Well, I just spent the last hour trying to remember the password to my blog. Infuriating. I also spent a good chunk of time catching up on all the other blogs I read. I just haven't taken the time lately.
I won't bore anyone with the details - I just felt like I should post something to say to the world that I am still alive.
I actually called my dad the other day. Shocker, I know. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but as my family can emphatically attest to, I don't call anyone.
I am also officially official at work now. 25 Jan marked my switch over from temporary employee to full hire status. So now I actually get benefits and whatnot. Yeah me!
So...ummm....tah dah!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Reputation and Religion
Awhile back I mention I was playing Diplomacy by email. Since turns only happen once a week, not much game time has passed. In any case, here is the map update:
(Since I can't get this new version of Blogger to NOT cut off the eastern portion of the map, here is a smaller version of the whole thing)
Again, I am playing Russia (the white pieces/territory) and 18 dots (supply centers) are needed to win. If you compare the old map with this one, you may notice that my former ally, the Austrian-Hungary Empire (red) is gone. Yup, he dropped the game and Italy gobbled up his territory. Fortunately, he left before I openly committed myself to the alliance and I have been able to strike up a non-involvement agreement with Italy. I would let him have the Austrian lands if he kept out of the Turkish lands. So far the agreement has held and I am finally in a position to crush Turkey...alone if need be.
Recently, the German player dropped the game as well and was replaced by someone who is...umm...not as good with the tactical decisions. Germany is on a severe downslide. England still isn't looking too good and, indeed, his time is short. France has made a bit of a comeback against the confused German troops.
Now, to associate this with the title of my post: Turkey and England both refuse to talk to me and their final messages were filled with...how to put this...uncomplimentary words. This was due to my having either lied or broken a treaty early. I don't think Italy trusts me - I can't say I trust him either, so that is probably healthy for both of us. My point is this: although the other players don't know anything about my religious views, it has given me pause to think if a game like this can be played in a way that I can answer the following question in the affirmative: "Are you honest with your fellow man?"
Yes, it is a game, but should that matter? In my life, right now, I could never blatantly double-cross someone - I value my reputation too much and would be ashamed of myself. I have done something like this in the past and I am still ashamed whenever I think about it, even though I was forgiven by the person.
In this game, it has stung to be called names that I probably deserved, but it doesn't reach the level of "shame" because I justify it as a "just a game." If you have ever watched the TV show "Survivor," it reminds me of all the bitter and hateful people at the end who berate and insult the two finalists just because they aren't there themselves. It's all sour grapes, but they may feel (right or wrong) betrayed by the object of their scorn.
So, are my actions hypocritical ? Perhaps. I still feel I can draw the line between reality and a game and act accordingly. But is the loss of real reputation (as perceived by others) worth the gains of victory in a game?
It's an interesting thought to think...
(Since I can't get this new version of Blogger to NOT cut off the eastern portion of the map, here is a smaller version of the whole thing)
Again, I am playing Russia (the white pieces/territory) and 18 dots (supply centers) are needed to win. If you compare the old map with this one, you may notice that my former ally, the Austrian-Hungary Empire (red) is gone. Yup, he dropped the game and Italy gobbled up his territory. Fortunately, he left before I openly committed myself to the alliance and I have been able to strike up a non-involvement agreement with Italy. I would let him have the Austrian lands if he kept out of the Turkish lands. So far the agreement has held and I am finally in a position to crush Turkey...alone if need be.
Recently, the German player dropped the game as well and was replaced by someone who is...umm...not as good with the tactical decisions. Germany is on a severe downslide. England still isn't looking too good and, indeed, his time is short. France has made a bit of a comeback against the confused German troops.
Now, to associate this with the title of my post: Turkey and England both refuse to talk to me and their final messages were filled with...how to put this...uncomplimentary words. This was due to my having either lied or broken a treaty early. I don't think Italy trusts me - I can't say I trust him either, so that is probably healthy for both of us. My point is this: although the other players don't know anything about my religious views, it has given me pause to think if a game like this can be played in a way that I can answer the following question in the affirmative: "Are you honest with your fellow man?"
Yes, it is a game, but should that matter? In my life, right now, I could never blatantly double-cross someone - I value my reputation too much and would be ashamed of myself. I have done something like this in the past and I am still ashamed whenever I think about it, even though I was forgiven by the person.
In this game, it has stung to be called names that I probably deserved, but it doesn't reach the level of "shame" because I justify it as a "just a game." If you have ever watched the TV show "Survivor," it reminds me of all the bitter and hateful people at the end who berate and insult the two finalists just because they aren't there themselves. It's all sour grapes, but they may feel (right or wrong) betrayed by the object of their scorn.
So, are my actions hypocritical ? Perhaps. I still feel I can draw the line between reality and a game and act accordingly. But is the loss of real reputation (as perceived by others) worth the gains of victory in a game?
It's an interesting thought to think...
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Resolutions
I generally don't make New Year's Resolutions. It is generally too depressing to fail at a long list of things. However, this year I decided to do a list and write down things that I think are at least in the realm of possibility. So, without further ado:
Okay, that last one should certainly be "Weekly" and not bi-weekly, but as I mentioned above, I wanted to keep it in the realm of possibility.
Okay, that last one should certainly be "Weekly" and not bi-weekly, but as I mentioned above, I wanted to keep it in the realm of possibility.
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