Your hobby is no more of a waste of time than any other activity that is partaken in by an individual. As long as you find some kind of enjoyment in it. As long as it doesn't eventually become hazardous to your health or well-being, you'll be fine. Just make sure you take moderation in things you do, as addiction is never a good thing. These stupid television shows are simply the result of the common, null-brained, self-centered, devious American citizen's desire for watching others fulfilling the dreams they always wanted to have come true themselves.
Like I said, nothing is a "bad hobby" as long as it isn't physically or emotionally hurting you or others around you. Like everything else, just take it in moderation. One or two hours a day is perfectly fine.
From my own archives of personal experiences, Ive found a great way to shut people up about it.
When I first started playing mmos in the late 90s I was in my early 20s and I loved it. I went crazy for eq, perhaps a bit too crazy. Regardless, I remember seeing people calling MMOs the next "devil", I saw parents on talk shows saying its ruining their childs life, I saw people calling for it to be called an addiction, and its absolutely crazy.
However as my hobby kept on, and I spent more and more time doing it , I got well....fat.
A number of years ago I was watching the movie "The New Guy" and I saw some really fat kid wearing an EQ Tshirt, and I realized I too was only helping to perpetuate the stereotype. So after some brainstorming I decided to buy a weight bench and some weights and put th em in my basement next to the comp. Whenever I have downtime, or are between parties and waiting for an invite, its a perfect time to crank out some reps.
Fast forward to about 3 years later, Ive gotten in a lot better shape, probably better shape than Ive ever been in. So as a tribute to my still favorite hobby, I like to buy MMO shirts to wear when I play sports with people. People often ask me things like "whats Everquest?" or what in the world is SoW? (I have an old Tshirt from the height of EQs popularity that says "Got Sow?".
I always chuckle, look them straight in the eye and say "its an online video game." And strangely when you have bigger biceps than someone getting ready to chastise you, the moment passes with the smart ass comment dying on their lips.
The moral of this story? If we break the stereotype that follows MMO players it'll become more socially acceptable. And then, and only then, will people finally as they say STFU.
They probably think that sitting around and watching TV with their family constitutes a form of social/family interaction. Yes MMOing does have a social aspect to it but they do not see it as such because you are not in physical proximity to the person your are interacting with.
As a parent I can see their point to an extent but if they really gave a $hit they would shut off the TV and go outside for a bit maybe take an interest in your life and learn how to communicate themselves before judging what you do in your free time.
Anyhow get another system and do some LAN gaming with them at home. That'll show them just how social gaming can be. I do it with my kids and its great fun!
Also with regards to gaming being a waste of time. I have MMOing via old school SWG to thank for teaching me a great deal of what I needed to know about internet commerce, in particular Ebay. This makes up a nice portion of my income now.... all thanks to MMOing
Never had this problem to be honest. I spend a lot of my time doing the following, art, playing games, all terrain boarding, biking, and hiking.
My dad plays games, my brother, sisters, and most of my relatives ( Im half greek so I have alot of relatives lol). All of my friends play games as well. I think gaming became a popular pass time and a socially acceptable one a long time ago theres just a few people that are still living in the past that deem it socially unacceptable, or detrimental to your health.
I have gotten more flack for all terrain boarding and biking than I have for gaming, apparently it is stupid to risk my health doing it. It's probably correct though I have broken both my wrists, my nose, arm, and a leg doing those sports ;p
The only thing that has been detrimental to me when gaming is a sore arse from setting down for too long lol
Welcome to the world of illogical beings! And now consider that fact and then add some parents who do their best to stay in way of my gaming "addiction". For some reason they don't get very pissed off because my sister spend around twice the time watching TV and she doesn't even help with anything in the house. Oh well, enough whining from my side.
I've never understood it personally. I suppose however that it may have something to do with the fact that the community, and media, presents games as something that comes in the way of the rest of your life. And thus it's a waste of time when you obviously could spend your time doing much better things! Like... sitting and staring out of the window and wondering why no one says that you doesn't have a life now?
i love it when someone drills me for being a gamer and they are some skater dude who does nothing (and i mean nothing) but skate around.
i respect everyones choice of hobby and try not to get involved in conversations on this topic (as ultimately you will like/dislike the person regardless of what they do in their spare time). however when someone attacks me for my hobby then i dont counter them with why gaming is fun i counter them in why i have a hobby in the first place.
