MY WRITINGS SPECIALTY LINKS MY VIEWS
MY WRITINGS SPECIALTY LINKS MY VIEWSBalls Copyright © JPayne 1997
1. I have a problem.
2. I cannot handle IRC. For whatever reasons, I am wasting too much of my time, energy and, for want of a better word, soul to it.
3. I do not like what I've become because of my addiction. It has made me irritable, surly and embittered.
4. IRC isn't fun anymore. I'm not enjoying it anymore. Frankly, it's just not worth it.
5. My problems with others on IRC are just as much my fault as theirs. In some cases, more.
6. There are other, better things I can and should be doing instead of IRC. Things that are more enjoyable, more productive and more relaxing than IRC.
7. There are other ways to interact with friends. Email, the phone, newsgroups, snail mail and, best of all, face to face.
8. There is nothing of value for me on IRC; I am losing nothing by leaving.
9. Leaving IRC is not a shame, a retreat or a surrender. My mental health and well-being are more important than someone else's opinion of me.
10. Finally, I realize that my IRC problem is my responsibility. I am the one who has to face it, fight it, and beat it into the ground. I can ask for support, but the real work is mine.
11. I like pie! (okay, so it has nothing to do with IRC or addiction...well, except maybe one to sugar, but it's TRUE! And besides, this list was becoming a bit of a downer...)
1. I have an IRC problem. In my considered opinion, I need to stop using it, either for a short hiatus or indefinitely. Maybe some day I can come back to it, but for now it's something I need to stay away from. Other people can continue to use IRC as often and as much as they like with little/no interference from me. I am unqualified to recognize addiction in anyone else but myself. If you think you might have a problem, see the links below for more information.
2. I have nothing against IRC or anyone associated with it. IRC can be and is fun and enjoyable for many people, including myself at times. Right now, it's not fun for me anymore, so I'm quitting.
3. Having done some investigation, it doesn't look like I'm actually seriously addicted to the IRC or the Internet. So why am I calling my IRC problem an addiction? If for no other reason than to emphasize to myself that this is something I need to be aware of. This page is a way of increasing my own awareness of my problem and, maybe, a way to help others find information for themselves and other people. Also, while my problem with IRC may not be an addiction now I have no desire to see it become one in the future. I have a slightly addictive personality and I feel myself at the top of a slippery slope. Since I never learned to ski, I'm thinking it's a good idea to walk away slowly.
[Note 6/3/2001: A friend of mine pointed out to me that this site uses data taken mainly from AOL users without looking into broader groups, so kinda take this stuff with a grain of salt and don't be surprised if your mileage varies. Thanks!