New here, taking the tests

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Marcus Nightcloud
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New here, taking the tests

1. Do you feel preoccupied with on-line gaming (do you think about previous on-line gaming activity or anticipate your next session)? Qualified yes, I do plan ahead for some gaming sessions

2. Do you feel the need to play on-line games with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction? No

3. Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop your on-line game playing? No

4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop your on-line gaming? No

5. Do you play on-line games for longer than you originally intended? Sometimes (that is rare, however)

6. Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of your on-line game playing? No (that's dumb!)

7. Have you lied to family members, a therapist, or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with on-line gaming?

No. Why bother?

8. Do you use on-line gaming as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (eg. Feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

Sometimes I do to relieve stress, however I use several other methods as well (exercise, martial arts, meditation, etc)

9. Do you have difficulty staying away from on-line gaming for several days at a time? No

Edited by: Marcus Nightcloud at: 4/28/03 8:11:03 pm

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

1. Would you rather log into your online game than spend time with friends in person? No

2. Are the majority of your friends gamers as well, who mostly get together for LAN parties to play games such as Counterstrike, Unreal Tournament, or Diablo? No

3. Do you try to find ways of playing your online game when you're not at home? No

4. Do you skip appointments, miss classes, or miss days of work because you're at a critical point in your online character's advancement or adventures? No

5. Are you finding yourself flirting with those of the opposite sex in the game, to build a relationship, rather in person?

Am married, no need ofr that.

6. Do you deny addiction to an MMORPG, but somehow still feel the need to play, or just keep your character and possessions updated (you may be masking it by pretending you're having fun)?

No. That's idiotic.

7. Do you feel your heart racing as you control your character in a flee from danger? ...to save his or her virtual life? ...when stumbling upon some serious loot?

Yes. Immersation and suspension of disbelief are parts of almost every game.

8. Do you feel a sudden rush of intense joy and relaxation after you safely manage to steal, pickpocket, or murder another character?

No :P I don't do online what I would not do in person

9. Do you experience stronger emotions while in your online game than you do in real life? (this is very dangerous)

No

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

1 - Have you ever decided to stop playing the game for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Most of us in O.L.G.A. made all kinds of promises to ourselves and to our families. We could not keep them. Then we came to O.L.G.A. O.L.G.A. said: "Just try not to play the game today."

No

2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your on-line gamiing-- stop telling you what to do?
In O.L.G.A. we do not tell anyone to do anything. We just talk about our own compulsive gaming, the trouble we got into, and how we stopped. We will be glad to help you, if you want us to.

No, and once again, why bother? I am a mautre adult and only accountable to my wife, my children, and my conscience.

3 - Have you ever switched from one gme to another in the hope that this would keep you from palying so much?
We tried all kinds of ways. You name it, we tried it. But if we usually started playing the game again, eventually. Of course, everyone was waiting for us to come back.

It depends on what you mean by this. I participate in about three online games on a regular basis, and once in a while I will try antoher one to see if it is any good.

4 - Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
Do you "have" to play the game to get started in the morning, and get on it again as soon as you come home from work? If so, you are not playing "socially."

No :P Addiction to an unreal world is, to put it in a nutshell, ridiculous.

5 - Do you envy people who can play the game without getting into trouble?
At one time or another, most of us have wondered why we were not like most people, who really can take it or leave it.

Once again, no.

6 - Have you had problems connected with compulsive game playing during the past year?
Be honest!

No.

7 - Has your compulsive on-line gaming caused trouble at home?
Before we came into O.L.G.A., most of us said that it was the people or problems at home that made us play the game constantly. We could not see that our compulsive game playing just made everything worse. It never solved problems anywhere or anytime.

No.

8 - Do you ever try to get in on a raid because you do not get enough?

No.

9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop playing the game any time you want to, even though you keep playing when you don't mean to?
Many of us kidded ourselves into thinking that we played the game because we wanted to. After we came into O.L.G.A., we found out that once we started to play the game, we couldn't stop.

No.

10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of your game playing?
Many of us admit now that we "called in sick" lots of times when the truth was that we were at home, playing the game.

No. My responsibilities always come first.

11 - Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not play the game so much?
Many of us started to play on-line games because it made life seem better, at least for a while. By the time we got into O.L.G.A., we felt trapped. We were playing the game to live and living to play the game. We were sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Quite the opposite. I feel that online gaming has helped me a great deal by alllowing me to be a more social person, online and in real life.

