont demandé à être rapatriés dans les vols mis en place par la France.

+

Le séisme a fait près de 5 500 morts et touche huit des 28 millions d’habitants du Népal. Des dizaines de milliers de personnes sont sans abri.

+

+ +

+
+
AFP + +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + +
+ +
+
+
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+ + +
+
+ +
+
+
+ + + +
+
+ +
+
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/expected.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45013f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/expected.html @@ -0,0 +1,694 @@ +
+

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

We all buy things from time to time that we don't really need. It's okay to appeal to your wants every once in a while, as long as you're in control. If you struggle with clutter, impulse buys, and buyer's remorse, here's how to put your mind in the right place before you even set foot in a store.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Understand How Your Own Brain Works Against You

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

It may come as no surprise to learn that stores employ all kinds of tricks to get you to part ways with your cash, and your brain plays right along. Through psychological tricks, product placement, and even color, stores are designed from the ground up to increase spending. We've talked about the biggest things stores do to manipulate your senses, but here are some of the biggest things to look out for:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • +Color: Stores use color to make products attractive and eye-catching, but they also use color on price labels. Red stands out and can encourage taking action, that's why it's commonly associated with sale signage and advertising. When you see red, remember what they're trying to do to your brain with that color. You don't to buy something just because it's on sale.
    • +
  • +Navigation Roadblocks: Stores force you to walk around stuff you don't need to find the stuff you are really after. Have a list of what you need before you go in, go straight to it, and imagine it's the only item in the store.
    • +
  • +The Touch Factor: Stores place items they want to sell in easy to reach locations and encourage you to touch them. Don't do it! As soon as you pick something up, you're more likely to buy it because your mind suddenly takes ownership of the object. Don't pick anything up and don't play with display items.
    • +
  • +Scents and Sounds: You'll probably hear classic, upbeat tunes when you walk into a store. The upbeat music makes you happy and excited, while playing familiar songs makes you feel comfortable. They also use pleasant smells to put your mind at ease. A happy, comfortable mind at ease is a dangerous combination for your brain when shopping. There's not much you can do to avoid this unless you shop online, but it's good to be aware of it.
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

And sure, we can blame the stores all we want, but you won't change how they operate—you can only be aware of how your brain is falling for their tricks. Even without the stores, your brain is working against you on its own, thanks to some simple cognitive biases.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

For example, confirmation bias makes you only believe the information that conforms to your prior beliefs, while you discount everything else. Advertisers appeal to this bias directly by convincing you one item is better than another with imagery and other tricks, regardless of what hard facts might say. Keep your mind open, do your own research, and accept when you're wrong about a product. The Decoy effect is also a commonly used tactic. You think one product is a deal because it's next to a similar product that's priced way higher. Even if it's a product you need, it's probably not as good of a deal as it looks right then and there. Again, always research beforehand and be on the lookout for this common trick to avoid impulse buys.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

+Make a List of Everything You Own and Do Some Decluttering +

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now that you know what you're up against, it's time to start changing the way you think. Before you can stop buying crap you don't need, you need to identify what that crap is. The first step is to make a list of every single thing you own. Every. Single. Thing. This might sound extreme, but you need to gather your data so you can start reprogramming your mind.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The purpose of this exercise is twofold: you see what you already have and don't need to ever buy again, and you get to see what you shouldn't have bought in the first place. As you list everything out, separate items into categories. It's extremely important that you are as honest with yourself as possible while you do this. It's also important you actually write this all down or type it all out. Here is the first set of categories to separate everything into:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • +Need: You absolutely need this item to get by on a day to day basis.
    • +
  • +Sometimes Need: You don't need this item every day, but you use it on a somewhat regular basis.
    • +
  • +Want: You bought this item because you wanted it, not because you needed it.
    • +
  • +Crap: You don't have a good reason why you have it and you already know it needs to go (there's probably a few of these items, at least).
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Leave the things you listed as "needs" alone, put your stuff listed as "crap" in a pile or box to go bye-bye, and move your attention back to your "sometimes need" and "want" lists. You need to go back over both of those lists because you probably fudged some of the listings, either subconsciously or intentionally. Now ask yourself these three questions as you go through both the "sometimes need" and "want" lists:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • When was the last time I used this?
    • +
  • When will I use this again?
    • +
  • Does this item bring you joy?
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Remember to be honest and adjust your lists accordingly. There's nothing wrong with keeping things you wanted. Material items can bring happiness to many people, but make sure the items on your "want" list actively provide you joy and are being used. If an item doesn't get much use or doesn't make you happy, add it to the "crap" list.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you have everything organized, it's time to do some serious decluttering. This listing exercise should get you started, but there are a lot of other great ideas when it comes to ditching the junk you don't need. Regardless, everything on your "crap" list needs to go. You can donate it, sell it at a yard sale, give it away to people know, whatever you like. Before you get rid of everything, though, take a picture of all your stuff together. Print out or save the picture somewhere. Some of it was probably gifts, but in general, this is all the crap you bought that you don't need. Take a good look and remember it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

See How Much Money and Time You Spent on the Stuff You Threw Out

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now take a look at your "crap" list again and start calculating how much you spent on all of it. If it was a gift, mark it as $0. Otherwise, figure out the price of the item at the time you bought it. If you got a deal or bought it on sale it's okay to factor that in, but try to be as accurate as possible. Once you have the price for each item, add it all together. Depending on your spending habits this could possibly be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. Remember the picture you took of all this stuff? Attach the total cost to the picture so you can see both at the same time.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With the money cost figured out, you should take a look at the other costs too. Time is a resource just like any other, and it's a finite one. What kind of time did you pour into these things? Consider the time you spent acquiring and using these items, then write it all down. These can be rough estimations, but go ahead and add it all up when you think you've got it. Now attach the total time to same picture as before and think of the other ways you could have spent all that time. This isn't to make you feel bad about yourself, just to deliver information to your brain in an easy-to-understand form. When you look at it all like this, it can open your eyes a little more, and help you think about purchases in the future. You'll look at an item and ask yourself, "Will this just end up in the picture?"

