What's The Point?

[ZuWrath]

Well, in advance, I would like to say; Do NOT flame me on this, but instead, hear me out, and try to think the way I am.

Do NOT think I mean anything negatively.
_____

Ok. . . As MANY people have noticed, many people quit saying "UMGAH! MS ISH B0RINGZ". Well. . . I have to agree, on different terms.

I'm a slave to society. The ONLINE society. I get up, do what I must in the bathroom, eat breakfast, sit my fat ass down, and get on Maple. And frankly, I am thinking "What's the point?". I have been playing this game since the beta test. And again, I am getting. . . Tired of playing a game until I reach "You have played Maple Story for 13 hours. We suggest you take a break from Mapling."

I am a fat kid. Well not FAT, but chubby. I am 240 pounds, 15 years old. A lot of weight goes to muscles (Im a rugby player), but not as much as I would like. 5 years ago I was 180. Yes, pretty heavy for a 10 year old. (11?) I planned my summer to be working out. What have I been doing since I finished school? Leveling up a Pure PA Spearman/DK. Being criticized in real life for my weight is bad enough, look at the Maple Story community. That doesn't make it any better. I use maple as a life alternative. To get AWAY from life.

Now, all this being said, I realise my addiction. Others are like me, I know it. But what do I do? Continue to play! Why? Who knows. That's the power of addiction. I DO know THIS though. I love the friends I have made on Maple Story. So quitting is a HUGE problem and whatnot.

Now I don't want people to think of this thread as a "OMG JUST QUIT YOU FACKING NOOB!" kind of thing. This is actually something to ask of everyone to help me with. What should I do? I want to lose weight. I like playing rugby. I like going out. I LOVE my friends on Maple Story. They are like, the ONLY ones who understand me and whatnot. Now what do I do? I have no clue. I need your guys' help.

I was thinking of TRYING to manage working out, and going on MS at the same time, you know. But I have no clue.

I'm lost. I need your help. Are you kind enough to give it to me?

No "Fack you nub. Just quit you duche ass nubz0rz" posts and whatnot. I will disregard them instantaneously.

[MiSSHaku]

If you log on to talk to your friends, you can possibly see if they have instant messaging, and talk to them via that.

Afterwards, delete Maple Story off your computer COMPLETELY.


If you do want to continue to play Maple Story, just try to limit yourself? Get other hobbies to help refrain you from playing too much.

[Retalion]

As you yourself said, Maple Story is your "escape from life" and that's the case for many people I know in the game. There really isnt a point to the game other than that for many people and for many, they're content in it.

First off, I'd say there's nothing wrong with being 240 pounds. Some people are born that way and there's nothing they can do to change it. It's not like you're 240 pounds because you play MS (and dont exercise or whatnot), it seems (from what I gather here) that you're just built differently. There's nothing wrong with it so dont be afraid/lose confidence because of it (Im not saying you are, but I sure get that impression).

Secondly, life is about balance. Maple friends arent "bad" but too much maple (well, too much MS because you're there just to talk with them/spend time with them) isnt necessarily the best thing to do. It might take a while, but you have to find balance in it. For myself, the balance was using MSN/AIM to keep in contact with my friends. 90% of my buddy list/aquaintances from MS have instant messaging of some kind so I keep in contact with them there when Im not on MS. There have been spans when I dont go on ms for weeks, even months (I havent been on ms for 2 weeks now. I've been busy with church matters such as Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Music Group, etc) and I still keep in contact with my International friends (my term for MS friends). Sure I might not spend time with them as much as if I was on ms, but just having the casual convo here and there, keeping track of how they're doing and whatnot, that's enough for me and can cut down on your MS time a lot, freeing up time for other things.

