Musings of a Recovering Hubaholic
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How I Became A Hubaholic
It all started innocently enough. I stumbled into Hubpages one day and toured the site. Not exactly being up on cutting edge web phenomena, I had never heard of a Hub, but I was intrigued by the concept and delighted by the diversity of people and opinions. Clearly this was not a mere marketing tool, but a committed, virtual community with a wide range of interests that offered a variety of possibilities. I clicked and read and the hours just flew by. No porn, no junk, a clear set of rules and a great friendly staff to enforce them. Quality content rewarded.-- even the possibility of some extra money. Wonderful!
Next, I joined up and wrote my first hub, answering a request from another hubber. I picked a simple request that required only an opinion but no research on my part, so I could concentrate on learning how to manipulate the capsules and figure out that ebay and amazon stuff. It was all quite simple. My debut hub published, off I went to bed with dreams of hub-fame dancing in my head.
My Hubpages Binge
The next morning, coffee in hand, I booted up the computer to check my hub stats. Wow! People had actually read my hub and commented on it and best of all I had two fans! What more could a girl want? I was hooked. After that, I couldn’t seem to stop. I wrote a second hub, and then a third and so on. Hub ideas kept churning around in my head day and night. Some of these actuallly became hubs,although I have to admit my output has not been prolific. Daily, sometimes hourly, I would re-read my hubs, tweak them, respond to comments and make a few comments myself on other people's hubs. I became a fan, left fan mail. I received fan mail too, which I liked. When I wasn't on Hubpages, I was thinking about being on Hubpages.
My hubs became more personal and more passionate. I aired my political views and my personal quirks. I re-wrote my profile and got myself a nifty new avatar. I read, I commented, and I checked my stats compulsively. I was obsessed by my numbers—page-views, comments, whether or not my hubs were hot or not. I watched with excitement as my Hubscore went up. One day it hit 97 and I felt like I had won the lottery. When it went back down to 93, I was devastated. I lurked in the Hubbers Hangout, picking up golden nuggets of information on keywords and SEO. It was like being in love. I was high on Hubpages.
Phone calls went unanswered. Dust bunnies multiplied under my bed. Social events, even trips to the car wash or the grocery store became unwelcome interruptions. My part time job at a local boutique where half the customers are my friends, was no more than a brief interlude between hub-sessions. My son and his wife, who live nearby, eventually dropped in on me one night to make sure I was OK because I live alone and they hadn’t heard from me in so long (they left, I might add, quite soon after I began babbling about my adventures in hub-land) I’d been on Hubpages for about six or eight weeks at this point and my addiction was raging. It wasn’t that I was writing a lot of hubs. I wasn’t. I was spending hours reading, commenting, chatting and lurking in the forums.
Then I got the flu and was too sick to hub for about ten days. I don’t know what happened during my illness, but when I logged on again, the obsessive intensity was gone. I read a few hubs, was bored by some, interested in others. I checked my stats and responded to unmoderated comments and then logged off. I started composing a hub, but left it when I had to go to work and didn't get back to it for days. I’m me again now. I’ve cleaned up my house and resumed my life. Hubpages is a part of my life, but not the primary focus. The novelty has worn off the way it does after the “where have you been all my life—we have so much in common” phase of a relationship. I am here to report that I am now a much more relaxed hubber who can go days without even thinking about her stats.
So what now?The binge has left me with a bit of a hangover. I've been thinking about my relationship to Hubpages. I’ve realized I can use the site in a variety of ways, not the least of which is as a source of recent online clips for free-lance assignments. The instant feedback I get from the comments to my hubs is wonderfully gratifying and I learn a lot there too. It’s wonderful to have such an immediate audience—kind of like an online writer’s group. I’m learning a lot about promoting my writing on the web as well, which will come in handy if I decide to do a blog or website after I’ve found my niche( which writing on Hubpages is also helping me with).. Best of all, Hubpages is exposing me to a wide variety of other writers from every corner of the globe who share their views and passions with me. There are hubbers old and young, male and female, and of every possible cultural, political, and religious stripe who offer opinion, advice, and information. It’s a great resource and I intend to use it and I hope to add something to the Hubpages community as well, but now it’s time to get back to real life. I'm going to write more, comment less, and only check and tweek my hubs once a week. OK, wish me luck/ I’m shutting down the computer now and I’m going outside to take a long walk .
