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2013-10-06 19:44:13
21 votes, rating 6
21 votes, rating 6
Addiction
Fellow FUMBBLers,
As you know I have been here 5.33 years and only now do I wonder where the line between healthy enjoyment of a hobby and the depths of despair of addiction lie. For most of time I have been immune to the frustration of bad dice, excessive casualties or being out scored by 3 or more to 1, but recently these things are bothering me. Please do not mistake this blog as whining wall of waffle I still know the majority of my misfortune derive from poor choices, no tactical (or strategic) nous or indeed my lack of conviction to commit total effort to improving my game. No, despite my sudden change in awareness of these things I still play with the same frequency, in the same arena's (divisions) to the same end (to try and have fun whilst not losing EVERY game), only now do I wonder if I am truly addicted and in need of help.
Thank-you in advance for your kind/abusive/helpful/derogatory (delete as appropriate) comments.
Take care Dalfort.
As you know I have been here 5.33 years and only now do I wonder where the line between healthy enjoyment of a hobby and the depths of despair of addiction lie. For most of time I have been immune to the frustration of bad dice, excessive casualties or being out scored by 3 or more to 1, but recently these things are bothering me. Please do not mistake this blog as whining wall of waffle I still know the majority of my misfortune derive from poor choices, no tactical (or strategic) nous or indeed my lack of conviction to commit total effort to improving my game. No, despite my sudden change in awareness of these things I still play with the same frequency, in the same arena's (divisions) to the same end (to try and have fun whilst not losing EVERY game), only now do I wonder if I am truly addicted and in need of help.
Thank-you in advance for your kind/abusive/helpful/derogatory (delete as appropriate) comments.
Take care Dalfort.
Comments
Posted by vaclav on 2013-10-06 19:56:20
My name is Vaclav and i am a fummbblocholic. I wont admit it to my wife, but deep down i know i am... Its unhealthy really, should be some kind of restricton time of being here like in casinos.
Posted by DukeTyrion on 2013-10-06 19:57:53
There is a fine line between a Hobby and an Addiction.
http://thistimeimeanit.com/health/simple-ways-addicted-hobby/
Personally, if the passtime doesn't hurt you or anyone else, then I don't see it being an issue. But if others are being affected by your choices then you need to sit down and think about things.
http://thistimeimeanit.com/health/simple-ways-addicted-hobby/
Personally, if the passtime doesn't hurt you or anyone else, then I don't see it being an issue. But if others are being affected by your choices then you need to sit down and think about things.
Posted by PigStar-69 on 2013-10-06 19:58:44
my name is mandy well at the weekends it is
Posted by Royston on 2013-10-06 20:06:40
So much better playing to have fun, that way you don't whine or sulk when you lose.
I try and have fun every single game.
I try and have fun every single game.
Posted by Verminardo on 2013-10-06 20:33:47
Well seeing as your friend, team and group list are each the longest I've seen on Fumbbl, you might have the right feeling there. Maybe you could force yourself to cut each down by half? Or take a complete break of one month? These are the things that I do when I feel an online activity is getting out of hand.
Posted by happygrue on 2013-10-06 20:37:26
Good blog - I think this is something that every coach grapples with from time to time. Some of the things that I do when I notice myself getting frustrated and not enjoying games:
1) Take breaks. If L, R, B or S has got you down, give it a rest. Shelve some teams. Sometimes waiting 2-3 days to play a game and then playing ONE game that you insist on making jokes during really helps. If I can role-play my failures and yell at my players as a real coach might it puts some distance between bad luck or mistakes and I can still have a good time (sometimes).
2) Try a new team. Give it a nice theme and work on a project with it. Set a goal (you can fill the grid with losses and still be making progress!) for the team or for players.
3) Watch some games. Sometimes I can get my fix by watching some other coaches that usually talk a good game and make it enjoyable. Watching a top coach get crushed but make jokes all the way through it is always good for my spirits in an odd sort of way. :D
Anyway, it should be fun - so give it a break if it isn't! It will be all the sweeter in a week or three when you come back with new perspective.
