[Not A Speck Of Cereal]

Originally Posted by MoriartyL

1. Do you consider yourself grounded in the real world?
2. Do you hang out with people more interesting than yourself?
3. Is there a person somewhere in the world who is so dull that you could study his/her life for ten years and still not find anything remotely interesting about them?

1. Define 'real world'
2. There is always someone more interesting than yourself
3. There is always someone more dull than yourself, such as that you will never find them otherwise

_________________________________
Have you ever felt that your moment in time is but a moment in a screenplay of a film?
Has work stress ever gotten to a point for you where it transcends stress and moves to a point of sheer abandonment?
If so, do you consider that a (or another) moment of failure, or simply another level of advancement for you to achieve and conquer?

[tsa]

Originally Posted by Not A Speck Of Cereal

Have you ever felt that your moment in time is but a moment in a screenplay of a film?
Has work stress ever gotten to a point for you where it transcends stress and moves to a point of sheer abandonment?
If so, do you consider that a (or another) moment of failure, or simply another level of advancement for you to achieve and conquer?

1. No. Why should I?
2. & 3. If it comes to that you know you had to say 'no' a few more times when people tried to let you do more work.

########################

1. Why?
2. What?
3. When?

[Hammerite]

1. Because.
2. That.
3. SEVEN DAYSSSSSsss...
_____

1. Have you ever worried about something a lot that turned out to be nothing to worry about at all?
2. In the game adaptation of the film adaptation of your life, how shite would the control system be?
3. How can you not let shyness or anxiety hinder you in doing what you want to do?

[Marduk]

1. Have you ever worried about something a lot that turned out to be nothing to worry about at all?

All the time.

2. In the game adaptation of the film adaptation of your life, how shite would the control system be?

I imagine if they ever made a movie out of my life then it's because whatever happened to Michael Douglas (some kind of break down) in Falling Down happened to me. The game would be an FPS with no crosshairs.

3. How can you not let shyness or anxiety hinder you in doing what you want to do?

There are many drugs which limit or stifle your inhibitions. Alcohol is probably the most popular, however the quantities necessary will probably impair your ability to do it with the degree of competence you were hoping for. I couldn’t tell you about other drugs that can help, here, because I’ve never really looked into it.

1. What was the last song to be stuck in your head?
2. Did you dislodge it?
3. What method, if any, did you use to dislodge that song?

[Squinky]

1. Stairway to Heaven, for no apparent reason.
2. I had until you reminded me of it. Thanks a lot.
3. It sort of just went away on its own this time around.

***

1. Drugs, drugs, drugs: which are good, which are bad?
2. Live music or electronic music?
3. How long do you think you could tolerate not having access to running water?

[Maquisard]

1. Good: coffee, nicotine, THC
Bad: everything else. Not that I've tried.

2. Live.

3. 2 days
___

1. Which drugs, if any, have you taken, considered taking, or been offered?
2. What do you say most often?
3. Do you feel successful, and why?

[Not A Speck Of Cereal]

Originally Posted by Maquisard

1. Which drugs, if any, have you taken, considered taking, or been offered?
2. What do you say most often?
3. Do you feel successful, and why?

1. Nicotine, caffeine, booze, pot, cocaine, acid, mushrooms, mescaline, all experienced at some point, some in excess, some only a time or two in curiosity, no smack. Report: you don't need it.
2. I say "Eh?" quite a bit, and I'm not even Canadian
3. Yes I am. Why am I? There are too many variables between what amounts to skill and chance entering into the equation that found me secure, and those that found the likes of Richard Branson such a success. Smarts, drive, vision, unique sense of opportunity while yet combined with fortuitous circumstance, all in varying degrees. Stir it in a pot and add a pinch of fate. Wikipedia doesn't list Branson's academic achievements, except to say that he was dyslesic and had poor academic performance. Me too. Why are we different?

_______________________________

1. Did you finish higher education in your field of study?
2. Have you attained a secure position in that field?
3. If yes, can you attribute your sucess to anything other than your education? If so, what?

