Saving Yourself From Yourself

myxomatosii · #1 03-14-2012, 02:03 PM

Today I compressed my Sony folder into a ZIP file and had it delete the original file. In order to play now I have to go through a 20 minute unzip process, that way I won't impulse log-on and can get some work done.

This could be because I only starting playing again two weeks ago and binged over spring break but I'm having trouble breaking off. I think staying in labs, away from my house, along with compressing the files has broken the cycle of 4am nights up at 8am.

Anyone else have issues like these and how did you solve them? Eg: Short term addiction on return.

It was easier when I came across the game at 14 years old, logon for 36 hours, play, passout for 9 hours and let brother play, wake up, play with dogs, brother passes out, take over. Continue. All on AOL, no one could call the house for days.

Barkingturtle · #2 03-14-2012, 02:07 PM

I got married and now none of my time is my own.

Works like a charm. Highly recommend.

myxomatosii · #3 03-14-2012, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkingturtle [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I got married and now none of my time is my own.

Works like a charm. Highly recommend.

I've lost many a man to a wife camping my group members. The woe is great and I shall avoid this quest as long as possible.

Phased · #4 03-14-2012, 02:29 PM

Hey what's that cool yet obnoxiously large picture in your signature from?
That looks like a cool game.

My trick is summoned mage bags. Before I log off I leave a corpse to keep the bags, this makes it so I only log on if I have a longer period of time because I have to go through the hassle of getting back to the corpse and if I loot the bags I then also need to find someone to duel me again. Although, this fails because lately I've been playing without the bags haha.

Goraith · #5 03-14-2012, 02:32 PM

Lol when i first found 1999 I would take out my 11.6 inch laptop and tether it to my phone and play during my lunch break

mefdinkins · #6 03-14-2012, 02:54 PM

When I played in classic I was ~12 years old and remember sneaking downstairs after "going to bed" when the rest of my family was asleep. My family heavily regulated my playing time in those days, so it resulted in a decent balance.

Since then no game has had a hold on me like EQ. Sure I've put in my hours on other games - DOAC, Shadowbane, WOW, Rift, and most recently SWTOR, but it was nothing like EQ. In all those games I gave in to my 'addiction' to reach my gaming 'goals' and then played less after.

In many of those games it was reaching max level or a different benchmark (like getting a certain rank in PVP, or camping a rare item). For instance in SWTOR - which I played just a few months ago I played pretty hardcore until I hit level 50. However, it only took me about two weeks to hit 50, and about 5 days /played. After hitting 50 I did some PVP and daily quests but significantly reduced my play time, and eliminated any marathon (all day) sessions.

When I learned of P1999, I knew that I couldn't play 'full throttle' straight from 0 to 60. So I tried to set some benchmarks I could hit and then reduce my play time. I thought I'll play a lot, then once I hit 14 and have SOW, I won't care as much and will slow down. Then I thought, well I loved wolf form, so once I hit 24 I won't play as much. My next benchmark was 29, I thought once I hit that I have group teleports so I can play less, hang around EC when bored then port people and casually level up later. I have just hit 29 after about ~2 weeks and ~5 days /played.

Well, now I realized I get specialization at 30 - so I need to hit 30 quickly. Also 30 is a hell level, so that will take forever, it's probably better to just bang it out ASAP. Then 31 isn't a hell level, so that won't take long, I should do that soon too. At 32, I'm so close to new spells, so I can't stop there....

Crap. How do you ZIP the file?

Mefdinkins
Level 29 Druid

Messianic · #7 03-14-2012, 03:00 PM

30 isn't too bad.

Off-topic, but I find that when things RL are going really well, I stop playing EQ. So my only advice is to be really honest about whether or not you're just escaping into a convenient fantasy and what under the surface is a feeling of a lack of accomplishment in RL. If you're not honest about it, no one could help you anyway.

Advisor · #8 03-14-2012, 03:06 PM

I just throw my laptop out the window when I die, then I have to buy a new PC to play again.

myxomatosii · #9 03-14-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messianic [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

30 isn't too bad.

Off-topic, but I find that when things RL are going really well, I stop playing EQ. So my only advice is to be really honest about whether or not you're just escaping into a convenient fantasy and what under the surface is a feeling of a lack of accomplishment in RL. If you're not honest about it, no one could help you anyway.

Well in 3 months I graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a dual degree in Physics, so really I'm just trying not to jeopardize my last semester so my GPA, which I am happy with, doesn't decrease.

Not really sure about escaping real life other than I have cut myself off from gaming completely for the past 4 years to work on my degree so this is really the only game I've played, I think its just the sudden rush of nostalgia combined with being close to the ability to game again.. (senioritis??).

Thanks for the suggestions~~

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advisor [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I just throw my laptop out the window when I die, then I have to buy a new PC to play again.

Yeah but I'm perfect. Its a burden I know. Also I lol'd at this, always awkward working next to someone in a lab.

mefdinkins · #10 03-14-2012, 03:12 PM

Haha I was kidding around but I have to agree.

I am currently in law school which has its benefits and drawbacks for a gamer. Academic calendars give students a lot of flexibility. Since I have just started playing and was in position to do so - I have taken a few liberties with my play time, but I am keenly aware of my obligations and responsibilities.

As my semester continues and I begin preparation for finals, I will have to dramatically cut back on my play time. If I am unable to balance my playing time with my other obligations, or find my pixel goals (I really want a damn lumi staff haha) are interfering with my real life goals (do well in school) -- my usual solution is to just uninstall.

I know I can re-install later and usually found after uninstalling that I'm not missing much.