"gaming is so pointless most of you are fat and have no friends"
my response would be: i have a hobby to keep me interested during my spare time. occationally this takes the form of a game or a sport. there are fat people who enjoy a wide variety of hobbies and i dont see why you need to generalise or judge me on my hobby,
MMO wish list:
-Changeable worlds -Solid non level based game -Sharks with lasers attached to their heads
I too am sick of the BS that ppl say. At work when i tell them my hobbies they treat it like its stupid or dumb.
My hobbies are MMO's, Anime ( i have lots), playing softball for my church league, and basketball for same, and playing golf.
What are thier hobbies? Gettign drunk and wasting money (especially when there arent any chicks around, relaity shows, going to malls with no intention to buy anything, etc. PPPFFFFFTTTT
At least im doing something constructive with my time......and with great communities in the MMO world!
Played : WOW, LOTRO, COH/COV, EQ2, SWG, and WAR. Playing EVE Online and AOC. Wtg for SW:TOR and WOD
Everyone has their different opinions on hobbies, some people don't agree with each others past times but still, if what you like doing is your hobby then who cares what other people think, if you like it do it. It may not be the 'coolest' thing but really if its enjoyable i say do it xP
---Current MMO's Playing--- God Wars (Waiting for Aion)
Originally posted by SinzOfMan Reading is another hobby. your just as inactive as when playing a video game, but your exercising your mind. You are usually learning something while reading, depending on what you read. Reading can inspire you, and sometimes even change your life completely. Can a video game inspire you to change your life for the better?
any hobby can sound good if you compare it to watching TV... TV is the ultimate waste of time. anyone insulting someone playing video games and suggesting T fukin V as a better option is just... too funny to be taken seriously.
put TV aside in this argument. it's mindless trash that dumbs down the population as intended. In a half hour sitcom, almost half of that is commercials!! repetetive enough to drive you insane.
Now compare video games to real hobbies. sports for example. someone playing basketball everyday is doing tremendous things for their body. maybe they even get good enough to play in the NBA and actually make money with this hobby. There are actually video game competitions out there. seemingly becoming more popular so it's possible to make money playing video games with enough practise. But compare the benefits of practicing hours on a video game, to hours running around outside being active.
Maybe health isn't that important for you. To the OP, you play a couple hours a day. that's fine, you shouldn't feel guilty at all, and it should make you laugh when people say man... what are you doing?!!! you coulda been watchin deal or no deal!!!
Reading is another hobby. your just as inactive as when playing a video game, but your exercising your mind. You are usually learning something while reading, depending on what you read. Reading can inspire you, and sometimes even change your life completely. Can a video game inspire you to change your life for the better?
I'm not saying video games are a completely bad hobby. couple hours a day, you can have some fun, compete with other people. It can be quite enjoyable. They just aren't really leading you towards anything.
No need to compare video games to 'real' hobbies, they are real hobbies. And if you play well enough you are actually learning more than while reading a book in some cases.
And it is so kind of you to say that they aren't completely bad hobbies...I'm going to go further and say they aren't bad AT ALL.
And yes they lead towards something - me enjoying my day and destressing.
I like to play computer games. I don't watch much television or even go to the movies too much. I don't like t.v. or movies. They just don't interest me for the most part. But for some reason I always get attacked by my friends and family for my hobby. It doesn't make sense to me because nearly every single one of the people who are putting me down watch television and movies. I know some of you other guys have noticed it as well. I see it all the time. So what's the difference? Why is my leisure hobby a waste of time and theirs is not. Especially since I spend AT THE MOST 1-2 hours a day playing games. That's on a long day. Most days I spend less than that. Maybe just jump on to play a quick skirmish in Warhammer or something. Not only that, but the people who are criticizing me are watching trash. MTV, American Idol, Dances With Stars, and the whole fare of what I personally consider torturous. I know it might sound petty, but it's actually starting to bother me. I have a natural tendency to beat up on myself for things and I'm starting to not enjoy myself playing games anymore for this reason. Can anyone make sense of their motives? I have tried and even talked to some of the people saying these things, but they still think I'm wasting my time and they are not.