[tsa]

Originally Posted by Not A Speck Of Cereal

1. Did you finish higher education in your field of study?
2. Have you attained a secure position in that field?
3. If yes, can you attribute your sucess to anything other than your education? If so, what?

1. Yes, I have a Ph.D. in physics/chemistry.
2. You're joking, right? A secure position in science in the Netherlands? No way. I am very disappointed in the way I've been treated by the University lately. Not by my Professor, but by the people in charge of hiring and firing people. They have no idea who you are and what you've achieved.
3. Yes, mainly perseverance and stubbornness. I am very proud that I managed to get my Ph.D. in only 3 months extra time than the four years I had, despite going though a time, from the third year on, where I felt very bad and was often sick.

---

I pass Specksie's very interesting questions on to the next person.

[Squinky]

1. Just a bachelor's degree, but it was in computer science rather than something specific to game design.
2. This industry tends to change very quickly, so I have no idea how secure my position is. I do have a salary and benefits, so that's something, I guess.
3. Whatever success I have is more a result of informal education than formal education, and finding the right place to be at the right time helps as well.

***

1. Why are shy, geeky guys so afraid of girls?
2. Does it ever occur to those shy, geeky guys that there are shy, geeky girls out there who are just as socially inept as they are?
3. Do you think it's easier or harder if a shy, geeky guy or girl happens to be attracted to a person of the same sex?

[Hammerite]

These questions seem aimed at me, so I give them my (not that fantastic) answers!!

1. I can't speak for all shy, geeky guys - but I personally get very nervous and awkward around anyone I don't know, and the traits I show aren't those I want to put across to someone who I like in 'that' way.
I find I'm cool talking to pretty much anyone as long as they talk to me in a nice and non-patronising way, but I can't expect anyone to just realise that I'm shit at initiating conversation.

2. It occurs to me - especially having recently watched 'Eagle vs. Shark' - but I've only met one girl who was like that (we kind of hit it off in a shy and awkward way), but unfortunately she was only in school for a year.

3. As I said, I personally have difficulty with most people - moreso with people I'm attracted to, so it probably wouldn't be easier. Given some people's reaction to homosexuality, it would likely be harder.
____

1. What was the last film/book/record/whatever to have a profound effect on you?

2. How do the societies and clubs in a university (this may only really apply to UK forumites, sorry if that's the case) help to develop friendships and stuff?

3. How is it that there are so many creative and expressive people who, in their private lives, are known to be extremely shy?

[Trumgottist]

Originally Posted by Hammerite

1. What was the last film/book/record/whatever to have a profound effect on you?

2. How do the societies and clubs in a university (this may only really apply to UK forumites, sorry if that's the case) help to develop friendships and stuff?

3. How is it that there are so many creative and expressive people who, in their private lives, are known to be extremely shy?

1. Bridge to Terabithia (the movie - I haven't read the book). I've also been listening to Live Art by The Flecktones all summer. "Lochs of Dread" is just great.

But nothing beats a live concert. I listened to a great singer called Anna Emilsson a few weeks ago. Best concert of the year.

2. I don't know. I've never belonged to university societies or clubs. But I suppose any sort of community can help to develop friendships and stuff.

3. Maybe the extroverts don't have the same need to be creative? They get a fulfilling life without it, because they are good at interacting with people.

--

1. If someone were to describe you as odd or weird, how'd you react?

2. Are you weird?

3. Would you rather be a strange person or a member of a crowd?

[Maquisard]

1. Thanks.
2. I think so.
3. I prefer strangeness.
_______

1. What's your fav alcoholic beverage?
2. Fav cigarette brand?
3. How drunk am I right now?

[tsa]

Originally Posted by Squinky

1. Just a bachelor's degree

not so modest Squinky. You worked hard for it. Be prove of yourself!

3. Whatever success I have is more a result of informal education than formal education, and finding the right place to be at the right time helps as well.