+ + + + + + + + + + +

List Every Non-Material Thing In Your Life that Makes You Happy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now it's time to make a different list. While material items may bring plenty of joy, the things in your life that make you happiest probably can't be bought. Get a separate piece of paper or create a new document and list out everything in your life that makes you happy. If you can't buy it, it's eligible for the list. It doesn't matter if it only makes you crack a smile or makes you jump for joy, list it out.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

These are probably the things that actually make you want to get out of bed in the morning and keep on keepin' on. Once you have it all down, put it in your purse or wallet. The next time you feel the urge to buy something, whip this list out first and remind yourself why you probably don't need it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Spend Some Time Away from Material Things to Gain Perspective

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you're having a really hard time with your spending, it can help to get away from material objects completely. When you're constantly surrounded by stuff and have access to buying things at all times, it can be really tough to break the habit. Spend a day in the park enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, go camping with some friends, or hike a trail you haven't been on before.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Essentially, you want to show yourself that you don't need your "things" to have a good time. When you realize how much fun you can have without all the trinkets and trivets, you'll start to shut down your desire to buy them. If you can't get really get away right now, just go for a walk without your purse or wallet (but carry your ID). If you can't buy anything, you'll be forced to experience things a different way.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Develop a Personal "Should I Buy This?" Test

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you don't have a personal "should I buy this?" test, now's the perfect time to make one. When you find an item you think you need or want, it has to pass all of the questions you have on your test before you can buy it. Here's where you can use all of the data you've gathered so far and put it to really good use. The test should be personalized to your own buying habits, but here are some example questions:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • Is this a planned purchase?
    • +
  • Will it end up in the "crap" list picture one day?
    • +
  • +Where am I going to put it?
    • +
  • Have I included this in my budget?
    • +
  • +Why do I want/need it?
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Custom build your test to hit all of your weaknesses. If you make a lot of impulse buys, include questions that address that. If you experience a lot of buyer's remorse, include a lot of questions that make you think about the use of item after you buy it. If buying the latest and greatest technology is your weakness, Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist suggests you ask yourself what problem the piece of tech solves. If you can't think of anything it solves or if you already have something that solves it, you don't need it. Be thorough and build a test that you can run through your mind every time you consider buying something.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Learn to Delay Gratification and Destroy the Urge to Impulse Buy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When it comes to the unnecessary crap we buy, impulse purchases probably make up a good deal of them. We love to feel gratification instantly and impulse buys appeal to that with a rush of excitement with each new purchase. We like to believe that we have control over our impulses all the time, but we really don't, and that's a major problem for the ol' wallet.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

The key is teaching your brain that it's okay to wait for gratification. You can do this with a simple time out every time you want something. Look at whatever you're thinking of buying, go through your personal "should I buy this?" test, and then walk away for a little while. Planning your purchases ahead is ideal, so the longer you can hold off, the better. Set yourself a reminder to check on the item a week or month down the line. When you come back to it, you may find that you don't even want it, just the gratification that would come with it. If you're shopping online, you can do the same thing. Walk away from your desk or put your phone in your pocket and do something else for a little while.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You can also avoid online impulse purchases by making it harder to do. Block shopping web sites during time periods you know you're at your weakest, or remove all of your saved credit card or Paypal information. You can also practice the "HALT" method when you're shopping online or in a store. Try not to buy things when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired because you're at your weakest state mentally. Last, but not least, the "stranger test" can help you weed out bad purchases too.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The last thing you should consider when it comes to impulse buys is "artificial replacement." As Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar explains, artificial replacement can happen when you start to reduce the time you get with your main interests:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
+

Whenever I consistently cut quality time for my main interests out of my life, I start to long for them. As you saw in that "typical" day, I do make room for spending time with my family, but my other two main interests are absent. If that happens too many days in a row, I start to really miss reading. I start to really miss playing thoughtful board games with friends. What happens after that? I start to substitute. When I don't have the opportunity to sit down for an hour or even for half an hour and really get lost in a book, I start looking for an alternative way to fill in the tiny slices of time that I do have. I'll spend money.

+
+ + + + + + + + + + +

You probably have things in your life that provide plenty of gratification, so don't get caught substituting it with impulse buys. Always make sure you keep yourself happy with plenty of time doing the things you like to do and you won't be subconsciously trying to fill that void with useless crap.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Turn the Money You Save Into More Money

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you've programmed your mind to stop buying crap you don't need, you'll have some extra cash to play with. Take all that money and start putting it toward your future and things you will need further down the road. You might need a home, a vehicle, or a way to retire, but none of that can happen until you start planning for it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Start by paying off any debts you already have. Credit cards, student loans, and even car payments can force you to live paycheck to paycheck. Use the snowball method and pay off some small balances to make you feel motivated, then start taking out your debt in full force with the stacking method: stop creating new debt, determine which balances have the highest interest rates, and create a payment schedule to pay them off efficiently.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With your debts whittled down, you should start an emergency fund. No matter how well you plan things, accidents and health emergencies can still happen. An emergency fund is designed to make those kinds of events more manageable. This type of savings account is strictly for when life throws you a curveball, but you can grow one pretty easily with only modest savings.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When you've paid off your debt and prepared yourself for troubled times, you can start saving for the big stuff. All that money you're not spending on crap anymore can be saved, invested, and compounded to let you buy comfort and security. If you don't know where to start, talk to a financial planner. Or create a simple, yet effective "set and forget" investment portfolio. You've worked hard to reprogram your mind, so make sure you reap the benefits for many years to come.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Photos by cmgirl (Shutterstock), Macrovector (Shutterstock), J E Theriot, davidd, George Redgrave, David Amsler, Arup Malakar, J B, jakerome, 401(K) 2012.

+
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/source.html b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/source.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb7f522 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-post-comment-load/source.html @@ -0,0 +1,1305 @@ + + + + + + + + + + How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need
+ +
Trending on Kinja
  1. 1.
    Aaron Hernandez Is An Idiot, But He Still Might Get Away With Murder
    Aaron Hernandez Is An Idiot, But He Still Might Get Away With Murder
    on Deadspin
  2. 2.
    Top Gear Hosts James May And Richard Hammond React To Clarkson Firing
    on Jalopnik
  3. 3.
    Jeremy Clarkson Officially Fired From Top Gear
    on Jalopnik

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

321,046
36
PatrickAllan

Patrick Allan

ProfileFollowUnfollow
Patrick Allan
Filed to: money
3/09/15 8:00am 3/09/15 8:00am

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

We all buy things from time to time that we don't really need. It's okay to appeal to your wants every once in a while, as long as you're in control. If you struggle with clutter, impulse buys, and buyer's remorse, here's how to put your mind in the right place before you even set foot in a store.

