Ask Me Help Desk - Addictive Website

Addictive Website

I use my laptop for work and my desktop to view news, look up information or items that I need and for e-mail. Never had an inclination for chat-lines etc. A few days ago I posted a thermostat question that labman was kind enough to address. Soon I found myself reading new posts, and throwing in my two cents when I thought appropriate. Now I spend more time hunched over my computer than I think prudent, reading old and new posts. Will this fascination with other peoples problems/questions wane with the passage of time, or should I begin to worry?

Site

These sites can become adictive, I have been doing them for for about 7 years now on various areas. First it should never interfere with you work, and when it starts effecting your life, it is too much

Never allow anything to control you, you always have the control

Be afraid, very afraid.

Some people spend incredible amounts of time on this site, as can be seen by examining the number of posts attributed to the user. Personally I only do it as a hobby, when I have some spare time at home - never at work. I don't even know if this site is firewalled at my place of employment or not because I've never tried to access it. It's fun to "throw in your two cents", as you mentioned. I guess any website has the potential to be addictive, depending on what one is naturally inclined to be drawn to. If you feel like it's getting out of control, then walk away and do something else like watch a movie.

Websites can definitely be addicting. I've been coming to this site more often than usual lately, but it's mostly because I've been off work for a couple of weeks, and the weather is VERY cold here. I would never access the site from my work, even though I work independently in a studio space and have internet access there. I personally find that my interest in various internet activities (and video games as well) waxes and wanes depending on what else I'm doing in my life at the time. Once my fiancé is off work in a couple of days, I probably won't be online as much, because I'll have him to entertain. ;)

So I guess the best thing for you to do is see if your use of this site interferes with other activities, your work, and relationships with people. If it does, I'd say you have a problem. Make sure you aren't doing it in place of other more fun or useful activities.

I work during the day and my job is busy and hectic, but I find the time to visit this board at night to give a couple of advice to people who are in need of help, whether it's beauty, fashion or any situation. I don't come to this board on weekends because my boyfriend and people are in demand of my time. Besides, I love to go out and spending time with people that are close to me.

People who feel that they have become addicted to this site must learn to have self control. Especially, if they have kids, your family should be the most important thing in your life. So try to spend more time with your love ones and less time on Internet boards.

I shall heed the words of caution.

Thank you all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by labman

Be afraid, very afraid.

I second that.

Hehehehehe, we've got you now and we're not letting go ;)

I have to admit I really enjoy coming on this site. I should not really be coming on here so much during work time - but it's so stressful that coming on here talking to you guys keeps me completely sane and helps me to get the stuff that build up inside me off my chest. So I guess you call it therepy in a way and you are all my counselors lol

Addiction

I am at work,in the office.I should be preparing the day center rota,plus outreach staff rota's,but here I am on this site,but I don't think it's addictive,addictive,addictive,addictive:D

Nah,that was a lie.I don't go into work today till 11:am,UK time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nez

I am at work,in the office.I should be preparing the day center rota,plus outreach staff rota's,but here I am on this site,but I dont think it's addictive,addictive,addictive,addictive:D

Nah,that was a lie.I dont go into work today till 11:am,UK time.

I don't usually start until 10am (UK time) but I am in earlier today as I have to leave earlier. I am doing a Children's Christmas disco from 5 -7pm - so hopefully that will get me in the Christmas spirit.

I really should do some work - we have 2 weddings this week and I have got to clear my desk as I finish work on Friday and then I have 2weeks off. I did not have to book it either!!

Addictive

Hi,
It's the same as anything else; spend your time on what is important, and what you need to do, or like to do.
Some have more time to spend on a computer, others don't have much time at all, due to more pressing matters. Some have part-time jobs on computers.
Any site can be good, whether it's a Group set up by you, a chat site, or a question/answer site. Some like to swap craft pictures; as my wife is the founder and moderator of such a site. Due to health, she stays in most of the time.
It all depends on you.

This site can be addictive. Im a stay at home mom so I can spend a little extra time on this site than most people can. But not all day or for hours on end. I can't if I did that nothing would get done during the day. Sometimes Ill be on this site and loose track of time. Its crazy. But I don't respond to hundreds of posts at a time I look to see which ones that I can offer valuable advice or words of encouragement. I don't respond to ones that I knowingly can't offer help for(like technical computer problems) I don't mind spending time her because this is something I enjoy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

This site can be addictive. Im a stay at home mom so I can spend a little extra time on this site than most people can. But not all day or for hours on end. I can't if i did that nothing would get done during the day. Sometimes Ill be on this site and loose track of time. Its crazy. But I don't respond to hundreds of posts at a time I look to see which ones that I can offer valuble advice or words of encouragement. I don't respond to ones that I knowingly can't offer help for(like technical computer problems) I don't mind spending time her because this is something I enjoy.

