# Dear God, it IS addictive! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 10, 2001, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535 "2001-10-10T05:56:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sophie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@Sophie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophie)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/21 "2001-10-10T16:42:10Z")
> [@](#): > > Of course, when speaking of things from the boards, I try to use the band-camp voice. “This one time, on StraightDope…” \*\* Man, I do the _exact_ same thing! Can’t wait to meet you. We have the same ride (which ought to be veeerry interesting). Even though I don’t post so much, I read everything here. I took **thinksnow’s** advice and quit trying to explain to people why I’m going to a party in October in another state to hang with folks I’ve never met. I’ve started telling them that I already have plans and that’s that. And I still don’t have a freakin’ costume. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/22 "2001-10-10T17:01:20Z")
Fortunately, most of my friends are accustomed to hearing strange names from me–not only do I refer to the dopers by screen name, but I also use IFGS character names often. So they just accept it when I talk about people with names like Cheffie, Zyada, 334, Lug, and Darjeeling (of the Monks Who Drink Tea). Not caring whether or not people consider you insane helps. ---
**Author:** ![Cap\_n\_Yoaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8797f3/32.png) [@Cap\_n\_Yoaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cap_n_Yoaz)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/23 "2001-10-10T17:03:55Z")
Here’s one of my favorite cartoon strips about the subject: [http://www.fluppleworld.com/crap/ep70.html](http://www.fluppleworld.com/crap/ep70.html) ---
**Author:** ![VitrolicBump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a587f6/32.png) [@VitrolicBump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VitrolicBump)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/24 "2001-10-10T18:15:24Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Balance_ > **Not caring whether or not people consider you insane helps.** Oh, they knew I was insane before I found these boards. The only problem is that the boards have brought even more of my insanity to light. It is pretty bad when I say to my IRL friends, “I am going to meet a few friends from the Straight Dope. Oh, and I have been in correspondence with quite a few.” And then they say, “You better be careful” or “All those people are insane. What if they kidnap you?” Oh, and “Why don’t you go out and meet real people. Like at a club or bar?” I just tell them that you are as sane as I am (doesn’t say much 🙂 ). And I hate clubs and bars. Bleh. Plus, if someone picked up on me there, it would be the same as here. They could kidnap me just as easily. I just have more trust with you guys (maybe I shouldn’t though…) Oh, and I have sited this board, but after a while there is no point. I just say that a friend or someone said blah, blah, blah. Anywho, yes, this board is addictive, but it will wear off. But not enough. I am glad you are in for the long haul, though, **DarkWriter**. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/25 "2001-10-10T20:05:52Z")
Isn’t this just a variation of internet addiction? ---
**Author:** ![lno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@lno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lno)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/26 "2001-10-10T20:25:43Z")
Entering my thirteenth year of explaining “some friends online”… My general catch-all for internet friends has been “friends from college” - since a majority of them were made while I was in college, it’s not TECHNICALLY untrue. 😃 Who am I visiting in Chicago this weekend? Friends from college. Who was mistaken for a Klansman when dressed in Templar garb? Friend from college. If every story gets prefaced in that way, then I never need to worry about keeping things straight. ---
**Author:** ![DarkWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee59a6/32.png) [@DarkWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarkWriter)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/27 "2001-10-10T23:36:57Z")
I don’t mind being thought of as insane. It’s pretty usual for me. I’m the only mom in my neighborhood who reads and writes horror, has tattoos and is outspokenly atheist. I LIKE being different. This is such a cool place. Even the thread titles are titillating. I can tell I will be wasting a lot of time here. My writing will fall by the wayside. So who wants to be famous anyway? This way, I’ll avoid stalkers. 😃 Sheri ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2001, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/28 "2001-10-10T23:57:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by arachnidlove \* > \*\*Typical day of mine. > > Boyfriend/Husband gets mad at me for being online so long. > Spend time with Boyfriend and talk about the SDMB. > > \*\* You have a boyfriend and a husband? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Asylum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/53a042/32.png) [@Asylum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asylum)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/29 "2001-10-11T00:14:27Z")