+
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Understand How Your Own Brain Works Against You

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

It may come as no surprise to learn that stores employ all kinds of tricks to get you to part ways with your cash, and your brain plays right along. Through psychological tricks, product placement, and even color, stores are designed from the ground up to increase spending. We've talked about the biggest things stores do to manipulate your senses, but here are some of the biggest things to look out for:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Color: Stores use color to make products attractive and eye-catching, but they also use color on price labels. Red stands out and can encourage taking action, that's why it's commonly associated with sale signage and advertising. When you see red, remember what they're trying to do to your brain with that color. You don't to buy something just because it's on sale.
  • Navigation Roadblocks: Stores force you to walk around stuff you don't need to find the stuff you are really after. Have a list of what you need before you go in, go straight to it, and imagine it's the only item in the store.
  • The Touch Factor: Stores place items they want to sell in easy to reach locations and encourage you to touch them. Don't do it! As soon as you pick something up, you're more likely to buy it because your mind suddenly takes ownership of the object. Don't pick anything up and don't play with display items.
  • Scents and Sounds: You'll probably hear classic, upbeat tunes when you walk into a store. The upbeat music makes you happy and excited, while playing familiar songs makes you feel comfortable. They also use pleasant smells to put your mind at ease. A happy, comfortable mind at ease is a dangerous combination for your brain when shopping. There's not much you can do to avoid this unless you shop online, but it's good to be aware of it.
+ + + + + + + + + + +

And sure, we can blame the stores all we want, but you won't change how they operate—you can only be aware of how your brain is falling for their tricks. Even without the stores, your brain is working against you on its own, thanks to some simple cognitive biases.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

For example, confirmation bias makes you only believe the information that conforms to your prior beliefs, while you discount everything else. Advertisers appeal to this bias directly by convincing you one item is better than another with imagery and other tricks, regardless of what hard facts might say. Keep your mind open, do your own research, and accept when you're wrong about a product. The Decoy effect is also a commonly used tactic. You think one product is a deal because it's next to a similar product that's priced way higher. Even if it's a product you need, it's probably not as good of a deal as it looks right then and there. Again, always research beforehand and be on the lookout for this common trick to avoid impulse buys.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Make a List of Everything You Own and Do Some Decluttering

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now that you know what you're up against, it's time to start changing the way you think. Before you can stop buying crap you don't need, you need to identify what that crap is. The first step is to make a list of every single thing you own. Every. Single. Thing. This might sound extreme, but you need to gather your data so you can start reprogramming your mind.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The purpose of this exercise is twofold: you see what you already have and don't need to ever buy again, and you get to see what you shouldn't have bought in the first place. As you list everything out, separate items into categories. It's extremely important that you are as honest with yourself as possible while you do this. It's also important you actually write this all down or type it all out. Here is the first set of categories to separate everything into:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Need: You absolutely need this item to get by on a day to day basis.
  • Sometimes Need: You don't need this item every day, but you use it on a somewhat regular basis.
  • Want: You bought this item because you wanted it, not because you needed it.
  • Crap: You don't have a good reason why you have it and you already know it needs to go (there's probably a few of these items, at least).
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Leave the things you listed as "needs" alone, put your stuff listed as "crap" in a pile or box to go bye-bye, and move your attention back to your "sometimes need" and "want" lists. You need to go back over both of those lists because you probably fudged some of the listings, either subconsciously or intentionally. Now ask yourself these three questions as you go through both the "sometimes need" and "want" lists:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • When was the last time I used this?
  • When will I use this again?
  • Does this item bring you joy?
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Remember to be honest and adjust your lists accordingly. There's nothing wrong with keeping things you wanted. Material items can bring happiness to many people, but make sure the items on your "want" list actively provide you joy and are being used. If an item doesn't get much use or doesn't make you happy, add it to the "crap" list.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you have everything organized, it's time to do some serious decluttering. This listing exercise should get you started, but there are a lot of other great ideas when it comes to ditching the junk you don't need. Regardless, everything on your "crap" list needs to go. You can donate it, sell it at a yard sale, give it away to people know, whatever you like. Before you get rid of everything, though, take a picture of all your stuff together. Print out or save the picture somewhere. Some of it was probably gifts, but in general, this is all the crap you bought that you don't need. Take a good look and remember it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

See How Much Money and Time You Spent on the Stuff You Threw Out

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now take a look at your "crap" list again and start calculating how much you spent on all of it. If it was a gift, mark it as $0. Otherwise, figure out the price of the item at the time you bought it. If you got a deal or bought it on sale it's okay to factor that in, but try to be as accurate as possible. Once you have the price for each item, add it all together. Depending on your spending habits this could possibly be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. Remember the picture you took of all this stuff? Attach the total cost to the picture so you can see both at the same time.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With the money cost figured out, you should take a look at the other costs too. Time is a resource just like any other, and it's a finite one. What kind of time did you pour into these things? Consider the time you spent acquiring and using these items, then write it all down. These can be rough estimations, but go ahead and add it all up when you think you've got it. Now attach the total time to same picture as before and think of the other ways you could have spent all that time. This isn't to make you feel bad about yourself, just to deliver information to your brain in an easy-to-understand form. When you look at it all like this, it can open your eyes a little more, and help you think about purchases in the future. You'll look at an item and ask yourself, "Will this just end up in the picture?"

+ + + + + + + + + + +

List Every Non-Material Thing In Your Life that Makes You Happy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now it's time to make a different list. While material items may bring plenty of joy, the things in your life that make you happiest probably can't be bought. Get a separate piece of paper or create a new document and list out everything in your life that makes you happy. If you can't buy it, it's eligible for the list. It doesn't matter if it only makes you crack a smile or makes you jump for joy, list it out.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

These are probably the things that actually make you want to get out of bed in the morning and keep on keepin' on. Once you have it all down, put it in your purse or wallet. The next time you feel the urge to buy something, whip this list out first and remind yourself why you probably don't need it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Spend Some Time Away from Material Things to Gain Perspective

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you're having a really hard time with your spending, it can help to get away from material objects completely. When you're constantly surrounded by stuff and have access to buying things at all times, it can be really tough to break the habit. Spend a day in the park enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, go camping with some friends, or hike a trail you haven't been on before.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Essentially, you want to show yourself that you don't need your "things" to have a good time. When you realize how much fun you can have without all the trinkets and trivets, you'll start to shut down your desire to buy them. If you can't get really get away right now, just go for a walk without your purse or wallet (but carry your ID). If you can't buy anything, you'll be forced to experience things a different way.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Develop a Personal "Should I Buy This?" Test

