Labels Are the New Folders in Gmail

Labels are the answer to Gmail's folder conundrum. Enabling the following lab functions in Gmail further expands the power of the label.

There are items on the Gmail POWER USER list of Gmail lab functions which I enabled in my own account to help manange email using labels. While the some of these items are self explanatory there are others that didn't jump out at me as something I needed. Here are two that can become great tools to managing your email if you choose to use them.

• Right-side Labels: With labels on the right-side you are able to view labels and email in boxes without scrolling.
• Hide Unread Counts: This allows me to see how many unread messages reside with a label. For example if I have used the tag @call or _Call and there are 3 unread messages it gives me a constant reminder of what needs to be done. Make sure you keep your emails marked as unread for an accurate count.

These features enabled in Gmail can be applied to various organizational systems. The following video from FunWithButter.com explains how to use labels with the popular GTD method (Getting Things Done).

Tasks from Google Labs

How does Google know?

Google is always adding and developing the services it offers for free. Sometimes I joke they are reading my emails. One day I may mention, "Gee, I would like folders for that ..." and a couple weeks later, or a couple days in some cases my feature appears. Call it selective attention, hundredth monkey effect or just the natural development of software.

As I made my transition from using Outlook to only Gmail and Gmail for your domain I bemoaned the loss of adding a task and attaching the referenced email. Loved that. Needed that.

The latest addition to Google Labs is Tasks. Now located below your "Contacts" link on the left margin. This from Google:

We put your tasks in the same kind of window as chats, so they're visible while you're scanning your inbox, reading mail, or searching (and in Settings, too!). Just pop your list out into a new window to use Tasks outside of Gmail.

To enable Tasks, go to Settings, click the Labs tab (or just click here if you're signed in). Select "Enable" next to "Tasks" and then click "Save Changes" at the bottom. Then, after Gmail refreshes, on the left under the "Contacts" link, you'll see a "Tasks" link. Just click it to get started.

Tasks will allow you to create a 'to do' list right within Gmail.

Tasks can be generated straight from an email.

1. Open your email, decide you need to add this task, from the "More Actions" drop down menu now you may select "Add to Tasks". The email will be added to your Task list with the subject line listed in your queue of things to do.
2. If you have your shortcuts enabled in Labs you can do this with Control + t, also:

Tasks can be prioritized.
Tasks allows you to break down a project into manageable steps.
The Task window can pop-out and become a whole new window.

So while Google is possibly listening (and when aren't they) here is my wish list for Tasks:

1. An iPhone application to see and use my Tasks list on the go
2. Ability to combine Tasks lists from other gmail accounts into one master list
3. Add due dates for Tasks to Google Calendar

What do you want Tasks to do next?

Gmail Goggles, Protecting You From Yourself

If you have ever found yourself under the influence of your choice poison, which led your writing and sending a poorly thought out email, consider the new email tool Gmail Goggles. This email setting in Gmail makes you answer 4 math questions before you are able to send any email, between the hours you set for self restriction. The ultimate hope being you can't do math intoxicated and therefore are unable to compose any email until the following day when cooler heads prevail.

So how do you enable Google Goggles? When logged into your Gmail account, access the "labs" option in the Settings page. Once you have enabled the goggles feature, you can then access the parameters of the tool in the 'general settings' page within that same Settings tab.

The parameters available to this tool are comical- you have a 1 to 5 meter you set for yourself on how difficult the math is for the questions that need be answered correctly before any mail can be sent. Additionally, there is a basic scheduling feature that allows you to set when the goggles apply to your email, and furthermore when you feel you may be inebriated enough to need 3rd party intervention.

But of course, if you can still do middle school to early high-school math when intoxicated, this won't do much for you in being an obstacle.

We here at Webconsuls have been using a tool we think is better than Gmail Goggles-- we call it self control; like Gmail Goggles, it's free of charge. But I still like this tool because math is fun.