I used to get the same thing until I pointed out that they ( the ones who thought it was a waste of time ) spent time and money either sat in front of a TV or drinking themselves into a stupor a couple of times a week with the same old crowd, while I on the other hand had a perfectly good liver and enjoyed friendship and conversation with people from all corners of the world on a daily basis ..... at least three of those doubters are now avid gamers c'est la vie
I have played MMO's since Ultima Online went into beta. As an adult female gamer, the stigma is about as bad as it can get - I mean, shouldn't I be out learning how to be a gourmet chef, give full body massages, do laundry and mop floors blindfolded, knit winter sweaters and push out a baby every couple of years?!? How dare I spend some free time at the computer.
I do find it all rather amusing. Its not like I don't have a well-rounded life that I am quite happy with. Its just silly to feel the need to "justify" one of my favorite down-time activities. When cornered about the issue I try to explain MMO's as an interactive book or TV show where I actually have to think, react and deal with other people, not just stare at the screen/page like a zombie. I do also read, watch movies and a little TV when at home but I get bored pretty quickly and find myself at the computer again, having a lot more fun!
I like to play computer games. I don't watch much television or even go to the movies too much. I don't like t.v. or movies. They just don't interest me for the most part. But for some reason I always get attacked by my friends and family for my hobby. It doesn't make sense to me because nearly every single one of the people who are putting me down watch television and movies. I know some of you other guys have noticed it as well. I see it all the time. So what's the difference? Why is my leisure hobby a waste of time and theirs is not. Especially since I spend AT THE MOST 1-2 hours a day playing games. That's on a long day. Most days I spend less than that. Maybe just jump on to play a quick skirmish in Warhammer or something. Not only that, but the people who are criticizing me are watching trash. MTV, American Idol, Dances With Stars, and the whole fare of what I personally consider torturous. I know it might sound petty, but it's actually starting to bother me. I have a natural tendency to beat up on myself for things and I'm starting to not enjoy myself playing games anymore for this reason. Can anyone make sense of their motives? I have tried and even talked to some of the people saying these things, but they still think I'm wasting my time and they are not.
If you built little Dioramas of soldiers or built model airplanes you wouldnt get all that grief. TO ME, building up a little charater in a computer game isnt much different. Just takes a different skill, (Being good at video games OR being good with your hands). I dunno I think different strokes for different folks, although I prefer other thing versus MMOs, the MMOs are actually cheaper
War_Eagle (OP)...lock your door, put on your headphones, and pray your internet is paid up. Your hobby is keeping you off the streets where the predators lurk. Tell them you are saving them huge amounts of money by not having to pay for the medical bills from your other fascination with skateboarding at the rock quarry.
Computer games have:
1. Replaced the need to acquire and paint miniatures, again saves time and $$. Bad idea to give this up if you'e a career artist.
2. Connected you with friends online who are "ready-to-play" meaning no more excuses from your RL pals.
3. Taught you a job skill you might need as a desk jockey. Consider a career as a MMO creator.
Best revenge is showing them tangible proof it all wasn't a waste of time, least of which was theirs to waste in the first place.
same situation for me only I do spend quite alot of time gaming. however it wouldn;t be a big deal if i spent the same amount of time watching tv, I might be normal then! dude the reason is most people have bad tastes, you dont want to be normal.
War_Eagle (OP)...lock your door, put on your headphones, and pray your internet is paid up. Your hobby is keeping you off the streets where the predators lurk. Tell them you are saving them huge amounts of money by not having to pay for the medical bills from your other fascination with skateboarding at the rock quarry. Computer games have: 1. Replaced the need to acquire and paint miniatures, again saves time and $$. Bad idea to give this up if you'e a career artist. 2. Connected you with friends online who are "ready-to-play" meaning no more excuses from your RL pals. 3. Taught you a job skill you might need as a desk jockey. Consider a career as a MMO creator. Best revenge is showing them tangible proof it all wasn't a waste of time, least of which was theirs to waste in the first place.