I
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Comments
Robie - have you ever thought of creating a 12 step program for Hubaholics? Seems like you would be the perfect person to do that. Tell us all how you hit bottom and then recovered ... it would be a wonderful program ... and probably highly profitable.
Wonderful musings. I suspect there are quite a few Hubbers that can identify with you.
On a more serious note, I think a lot of people use the social interaction to fill an emotional need. Hence the near addiction to Hub, MySpace or FaceBook.
I will watch to see how soon you check this. I want to make sure you are actually cured.
I was the same way, I couldn't stay away from HubPages. Now I'm slightly better but still spend a lot of time here.
Great hub!
Is that what happens to all Hubbers???? I hate to admit that I still have the same feelings for hubpages as before. When I'm away from home I'm constantly wondering what's going on here. The first thing I do is turn on the computer when I come home.
My name is Zsuzsy and I am a Hubaholic....
Awesome hub Robbie regards Zsuzsy
Robie, I can relate. I have not recovered yet, but I feel more in control over the addiction. I can handle it :) I'm in denial, huh? I really enjoyed reading about your experience, thanks for sharing!
Robie, that's a great Hub. My experience mirrors yours in certain respects and differs in that your contributions are more original than mine. What a good writer you are compared to most of the resto of us! Keep 'em coming!
PS. To think all this while, I thought your avatar was an actual portrait! Anyway, it fits your style quite well.
ohmygosh--hi everyone. Just thought I'd check my comments before going to bed(Could this be considered a relapse?) Of course I'm thrilled that you all stopped by, and further delighted to know I'm not the only hubaholoic here. OK John--this is the first meeting of Hubaholics Anonymous LOL. Sally's Trove, good to see you and the flu is not a necessary component of recovery. Hi Uninvited Writer. Glad you stopped by. I'm enjoying your hubs too. Hi Zsuzsy--good to see you too. I always love to read your hubs--you too Amyjane--your hub-high is enjoyable for the rest of us and I hope for you too. And Ralph. I thank you for your kind words. I have to say that I find your hubs and comments soooo logical, well-reasoned and right-on that I always look for you BTW I just noticed--is that avatar of yours a paper tiger? Very clever--glad you like mine. I think she has a certain soulful qualityLOL--well, that's it for tonight. May the hub be with you all--nightie night.
This hub describes this experience in a well developed nutshell. I think it was most intense during the HubLove Contest. I also agree with Ralph, I thought your avatar is your portrait. Keep on hubbing. :)
Robie - you're right, it is an addictive place. I'm sure it makes sense to concentrate on production and restrict forum time to a minimum, but the willpower required to do that is considerable. Good hub!
Hi everyone, my name is funride and I´m a hubaholic. I started it as all of you but rapidity I was totally addicted. Now I´m "consuming" it everyday and I don´t think I´ll be able to stop! Hey, who cares for rehab! Is there anybody out there who wants to make another hub or, perhaps start a new topic on the forum!? :D
robie2 this is hiliariaous! I haven't gotten as addicted to Hubpages I think because I've been working so much, but it is hands down myFAVORITE place on hang out on the internet. Of all the writing sites I've found it is the friendliest. I've met so many nice people here, including and especially you!
Don't get too recovered--we would ALL miss you too much!
Hello all, and happy Sunday Raven,Para, funride and pg. Nice to meet more fellow addicts LOL. Wonder what a hub-rehab would look like, tee hee. Gotta run. Real life calls. Thanks for stopping. Catch you all on my next hub-binge:-)
Totally true and totally funny! I was over the top with the HubLove contest and am much relieved to find that the addiction has waned just a bit (just a bit mind you). We're going away this coming weekend for my dad's birthday and.. what to do, what to do. Will it be rude to bring my laptop and try to squeeze in half a hub? LOL. Spot on Robie. Still laughing. My name is Steph and I'm a Hubaholic.
So glad to hear I'm not the only one. This takes up way too much of my time that I should be using for other things...like work, cleaning, eating, and especially sleeping! Maybe I will be able to become an occasional binger too.