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you don't have a personal "should I buy this?" test, now's the perfect time to make one. When you find an item you think you need or want, it has to pass all of the questions you have on your test before you can buy it. Here's where you can use all of the data you've gathered so far and put it to really good use. The test should be personalized to your own buying habits, but here are some example questions:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Is this a planned purchase?
  • Will it end up in the "crap" list picture one day?
  • Where am I going to put it?
  • Have I included this in my budget?
  • Why do I want/need it?
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Custom build your test to hit all of your weaknesses. If you make a lot of impulse buys, include questions that address that. If you experience a lot of buyer's remorse, include a lot of questions that make you think about the use of item after you buy it. If buying the latest and greatest technology is your weakness, Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist suggests you ask yourself what problem the piece of tech solves. If you can't think of anything it solves or if you already have something that solves it, you don't need it. Be thorough and build a test that you can run through your mind every time you consider buying something.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Learn to Delay Gratification and Destroy the Urge to Impulse Buy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When it comes to the unnecessary crap we buy, impulse purchases probably make up a good deal of them. We love to feel gratification instantly and impulse buys appeal to that with a rush of excitement with each new purchase. We like to believe that we have control over our impulses all the time, but we really don't, and that's a major problem for the ol' wallet.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

The key is teaching your brain that it's okay to wait for gratification. You can do this with a simple time out every time you want something. Look at whatever you're thinking of buying, go through your personal "should I buy this?" test, and then walk away for a little while. Planning your purchases ahead is ideal, so the longer you can hold off, the better. Set yourself a reminder to check on the item a week or month down the line. When you come back to it, you may find that you don't even want it, just the gratification that would come with it. If you're shopping online, you can do the same thing. Walk away from your desk or put your phone in your pocket and do something else for a little while.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You can also avoid online impulse purchases by making it harder to do. Block shopping web sites during time periods you know you're at your weakest, or remove all of your saved credit card or Paypal information. You can also practice the "HALT" method when you're shopping online or in a store. Try not to buy things when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired because you're at your weakest state mentally. Last, but not least, the "stranger test" can help you weed out bad purchases too.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The last thing you should consider when it comes to impulse buys is "artificial replacement." As Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar explains, artificial replacement can happen when you start to reduce the time you get with your main interests:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
+

Whenever I consistently cut quality time for my main interests out of my life, I start to long for them. As you saw in that "typical" day, I do make room for spending time with my family, but my other two main interests are absent. If that happens too many days in a row, I start to really miss reading. I start to really miss playing thoughtful board games with friends. What happens after that? I start to substitute. When I don't have the opportunity to sit down for an hour or even for half an hour and really get lost in a book, I start looking for an alternative way to fill in the tiny slices of time that I do have. I'll spend money.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You probably have things in your life that provide plenty of gratification, so don't get caught substituting it with impulse buys. Always make sure you keep yourself happy with plenty of time doing the things you like to do and you won't be subconsciously trying to fill that void with useless crap.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Turn the Money You Save Into More Money

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you've programmed your mind to stop buying crap you don't need, you'll have some extra cash to play with. Take all that money and start putting it toward your future and things you will need further down the road. You might need a home, a vehicle, or a way to retire, but none of that can happen until you start planning for it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Start by paying off any debts you already have. Credit cards, student loans, and even car payments can force you to live paycheck to paycheck. Use the snowball method and pay off some small balances to make you feel motivated, then start taking out your debt in full force with the stacking method: stop creating new debt, determine which balances have the highest interest rates, and create a payment schedule to pay them off efficiently.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With your debts whittled down, you should start an emergency fund. No matter how well you plan things, accidents and health emergencies can still happen. An emergency fund is designed to make those kinds of events more manageable. This type of savings account is strictly for when life throws you a curveball, but you can grow one pretty easily with only modest savings.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When you've paid off your debt and prepared yourself for troubled times, you can start saving for the big stuff. All that money you're not spending on crap anymore can be saved, invested, and compounded to let you buy comfort and security. If you don't know where to start, talk to a financial planner. Or create a simple, yet effective "set and forget" investment portfolio. You've worked hard to reprogram your mind, so make sure you reap the benefits for many years to come.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Photos by cmgirl (Shutterstock), Macrovector (Shutterstock), J E Theriot, davidd, George Redgrave, David Amsler, Arup Malakar, J B, jakerome, 401(K) 2012.

36 146Reply
Patrick Allan’s Discussions
All replies
jnovo22

jnovo22

ProfileFollowUnfollow
jnovo22Patrick Allan
3/09/15 8:12am 3/09/15 8:12am

This is one of my hardest habits to break. I've been working on it for literally years. I'm getting better, mainly because I've gone to cash-only recently. Swiping the debit/credit cards don't seem like "real" money (even though it obviously is). Having cash on hand, and then see it disappear makes the "Should I buy This?" decision that much easier. Usually it's "No".

924Reply
Flagged
jnovo22

jnovo22

ProfileFollowUnfollow
jnovo22Patrick Allan
3/09/15 8:47am 3/09/15 8:47am

Yup. Each week, I give myself $25 cash for spending on me. If I go out to eat Friday night, that's it, it's gone.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

I use the envelope system for dividing saved cash for special purchases, home improvements, etc. It's crazy how fast it adds up.

12Reply
Flagged
thegrayadder

The Gray Adder

ProfileFollowUnfollow
The Gray AdderPatrick Allan
3/09/15 8:26am 3/09/15 8:26am

Make a List of Everything You Own and Do Some Decluttering

Why would I make a list when I could get right down to the business of decluttering?

31Reply
Flagged
PatrickAllan

Patrick Allan

ProfileFollowUnfollow
Patrick AllanThe Gray Adder
3/09/15 8:32am 3/09/15 8:32am

So you know what you already have. You can avoid buying something that you forget you had, or the next time you're in a store, you might remember that you have an item that can do the same job as the thing you're interested in. It also helps you gain a little perspective when you realize how many things you actually own already. It can help you rethink those desires to buy things.

111Reply
Flagged
winfredarmandelafuentelati

greenarcher02

ProfileFollowUnfollow
greenarcher02Patrick Allan
3/09/15 8:46am 3/09/15 8:46am

I am. Well, I was..... Some of it was spent on impulse buying Ziiiro watches last Valentine's Day lol. :( So I'm saving up, again. Sucks that it'll get delayed because of a freaking watch.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Ugh I feel like I need to read this article everyday.

6Reply
Flagged
timgray

timgray

ProfileFollowUnfollow
timgrayPatrick Allan
3/09/15 9:00am 3/09/15 9:00am

I love the suggestion of going camping to get away from stuff... You do realize that camping gear can be more expensive than electronics and gadgets.... Now I need to buy a $4500 tent and $1200 hiking shoes to get away from things....

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Oh and I have to have all matching camping clothing from North Face... I need to go shopping.