War_Eagle, I'm not sure how old you are, but if it's any consolation I went to high school in the late '80s early '90s. Gaming was even more socially unacceptable back then. Sure, "normal" kids might visit the arcade from time to time, but you were labeled a total freak and lifelong virgin if you played computer games. Sure, I played games like Warcraft or D&D, but I never admitted that I did so within 100 feet of girls. At least nowadays most teenage guys regularly play video games, and WOW has a certain cool factor because of celebrities who play - ie, Dave Chappelle.
People don't want to admit that their hobby is no better or worse than yours. Sports fans will say, "at least sports gets me out of the house." Yeah, out of the house and down to the sports bar were you stuff your face with cheese sticks and buffalo wings. Reality TV fans will talk about how much they "connect" with other TV addicts, but never understand the incredible social aspects of MMOGs. To me it's a balance. MMOGs become a waste of time if you don't socialize in real life, you don't exercise, you don't take care of work or school or household chores.
I am 62 years old and have been playing some type of computer games since 1978. I have raised two children and I put them on a computer as soon as they learned to talk. They played lan based games and mmo's with me. It was a real blast. They are now 23 and 25 years old. One has a masters in Mechanical engineering and the other has a degree in computer design. I am glad they were on the computer with me instead of frying their brains on TV.
Comments
Your hobby is no more of a waste of time than any other activity that is partaken in by an individual. As long as you find some kind of enjoyment in it. As long as it doesn't eventually become hazardous to your health or well-being, you'll be fine. Just make sure you take moderation in things you do, as addiction is never a good thing. These stupid television shows are simply the result of the common, null-brained, self-centered, devious American citizen's desire for watching others fulfilling the dreams they always wanted to have come true themselves.
Like I said, nothing is a "bad hobby" as long as it isn't physically or emotionally hurting you or others around you. Like everything else, just take it in moderation. One or two hours a day is perfectly fine.
From my own archives of personal experiences, Ive found a great way to shut people up about it.
When I first started playing mmos in the late 90s I was in my early 20s and I loved it. I went crazy for eq, perhaps a bit too crazy. Regardless, I remember seeing people calling MMOs the next "devil", I saw parents on talk shows saying its ruining their childs life, I saw people calling for it to be called an addiction, and its absolutely crazy.
However as my hobby kept on, and I spent more and more time doing it , I got well....fat.
A number of years ago I was watching the movie "The New Guy" and I saw some really fat kid wearing an EQ Tshirt, and I realized I too was only helping to perpetuate the stereotype. So after some brainstorming I decided to buy a weight bench and some weights and put th em in my basement next to the comp. Whenever I have downtime, or are between parties and waiting for an invite, its a perfect time to crank out some reps.
Fast forward to about 3 years later, Ive gotten in a lot better shape, probably better shape than Ive ever been in. So as a tribute to my still favorite hobby, I like to buy MMO shirts to wear when I play sports with people. People often ask me things like "whats Everquest?" or what in the world is SoW? (I have an old Tshirt from the height of EQs popularity that says "Got Sow?".
I always chuckle, look them straight in the eye and say "its an online video game." And strangely when you have bigger biceps than someone getting ready to chastise you, the moment passes with the smart ass comment dying on their lips.
The moral of this story? If we break the stereotype that follows MMO players it'll become more socially acceptable. And then, and only then, will people finally as they say STFU.
They probably think that sitting around and watching TV with their family constitutes a form of social/family interaction. Yes MMOing does have a social aspect to it but they do not see it as such because you are not in physical proximity to the person your are interacting with.
As a parent I can see their point to an extent but if they really gave a $hit they would shut off the TV and go outside for a bit
maybe take an interest in your life and learn how to communicate themselves before judging what you do in your free time.
Anyhow get another system and do some LAN gaming with them at home. That'll show them just how social gaming can be. I do it with my kids and its great fun!
