Good write up on email and the massive drain it creates on productivity from the (now free content) Wall Street Journal.  The answer to this problem is not simple…and not readily at hand despite the efforts of companies like Xobni and ClearContext.  Seriosity, one of the other companies mentioned in the article, has a pretty unique approach to this – applying gaming concepts to email activity.  I spoke with Ken Ross some time ago while he was at the helm and thought the approach was interesting.  I signed up for Xobni’s beta some time ago and am anxiously awaiting my invite.  Once I get it, I’ll be sure to let you know my thoughts.