427Reply
Flagged
PatrickAllan

Patrick Allan

ProfileFollowUnfollow
Patrick Allantimgray
3/09/15 9:07am 3/09/15 9:07am

Haha, yeah, some camping gear can be pretty pricey, but I just went this past weekend with a rented tent and some friends, and it didn't cost much. Just got to avoid the "I want to look like an outdoorsy camper" style I guess :P

18Reply
Flagged
timgray

timgray

ProfileFollowUnfollow
timgrayPatrick Allan
3/09/15 9:25am 3/09/15 9:25am

My camping gear addiction is one of those that I need to do some decluttering on. I have a really cool 2 person Tent Cot that sound like awesome ideas until you actually see one in person.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-TB34...

+ + + + + + + + + + +

They weigh nearly 90 pounds and will not fit in the back of anything but a full size SUV with the seats folded down or a pickup truck.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

So it has sat in it's box in my basement for the past 3 years as a testament to my UPS guys hernia when he delivered it.

5Reply
Flagged
PatrickAllan

Patrick Allan

ProfileFollowUnfollow
Patrick Allantimgray
3/09/15 9:37am 3/09/15 9:37am

lol! That does sound like a cool idea, but you're right, what's the point if you can't transport it easily? I wonder if someone makes a lighter, less cumbersome model...

1Reply
Flagged
Hosts of other popular chats
View Patrick Allan's discussionsView all 146 replies
+ + + +
+ + + +
Powered by

Kinja

diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/expected.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45013f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/expected.html @@ -0,0 +1,694 @@ +
+

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

We all buy things from time to time that we don't really need. It's okay to appeal to your wants every once in a while, as long as you're in control. If you struggle with clutter, impulse buys, and buyer's remorse, here's how to put your mind in the right place before you even set foot in a store.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Understand How Your Own Brain Works Against You

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

It may come as no surprise to learn that stores employ all kinds of tricks to get you to part ways with your cash, and your brain plays right along. Through psychological tricks, product placement, and even color, stores are designed from the ground up to increase spending. We've talked about the biggest things stores do to manipulate your senses, but here are some of the biggest things to look out for:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • +Color: Stores use color to make products attractive and eye-catching, but they also use color on price labels. Red stands out and can encourage taking action, that's why it's commonly associated with sale signage and advertising. When you see red, remember what they're trying to do to your brain with that color. You don't to buy something just because it's on sale.
    • +
  • +Navigation Roadblocks: Stores force you to walk around stuff you don't need to find the stuff you are really after. Have a list of what you need before you go in, go straight to it, and imagine it's the only item in the store.
    • +
  • +The Touch Factor: Stores place items they want to sell in easy to reach locations and encourage you to touch them. Don't do it! As soon as you pick something up, you're more likely to buy it because your mind suddenly takes ownership of the object. Don't pick anything up and don't play with display items.
    • +
  • +Scents and Sounds: You'll probably hear classic, upbeat tunes when you walk into a store. The upbeat music makes you happy and excited, while playing familiar songs makes you feel comfortable. They also use pleasant smells to put your mind at ease. A happy, comfortable mind at ease is a dangerous combination for your brain when shopping. There's not much you can do to avoid this unless you shop online, but it's good to be aware of it.
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

And sure, we can blame the stores all we want, but you won't change how they operate—you can only be aware of how your brain is falling for their tricks. Even without the stores, your brain is working against you on its own, thanks to some simple cognitive biases.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

For example, confirmation bias makes you only believe the information that conforms to your prior beliefs, while you discount everything else. Advertisers appeal to this bias directly by convincing you one item is better than another with imagery and other tricks, regardless of what hard facts might say. Keep your mind open, do your own research, and accept when you're wrong about a product. The Decoy effect is also a commonly used tactic. You think one product is a deal because it's next to a similar product that's priced way higher. Even if it's a product you need, it's probably not as good of a deal as it looks right then and there. Again, always research beforehand and be on the lookout for this common trick to avoid impulse buys.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

+Make a List of Everything You Own and Do Some Decluttering +

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now that you know what you're up against, it's time to start changing the way you think. Before you can stop buying crap you don't need, you need to identify what that crap is. The first step is to make a list of every single thing you own. Every. Single. Thing. This might sound extreme, but you need to gather your data so you can start reprogramming your mind.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The purpose of this exercise is twofold: you see what you already have and don't need to ever buy again, and you get to see what you shouldn't have bought in the first place. As you list everything out, separate items into categories. It's extremely important that you are as honest with yourself as possible while you do this. It's also important you actually write this all down or type it all out. Here is the first set of categories to separate everything into:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • +Need: You absolutely need this item to get by on a day to day basis.
    • +
  • +Sometimes Need: You don't need this item every day, but you use it on a somewhat regular basis.
    • +
  • +Want: You bought this item because you wanted it, not because you needed it.
    • +
  • +Crap: You don't have a good reason why you have it and you already know it needs to go (there's probably a few of these items, at least).
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Leave the things you listed as "needs" alone, put your stuff listed as "crap" in a pile or box to go bye-bye, and move your attention back to your "sometimes need" and "want" lists. You need to go back over both of those lists because you probably fudged some of the listings, either subconsciously or intentionally. Now ask yourself these three questions as you go through both the "sometimes need" and "want" lists:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • When was the last time I used this?
    • +
  • When will I use this again?
    • +
  • Does this item bring you joy?
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Remember to be honest and adjust your lists accordingly. There's nothing wrong with keeping things you wanted. Material items can bring happiness to many people, but make sure the items on your "want" list actively provide you joy and are being used. If an item doesn't get much use or doesn't make you happy, add it to the "crap" list.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you have everything organized, it's time to do some serious decluttering. This listing exercise should get you started, but there are a lot of other great ideas when it comes to ditching the junk you don't need. Regardless, everything on your "crap" list needs to go. You can donate it, sell it at a yard sale, give it away to people know, whatever you like. Before you get rid of everything, though, take a picture of all your stuff together. Print out or save the picture somewhere. Some of it was probably gifts, but in general, this is all the crap you bought that you don't need. Take a good look and remember it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

See How Much Money and Time You Spent on the Stuff You Threw Out

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now take a look at your "crap" list again and start calculating how much you spent on all of it. If it was a gift, mark it as $0. Otherwise, figure out the price of the item at the time you bought it. If you got a deal or bought it on sale it's okay to factor that in, but try to be as accurate as possible. Once you have the price for each item, add it all together. Depending on your spending habits this could possibly be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. Remember the picture you took of all this stuff? Attach the total cost to the picture so you can see both at the same time.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With the money cost figured out, you should take a look at the other costs too. Time is a resource just like any other, and it's a finite one. What kind of time did you pour into these things? Consider the time you spent acquiring and using these items, then write it all down. These can be rough estimations, but go ahead and add it all up when you think you've got it. Now attach the total time to same picture as before and think of the other ways you could have spent all that time. This isn't to make you feel bad about yourself, just to deliver information to your brain in an easy-to-understand form. When you look at it all like this, it can open your eyes a little more, and help you think about purchases in the future. You'll look at an item and ask yourself, "Will this just end up in the picture?"