Also with regards to gaming being a waste of time. I have MMOing via old school SWG to thank for teaching me a great deal of what I needed to know about internet commerce, in particular Ebay. This makes up a nice portion of my income now.... all thanks to MMOing
Never had this problem to be honest. I spend a lot of my time doing the following, art, playing games, all terrain boarding, biking, and hiking.
My dad plays games, my brother, sisters, and most of my relatives ( Im half greek so I have alot of relatives lol). All of my friends play games as well. I think gaming became a popular pass time and a socially acceptable one a long time ago theres just a few people that are still living in the past that deem it socially unacceptable, or detrimental to your health.
I have gotten more flack for all terrain boarding and biking than I have for gaming, apparently it is stupid to risk my health doing it. It's probably correct though I have broken both my wrists, my nose, arm, and a leg doing those sports ;p
The only thing that has been detrimental to me when gaming is a sore arse from setting down for too long lol
Welcome to the world of illogical beings! And now consider that fact and then add some parents who do their best to stay in way of my gaming "addiction". For some reason they don't get very pissed off because my sister spend around twice the time watching TV and she doesn't even help with anything in the house. Oh well, enough whining from my side.
I've never understood it personally. I suppose however that it may have something to do with the fact that the community, and media, presents games as something that comes in the way of the rest of your life. And thus it's a waste of time when you obviously could spend your time doing much better things! Like... sitting and staring out of the window and wondering why no one says that you doesn't have a life now?
i love it when someone drills me for being a gamer and they are some skater dude who does nothing (and i mean nothing) but skate around.
i respect everyones choice of hobby and try not to get involved in conversations on this topic (as ultimately you will like/dislike the person regardless of what they do in their spare time). however when someone attacks me for my hobby then i dont counter them with why gaming is fun i counter them in why i have a hobby in the first place.
"gaming is so pointless most of you are fat and have no friends"
my response would be: i have a hobby to keep me interested during my spare time. occationally this takes the form of a game or a sport. there are fat people who enjoy a wide variety of hobbies and i dont see why you need to generalise or judge me on my hobby,
MMO wish list:
-Changeable worlds
-Solid non level based game
-Sharks with lasers attached to their heads
great threads...
I too am sick of the BS that ppl say. At work when i tell them my hobbies they treat it like its stupid or dumb.
My hobbies are MMO's, Anime ( i have lots), playing softball for my church league, and basketball for same, and playing golf.
What are thier hobbies? Gettign drunk and wasting money (especially when there arent any chicks around, relaity shows, going to malls with no intention to buy anything, etc. PPPFFFFFTTTT
At least im doing something constructive with my time......and with great communities in the MMO world!
Played : WOW, LOTRO, COH/COV, EQ2, SWG, and WAR.
Playing EVE Online and AOC.
Wtg for SW:TOR and WOD
Everyone has their different opinions on hobbies, some people don't agree with each others past times but still, if what you like doing is your hobby then who cares what other people think, if you like it do it. It may not be the 'coolest' thing but really if its enjoyable i say do it xP
---Current MMO's Playing---
God Wars
(Waiting for Aion)
Huge amount of horrible books around.
No need to compare video games to 'real' hobbies, they are real hobbies. And if you play well enough you are actually learning more than while reading a book in some cases.
And it is so kind of you to say that they aren't completely bad hobbies...I'm going to go further and say they aren't bad AT ALL.
And yes they lead towards something - me enjoying my day and destressing.
I used to get the same thing until I pointed out that they ( the ones who thought it was a waste of time ) spent time and money either sat in front of a TV or drinking themselves into a stupor a couple of times a week with the same old crowd, while I on the other hand had a perfectly good liver and enjoyed friendship and conversation with people from all corners of the world on a daily basis ..... at least three of those doubters are now avid gamers c'est la vie
All hobbies are a waste of time. That's the point. To spend time doing something you enjoy.
Do you truely only play 1-2 hours a day?
Let's see.
According to my ex-wife, my "hobbies" of making my cars and motorcycles faster than intended were a waste of time.
I also like to build computers as a hobby, but that's a "waste of time" unless I'm selling them.
Many people ask me why I "waste my time" playing video games ( regardless of the fact I work and make more money than most of them ).
