Posted by Someone else on May 11, 2000 at 20:26:43:
In Reply to: My comments on scolding people for lack of log in time and on the dangers of MUDing **very opinionated** posted by Ansellius on May 11, 2000 at 19:38:15:
> Alright folks, let me say from the start that this post is not aimed at anyone in particular. *disclaimer*
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> What is the biggest problem with MUDing? When you lose your eq? Gang banging? Denied Empowerment? Poor cabal-mates? Such and such a player is an ass? These are all things I hear on the forum. But what's the biggest problem with the MUD?
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> It takes you out of real life. Yes, thats right. When your sitting in front of your computer your tuned out, your denying life... more or less. Sure I understand the benefits of MUDing, and I'm usually the first to defend MUDing. It helps you learn to type, enhances your creativity, builds your writing skills, and its sure better than TV. I understand this, and I can get all these benefits if I play for only five hours a week.
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> I've seen MUDs (CF in particular) all but destroy peoples lives. They fail in school, they are late to work. They neglect family and friends in the real world. I'm sure if you think hard enough you yourself can think of a time when you've let the MUD take you from something important IRL. I know I have. Yes, I understand that some people can handle it. Some people can not.
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> My point in saying this is what? Stop scolding people for "only playing for an hour" or chastizing for "logging in once a week." Here is a thought I had today: Those same people your complaining about could probably give you a hard scold for not logging in to your real life enough.
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> In my opinion THIS IS A GAME, AND ONLY A GAME. Sure forum debates are fun, I know. I participate in them. But don't go getting all upset over -anything- that happens on CF. I believe a person should be able to have a fun little character that they play every once in a while for entertainment. If a person is a good role player, gets into a cabal etc. he/she is suddenly obligated to play 30 hours a week? No. In CF you are rewarded for good role playing... your rewards shouldn't force you to play more. (Exceptions for cabal leaders and imms)
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> My point is, lay off people who don't log in. Enjoy your real life! Take some time one night... tell yourself your NOT mudding, call a friend, go to the bar, take a walk. Consider joining some kind of club, maybe Tae Kwon Do, hockey, chess... whatever. Don't spend your life on CF, because when its all said and done and your life is over, what your char did doesn't matter. What matters is what YOU did in life. Sorry friends, but when your dead the time you spent on CF meant nothing.