I agree with you totally. It can be addictive - and it is so easy to lose track of time.

You know what's really funny? What gets me in trouble is when I type in a post and then someone responds to it, I always have to see what others wrote to respond back to it. I don't mind though. Its just funny.:p

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

you know whats really funny? what gets me in trouble is when I type in a post and then someone responds to it, I always have to see what others wrote to respond back to it. I don't mind though. Its just funny.:p

I do the very same thing - that's where the addiction comes in I think :p

I haven't found any other sites like this on the web. Are there any other help sites like this one? The ony ones I have found are message boards that only have teeny boppers on them. Those aren't very thrilling, 4 sure.:rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

I haven't found any other sites like this on the web. Are there any other help sites like this one? The ony ones I have found are message boards that only have teeny boppers on them. Those arn't very thrilling, 4 sure.:rolleyes:

Not at all - but I do have a good laugh at some of them lol

Oh they are hilarious, I had a twelve year old boy hitting on me. I was like what in the world is this! I posted a message to someone about a break up she was going through and this kid responded asking me what I looked like and some other things that are way to inappropriate to mention here. He was like twelve years old. Where are these parents? Anyway needless to say I won't be going back there again, eeewww!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

Oh they are hilarious, I had a twelve year old boy hitting on me. I was like what in the world is this! I posted a message to someone about a break up she was going through and this kid responded asking me what I looked like and some other things that are way to inappropriate to mention here. He was like twelve years old. Where are these parents? Anyway needless to say I won't be going back there again, eeewww!

OMG - that's just wrong!! - but they are funny.

The language used is amusing - you can tell just how young they are bless then - and their problems always seem so trivial compared to ours lol

Oh I know, I wanted to say "your twelve" you shouldn't be concerned with boyfriends or girlfriends. I don't know I never really thought about stuff like that at that age I still played with Barbies.hee, hee! Hey just realized what was this Thread about? Did we get way off the topic or what?:p

I never thought about stuff like that either. I mean I always wanted someone to dance with at school discos (just because everyone else did) but I was more interested in having fun with my friends.

My little brother is 8yrs old and he knows about sex & everything - it's disturbing to hear some of the things that come out of his mouth.

Boy - we did get way off track lol

Coming to this site has improved how I feel about myself. It used to be that I did not know what to say to people when they needed advice and I always felt useless. Now Im much better at it than I thought. I have suffered from depression for some years now and when I come in here and can help people then It helps take my mind of things. I don't feel like Im addicted to the site. I just feel that I am useful for something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

I haven't found any other sites like this on the web. Are there any other help sites like this one? The ony ones I have found are message boards that only have teeny boppers on them. Those arn't very thrilling, 4 sure.:rolleyes:

Hey Girl,

Try AllExperts.com That used to be my home Q&A site until I navagated over here.( I still post on the plumbing page) At AllExperts you're on your own. The questions are directed at you personally. There's no interaction with the other experts and this site with its expert forums are more chatty and expert friendly. You might also try Answerway.com but the experts on the experts forum there are, in my estimation, all certifiably insane. A few that posted over here were banned after a few posts. But then the experts over there might think I'm certifiably insane.
Have fun, Tom

Speedball, thank you for the information. Its nice to know that there are other sites out there to get involved with. Although I am a bit partial to this one.:)

I just love hearing that people love this site so much. Yaaayyyy!! :D

Oh my lord, help me, I just posted my first smiley...

Speedball1, I know you're a veteran expert from AskMe.com, and I appreciate your consideration for others. But I don't thing it's right to refer people to websites similar to Help Me Help Desk because the moderators are trying to get more experts to join this great board. The majority of members here are warm and friendly people that give good advice. When I was new to this site, I felt welcomed by Fred, Chery, ScottGem and others. I wasn't going to stay due to work and other obligations, but Chery has posted some encouraging words to me on some of the threads, therefore, it made me stay to help out people. I'm happy coming here, I think this site is so much better than those other sites on the Internet.

Comment on admin's post

Yes admin the site is AWESOME! I love it and keep up the good work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizygurl

This site can be addictive. Im a stay at home mom so I can spend a little extra time on this site than most people can.

Oh YIKES I'm going to be a stay at home mom soon too, hope I don't get seriously addicted then! ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettynPetite1

Speedball1, I know your a veteran expert from AskMe.com, and I appreciate your consideration for others. But I don't thing it's right to refer people to websites similar to Help Me Help Desk because the moderators are trying to get more experts to join this great board. The majority of members here are warm and friendly people that give good advice. When I was new to this site, I felt welcomed by Fred, Chery, ScottGem and others. I wasn't going to stay due to work and other obligations, but Chery has posted some encouraging words to me on some of the threads, therefore, it made me stay to help out people. I'm happy coming here, I think this site is so much better than those other sites on the Internet.