So, as you can see, a "waste of time" is merely in the eye of the beholder ( much like beauty, but hobbies don't include beer goggles ).
I have played MMO's since Ultima Online went into beta. As an adult female gamer, the stigma is about as bad as it can get - I mean, shouldn't I be out learning how to be a gourmet chef, give full body massages, do laundry and mop floors blindfolded, knit winter sweaters and push out a baby every couple of years?!? How dare I spend some free time at the computer.
I do find it all rather amusing. Its not like I don't have a well-rounded life that I am quite happy with. Its just silly to feel the need to "justify" one of my favorite down-time activities. When cornered about the issue I try to explain MMO's as an interactive book or TV show where I actually have to think, react and deal with other people, not just stare at the screen/page like a zombie. I do also read, watch movies and a little TV when at home but I get bored pretty quickly and find myself at the computer again, having a lot more fun!
Dunno.. most people I know play games
If you built little Dioramas of soldiers or built model airplanes you wouldnt get all that grief. TO ME, building up a little charater in a computer game isnt much different. Just takes a different skill, (Being good at video games OR being good with your hands). I dunno I think different strokes for different folks, although I prefer other thing versus MMOs, the MMOs are actually cheaper
War_Eagle (OP)...lock your door, put on your headphones, and pray your internet is paid up. Your hobby is keeping you off the streets where the predators lurk. Tell them you are saving them huge amounts of money by not having to pay for the medical bills from your other fascination with skateboarding at the rock quarry.
Computer games have:
1. Replaced the need to acquire and paint miniatures, again saves time and $$. Bad idea to give this up if you'e a career artist.
2. Connected you with friends online who are "ready-to-play" meaning no more excuses from your RL pals.
3. Taught you a job skill you might need as a desk jockey. Consider a career as a MMO creator.
Best revenge is showing them tangible proof it all wasn't a waste of time, least of which was theirs to waste in the first place.
Man lol...but yeh your right, it is only considered a "waste of time" to the beholder...your hobby is your enjoyment..plain and simple
---Current MMO's Playing---
God Wars
(Waiting for Aion)
same situation for me only I do spend quite alot of time gaming. however it wouldn;t be a big deal if i spent the same amount of time watching tv, I might be normal then! dude the reason is most people have bad tastes, you dont want to be normal.
My blog:
LOL< Right on!
War_Eagle, I'm not sure how old you are, but if it's any consolation I went to high school in the late '80s early '90s. Gaming was even more socially unacceptable back then. Sure, "normal" kids might visit the arcade from time to time, but you were labeled a total freak and lifelong virgin if you played computer games. Sure, I played games like Warcraft or D&D, but I never admitted that I did so within 100 feet of girls. At least nowadays most teenage guys regularly play video games, and WOW has a certain cool factor because of celebrities who play - ie, Dave Chappelle.
People don't want to admit that their hobby is no better or worse than yours. Sports fans will say, "at least sports gets me out of the house." Yeah, out of the house and down to the sports bar were you stuff your face with cheese sticks and buffalo wings. Reality TV fans will talk about how much they "connect" with other TV addicts, but never understand the incredible social aspects of MMOGs. To me it's a balance. MMOGs become a waste of time if you don't socialize in real life, you don't exercise, you don't take care of work or school or household chores.
D&D Home Page - What Class Are You? - Build A Character - D&D Compendium
is that user name a ham callsign? ;o
Because watching TV etc is passive, you don't have to farm anything or camp anything or put in any effort whatsoever.
MMO's provide entertainment but at the same time you are spending energy on it like a second job.
Ppl play MMO's for the same reason they use drugs, to escape from their crappy life.
Generally escaping from reality is a bad habit to get into, because you start focusing on your in-game life rather than your real life.
Yes there are people who successfully balance their gaming, and don't let it get out of control.
But they don't call the internet "the world wide timesink" for nothing.
Ppl literally spend hours on forums arguing about this or that, or tweaking their characters, or farming, or camping, or raiding.
Think what would happen if you spent that much energy on your REAL life.
You only spend energy into what you really enjoy. And videogames are also REAL life.