To game.

[technoir]

What is a gamer? I suppose the simple answer would be, one who participates in games. It is a clear definition, if somewhat incomplete. I am gamer. Gamers are a subculture in a way. A grouping of folks who enjoy spending their free time playing games, more specifically Role playing games. MOst of my friends are gamers. We are diverse in our other interest's. Would be filmakers play the same games as lawers and doctors. One thing I have a problem with, and I hope I am not alone, is the perception of gamers and gaming.

For years gaming took a bad rap in the circles of the religious right, but the ones that irritate me more are other wise decent folks who treat me like I am spending my energies on something unworthy. My own grandmother, bless her old fashioned heart, is very much a case of this. When ever the subject of how I spend my weekends comes up, smiles and says "oh you still do that?" with all the condesending one might give me if they found out I still wet my bed. I have seen people who otherwise fit neatly into the counter culture, treat gaming with the disdain a conservative would treat a pot smoking hippie. Why is gaming so much more contemptable. It is a hobby which requires the use of your brain. It is creative and people can and do have a talent for it as surely as people have a talent to sing. How is it that playing bridge is some how a better way to spend my time? Why is my hobby not as good as someone else's? I am so tired of having my past time, one which I like to think I have a talent for, berated and belittled by people who dont take the time to learn any thing about it.

I am done ranting.

for now....

TechNoir

Comments

Givin' o' the props...

[carnivorax.livejournal.com]

I've always thought you an excellent gamer and
roleplayer one of the better ones I know.
Especially when it came to hard roles to play or
when you ran a game for us here in chattavegas.
I know we can be some resourceful cut-throat
sumbitches here. I have never felt shame or
persecution for my interest in the hobby. But I
agree that it is grossly misunderstood. Much like
Twin Peaks or Proficient Foreplay it has to be
experienced before really any pertinent commentary
can be made about it.

Heh, I got to use the word Foreplay...

Uhm anyways. I've watched the tides of gamers pass
over the years and noticed the various trends both
good and bad come and go. We have always been
surprisingly on the money when it comes to our
thoughts about the trends of products and future for
the hobby in general. Maybe we should get jobs
being consultants for the "Gaming futures market"
that'd be sweet. Of course it's also utter nonsense.
but it sounded amusing.

I will always be happy to share this pastime with
you. There are few I'd rather entertain it with.
Damned few.

Next time Gadget?!!
SN

Re: Givin' o' the props...

[technoir.livejournal.com]

I have never felt shame for the hobby just frustration at the perception. You dont see sports fans ridiculed or berated for wasting their time on such nonsence. If I have a talent for painting I am not made to feel it is a waste of my time to persue it, but if my talent lies in playing difficult role play charicters I am told it is not as important as if I were persuing a real art.

grumble.