See you on the pitch sometime!
1) Take breaks. If L, R, B or S has got you down, give it a rest. Shelve some teams. Sometimes waiting 2-3 days to play a game and then playing ONE game that you insist on making jokes during really helps. If I can role-play my failures and yell at my players as a real coach might it puts some distance between bad luck or mistakes and I can still have a good time (sometimes).
2) Try a new team. Give it a nice theme and work on a project with it. Set a goal (you can fill the grid with losses and still be making progress!) for the team or for players.
3) Watch some games. Sometimes I can get my fix by watching some other coaches that usually talk a good game and make it enjoyable. Watching a top coach get crushed but make jokes all the way through it is always good for my spirits in an odd sort of way. :D
Anyway, it should be fun - so give it a break if it isn't! It will be all the sweeter in a week or three when you come back with new perspective.
See you on the pitch sometime!
Posted by Overhamsteren on 2013-10-06 20:38:12
Duke's link is a good one. Sounds like you are at least experiencing 1 symptom so far.
I think point number 3 could also be expanded to thinking obsessively about your hobby, making it hard to focus on other things.
Cutting back to only playing my league games usually works for me, playing ~4 games every 10 days when I have made time for them generally makes them good experiences, win or lose. :)
I think point number 3 could also be expanded to thinking obsessively about your hobby, making it hard to focus on other things.
Cutting back to only playing my league games usually works for me, playing ~4 games every 10 days when I have made time for them generally makes them good experiences, win or lose. :)
Posted by Purplegoo on 2013-10-06 21:19:29
There's nothing like a break. You'd be amazed how good it is playing here after you've not even loaded the site up for a fortnight. I've gone to the extreme of binning all Leagues (the bit I enjoy the most) because being free of scheduled games does me the world of good. The drip drip of moving bits of your life around for FUMBBL and feeling obligated to play reduces the experience to a grind, not an escape.
I really wouldn't worry about it too much, but getting refreshed by taking some time off can do nothing but help.
I really wouldn't worry about it too much, but getting refreshed by taking some time off can do nothing but help.
Posted by Garion on 2013-10-06 21:23:58
How to tell if you are an addict -
1, Do you work out blocks and assists with passengers on a bus/train
2, If you see someone fall over do you immediately think -'3 Ma for you to stand up'
3, When you see a chequered pattern anywhere do you think - 'that would be a cool place to play bloodbowl.
4, If you see someone fall over do you think - 'I'm going to stick the boot in'
I'm sure there are more :P
1, Do you work out blocks and assists with passengers on a bus/train
2, If you see someone fall over do you immediately think -'3 Ma for you to stand up'
3, When you see a chequered pattern anywhere do you think - 'that would be a cool place to play bloodbowl.
4, If you see someone fall over do you think - 'I'm going to stick the boot in'
I'm sure there are more :P
Posted by pythrr on 2013-10-06 21:39:01
kill all mens
we're all addicts, Dal.
we're all addicts, Dal.
Posted by pythrr on 2013-10-06 21:39:43
Garion, #4 is simply "being from Newcastle"
Posted by Garion on 2013-10-06 21:42:53
lol :P
Posted by Jeffro on 2013-10-06 22:11:58
First step to recovery is admittance.
I will admit that I played FUMBBL till 2am the other night, woke up and played Bloodbowl Team Manager with my son, then went and played Tabletop with Duder Saturday morning. I will also admit that I won because of dice. Frustrations towards dice should not be directed at FUMBBL... rather just directed at the Gods of Chaos ;)
I will admit that I played FUMBBL till 2am the other night, woke up and played Bloodbowl Team Manager with my son, then went and played Tabletop with Duder Saturday morning. I will also admit that I won because of dice. Frustrations towards dice should not be directed at FUMBBL... rather just directed at the Gods of Chaos ;)
Posted by Chainsaw on 2013-10-06 22:40:13
Great blog mate.
First step to dealing with it is admitting it.
I've been addicted in the past. (You might argue I am now.) At the height of the addiction, the dice "feel" the worst.