+ + + + + + + + + + +

List Every Non-Material Thing In Your Life that Makes You Happy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now it's time to make a different list. While material items may bring plenty of joy, the things in your life that make you happiest probably can't be bought. Get a separate piece of paper or create a new document and list out everything in your life that makes you happy. If you can't buy it, it's eligible for the list. It doesn't matter if it only makes you crack a smile or makes you jump for joy, list it out.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

These are probably the things that actually make you want to get out of bed in the morning and keep on keepin' on. Once you have it all down, put it in your purse or wallet. The next time you feel the urge to buy something, whip this list out first and remind yourself why you probably don't need it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Spend Some Time Away from Material Things to Gain Perspective

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you're having a really hard time with your spending, it can help to get away from material objects completely. When you're constantly surrounded by stuff and have access to buying things at all times, it can be really tough to break the habit. Spend a day in the park enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, go camping with some friends, or hike a trail you haven't been on before.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Essentially, you want to show yourself that you don't need your "things" to have a good time. When you realize how much fun you can have without all the trinkets and trivets, you'll start to shut down your desire to buy them. If you can't get really get away right now, just go for a walk without your purse or wallet (but carry your ID). If you can't buy anything, you'll be forced to experience things a different way.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Develop a Personal "Should I Buy This?" Test

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you don't have a personal "should I buy this?" test, now's the perfect time to make one. When you find an item you think you need or want, it has to pass all of the questions you have on your test before you can buy it. Here's where you can use all of the data you've gathered so far and put it to really good use. The test should be personalized to your own buying habits, but here are some example questions:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
    +
  • Is this a planned purchase?
    • +
  • Will it end up in the "crap" list picture one day?
    • +
  • +Where am I going to put it?
    • +
  • Have I included this in my budget?
    • +
  • +Why do I want/need it?
    • +
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Custom build your test to hit all of your weaknesses. If you make a lot of impulse buys, include questions that address that. If you experience a lot of buyer's remorse, include a lot of questions that make you think about the use of item after you buy it. If buying the latest and greatest technology is your weakness, Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist suggests you ask yourself what problem the piece of tech solves. If you can't think of anything it solves or if you already have something that solves it, you don't need it. Be thorough and build a test that you can run through your mind every time you consider buying something.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Learn to Delay Gratification and Destroy the Urge to Impulse Buy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When it comes to the unnecessary crap we buy, impulse purchases probably make up a good deal of them. We love to feel gratification instantly and impulse buys appeal to that with a rush of excitement with each new purchase. We like to believe that we have control over our impulses all the time, but we really don't, and that's a major problem for the ol' wallet.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

The key is teaching your brain that it's okay to wait for gratification. You can do this with a simple time out every time you want something. Look at whatever you're thinking of buying, go through your personal "should I buy this?" test, and then walk away for a little while. Planning your purchases ahead is ideal, so the longer you can hold off, the better. Set yourself a reminder to check on the item a week or month down the line. When you come back to it, you may find that you don't even want it, just the gratification that would come with it. If you're shopping online, you can do the same thing. Walk away from your desk or put your phone in your pocket and do something else for a little while.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You can also avoid online impulse purchases by making it harder to do. Block shopping web sites during time periods you know you're at your weakest, or remove all of your saved credit card or Paypal information. You can also practice the "HALT" method when you're shopping online or in a store. Try not to buy things when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired because you're at your weakest state mentally. Last, but not least, the "stranger test" can help you weed out bad purchases too.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The last thing you should consider when it comes to impulse buys is "artificial replacement." As Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar explains, artificial replacement can happen when you start to reduce the time you get with your main interests:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
+

Whenever I consistently cut quality time for my main interests out of my life, I start to long for them. As you saw in that "typical" day, I do make room for spending time with my family, but my other two main interests are absent. If that happens too many days in a row, I start to really miss reading. I start to really miss playing thoughtful board games with friends. What happens after that? I start to substitute. When I don't have the opportunity to sit down for an hour or even for half an hour and really get lost in a book, I start looking for an alternative way to fill in the tiny slices of time that I do have. I'll spend money.

+
+ + + + + + + + + + +

You probably have things in your life that provide plenty of gratification, so don't get caught substituting it with impulse buys. Always make sure you keep yourself happy with plenty of time doing the things you like to do and you won't be subconsciously trying to fill that void with useless crap.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Turn the Money You Save Into More Money

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you've programmed your mind to stop buying crap you don't need, you'll have some extra cash to play with. Take all that money and start putting it toward your future and things you will need further down the road. You might need a home, a vehicle, or a way to retire, but none of that can happen until you start planning for it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Start by paying off any debts you already have. Credit cards, student loans, and even car payments can force you to live paycheck to paycheck. Use the snowball method and pay off some small balances to make you feel motivated, then start taking out your debt in full force with the stacking method: stop creating new debt, determine which balances have the highest interest rates, and create a payment schedule to pay them off efficiently.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With your debts whittled down, you should start an emergency fund. No matter how well you plan things, accidents and health emergencies can still happen. An emergency fund is designed to make those kinds of events more manageable. This type of savings account is strictly for when life throws you a curveball, but you can grow one pretty easily with only modest savings.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When you've paid off your debt and prepared yourself for troubled times, you can start saving for the big stuff. All that money you're not spending on crap anymore can be saved, invested, and compounded to let you buy comfort and security. If you don't know where to start, talk to a financial planner. Or create a simple, yet effective "set and forget" investment portfolio. You've worked hard to reprogram your mind, so make sure you reap the benefits for many years to come.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Photos by cmgirl (Shutterstock), Macrovector (Shutterstock), J E Theriot, davidd, George Redgrave, David Amsler, Arup Malakar, J B, jakerome, 401(K) 2012.