Thirdly, you need something in real life to be "addicted" to. In theory, replacing an addiction with a bigger addiction. If you have a good group of friends, hang out with them, do things together with them (Iono, looking at your interests, maybe play rugby or work out with them?). When you're having fun in real life, you wont be worrying about maple as much and naturally your urge to MS will go down. I see you have John 3:16 in your siggy so perhaps go grab lunch with them after Sunday Service or something? "The best place on Earth is where your friends are"... If your friends are on MS, then that's the best place on Earth to you (no matter how unhealthy it might be). If your friends are at school or church, then you'd enjoy going to those places.

I'll end with this: Many people in MS are like you but few are willing to admit it, let alone have the guts to post it on a forum asking for help. I give you props for that. Good job in dealing with yourself and admiting that you have the problem and asking for help (Btw, talking to your parents and other "wise" adults will help too).

[Judgment]

Here's one thing that you should think about when it comes to this addiction:

Are you actually enjoying MS at all? Or does it feel like one big chore?

If MS does feel like a chore, then perhaps it's a good idea to take a break from it. I'm not suggesting to quit completely, just take a break from it until you get the urge to play for fun again.

Also, perhaps you could add a few small exercise into your Mapling sessions. Like say, 10 sit ups every 10 minutes or so. (Multi-tasking such as using an exercise bike and playing MS works too.) I'm not sure how fast it'll burn those pounds off, but it's still better than just Mapling away all day.

[ZuWrath]

Wow that wasn't any help I expected. I expected short "who cares" answers.

These help A LOT. Like HOLY COW! Thanks, mate.

I can see now. I WILL manage my time wisely. I have to do this for myself.

As for friends. Eh, I could care less. Most of my friends are asses anyhow. Even some of my friends at Church. But in any case, I will most definately try at playing more Rugby.

Now, with regards to working out. Among other things, I workout everyday, the most that I can >_<. . . I try to do like, 10-15 minute AFKs every like.. Hour? 2 hours? (As some on my BL or in my guild may have notice), and I go to do like. . . 25 sit ups, 10 push ups, and 10 leg raises. And every tuesday, thursday, and friday, my friend Teri and my friend Shoja come to my house to teach me more Tai Ju Jitsu (Free classes, so yeah). I'm pretty much set in this part. But when I'm NOT doing all this. . . Im either on MS, or sleeping. If not, then working on my book.

My problem is management. And that is something I need to work on.

Any advice in this field, guys?

[Fiel]

It's all in the manner of perspective. However you view it, that's how it will appear to you. You view Maplestory as a society, and I view it as a video game. That's not to say either interpretation is wrong, but that slight nuance makes all the difference. In a society you have friends, people, guilds, characters, and competition. In a video game you lose some of that social aspect. And, if you want to spend less time on maple, it's not very difficult to do.

The biggest part of stopping is to get rid of all schedules that you have which tie you to the game. Don't plan on logging on for Zakum or Pap runs. NEVER make plans to meet with someone at a certain time in the game. Just log on when YOU want to, not when someone else wants you to in order to train or whatnot

I know, it might sound a bit stressful to you, but it's the first key.

The next step is to make a schedule of your own outside of Maple. Do random stuff. Play basketball (even if you're not good. I suck at it), go see a movie, go to a friend's house, etc.

Take back what's yours - the schedule!

[ZuWrath]

Ah I see now.

Well, my specs are 256 Mb RAM, 64 Mb Video RAM. The Zak and Pap part is done.

As for managing my schedule. I like the examples. I will try them. Personally, I am an Acoustic Classic Guitar player, so yeah. But I tend to play Guitar WHILST playing MS. So, that can be a problem.

I should start percieving Maple as a video game, rather than a society, though truth be told, there is LIFE behind those graphics, and not simply "code:0010111010101xclick=func.speech:codec:05" etc, etc.

So yeah. . . IMHO this is all a paradox, but I guess it's "In the eye of the beholder", right mate?

[»-Chris->]

Well, you might consider getting a job if you don't already have one. That would cut some time off maple, and you could even get one that involves exercise.