First step to dealing with it is admitting it.
I've been addicted in the past. (You might argue I am now.) At the height of the addiction, the dice "feel" the worst.
Posted by Rabe on 2013-10-06 23:04:11
Hmmm... a topic I have avoided myself. Trying to be at least a bit helpful nonetheless:
I have learned that one of the most important things to know is what function a behavior has (had) for oneself. Every (repeated) decision has its (good) cause behind it. So don't be too hard on, but keep questioning yourself.
From there you can start asking if you still need/want it and what has changed (can be anything really) and/or if other activities would fulfill that function in a better way. Sorry for not being more specific, but I'm kind of tired - and I guess the matter would need a more detailed (and possibly private) conversation.
Change is hard and takes time, but once habits become redundant and/or start causing damage, it's due.
Not saying you're right or wrong. I wouldn't dare! But thinking about it is definitely a good start for recovery or withdrawal. :-) Best of luck with it!
Also, if you keep playing and need a quick and really messed up game to laugh about, you know which Arena you can come to. ;-)
I have learned that one of the most important things to know is what function a behavior has (had) for oneself. Every (repeated) decision has its (good) cause behind it. So don't be too hard on, but keep questioning yourself.
From there you can start asking if you still need/want it and what has changed (can be anything really) and/or if other activities would fulfill that function in a better way. Sorry for not being more specific, but I'm kind of tired - and I guess the matter would need a more detailed (and possibly private) conversation.
Change is hard and takes time, but once habits become redundant and/or start causing damage, it's due.
Not saying you're right or wrong. I wouldn't dare! But thinking about it is definitely a good start for recovery or withdrawal. :-) Best of luck with it!
Also, if you keep playing and need a quick and really messed up game to laugh about, you know which Arena you can come to. ;-)
Posted by Overhamsteren on 2013-10-06 23:11:07
You started playing quick games Rabe? ;P :D
Posted by Throweck on 2013-10-06 23:17:42
Hey Dal, great blog!
I am going through a phase of feeling addicted. I play most nights and during the day at work dreaming about team themes, team builds, etc. Although on reflection, and talking to the Mrs. we both said that actually when I am playing fumble I am not in the pub, which was a couple of times a week. Don't get me wrong, that still happens but for no where near as long.
Also, I have managed to totally quit smoking since I joined fumbbl. I am not saying Fumbbl is a non-smoking aid but I think I have just replaced my addiction if that makes sense.
I have an obsessive personality and find I throw myself into something. So I am sticking with Fumbbl. It's healthier and to quote the wife 'It keeps you out of trouble!'.
As for frustration, yes we all feel it at some point when we have bad runs. But ultimately it's about luck as well as strategy as we all know. Dicings happen but I also don't enjoy the game as much if the dicing is happening to my opponent. It makes me wuss out of blocks and blitzes that I wouldn't normally do as it would just be rubbing salt into the wound. Treat others as you wish to be treated and all that.
But others are right. It helps to admit to it and know that there is an addiction!! :D
I am going through a phase of feeling addicted. I play most nights and during the day at work dreaming about team themes, team builds, etc. Although on reflection, and talking to the Mrs. we both said that actually when I am playing fumble I am not in the pub, which was a couple of times a week. Don't get me wrong, that still happens but for no where near as long.
Also, I have managed to totally quit smoking since I joined fumbbl. I am not saying Fumbbl is a non-smoking aid but I think I have just replaced my addiction if that makes sense.
I have an obsessive personality and find I throw myself into something. So I am sticking with Fumbbl. It's healthier and to quote the wife 'It keeps you out of trouble!'.
As for frustration, yes we all feel it at some point when we have bad runs. But ultimately it's about luck as well as strategy as we all know. Dicings happen but I also don't enjoy the game as much if the dicing is happening to my opponent. It makes me wuss out of blocks and blitzes that I wouldn't normally do as it would just be rubbing salt into the wound. Treat others as you wish to be treated and all that.