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

1. Tolerance- simply the need to play for longer times delivers greater satisfaction.

No.

2. Withdrawal- Developing within days up to a month of quitting the game. Effects such as distress, anxiety, thinking about the game for extended periods of time, fantasies or dreams about the game, restlesness, irritability....

No.

3. Playing the game again after quitting relieves those withdrawals or avoids them altogether.

No.

4. The game is accessed more often, or for longer periods of time than was intended.

The latter, sometimes, but that is rare.

5. A significant amount of time outside the game is spent in activities relating to the game, Allakhazams comes to mind, books, guides, even this site.

No. A place for everything, etc.

6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced to play the game.

No.

7. The individual risks losing a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the excessive use of the game.

No.

Edited by: Marcus Nightcloud at: 4/28/03 8:36:21 pm

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

1. How often do you find that you stay on-line longer than you intended?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

2. Sometimes I lose track of time.

2. How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. My real life rsponsibilities to my family and household always have, and always will, come first.

3. How often do you prefer the excitement of the Internet to intimacy with your partner?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. Internet better than sex? You have got to be joking.

4. How often do you form new relationships with fellow on-line users?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

4. I am very sociable, both online and off.

5. How often do others in your life complain to you about the amount of time you spend on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1.

6. How often do your grades or school work suffer because of the amount of time you spend on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Actually that does not apply. While in college I maintianed a 4.0 average and was on the President's List until I graduated.

7. How often do you check your e-mail before something else that you need to do?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 =Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. Most of what I get is junk

8. How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of the Internet?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. As part of my job, I am required to use the Internet.

9. How often do you become defensive or secretive when anyone asks you what you do on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. Trust is the basis of the relationship between my wife and myself.

10. How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. I use other means to relieve stress.

11. How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go on-line again?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply.

12. How often do you fear that life without the Internet would be boring, empty, and joyless?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. Real life is much more exciting than virtual life.

13. How often do you snap, yell, or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. If I am working and am bothered with interupptions, I do tend to get annoyed.

14. How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log-ins?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. I tend to stay on later on weekends becuase I do not get up as early.

15. How often do you feel preoccupied with the Internet when off-line, or fantasize about being on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. To do what is described would be quite a waste of time.

16. How often do you find yourself saying "just a few more minutes" when on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

1. Sometimes I do stay on a little later than I intend to, especially if doing research.

17. How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend on-line and fail?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. I have never had to do so.

18. How often do you try to hide how long you've been on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. Once again, why bother?

19. How often do you choose to spend more time on-line over going out with others?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply.

20. How often do you feel depressed, moody, or nervous when you are off-line, which goes away once you are back on-line?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
Does Not Apply

Does not apply. That is a bit ridiculous.

Edited by: Marcus Nightcloud at: 4/28/03 8:36:52 pm

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

Sorry for all the spam, but in order to be fair I had to do the tests myself to be able to see where you are coming from.

As I already mentioned, I am new here, and let me tell you a little about myself...

My name is Sam, and I live in Missouri. I am 33 years old, married, and have 1 daughter, 7, and a stepdaughter, 11. I have been involved with computers in one form or another ever since junior high scool, and working with computers is a part of my day to day work life (I am a technician and network administator).

I have been involved in online gaming for about three years no, and am a fairly active player in Everquest (I am sorry to mention this one, Mrs. Wooley, but I do have to be honest. I am sorry about what happened to your son), the Star Wars Combine, Star Wars Unleashed, and Star Fury (yes I'm a bit of a science fiction fan lol). While this may seem like a lot, that is really not the case, as most of these games are turned based and require a lot of patience for anything to happen. Do they interfere with my life? No. I have set myself a certian amount of time (a couple hours) per day, and rarely go over that limit. My family and work responsibilities always take first place, not matter what.

I am of the opinion that online gaming, in itself, is pretty much harmless, and in some cases, can be beneficial. I also realise that it can also be taken to an extreme that is harmful, but such an occurance is usually quite rare. I realise that a lot of the people here may disagree, and I understand and respect that. However, I am willing to listen to others opinions on the matter, if you are willing to listen to mine. I have heard quite a bit about this organization, and a lot of it has not been good...

If you ever visit the OLGAnon message boards, you'll see that the people who post there are basically inviduals who are trying to get someone to pat them on the back and want to blame their problems on EQ rather than on themselves. You'll find all sorts of people there who talk about the evils of the internet in general and gaming and EQ in specific, but you never see anyone reccomending that individuals get a life if they have problems with games, or even seek medical treatment for mental illness. Anyone who does so is either banned from the board or has their posts deleted.