I think your success is mainly because you proved yourself capable of producing a number of very cute and at the same time thought-provoking games, which show not only your computer skills but also your ability to come up with original ideas as well as the self-discipline and perseverance to start something and finish it. Those are qualities that are valued more than your education in the long run.

sorry, my phone seems to be unable to remove the rest of the text...
***

1. Why are shy, geeky guys so afraid of girls?
2. Does it ever occur to those shy, geeky guys that there are shy, geeky girls out there who are just as socially inept as they are?
3. Do you think it's easier or harder if a shy, geeky guy or girl happens to be attracted to a person of the same sex?[/QUOTE]

[Marduk]

Originally Posted by tsa

1. Why are shy, geeky guys so afraid of girls?

Well, as the question says we're very shy. Also we're more sensitive than most other males. Society says that it's the boy who should approach the girl and not the other way around because girls are too shy and sensitive for it.

I just don't think this is the case 100% of the time that a man is more shy than a woman. The thing is society says that women shouldn't have to find out whether they're too shy to approach a girl.

I think I'll just head for the next question....

2. Does it ever occur to those shy, geeky guys that there are shy, geeky girls out there who are just as socially inept as they are?

Probably. The problem with being both shy and geeky is that there are few places for them to meet and socialise. (Traditionally shyness and geekiness are traits that cause one to want to stay inside). Even if there were more appropriate social venues for shy geekiness I must assume those people who would go there would still have to overcome the problem of being shy.

3. Do you think it's easier or harder if a shy, geeky guy or girl happens to be attracted to a person of the same sex?

Well I imagine that it would be easier for 2 male geeks. "No" just isn't in our vocabulary if we happen to be single. (Sadly it isn't in the vocabulary of some men whether they're single or not, but just as sadly that isn't limited to men).

I couldn't speculate about women, though. A bisexual acquaintance once told me it was easier. I guess this was because, with same sex relationships, there's less confusion as to who approaches whom and I suppose she must have discovered that she was actually quite confident when it came to doing so.

--------------


1. I recently went on a Caribbean food binge all because of the new monkey island games. Have you ever done anything like this?
2. Have you ever been deeply affected by the death of a fictional character as much as you might be by that of a real life person?
3. If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl... would you ask me out?

[Intrepid Homoludens]

Originally Posted by Marduk

Well I imagine that it would be easier for 2 male geeks.

No it isn't. *shrugs*

[Hammerite]

1. The Harry Potter films spurned an interest in the occult that led me to summon monstrous beasts from the nether dimensions... I kid. I can't think of any situation that I've done that in, sorry.

2. Having been affected somewhat by the death of an old friend at quite an early age, I can't say fictional characters' death have had such a huge effect on me (though BEFORE that happened, I was kind of pissed of at Sephiroth for killing Aeris... the BASTARD!)

3. I don't know what I'd be like as a shy and geeky girl - but you seem like a nice enough person from the posts you have posted here.
____

1. What would you recommend someone do, read, listen to, etc. at some point?

2. Is it true that anxiety can have a physical effect?

3. If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl... would you ask me out?

[Marduk]

Originally Posted by Hammerite

1. What would you recommend someone do

I love swimming. It's the best form of exercise, in my opinion and would gladly recommend it as such to anybody.

read

Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman". I was about to give a spoiler on this but I caught myself

listen to, etc. at some point?

Weirdly enough I think this, more than the other 2 (and many other recommendations you might ask me for) is something where you'd really have to know the person to whom you're making the recommendation reasonably well. As a general recommendation I'd have to say.... No, sorry I pass. I don't listen to enough music that can be appreciated on a wide enough scale to give as a general recommendation.

2. Is it true that anxiety can have a physical effect?

YES. more than one, actually. In fact, as I'm unable to recognise most of my emotions when I have them the only way that I know I'm under stress is when my mouth and throat are full of ulcers.