But others are right. It helps to admit to it and know that there is an addiction!! :D
Posted by Roland on 2013-10-06 23:23:16
#1 been there
Also thought about scrum dodges with people in public as players :$
Also thought about scrum dodges with people in public as players :$
Posted by koadah on 2013-10-06 23:52:12
If you're not enjoying it then do something else.
If you can't find anything more enjoyable than doing something that you don't enjoy... then you have a problem. :)
If you can't find anything more enjoyable than doing something that you don't enjoy... then you have a problem. :)
Posted by paradocks on 2013-10-07 01:01:35
admitting you have a problem is not the solution, it's the problem! admit nothing
Posted by Cavetroll on 2013-10-07 06:55:18
Garion,
What's wrong with thinking any of the things you mention? I consider it 'honing ones tactical skills'. :)
What's wrong with thinking any of the things you mention? I consider it 'honing ones tactical skills'. :)
Posted by Dan-Da-Man on 2013-10-07 09:44:01
I have almost quit this site if it wasn't for one decent league I'm in, I know where near play as much as I used to and that's all thanks to the dodgy client but yes we could all argue about that and no point.
Posted by Garion on 2013-10-07 10:09:43
dodgy client? in what way?
Posted by Frankenstein on 2013-10-07 10:34:26
Wanting != Liking
There's an interesting article on this topic to be found on sirlin.net (the full link would be http://www.sirlin.net/blog/2012/8/22/addiction-diablo-3-and-portal-2.html?currentPage=3).
At one point in time, you want to play more than you like it, and that's where the troubles begin...
There's an interesting article on this topic to be found on sirlin.net (the full link would be http://www.sirlin.net/blog/2012/8/22/addiction-diablo-3-and-portal-2.html?currentPage=3).
At one point in time, you want to play more than you like it, and that's where the troubles begin...
Posted by harvestmouse on 2013-10-07 10:45:03
"Posted by Garion on 2013-10-07 10:09:43
dodgy client? in what way?"
He doesn't win as much as he likes, and has come up with the following reason:
'FUMBBL staff can control the dice rolls, and deliberately scupper games of players they don't like/don't want on the site in the hope of driving them away.' Which is much more fun than just saying the RNG is broken.
dodgy client? in what way?"
He doesn't win as much as he likes, and has come up with the following reason:
'FUMBBL staff can control the dice rolls, and deliberately scupper games of players they don't like/don't want on the site in the hope of driving them away.' Which is much more fun than just saying the RNG is broken.
Posted by Rabe on 2013-10-07 11:03:21
I would appreciate it if the comments wouldn't derail further, since this is on a (possibly) serious personal matter that goes beyond FUMBBL.
Just a wish out of respect for Dalfort. :-P
(I'm addressing the last four comments with this.)
Just a wish out of respect for Dalfort. :-P
(I'm addressing the last four comments with this.)
Posted by CroixFer on 2013-10-07 12:52:02
vaclav +1
"I wont admit it to my wife, but DEEP DOWN I KNOW I AM... "
"I wont admit it to my wife, but DEEP DOWN I KNOW I AM... "
Posted by uuni on 2013-10-07 13:21:52
FFB is addictive.
I have seen coaches whine on irc both before, after and during their match and then immediately repeating the whole cycle. Clearly the game then caused the coach some mixed feelings - something must feel nice for one to repeat a thing that causes so much anxiety to them.
I think the subgame of identifying and ordering the Actions may be the most addicting. There one uses their valuing-machine with quite high intensity. Using that part of brain should arouse the brain much for the possibility of learning. Perhaps it may even be, that one activates too much brain for the learning to flow back - I wonder how long the back propagation in brains go, does that depend on IQ or something?
Anyway, just the act of identifying an Actionable player is itself a success in a moderately hard cognitive task. That success is the thing that feels good to the brain, and probably the addictive thing we keep repeating.
It has good sides. Activating one's brains and keeping having success experiences similar to filling crosswords keeps one's brains healthy and functioning.
I think one place for mental stress can occur when one has made much success on one's own point of view with the subtasks, such as the Action identifying, but still one loses the game and gets a negative feedback on more general level. Identifying the pieces does not make one a good player, but identifying the pieces is the rewarding task here.
