Means to an End, that's what it's called. About 20 years ago an individual died playing RL Dungeons and Dragons, so who was to blame of course? The game makers, um, yeah. As much as I hate supporting the argument FOR guns, a gun cannot harm anyone, unless someone is deranged enough with intent to use it(ok, don't make this a firearms issue post, sheesh, there's other factors also, but that's NOT for this post). And these games are hardly even a lethal weapon. The path chosen by someone to lose themselves from RL can be any number of things, EQ and online gaming just happen to make it very easy. In the end, ther person with such problems will find another outlet for such self destructive urges, wether it be firearms, drugs, or any other number of less destructive means. Focusing on the CAUSE is what is needed, not on the actions that cuase led the person along.
Edited, Tue Oct 15 15:29:54 2002
48 Hours Does Everquest
The CBS newsmagazine "48 Hours Investigates" is broadcasting a story about Everquest. I assume it is the same one that we saw them filming at the Boston Fan Faire. The e-mail I received from CBS stated that the story was going to cover the "controversy over Everquest -- are some people addicted to the game?" The promo for the show on the 48 Hours website states that the name of the show is "Addicted", with the following teaser: "Are a growing number of people addicted - to an online computer game? Plus, meet a man who says he was addicted to sex."
It will be interesting to see if it is a fair presentation, or just sensationalist crap. Based upon that promo blurb on their website, I'm banking on the later. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out. The broadcast is on CBS, Friday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. et/pt.