(from Everquest Caster's Realm)

This is one example, one of many that I have run across. I, however, am willing to give the benefit of the doubt. If you are willing to listen to my views and experiences on the subject of online gaming, I will be more than willing to listen to yours.

lizwool
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Re: New here, taking the tests

Dear Marcus,

Hey, you did good on the tests!

Why do people go to A.A. meetings and G.A. Meetings and O.A. meetings, and N.A. meetings, etc.?

They are self-help groups where people help people make their lives better. That is also why we are here.

For the people who are social gamers, drinkers, gamblers,
drug users, eaters, feel free to continue what you are doing.

I am glad you do not have a problem with your gaming, but just because you don't, doesn't mean no one else does.
They are welcome here, so we can support each other in our quest for a better life!

Liz

Edited by: lizwool at: 4/28/03 9:16:21 pm

Liz Woolley

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Re: New here, taking the tests

I think that you'll see that the uniform response is, "Great that you can play games and not go overboard with them." There is no ingrained hatred of computer games here, but rather the shared experiences of people who did not deal with them responsibly.

It's a lot easier to reasonably play turn-based games that you can pause, save, etc., than mmorpg's. Many who end up playing Everquest excessively due so in the name of guild raids and helping others. Those social aspects of the game, which in part make it so compelling to so many people, can lead to excessive play. Of course there is no point at which one's self-determination is taken from them. At the same time, Everquest can be a very attractive nuisance.

The owners of Caster's Realm, I believe, were simply defending the industry in which they make their living. That's their right, as incorrect as I find their perception of this discussion group. Telling people to "get a life" simply is not very helpful, and most educated people who are familiar with the issue would not expect that to be very helpful. We try to do better than that, and for those who find benefit in talking through their experiences, this site exists. As to recommending medical treatment (psychiatric help), there certainly are posts like that here. But this board tries more to be about self-help. And, unlike Casters' Realm, this site isn't out to make money. We don't sell t-shirts or mugs or books or...Everquest. The content here is simply whatever people make of it.

Marcus Nightcloud
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Re: New here, taking the tests

As I mentioned earlier, I do realise that in some extreme cases that online gaming can become a problem, and am willing to help in whatever way I can.

Afterthought: While I enjoy the roleplaying aspect of Everquest, raids and such like are, to me at least, a waste of time. In EQ I run a social quild, several members that, like myslf, prefer the role play aspects of the game more than anything else. We do know the line between fantasy and reality, though

Edited by: Marcus Nightcloud at: 4/28/03 9:25:47 pm

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Re: New here, taking the tests

One of the things that has intrigued me about the response to the OLG-Anon board out there is the perception that its a) only about Everquest and b) its anti-gaming.

In my opinion neither is true.

I have never played EverQuest and never will. I have a much more generalized gaming addiction that the kind people here are helping me overcome. Just as in AA some people are addicted to gin and others beer, in a gaming anonymous some people are hooked on EverQuest and others on WinMine.

While it is true that many, perhaps most of the current members are ex-Everquest players, I believe that as the organization grows it will attract many more people with a broader base of past games.

The second point is just as important. Not being a member of AA, I don't know if they have a policy against people outside their organization drinking or not, but I seriously doubt it. Ditto the other 12-step programs out there, its not their function. OLG-Anon is no bully pulpit to go out and preach the evils of computer games, to go out among the sinners in their homes and bring them to the right way of thinking. At least, I don't think so. A better analogy is the small chapel at the edge of town where people only come in, when they want to. Where help waits for them. And, most importantly, where they can learn how to take responsibility for their own lives.

I watched a group of kids roar through the site yesterday. They had fun and I didn't interfere but I don't think they get it. It's not about OLG-Anon vs. Everquest, its not about conflict at all. And most of all, its not about ducking responsibility. At least one questioner wondered why people here would blame the game rather than themselves. Yet in the same 12 steps listed in the front of the site, are reference after reference to the need for each person to take responsibility, and yes that involves blame, and, eventually, to make amends.

I am sorry that the other sites out there take the us-vs-them attitude about OLG-Anon. Since I've never visited them I can't say anything else about them. But OLG-Anon has helped me take responsibility. And I thank them for it.