I just looked up the word "binger" because I wasn't sure if it even was a word, and found out it means, "a person addicted to crack cocaine." Guess I am a hubbing junky too.
How true it is. My wife sincerely believes I've lost my mind. No longer do I watch the races or follow Sportsline. I read hubs and think about my next publishing date. She understands. It's a matter of discipline and time management; sort of like life in general. Great Hub!
Hi Steph,Rhym and Rob. Thanks for the comments....dunno why, but knowing I'm not the only one makes me feel much better LOL
Nope, it's not a paper tiger, It's a Detroit Tiger.
Add me to the list robie. I hope to some day be a recovering hubaholic. At the moment, I am a functioning hubaholic, and I resent the fact that I have to log off to go to work! Congrats on your recovery. As for me, I'm going to brew another pot of coffee and see who else has posted hubs that I haven't read yet.
robie2...If there is one addiction im proud of it's being a hubaholic!! I too like you have to actually shut down my computer for a break lol.
I actually make hubs while im dreaming have when i wake up i have to do all over again!!!:/
My mistake, Ralph--I should have known you were not a paper tiger:-) Thanks for the link--go Tigers:-)
rmr, I don't think congrats are in order yet. I just logged on to respond to my comments but can't resist reading just a few hubs before I log off--hope I manage to tear myself away soon LOL
ooops Compu-Smart-- Your comment just popped up when submitted mine. Good to see you. I guess you are right--there are worse things than Hubbing to be addicted to, heh heh.
Robie2
At least my friend you are amongst good company. lol Great Hub.
Hello Doghouse-- I am indeed in good company--the best!
robie2 -
You have gone and exposed us all! LOL But like doghouse said, you are in good company here on hubpages... hence we all continue to hang out here. Such amazing people, with a myriad of information to share and teach with.
I like this addiction... okay, I just admitted it! I will be traveling and going on a cruise in just a few days. I wonder how many of my travel days that it will require - before I won't get the jitters because I cannot get to my computer? LOL
I am repeating over and over again in my mind... your hubs will be fine and your score won't drop too bad... your hubs will be fine...
But, I am sure that I will find some way to get connected. Just like any addict!
Gee thanks robie... I really needed to talk to someone:-) Perhaps you can take on the job here at HP - Hubber addiction and counseling!
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Have fun on your cruise, LdsNana--hey take your digital camera and hub about it when you get back:-) Now in my official capacity<ahem> as self appointed hub addiction counselor<wink> I advise you to have a wonderful time and assure you that though you will be missed, your hubs will be fine and your hubscore wont drop much(at least mine didn't during my ten day hiatus) and will leap back up the minute you start hubbing again. Always good to see you. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks Doc:-)
I feel so much better, for now.
Yes, I definitely intend to take at least one camera and perhaps two. I love photography... although I am only an amateur at best.
If I can get packed and on the road... I will most likely relax somewhat. I do travel everywhere I go, with iphone, laptop and camera(s). It is sick... I know this:-) But, what if I can connect out in the middle of the ocean... must be prepared you know? A little peak on the Hubs would not be so bad, right?
Thanks for the advice and wise counsel. Much needed:-)
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
I'll send you my bill later LOL Bon voyage!
OK, I have one more comment to share. Perhaps you (and others will laugh). When I was closing my eyes to go to sleep the other night, I actually saw the little spinning hub "saving" icon. Is that pathetic or what???
ROTFL-- I'm writing a new one right now
Seems I find myself heading for the hub every morning too.
Yes firead45--we are all doomed:-) It's a hard habit to break once you get started.
Hubs, blogs whatever, online publishing is great and its realy nice when you realise, as you said... people are actually reading your stuff!
It is amazing, isn't it? BTW Gadzooks--I like your dog:-)
This was a WONDERFUL read (and perhaps warning?!?) for me to run across as I am brand new to HubPages!!!
What a treat to find a kindred soul right off the bat... and one with a very entertaining writing style at that! THANK YOU!