Gee Pretty,

That's exactly what they said over at AnswerWay when I trolled for experts to come over here and check us out. I'm not attempting to get experts to move out of AMHD there was a question up and I answered it. I'm not detracting from this site. I'm helping to build it. But I do appreciate your criticism. Your loyalty is admirable and I'm glad you decided to stay also.
Regards, Tom

From the heart

Being a people person with nuthin' else to do I love trying to give those in need the benefit of my experience hoping it makes a difference.I've come to view some of the regulars to this site as friends and just good people.ok maybe I have gotten addicted to this site but so what, would you prefer I did crack or what!:cool:

I wasn't necessarily asking about other sites because I wanted to leave this one. I was just curious to know if there are ones similar to this one, since I'v seen many that are'nt that great. I love this site, are you kidding I wouldn't dream of leaving this!:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedball1

Gee Pretty,

That's exactly what they said over at AnswerWay when I trolled for experts to come over here and check us out. I'm not attempting to get experts to move out of AMHD there was a question up and I answered it. I'm not detracting from this site. I'm helping to build it. But I do appreciate your criticism. Your loyalty is admirable and I'm glad you decided to stay also.
Regards, Tom

Mr. Tom, I see your 78 years young. Thank you for using your knowledge and experience to help others, your presence is greatly appreciated. You rock. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettynPetite1

Mr. Tom, I see your 78 years young. Thank you for using your knowledge and experience to help others, your presence is greatly appreciated. You rock. ;)

I'll second that ;)

I guess this website must be addictive. Im currently running a fever of 101 and feeling very not good and here I am in the help desk. Im just crazy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by admin

I just love hearing that people love this site so much. Yaaayyyy!!!:D

Oh my lord, help me, I just posted my first smiley...

Be careful! From my expertise as a smiley addict, it just starts with one and then goes on and on and on... Now you have to find another crutch or you'll be stuck.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_103.gifOh, what tangled... how's that saying? Anyway, I love this forum and wish everyone Happy Holidays!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr D

I use my laptop for work and my desktop to view news, look up information or items that I need and for e-mail. Never had an inclination for chat-lines etc. A few days ago I posted a thermostat question that labman was kind enough to address. Soon I found myself reading new posts, and throwing in my two cents when I thought appropriate. Now I spend more time hunched over my computer than I think prudent, reading old and new posts. Will this fascination with other peoples problems/questions wane with the passage of time, or should I begin to worry?

I'm stuck at home due to illness, but help my therapy patients through the net now or they call me on the phone. So when I had a problem and found this site, I thought, fine, that's that, until I read some posts and 'met' some real cool people. They now feel like a family to me and I spend an average of three hours each day here. I'm a recovering alcoholic, dry for 25 years now, and I'd rather spend time here than ever have another drink. This benefits me by keeping me in contact with the outside world, but can well see the threat of becoming a fulltime addiction if I don't force myself to stop at a certain time. But, if you are a 'people person' and can control yourself, there is no better place to be, in my opinion. I do however, drop everything when my daughter comes by or I go to her place as nothing can take her place. Hope you enjoy it here for as long as you want to stay. Happy Holidays!

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_101.gifI bet you can guess I'm the smiley lady...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettynPetite1

I don't thing it's right to refer people to websites similar to Help Me Help Desk.

As Tom noted, he was criticized on Answerway for referring people here, but since I was the one doing the criticism, I must point out the differences. On Answerway, Tom posted unsolicited advice to try out this site. To me that's like walking into WalMart and telling people to go to Target.

However, this is different. In this case someone asked the question about whether there are other sites like this one. The fact is there are dozens maybe hundreds. Some are general like this one, others are more specific to different issues. I see nothing wrong in answering a question about other sites if asked. If Tom hadn't beat me to it I would have made some of the same suggestions.

Scott<>

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr D

Soon I found myself reading new posts, and throwing in my two cents when I thought appropriate. Now I spend more time hunched over my computer than I think prudent, reading old and new posts. Will this fascination with other peoples problems/questions wane with the passage of time, or should I begin to worry?

I started on these help boards almost 20 years ago. Before the WEB, I used local SIGs (Special Interest Groups), Compuserve, Genie, Prodigy, AOL and then onto the WEB with AskMe.com and others

Much of the reason I continue to do this is because the only remuneration asked by the people I got help from when I started was to "pay it forward". But I also enjoy knowing that I have helped someone make the most of their computing experience.

Scott<>