Am I the only one who intentionally avoids buying games?
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
Yes I too avoid. Years ago I started a garbage burner in Virginia and worked for 5 months 80 to 120 hours/week and was so burned out when I got home all I could do was vegetate. My son had just got a Nintendo game machine and the first Zelda game. I became addicted and could do nothing else until I had wiped it. Since that time I have not picked up another and attend GAA (Gamer Addicts Anonymous) religiously. :()
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me. http://www.hq4thmarinescomm.com[^]
My Site -
I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
You've not played SimCity and Civilization have you? I envy you.
If the post was helpful, please vote, eh! Current activities: Playing Star Craft II. Don't bother me, eh? Now and forever, defiant to the end. What is Multiple Sclerosis[^]?
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
An analogy to liquor comes to mind, but I can't quite place it.
You have a drinking problem?
The bearing of a child takes nine months, no matter how many women are assigned.
Only when I drive. Sometimes I hit a bump and spill my drink. :)
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help. -
Only when I drive. Sometimes I hit a bump and spill my drink. :)
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.:laugh: :thumbsup: That reminds why the Gentlemen never jogging.
There is only one Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek is her prophet! Advertise here – minimum three posts per day are guaranteed.
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
I'm the opposite. I intentionally buy games. I've been an avid gamer since my brother bought a launch model Atari VCS (2600) in 1977. :-\ Flynn
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
Many years ago I bought a game called "Visual Studio" and became addicted. I've spent countless nights playing with it until the wee hours of morning, forgetting nutrition and simple hygiene... And it never ends - the frustration, the challenge, overcoming the bugs and "features" and always striving for the next level. I've never since had the time or money to buy another game, and I dare not risk trying to, lest I forget to breathe.
Will Rogers never met me.
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Many years ago I bought a game called "Visual Studio" and became addicted. I've spent countless nights playing with it until the wee hours of morning, forgetting nutrition and simple hygiene... And it never ends - the frustration, the challenge, overcoming the bugs and "features" and always striving for the next level. I've never since had the time or money to buy another game, and I dare not risk trying to, lest I forget to breathe.
Will Rogers never met me.
See? See??? I told you games were evil!
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help. -
I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
For me games are more a perception than a reality; they look really interesting but most seem not to be all that playable for long stretches at a time. I do enjoy a good war-game on occasion and have purchased several along with a few aircraft simulations. However, the latter take such heavy hardware requirements that I often can only play them with the lowest settings. Gaming is supposed to be an enjoyable past-time but I see that many players are either addicted as suggested and\or they play them like you are dealing with a business application turning them into just more work. Like several others who have posted here, I prefer to be more productive with my time and spend a bit of my free time developing my own software projects. However, at some point I wouldn't mind trying my hand at developing a good war-game; one that is playable and enjoyable... :)
Steve Naidamast Black Falcon Software, Inc. blackfalconsoftware@ix.netcom.com
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
Christopher Duncan wrote:
Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Yeah ... I've never been that much of a gamer myself. I have a bunch of 'em on my iPod touch and a couple of simulation games on my main machine (FSX and SimCity) but I don't spend much time with them. After a long session with either one of them I feel like I've wasted a lot of time. -Max
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Actually I find most all of the games boring. Of course I rarely watch TV, either. I find TV and computer games to be a waste of time better spent actually doing something.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
Of course I rarely watch TV, either.
Oh of course.
Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
I find TV and computer games to be a waste of time better spent actually doing something.
Such as?
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Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
Of course I rarely watch TV, either.
Oh of course.
Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
I find TV and computer games to be a waste of time better spent actually doing something.
Such as?
Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
I find TV and computer games to be a waste of time better spent actually doing something.
Jeff Connelly wrote:
Such as?
Playing with grandkids, working on my radio equipment, developing engineering analysis techniques, hiking and camping, studying to keep up with technology and learn new things, helping the local radio club, traveling, etc. I'm never bored or at a loss for something to keep me occupied and entertained. And in 2 more weeks I start grad school again.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
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Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
I find TV and computer games to be a waste of time better spent actually doing something.
Jeff Connelly wrote:
Such as?
Playing with grandkids, working on my radio equipment, developing engineering analysis techniques, hiking and camping, studying to keep up with technology and learn new things, helping the local radio club, traveling, etc. I'm never bored or at a loss for something to keep me occupied and entertained. And in 2 more weeks I start grad school again.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
Walt Fair, Jr. wrote:
Playing with grandkids, working on my radio equipment, developing engineering analysis techniques, hiking and camping, studying to keep up with technology and learn new things, helping the local radio club, traveling, etc. I'm never bored or at a loss for something to keep me occupied and entertained. And in 2 more weeks I start grad school again.
Well you are quite the guy Mr. Walt Fair, Jr., P.E.
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I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
The primary reason I avoid buying games is that I've grown so abysmally old that I don't have the reaction time I used to have. Why would I want to prove to myself repeatedly that I'm incredibly bad at all of them. That said, I do occasionally download some of the free games that only have a one hour play limit before you can't even restart them. Once the time limit runs out I can easily resist the inclination to buy it.
I'm not a programmer but I play one at the office
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That's a life saving gift from the binary gods. Rejoice. :)
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help. -
I was watching The Guild a while back (web series) and part of the back story is that Felicia Day wrote it after a two year WoW addiction. While I tire of the medical industry defining a gazillion "addictions" so that they can bill your insurance company to treat them, this one struck home. Back in ancient times, before Windows ruled the earth, I encountered a primitive DOS based game called Digger. I recall going several nights without sleep, hammering away at the game. Just one more round! You know the story. Sometime thereafter, I realized that any cool game was going to be trouble in this fashion and ever since I have studiously avoided buying any computer or console games to keep my life from disappearing down that particular little rabbit hole. Of course, I don't know how much good that did me since immediately after that first gaming encounter I became a programmer. :rolleyes: Hey, one out of two ain't bad. Anyone else avoid games because you know they'd suck too many hours out of your lives?
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.modified on Friday, December 31, 2010 4:09 PM
When game companies hire psychologists and deploy obvious intermittent reward systems to train users like rats, it's time to steer clear. They are spending big bucks to make games addictive, to suck money from your wallet. Last game I played through was Halo. I'd blink, and 3 hours had gone. That was before I had kids. I don't have three hour chunks of time to invest in something with no payoff nowadays. Our monkey brains aren't evolving fast enough to escape well-designed addictions. Eventually there will be laws to limit too-well-rafted video games, junk food, etc.
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I avoid MMOs now... I escaped from WoW after about 4-5 years (Beta until last July), then tried Champions Online for a few months (Boring)... Now I only buy games that I can play if and when I want to, without being penalized or "falling behind." Don't even get me started on Zynga games (Farmville, etc)... No. Just no.
Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels)