Many of us spend almost as much time measuring our progress as moving the project forward. If the measurement isn't helping to improve software quality or scheduling estimates, stop taking the measurement. It's a waste of time. Most meetings detract from the mission of shipping good stuff on time. However, even meetings related to the project can detract from the mission.
Meetings are necessary.
Well-run, focused meetings add a lot of value to the process of creating software. However, if you think you're about to spend an hour doodling in your notebook while the meeting goes on around you, don't go. Beware death by documentation. Strive to provide the most information in the least amount of space. But don't be lulled into thinking that having a binder full of design specifications or test scripts is good.