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ChatterBlocker — Block Distracting Speech at Work

An anonymous reader writes "ChatterBlocker is a PC program that uses digital audio technology to neutralize the sound of speech and other distractions so you can stay focused at work or elsewhere." Personally I just crank the tunes. Anyone know if this actually works or if it's a scam? Or is it just a white noise generator?

7 of 204 comments (clear)

  1. Worst. Article. Ever. by Snover · · Score: 5, Insightful
    From the FAQ:


    How does ChatterBlocker work?

            ChatterBlocker masks unwanted office chatter using a soothing blend of nature sounds, music and anti-chatter voices.


    WOW. MINDBLOWING.
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    [insert witty comment here]
    1. Re:Worst. Article. Ever. by Fred_A · · Score: 4, Insightful

      So basically they charge 35 dollars for a bunch of wave files and some marketing on drool proof paper.

      You have to admit it's quite ingenious.

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      May contain traces of nut.
      Made from the freshest electrons.
  2. pure snakeoil by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    snakeoil ...

    Quote:
    "ChatterBlocker includes bell sound loops that can be used as periodic reminders to breathe"

    now, come on ... people buying this may be stupid. But reminding them to breathe ?

  3. Try the Demo! by Simon+(S2) · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Personally I just crank the tunes. Anyone know if this actually works or if it's a scam? Or is it just a white noise generator?


    Why did'nt you try the demo? I did, and this stupid program does nothing more than generate sound. This way you have even more noise around you.

    Really, worst article ever.
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    I just don't trust anything that bleeds for five days and doesn't die.
  4. Re:Free Speech? by CdXiminez · · Score: 4, Insightful

    No, it supports the freedom to choose what to listen to.
    One does not have an obligation to listen to everybody's use of free speech.

  5. Taco Taco Taco by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If anyone has ever wondered if Taco and the other editors even bother clicking on the links in the summaries, here's your answer: "Anyone know if this actually works or if it's a scam? Or is it just a white noise generator?"

    Anyone who's taken even 15 seconds to look into this will instantly know the answer.

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    This guy's the limit!
  6. Re:Earplugs by ahertz · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Actually, as someone who works with a bunch of chatty people, I've found that earplugs do a pretty lousy job at blocking out conversations. The problem is that the best earplugs you can buy at your local drug store only attenuate noise by ~32 decibels. But a typical conversation, at close range, is ~60 decibels. You wind up just blocking out all the low-level background noise (computer fans, air conditioning, ...), leaving the voices even more distinct.

    I've found the best solution for me is a pair of headphones that seal pretty well, combined with music. The sealed headphones drop everything, so the music can be much quieter and still drown them out.

    I'm actually thinking of picking up a pair of Shure E2C earbuds for just this purpose. Has anyone got any experience with them? Will they do what I want?

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    Information doesn't want to be anthropomorphized. -AC