+
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/source.html b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/source.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9256059 --- /dev/null +++ b/resources/tests/readability/lifehacker-working/source.html @@ -0,0 +1,1241 @@ + + + + + + + + + + How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need
+ +
Trending on Kinja
  1. 1.
    Aaron Hernandez Is An Idiot, But He Still Might Get Away With Murder
    Aaron Hernandez Is An Idiot, But He Still Might Get Away With Murder
    on Deadspin
  2. 2.
    Top Gear Hosts James May And Richard Hammond React To Clarkson Firing
    on Jalopnik
  3. 3.
    Jeremy Clarkson Officially Fired From Top Gear
    on Jalopnik

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

36
PatrickAllan

Patrick Allan

ProfileFollowUnfollow
Patrick Allan
Filed to: money
3/09/15 8:00am 3/09/15 8:00am

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

We all buy things from time to time that we don't really need. It's okay to appeal to your wants every once in a while, as long as you're in control. If you struggle with clutter, impulse buys, and buyer's remorse, here's how to put your mind in the right place before you even set foot in a store.

+
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Understand How Your Own Brain Works Against You

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

It may come as no surprise to learn that stores employ all kinds of tricks to get you to part ways with your cash, and your brain plays right along. Through psychological tricks, product placement, and even color, stores are designed from the ground up to increase spending. We've talked about the biggest things stores do to manipulate your senses, but here are some of the biggest things to look out for:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Color: Stores use color to make products attractive and eye-catching, but they also use color on price labels. Red stands out and can encourage taking action, that's why it's commonly associated with sale signage and advertising. When you see red, remember what they're trying to do to your brain with that color. You don't to buy something just because it's on sale.
  • Navigation Roadblocks: Stores force you to walk around stuff you don't need to find the stuff you are really after. Have a list of what you need before you go in, go straight to it, and imagine it's the only item in the store.
  • The Touch Factor: Stores place items they want to sell in easy to reach locations and encourage you to touch them. Don't do it! As soon as you pick something up, you're more likely to buy it because your mind suddenly takes ownership of the object. Don't pick anything up and don't play with display items.
  • Scents and Sounds: You'll probably hear classic, upbeat tunes when you walk into a store. The upbeat music makes you happy and excited, while playing familiar songs makes you feel comfortable. They also use pleasant smells to put your mind at ease. A happy, comfortable mind at ease is a dangerous combination for your brain when shopping. There's not much you can do to avoid this unless you shop online, but it's good to be aware of it.
+ + + + + + + + + + +

And sure, we can blame the stores all we want, but you won't change how they operate—you can only be aware of how your brain is falling for their tricks. Even without the stores, your brain is working against you on its own, thanks to some simple cognitive biases.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

For example, confirmation bias makes you only believe the information that conforms to your prior beliefs, while you discount everything else. Advertisers appeal to this bias directly by convincing you one item is better than another with imagery and other tricks, regardless of what hard facts might say. Keep your mind open, do your own research, and accept when you're wrong about a product. The Decoy effect is also a commonly used tactic. You think one product is a deal because it's next to a similar product that's priced way higher. Even if it's a product you need, it's probably not as good of a deal as it looks right then and there. Again, always research beforehand and be on the lookout for this common trick to avoid impulse buys.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Make a List of Everything You Own and Do Some Decluttering

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now that you know what you're up against, it's time to start changing the way you think. Before you can stop buying crap you don't need, you need to identify what that crap is. The first step is to make a list of every single thing you own. Every. Single. Thing. This might sound extreme, but you need to gather your data so you can start reprogramming your mind.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The purpose of this exercise is twofold: you see what you already have and don't need to ever buy again, and you get to see what you shouldn't have bought in the first place. As you list everything out, separate items into categories. It's extremely important that you are as honest with yourself as possible while you do this. It's also important you actually write this all down or type it all out. Here is the first set of categories to separate everything into:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Need: You absolutely need this item to get by on a day to day basis.
  • Sometimes Need: You don't need this item every day, but you use it on a somewhat regular basis.
  • Want: You bought this item because you wanted it, not because you needed it.
  • Crap: You don't have a good reason why you have it and you already know it needs to go (there's probably a few of these items, at least).
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Leave the things you listed as "needs" alone, put your stuff listed as "crap" in a pile or box to go bye-bye, and move your attention back to your "sometimes need" and "want" lists. You need to go back over both of those lists because you probably fudged some of the listings, either subconsciously or intentionally. Now ask yourself these three questions as you go through both the "sometimes need" and "want" lists:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • When was the last time I used this?
  • When will I use this again?
  • Does this item bring you joy?
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Remember to be honest and adjust your lists accordingly. There's nothing wrong with keeping things you wanted. Material items can bring happiness to many people, but make sure the items on your "want" list actively provide you joy and are being used. If an item doesn't get much use or doesn't make you happy, add it to the "crap" list.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you have everything organized, it's time to do some serious decluttering. This listing exercise should get you started, but there are a lot of other great ideas when it comes to ditching the junk you don't need. Regardless, everything on your "crap" list needs to go. You can donate it, sell it at a yard sale, give it away to people know, whatever you like. Before you get rid of everything, though, take a picture of all your stuff together. Print out or save the picture somewhere. Some of it was probably gifts, but in general, this is all the crap you bought that you don't need. Take a good look and remember it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

See How Much Money and Time You Spent on the Stuff You Threw Out

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now take a look at your "crap" list again and start calculating how much you spent on all of it. If it was a gift, mark it as $0. Otherwise, figure out the price of the item at the time you bought it. If you got a deal or bought it on sale it's okay to factor that in, but try to be as accurate as possible. Once you have the price for each item, add it all together. Depending on your spending habits this could possibly be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. Remember the picture you took of all this stuff? Attach the total cost to the picture so you can see both at the same time.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With the money cost figured out, you should take a look at the other costs too. Time is a resource just like any other, and it's a finite one. What kind of time did you pour into these things? Consider the time you spent acquiring and using these items, then write it all down. These can be rough estimations, but go ahead and add it all up when you think you've got it. Now attach the total time to same picture as before and think of the other ways you could have spent all that time. This isn't to make you feel bad about yourself, just to deliver information to your brain in an easy-to-understand form. When you look at it all like this, it can open your eyes a little more, and help you think about purchases in the future. You'll look at an item and ask yourself, "Will this just end up in the picture?"