I have to admit I’m upset that it took me so long to find this board, especially since I’ve been reading the Straight Dope for years. It makes feel insignificant when I see people who’ve been here for years and have thousands of posts. Makes me wanna find ways to rack my post count up (hmm). ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/30 "2001-10-11T00:47:23Z")
Shut the door already! You’re letting in light! And _ugh_ fresh air! Friggin’ newbies. Let me decompose here in peace. ---
**Author:** ![Totoro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Totoro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Totoro)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/31 "2001-10-11T00:51:23Z")
I just say, “On my messageboard, this guy said…” unless I know that they’re not of the male persuasion. Otherwise, you’re all just guys. I hope this doesn’t put me in the pit… although it’d be pretty a stupid reason to put me there… ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/32 "2001-10-11T01:00:51Z")
This place and the IMDB were bad enough, but now I’m getting hooked on Snopes! “My name is Dr. Rieux, and I’m a cine-snopa-dopaholic.” ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/33 "2001-10-11T01:23:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zette \* > **Don’t forget to bathe.** FABULOUS advice! No one told me that… So I was telling my mom that I was going to be a taking a trip to LA. (This was about a month ago.) Of course, being a mom, she was curious. “So… Why are you going to LA?” “For a Dopefest.” :disappointed look on her face: “I thought you gave that up, Sarah…” “BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” A few months ago, I was talking about Cecil. My dad - “So, when do I get to meet this guy?” “Ummm… Dad?” ROFL They’ve come to accept me and my addiction though. My mom’s actually sat over my shoulder, reading the boards while I post or following along in chat. Same with my dad, who’s helped me with trivia more than a few times. Now I have to explain to them that **lno** isn’t some creepy stalker murdering type who’s plan is to kill me on our way to Chicago this weekend. :shrugs: Welcome to all you happy, shiny newbies! ---
**Author:** ![Persephone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/34 "2001-10-11T02:16:53Z")
> [@](#): > > Lives? What mean this word “lives”? I think it has something to do with those other people that live in my house. One of them _swears_ he’s my husband, but I’m sorry, he just doesn’t look familiar. He also says that the short ones are our–OUR–_children._ Riiiiiight, mister. I know where babies come from. I’d remember something like that. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/35 "2001-10-11T02:36:40Z")
This thread is a shining example of why I love you guys sooooo much. I’ve been a Dopea-Snopa-holic for quite some time but relatively new to the boards. All this time I thought is was just me…the inability to accurately describe you people and the forums (fora?) is still a mystery to me. The look I get from “real” people when I try to tell them about a thread, a poster, Cecil, etc. is consistent…a classic “huh?” ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/36 "2001-10-11T02:50:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ruby \* > **All this time I thought is was just me…the inability to accurately describe you people and the forums (fora?) is still a mystery to me.** “Friends of mine.” Nobody usually delves too deeply. “This club I belong to.” “My invisible friends.” ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/37 "2001-10-11T04:09:20Z")
Prepare to be ass-laminated! ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/38 "2001-10-11T04:21:38Z")
Yeah, **drop** ’s got it…, “guy I was talkin’ to last night said…” or, “a friend of mine in Chicago told me…” So, when you have to refer to us just act like we’re real people. Eventually we become such. And I’ve finally made way with some of my IRL (should that be IRL-only?) acquaintance such that they recognize I’m tradin’ in e-people. ---
**Author:** ![jmonster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/dbc845/32.png) [@jmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmonster)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/39 "2001-10-11T05:16:54Z")
"Well, I read, uh… **heard** from… uh… this… uh… **guy I know** [sub]yeah, that’s the ticket[/sub], that _(insert trivia here)_. Besides, it’s not like I read **Slashdot**. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Gozu\_Tashoya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7993a0/32.png) [@Gozu\_Tashoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu_Tashoya)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535/40 "2001-10-11T05:25:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DarkWriter \* > \*\*This is such a cool place. Even the thread titles are titillating. I can tell I will be wasting a lot of time here. My writing will fall by the wayside. So who wants to be famous anyway? This way, I’ll avoid stalkers. 😃 > > Sheri \*\* Eh, that’s what [Teemings](http://www.teemings.com) is for. Just don’t submit your stories about testicle stealing aliens. People start looking at you funny. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-god-it-is-addictive/86535.md?page=3)