[ZuWrath]

Only times I work are when my dad says "Diego, come over, we're going roofing." or "Diego, ven aqui, we're going to paint someone's house."

Then I get my pay. . .

Getting an actual job, though. . .May be tough. I am, as it may have been obvious, I am self-concious about my weight. Sio, that can be a problem.

[Loose]

What I like to do to kinda force myself to take small breaks is I don't buy a lot of potions. I'm currently training at Wolf Spiders, so the potion shop is pretty close. I buy around 150 HP potions and when I'm about to run out, I head back to the potion shop and take break from the game.

Then when I feel like playing again, I buy another 150 HP potions and kill stuff until I get bored or run out of potions.

Don't know if that'll help you out much.

[ZuWrath]

Actually, that can help. A lot. Seeing as I am currently at Gryphons. Thanks for your input, that can help a lot :D

[Rain]

I agree. Maplestory is an addiction to many. I think its great to take long break or get someone to limit you. I got hacked for 1 yr and it was great! I got my social life back in order and im more fit! Maybe you should just take a break. the only reason im back on maple is that i promise to limit myself and to have other ways offun and to go outside...

[WiseAlon32]

first of all, if someone calls u fat, either ignore it or go with it (i dunno how its called in english, hope u understood), you shouldn't care about it, at least not at ur state.

and just dont play maple as much, make a priority list and put working out in a high place and maple in a low place so u'll log on only when u find nothing to do.
u can always arrange stuff with ur friends instead of waiting for them to arrange it, it's all about adaptation to a new way of life, it's not that easy but when u see you're having more fun that way it wont bother you.

i dont think there's such thing as a real advice with these cases, cuz u probably know what to do and u just need motivation and it all depends on you.

[Elu]

I agree with you. Maple is addictive, and not many people know when and how to stop/limit playing. I quit about 6 months ago if not more. I occasionally came back to say hello, but when I do get on I don't stay for long. Why? Because it's boring. Because I'm not a slave to the online community. I respect myself enough to know what's healthy and what pays off and if I don't enjoy it there is NO REASON IN THE WORLD to play anyway. You sound like someone who thinks logically about things. A game is meant for fun. If you don't have fun, the game lost its meaning.
You know what's best for yourself and you should respect yourself enough to say "it's just a game". It is just a game.

Add your maple buddies on some instant messaging program that doesn't actual commitment [like MSN]. If they care enough, they'd bother adding you. If they don't, it's their loss.

They say the first step to getting rid of an addiction is admitting it, and well... you've already done that. You're aware of the problem and that's a good thing. The next step would be replacing it with something you enjoy doing, something healthy. Spend your summer in a way you can look back at and say "I have no regrets". I promise you that you most definitely will regret and hate yourself if you play more than you should, if at all, during the summer.

Another thing you could do is ask someone else for help. Like, a friend or a relative. Anyone who cares enough about you to make sure you aren't harming yourself.

I hope this helps.


[Edit: wow, seriously? no typos?! awesome.]

[Raven]

First off, how tall are you? Even if your just built a certain way you may still want to concentrate more of your weight into muscle for a multitude of reasons. And if you just want to lay off the addiction I'd say try getting as many MS friend's MSNs, then talk to them whenever you see them on and are on the PC, and consequently play MS less... I quit MapleStory 2 years ago myself as I was out of shape and very depressed. Now I'm less depressed, but still rather out of shape except my arms are considerably stronger.

[ZuWrath]

So much help <3

Alright then, -logs on and adds people-, I like all the help that was given me, I KNOW that all this will help, but one possible factor that can conclude it all, is time. And lots of it.

So, I guess I will still play Maple Story, as it takes time to get over the addiction. . . But it will be hard, we will see what this next week brings us.

[xLishaBaby]

Lots of people use MS or MMORPGs in general,
as a substitution for their real life social life.
It's easier to make new friends and contacts with people online,
because people tend to be more open and easy going on the internet.