Leveling in Real Life

Aryianna
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Re: New here, taking the tests

Marcus Nightcloud quoted Everquest Caster's Realm:Quote:If you ever visit the OLGAnon message boards, you'll see that the people who post there are basically inviduals who are trying to get someone to pat them on the back and want to blame their problems on EQ rather than on themselves. You'll find all sorts of people there who talk about the evils of the internet in general and gaming and EQ in specific, but you never see anyone reccomending that individuals get a life if they have problems with games, or even seek medical treatment for mental illness. Anyone who does so is either banned from the board or has their posts deleted.

It's a shame that this statement is posted on a site where countless EQ gamers can come across it and read it, because it is a mis-statement of what really happens in the OLGA message boards. Many of the posters here are seriously suffering from the effects of their addictive gaming and they come here in hope of finding a solution to overcome their problem. OLGA does not blame any game for the addiction that results in some gamers. In fact, the 12 steps, which is the program of recovery espoused by OLGA, teaches the individual to take responsibility for their own addiction and their recovery. For those who suffer from game addiction and have lost control, games are dangerous, and of course, they will be viewed as a threat to one's recovery, but it doesn't mean that games are bad for everyone.

I am sorry that such misinformation about OLGA exists. Hopefully, through word of mouth or people's own experience from visiting this site, people would get a better understanding of OLGA and its mission.

Edited by: Aryianna at: 4/29/03 4:12:33 pm

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Re: New here, taking the tests

Xandtar stated:Quote:I have never played EverQuest and never will. I have a much more generalized gaming addiction that the kind people here are helping me overcome. Just as in AA some people are addicted to gin and others beer, in a gaming anonymous some people are hooked on EverQuest and others on WinMine.
While it is true that many, perhaps most of the current members are ex-Everquest players, I believe that as the organization grows it will attract many more people with a broader base of past games.
That's an excellent analogy, Xandtar. The various games are synonymous to the various types of alcohol. This organization is not limited to helping those who played Everquest. The broad category is games (alcohol) and the various types of games, e.g. RPG, single player, adventure etc. is similar to the type of alcohol (gin, rum, vodka). The name of the games, such as Everquest, Star Wars, etc. would be analogous to the alcohol brand name, e.g. Johnny Walker, Smirnoff, etc.

Xandtar also stated:
Quote:The second point is just as important. Not being a member of AA, I don't know if they have a policy against people outside their organization drinking or not, but I seriously doubt it. Ditto the other 12-step programs out there, its not their function.OLGA's third tradition states: The only requirement for OLGA/OLG-Anon membership is a desire to stop compulsive on-line game playing. Likewise in A.A. one is a member if they have a desire to stop drinking. Some A.A. meetings are classified as open, which means that non-alcoholics can attend, however sharing is limited to members only. Normally, family members or friends of an alcoholic attend A.A. meetings to get a feel for the program of recovery. Here in OLGA, we have a section for family and friends where they can post their concerns, experience strength and hope. Unfortunately, this section is in the members only area. (For membership, send a private message to any of the administrators.) There is a more general forum where family and friends can post. Actually, OLGA is the program of recovery for the game addict and OLGA-non is for the family member or friend who is affected by the gamer.

lazarus
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Re: New here, taking the tests

I want to point out that the quote being thrown around here was not the stance of the EQ Caster's Realm Website. It was a quote from a thread on the EQ Caster's Realm Message Board.

Diggo McDiggity
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Re: New here, taking the tests

Quote:I want to point out that the quote being thrown around here was not the stance of the EQ Caster's Realm Website. It was a quote from a thread on the EQ Caster's Realm Message Board. Thank you, Lazarus, for clearing that up. Most of us here, including the Admin folk, 'grew up' with Caster's Realm back in its earliest of days. At the time, it was one of the only complete resources for caster's and tradeskills like Jewelcraft, etc.
It is sad, however, that a number of admins from similar informational sites, have used the power of their 'pulpit' (for lack of a better word) to post open letters unjustly attacking, not just OLGA, but also those who come to OLGA simply looking for help.

I don't think anyone can disagree, gamer or not, that there are those who play 'too much' to the point that their real life begins to suffer. Hell, we Admins have been there, done that. We're just trying to help others pull out as we have, if, and only if, they want to.

Ron

Ron Jaffe AKA Diggo McDiggity
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Everquest player from July, 1999 to April, 2002
Over 4,900 Hours Played

Co-Founder of OLGA and member since 2002

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