I think one could think this a bit further still.
I have seen coaches whine on irc both before, after and during their match and then immediately repeating the whole cycle. Clearly the game then caused the coach some mixed feelings - something must feel nice for one to repeat a thing that causes so much anxiety to them.
I think the subgame of identifying and ordering the Actions may be the most addicting. There one uses their valuing-machine with quite high intensity. Using that part of brain should arouse the brain much for the possibility of learning. Perhaps it may even be, that one activates too much brain for the learning to flow back - I wonder how long the back propagation in brains go, does that depend on IQ or something?
Anyway, just the act of identifying an Actionable player is itself a success in a moderately hard cognitive task. That success is the thing that feels good to the brain, and probably the addictive thing we keep repeating.
It has good sides. Activating one's brains and keeping having success experiences similar to filling crosswords keeps one's brains healthy and functioning.
I think one place for mental stress can occur when one has made much success on one's own point of view with the subtasks, such as the Action identifying, but still one loses the game and gets a negative feedback on more general level. Identifying the pieces does not make one a good player, but identifying the pieces is the rewarding task here.
I think one could think this a bit further still.
Posted by Rabe on 2013-10-07 16:31:27
That sounds appealing and interesting. :-)
Posted by ryanfitz on 2013-10-08 00:43:16
to everyone else's posts tl;dr
Dal, yer one of the best guys around, know the community appreciates your good nature always
Dal, yer one of the best guys around, know the community appreciates your good nature always
Posted by keggiemckill on 2013-10-08 01:58:30
I have the same mind set as H-grue. I have been addicted, or at the least obsessed. Even during a break I've taken over the last 2 weeks, I've built a team, and started teaching people how to play at a local store. I need to take a break, but I dont want to give upon the leagues I am in. I've decided to only play league, and power through it.
Also Ranked and Box give me fits of rumple face and not laughter as of late. Though others would laugh at my rumple faces. Sticking around, as long as I can remind myself that its fun. Watching buddies play is the best medicine in my opinion. :P /boo, /laugh, /shock, /crickets.
Also Ranked and Box give me fits of rumple face and not laughter as of late. Though others would laugh at my rumple faces. Sticking around, as long as I can remind myself that its fun. Watching buddies play is the best medicine in my opinion. :P /boo, /laugh, /shock, /crickets.
Posted by Dalfort on 2013-10-08 02:10:32
Wow, thanks for the responses.
I am addicted, you would have to be to lose as many games as I do and still play :p seriously though, I just needed to whine and blow off some steam in a wordy way, be a little creative maybe. After the house move and no internet perhaps I have suffered a little "catching up" syndrome and lost sight of why I play so many games.
For the last 30 years I have Role-played, gamed and to a lesser extent TT with Granny Wendy. Over the last 10 years my interest has waned dramatically in the D&D side of things, to the point I almost sold my entire collection of books were it not for my sons pleas of give them to us first! kids eh? I see this as the next phase of that "general disinterest".
Thank-you all for posting, there are too many posts for me to single out any at the moment but I appreciate them all, honestly.
Take care Barrie, aka Dalfort.
I am addicted, you would have to be to lose as many games as I do and still play :p seriously though, I just needed to whine and blow off some steam in a wordy way, be a little creative maybe. After the house move and no internet perhaps I have suffered a little "catching up" syndrome and lost sight of why I play so many games.
For the last 30 years I have Role-played, gamed and to a lesser extent TT with Granny Wendy. Over the last 10 years my interest has waned dramatically in the D&D side of things, to the point I almost sold my entire collection of books were it not for my sons pleas of give them to us first! kids eh? I see this as the next phase of that "general disinterest".
Thank-you all for posting, there are too many posts for me to single out any at the moment but I appreciate them all, honestly.
Take care Barrie, aka Dalfort.
Posted by Rabe on 2013-10-08 13:12:25
Well, it seems you also needed to be reminded how much you are loved here (even though you didn't know of that need). :-)