That's one main reason that makes MS so addictive,
you play your game and at the same time you make friends,
compete with other people in terms of levels, equips or w/e,
or even love relationships start to blossom on MS.

If it weren't for the other players, MS would be only half as interesting as it is.
I'd suggest socializing with other people around you,
going out more, having fun beyond the pixel world. It's not just Maple Story, but any MMORPG can be this addictive to people who get "sucked in" too deep.
You don't have to quit playing, just now your limits. :]

[Germ]

Backing up what Retalion said, you have to replace your addiction with a bigger addiction. I used to be fat too dude (Which by the way, there's no problem in that besides your health, looks shouldn't be the judge of how you feel about yourself). Back when I was like 11-12, used to play Diablo 2 and other games all day, didn't do squat. Then I started skateboarding, completely threw my life in a 180 (Pun intended). I quickly became addicted to the stuff, before I knew it I was 40 pounds lighter, and going outside a lot more. This didn't stop my insane addiction to video games though. I still get on Maple DAILY to level at least a little bit, I just do it more towards the evening when I know all my friends are sleeping. Usually, if i'm not skating, i'm socializing, which should be your number one things. Yeah, your friends in Maple story might be great, mine are too. But the ones you make in real life are the ones you get to share memories with, and actually BE with. Getting skinny or playing rugby, or being dedicated to your real life friends doesn't mean you have to give up something you enjoy doing.

[pootato]

I feel like that too.
This summer I planned to do LOTS of money making xD. I've been doing that surely enough, but I'm playing maple at night RIGHT WHEN I GET HOME. And I play until 7 am or close to that time. I try to distract myself with other things like .. like sleep =P but it doesn't work. I feel like I have to level, or get to 50%, or make some meso through leeching, and talk to my maple buddy (eventhough I have him on skype and we mic all the time), or my day doesn't feel fully complete.

I don't know how to help you. I can't even help myself. But you're not alone!!!! XD

[Darklai]

The idea of the 150 pots only is great help. I do that from time to time. ^.^

There's already been lots of ideas tossed in this thread, so I don't know what more to propose. The -only- thing I can think of right now is that you need to take it easy. The first step of tackling an addiction is reconizing it; The next step is to make small goals in terms of limiting yourself. The suggestions people posted are great, but maybe try to slowly add them into your schedule? That way it won't hit you so hard and it'll be easier to let it go. (Ie. You play 13 hours daily, so you tell yourself "Okay, tomorrow I'm gonna play 1 hour less". And a few days after that, you tell yourself you're going to play 1 hour less of the time you played the previous days. And so fort.)

Hope it helps. (: Also in terms on excersice, along with doing what you're already doing, try to do stuff like walking/jogging/running for 15~30 mins. It'll do more for you than just what you're already doing.

[ZuWrath]

-no comment-

I am COMPLETELY speechless! Everyone has contributed in helping me out, I feel so. . . Abnormal. I never expected to get this much help :D I will put all of this into good use! I have written it all down, and I play on working it out well!

Thank you ALL!

[Ardinea]

Yep, Maple is pointless. Unfortunately, I learned it the hard way because I let my grades slide a bit and I slacked in getting prepared for college. I also let my mood get the best of me because I can't train due to my Internet being faulty - thus, being in a bad mood because I can't hang around Maple without lag. It is friends who keep you going in Maple. If you did not have any friends on MS, you wouldn't be playing. The basic concept of the game is so dull and dry. Hold down a key and whack some monsters? I'd get bored of that in 2 minutes if I didn't have friends. If I did not happen upon my current guild, I would have quit 6 months ago because all of my friends have quit, gotten hacked, and who is left on my buddy list that isn't in my guild, I can't stand most of them. Now I am torn between quitting and staying because of several factors.

Don't let this happen to you, get a grip on your life before Maple gets to it first. I can't provide any advice because I'm stuck in the same situation as you.