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Old 05-21-2006, 03:40 AM   #1
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Default Good-bye, and Good Luck

Hello.

I have decided to take an extended leave of absence from Infidels. Recent events, that some of you know of, have compelled me to admit that I have a serious problem. I have become arrogant, thoughtless, unkind,and egotistical. I am unable to handle myself on the internet and it has taken over my life. I am an addict, and I have developed the personality of an addict: mean, angry, narrow, one-track, and perpetually controlled. This has snuck up on me, for no other experience has ever acquired this level of power over me -- not alcohol, not drugs, not risky sports, or any other kind of thrill or stimulant.

I have been in denial. I have hurt people. I suck. I need to stop.

I appreciate all the many kindnesses and friendly gestures over the years, and the many friendships I have built up, the acquaintances I have made, and the learning I have acquired. I will miss everyone, but especially Toto, Jacob, Richard, Amaleq, Chris, Julian, spin, EverlastingGodstopper, Pervy, Joe Wallack, ApostateAbe, Loren Pechtel, Don Morgan, Iasion, PhiliosopherJay, NeilGodfrey, and other posters too numerous to mention, some no longer here. To those I have attacked and offended, Haran, Chris, Bede, and many others too numerous to mention, I offer apologies, belated and insufficient, though they may be.

Michael Turton
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Old 05-21-2006, 03:58 AM   #2
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Ah Michael, I'm going to miss you too, man. I hope you can come back soon anew and refreshed from your hiatus. We'll miss you around.

I do think that you made the right choice, Michael, regarding what you did earlier. As they say, it takes a man to apologize for his actions. I hope the offended party realizes your repentence.

Don't stay gone too long, and feel better.

kindest regards,

Chris Weimer
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Old 05-21-2006, 04:39 AM   #3
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Hi Michael,
I am sorry to hear that but is there literature that explains what the symptoms of internet addiction is?
I dont see what being an internet addict has got to do with being "mean, angry, narrow, one-track, and perpetually controlled". Is being an addict concomitant with being an angry person? I mean, your sense of humour is intact. You have friends (I mean, look at your beautiful blogs - all those friends and happy people are illusionary?). So what if you have been nasty to a few people who rub you the wrong way? This internet addiction thingy is too new to me. I have always believed that you cannot please everyone.
Anyways, all the best and I will be in touch through email.
Now is the time to write that book. Take a sabbatical and after it, hand the publishers a mscript.
I am no expert but there are people who post over five times more than you in a day and have done so consistently for the last seven years and they have never been declared internet addicts.
I hope this is just a low moment for you that will blow over soon. Probably two weeks off the internet can take care of it and you will realize that it wasnt as bad. Just inject some time-management into your stuff and things will be okay.
You have been one of my inspirations. So for whatever this alleged addiction is worth, it touched some lives positively. My respect for you has never wavered and all this addiction business comes as suprise to me. I suspect a misdiagnosis. A man who goes on holidays, who is clearly loved by his students and family, who takes time to respond to the needs of others is declared an internet addict? <shakes head>
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Old 05-21-2006, 04:51 AM   #4
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Best regards, whatever your decision in the long run is, Vork. Although mostly just a lurker in the erudite halls of BC&H, I've been impressed mightily with the clarity, intelligence and quality of the content you have added to IIDB over the years.

People might argue whether or not Moses was a mythical character but nobody will argue that BC&H will be the same without Vorkosigan.

Do what you need to do. :thumbs:

-Atheos
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Old 05-21-2006, 05:35 AM   #5
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Quote:
Dont take anything personally
Nothing others do is because of you.
What others say and do is a projection
of their own reality, their own dream.
When you are immune to the opinion of others,
you wont be the victim of needless suffering.
http://www.mountainman.com.au/four_agreements.htm
I have to remind myself of the above many time each day.
It is not directed at any one person, but all people ...

Aside from the fact that everything in the sublunar realm is tidal,
new horizons and the view of new days dawning are enough
sometimes to engender rekindled enthusiasm and inspiration.

Keep cool. Enjoy life. Hope to see you back again (soon).





Pete Brown
www.mountainman.com.au
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Old 05-21-2006, 05:56 AM   #6
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see you soon Vorkosigan. I read your posts regularly.
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Old 05-21-2006, 07:02 AM   #7
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Vork, I'll miss you, please don't stay away very long. Your contributions to the IIDB far outweigh any bad vibes you may have inadvertently sent to people.

Come back soon!
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Old 05-21-2006, 07:21 AM   #8
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To Vorkosigan

Best Wishes

Andrew Criddle
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Old 05-21-2006, 07:47 AM   #9
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Best wishes Michael.

Rick Sumner
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Old 05-21-2006, 07:59 AM   #10
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Don't be so hard on yourself. The pendulum of self-recrimination will swing the other way -- you know this.
As mostly a lurker, I look forward to all of your arguments and rebuttals.

You don't suffer fools gladly. How can that be a bad thing?
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