3. If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl... would you ask me out?

No, i'd be too shy But if I was a shy, geeky girl determined to become more confident then I'd certainly give it a shot

--------

1. Will Adventure Games ever reclaim their rightful place in the world of gaming?

2. Will developers ever try to make an FPS that doesn't give certain people motion sickness as some currently do?

3. (I really just wanted to rephrase this) If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl who was trying to overcome said shyness... would you ask me out? ([EDIT] I've been thinking about this and I think it might smell of desperation to some people. I'm seeing somebody at the moment and I just want to assure people that I'm not trolling AdventureGamers.com for women. I just wanted to rephrase the question to sound logical).

[MoriartyL]

Marduk, you answered Squinky's already-answered questions (You seem to have thought they were tsa's.) and ignored Maquisard's questions.

Originally Posted by Maquisard

1. What's your fav alcoholic beverage?
2. Fav cigarette brand?
3. How drunk am I right now?

1. I don't drink alcoholic beverages.
2. I certainly don't smoke.
3. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're totally sober.

Okay, so those weren't brilliant questions. But it's just rude to ignore them, don't you think?

Originally Posted by Marduk

1. Will Adventure Games ever reclaim their rightful place in the world of gaming?

2. Will developers ever try to make an FPS that doesn't give certain people motion sickness as some currently do?

3. (I really just wanted to rephrase this) If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl who was trying to overcome said shyness... would you ask me out? ([EDIT] I've been thinking about this and I think it might smell of desperation to some people. I'm seeing somebody at the moment and I just want to assure people that I'm not trolling AdventureGamers.com for women. I just wanted to rephrase the question to sound logical).

1. No, they'll never reclaim the place they once had. That place doesn't exist anymore, as what was once a novelty is now stale. But they'll find a new place in "the world of gaming". A better, more sustainable one.
2. No.
3. Y'know, the first time you asked I might have played along and said "yes". But this is the third time this question is being asked, and it hasn't gotten any less desperate-sounding. So I'm going to say "No, please leave me alone.".

================================================== ====

1. What has more (theoretical) potential for drama: movies or adventure games?
2. What's more interesting to you, puzzles or strategy?
3. How far would you go in getting people to try something you like?

[Marduk]

Originally Posted by MoriartyL

Marduk, you answered Squinky's already-answered questions (You seem to have thought they were tsa's.) and ignored Maquisard's questions.

Ah, I read what looked like his answers and jumped to the questions. I assumed he was asking the same ones again for somebody else to answer, which I assumed was OK.

Sorry.

Y'know, the first time you asked I might have played along and said "yes". But this is the third time this question is being asked, and it hasn't gotten any less desperate-sounding. So I'm going to say "No, please leave me alone."

LOL!

[Maquisard]

Originally Posted by Marduk

3. (I really just wanted to rephrase this) If you were (or if you are) a shy and geeky single girl who was trying to overcome said shyness... would you ask me out? ([EDIT] I've been thinking about this and I think it might smell of desperation to some people. I'm seeing somebody at the moment and I just want to assure people that I'm not trolling AdventureGamers.com for women. I just wanted to rephrase the question to sound logical).

I found this interesting, but Mory beat me to it. In my experience, and speaking as a guy now, a girl has to be pretty fucking exceptional for a shy geek to finally decide to overcome whatever barriers he has to showing romantic interest, on the off chance that he could land the greatest thing that could ever happen to him. I think it's also important where this shyness comes from. For me, it was a negative self image, physicality-wise. Of course, the self mind-fuck "who'd wanna go out with me" was completely unrealistic, 'cause there were plenty who wanted to, I just didn't think I'd be able to retain their interest very long. If someone here has similar self-perception, consider the fact that people out there spend a lot less time looking at you and spotting your flaws, than you do in the mirror. And personality and humor go a long way. Therefore, it's not just a matter of overcoming shyness to ask someone to go out, but overcoming your delusions and deciding, "I'm worthy of love", in order to become receptive, or inviting, of someone asking you out as well. Although, don't hold your breath if you're a guy.