+ + + + + + + + + + +

List Every Non-Material Thing In Your Life that Makes You Happy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Now it's time to make a different list. While material items may bring plenty of joy, the things in your life that make you happiest probably can't be bought. Get a separate piece of paper or create a new document and list out everything in your life that makes you happy. If you can't buy it, it's eligible for the list. It doesn't matter if it only makes you crack a smile or makes you jump for joy, list it out.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

These are probably the things that actually make you want to get out of bed in the morning and keep on keepin' on. Once you have it all down, put it in your purse or wallet. The next time you feel the urge to buy something, whip this list out first and remind yourself why you probably don't need it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Spend Some Time Away from Material Things to Gain Perspective

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you're having a really hard time with your spending, it can help to get away from material objects completely. When you're constantly surrounded by stuff and have access to buying things at all times, it can be really tough to break the habit. Spend a day in the park enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors, go camping with some friends, or hike a trail you haven't been on before.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Essentially, you want to show yourself that you don't need your "things" to have a good time. When you realize how much fun you can have without all the trinkets and trivets, you'll start to shut down your desire to buy them. If you can't get really get away right now, just go for a walk without your purse or wallet (but carry your ID). If you can't buy anything, you'll be forced to experience things a different way.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Develop a Personal "Should I Buy This?" Test

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

If you don't have a personal "should I buy this?" test, now's the perfect time to make one. When you find an item you think you need or want, it has to pass all of the questions you have on your test before you can buy it. Here's where you can use all of the data you've gathered so far and put it to really good use. The test should be personalized to your own buying habits, but here are some example questions:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
  • Is this a planned purchase?
  • Will it end up in the "crap" list picture one day?
  • Where am I going to put it?
  • Have I included this in my budget?
  • Why do I want/need it?
+ + + + + + + + + + +

Custom build your test to hit all of your weaknesses. If you make a lot of impulse buys, include questions that address that. If you experience a lot of buyer's remorse, include a lot of questions that make you think about the use of item after you buy it. If buying the latest and greatest technology is your weakness, Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist suggests you ask yourself what problem the piece of tech solves. If you can't think of anything it solves or if you already have something that solves it, you don't need it. Be thorough and build a test that you can run through your mind every time you consider buying something.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Learn to Delay Gratification and Destroy the Urge to Impulse Buy

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When it comes to the unnecessary crap we buy, impulse purchases probably make up a good deal of them. We love to feel gratification instantly and impulse buys appeal to that with a rush of excitement with each new purchase. We like to believe that we have control over our impulses all the time, but we really don't, and that's a major problem for the ol' wallet.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

The key is teaching your brain that it's okay to wait for gratification. You can do this with a simple time out every time you want something. Look at whatever you're thinking of buying, go through your personal "should I buy this?" test, and then walk away for a little while. Planning your purchases ahead is ideal, so the longer you can hold off, the better. Set yourself a reminder to check on the item a week or month down the line. When you come back to it, you may find that you don't even want it, just the gratification that would come with it. If you're shopping online, you can do the same thing. Walk away from your desk or put your phone in your pocket and do something else for a little while.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You can also avoid online impulse purchases by making it harder to do. Block shopping web sites during time periods you know you're at your weakest, or remove all of your saved credit card or Paypal information. You can also practice the "HALT" method when you're shopping online or in a store. Try not to buy things when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired because you're at your weakest state mentally. Last, but not least, the "stranger test" can help you weed out bad purchases too.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The last thing you should consider when it comes to impulse buys is "artificial replacement." As Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar explains, artificial replacement can happen when you start to reduce the time you get with your main interests:

+ + + + + + + + + + +
+

Whenever I consistently cut quality time for my main interests out of my life, I start to long for them. As you saw in that "typical" day, I do make room for spending time with my family, but my other two main interests are absent. If that happens too many days in a row, I start to really miss reading. I start to really miss playing thoughtful board games with friends. What happens after that? I start to substitute. When I don't have the opportunity to sit down for an hour or even for half an hour and really get lost in a book, I start looking for an alternative way to fill in the tiny slices of time that I do have. I'll spend money.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

You probably have things in your life that provide plenty of gratification, so don't get caught substituting it with impulse buys. Always make sure you keep yourself happy with plenty of time doing the things you like to do and you won't be subconsciously trying to fill that void with useless crap.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Turn the Money You Save Into More Money

+ + + + + + + + + + +

How to Program Your Mind to Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Once you've programmed your mind to stop buying crap you don't need, you'll have some extra cash to play with. Take all that money and start putting it toward your future and things you will need further down the road. You might need a home, a vehicle, or a way to retire, but none of that can happen until you start planning for it.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Start by paying off any debts you already have. Credit cards, student loans, and even car payments can force you to live paycheck to paycheck. Use the snowball method and pay off some small balances to make you feel motivated, then start taking out your debt in full force with the stacking method: stop creating new debt, determine which balances have the highest interest rates, and create a payment schedule to pay them off efficiently.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

With your debts whittled down, you should start an emergency fund. No matter how well you plan things, accidents and health emergencies can still happen. An emergency fund is designed to make those kinds of events more manageable. This type of savings account is strictly for when life throws you a curveball, but you can grow one pretty easily with only modest savings.

+ + + + + + + + + + +

When you've paid off your debt and prepared yourself for troubled times, you can start saving for the big stuff. All that money you're not spending on crap anymore can be saved, invested, and compounded to let you buy comfort and security. If you don't know where to start, talk to a financial planner. Or create a simple, yet effective "set and forget" investment portfolio. You've worked hard to reprogram your mind, so make sure you reap the benefits for many years to come.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Photos by cmgirl (Shutterstock), Macrovector (Shutterstock), J E Theriot, davidd, George Redgrave, David Amsler, Arup Malakar, J B, jakerome, 401(K) 2012.

36 146Reply
Patrick Allan’s Discussions
All replies
Hosts of other popular chats
View Patrick Allan's discussionsView all 146 replies
+ + + +
+ + + +
Powered by

Kinja

\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs b/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs index 0f1266a..cb0eaca 100644 --- a/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs +++ b/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs @@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ impl Readability { append = true; } else if sibling.get_name().to_uppercase() == "P" { let link_density = Util::get_link_density(&sibling); - let node_content = Util::get_inner_text(&sibling, false); + let node_content = Util::get_inner_text(&sibling, true); let node_length = node_content.len(); if node_length > 80 diff --git a/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs b/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs index 07b6dc0..56f6adc 100644 --- a/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs +++ b/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs @@ -287,6 +287,26 @@ async fn lazy_image_3() { run_test("lazy-image-3").await } +#[tokio::test] +async fn lemonde_1() { + run_test("lemonde-1").await +} + +#[tokio::test] +async fn liberation_1() { + run_test("liberation-1").await +} + +#[tokio::test] +async fn lifehacker_post_comment_load() { + run_test("lifehacker-post-comment-load").await +} + +#[tokio::test] +async fn lifehacker_working() { + run_test("lifehacker-working").await +} + #[tokio::test] async fn webmd_1() { run_test("webmd-1").await