Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Vorkosigan · 05-21-2006, 03:40 AM

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

Chris Weimer · 05-21-2006, 03:58 AM

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

Ted Hoffman · 05-21-2006, 04:39 AM

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>

Atheos · 05-21-2006, 04:51 AM

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

mountainman · 05-21-2006, 05:35 AM

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

ChandraRama · 05-21-2006, 05:56 AM

see you soon Vorkosigan. I read your posts regularly.

EverLastingGodStopper · 05-21-2006, 07:02 AM

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!

andrewcriddle · 05-21-2006, 07:21 AM

To Vorkosigan

Best Wishes

Andrew Criddle

Rick Sumner · 05-21-2006, 07:47 AM

Best wishes Michael.

Rick Sumner

Celine · 05-21-2006, 07:59 AM

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?

05-21-2006, 03:40 AM	#1
Vorkosigan Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Barrayar Posts: 11,866	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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05-21-2006, 03:58 AM	#2
Chris Weimer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: none Posts: 9,879	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

05-21-2006, 04:39 AM	#3
Ted Hoffman Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: "" Posts: 3,863	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>

05-21-2006, 04:51 AM	#4
Atheos Talk Freethought Staff Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Heart of the Bible Belt Posts: 5,807	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

05-21-2006, 05:56 AM	#6
ChandraRama Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: US Posts: 107	see you soon Vorkosigan. I read your posts regularly.

05-21-2006, 07:02 AM	#7
EverLastingGodStopper Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 16,665	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!

05-21-2006, 07:21 AM	#8
andrewcriddle Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 4,876	To Vorkosigan Best Wishes Andrew Criddle

05-21-2006, 07:47 AM	#9
Rick Sumner Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada Posts: 2,612	Best wishes Michael. Rick Sumner

05-21-2006, 07:59 AM	#10
Celine Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 543	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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