Oh my... I feel the 'addiction' already...I've really gotta be off now(off to discover some more hubs! ;-))
Well thanks, Mary, and welcome to Hubpages. You are going to find it irresistable, trust me:-) .....so many hubs-so little time--click cilick click.......hope to see you soon around the hubs.
Add me to the list of Hubaholics. Fun reading to which I can definitely relate!
Hi Angela...you are a real contributor to my hub addiction, as I always enjoy your hubs. Thanks for stopping by.
I hope to become addicted myself. I already manage a reasonably successful blog so I know the high that comes with many comments and a lively discussion that ensues. I was thrilled when I published my first hub here and Robie responded and I actually started a dialog. I hope my next few hubs do the same.
and a very good blog it is, francetales--glad I can get to it from Hubpages where I spend soooooo much time:-) I loved your debut hub and hope to read many more. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I'm trying to pace myself too! Thanks for your great hub...
Good luck:-)
Looks like I'm glad I missed the Hublove event, whatever that was! But, at 3 weeks, I'm still deeply enraptured! I hadn't written for 3 years...now I'm exploding with the fun of all the things there are to write about! And, much more creative than covering a city council meeting or Kiwanis event. But haven't had the Stephhicks68 phenomenon yet, so guess I'm not a full hubaholic...yet! sorry you were ill, no colds for me down here in my balmy desert air. Lots of sand dust that constantly covers everything! Why? The weather so balmy we keep the sliding doors open in all the rooms...lovely!
Ohmygoodness blondie--you left this comment weeks ago. how did I miss it? That flu was over months ago--your desert sounds lovely and I am enjoying reading your hubs. Bet you'll be participating in the next Hub event:-)
hi Robie
What a hysterical fun read! I was laughing so hard I nearly fell off my chair. 'Dreaming of hubfame' LOL,,,,,this was just too too funny :)
I identify with every single thing you mentioned, the scores, etc, and of course the much needed coffee when you sit in front of HP.
This was the icing to my day, and now I'm going to sign off and relax with what's left of my day.
Thanks for the laughs, always welcome here,
Trish
Hi robie, how are you now? I was laughing as I read your hub. I guess Hubpages can be addicting. LOL Did they put some computer spell on us? Hahahaha :)
I can stop anytime I want to!
I just don't want to.
I wrote a hub called a journey into the unknown, and your hub was advertised at the end, so here I am and I agree with all the sentiments in here..... looking forward to reading more hubs written by you..........
Hi Brenda, and thanks for stopping by--guess I better go read journey into the unkown now :-) looking forward to reading more from you too!
So now you are getting readers from the new generation of hubaholics, every moment is spent here, have now got a weeks holiday, guess where I will be?
Hi Hawkesdream--had not thought of it that way LOL but yes, a whole new generation -- have a wonderful holiday. Nice to see you:-)
real people > internet people. that said, you're rather grand and I had to look you up after my sabbatical to see if you were still hubbing. great hub. yeah, it can suck up your life. I tend to tangent anyway, that's why I tangent here and then take long sabbaticals for say, gardening or whatever. I never ignore real family and friends but I tend to drag them to Hubs. haha. anyway, great hub, again.
The socks are back yayyyyyyyy< jumping up and down> soooo glad to see you and have really missed you-- yup still here but haven't written a hub in a couple of months-- but I do check my comments and I am soooooooooo glad to see you. now that you're back, don't be a stranger:-) I'm hoping for some of your wonderful ideas and poetry again here on HP
we'll have to pol together sometime. I do love your politics :)
Glad you came back. I'm feeling a little hubbed-out at the moment, after doing only 15 of 30 in the challenge I raised my hand for.
I feel, actually, good about that, but will not keep up that (modest) stride. I think we really have to find our own best pace.
Iðunn-- LOL and you are my favorite revolutionary:-) I started a political blog. Go check it out if you want http://politicalpackrat.blogspot.com/
Rochelle-- I've been hubbed out for months--couldn't even think about that contest and am just waiting for it to be over. I'm impressed by your stamina:-)
thx for the link! maybe I'll pol with you there - don't want to get in anymore 'trouble' for pol-ing here with my mashups. :p those things got some great hits though and started some totally stimulating conversations. I wouldn't have found you without them.
I'll look for you-- I just may have to email you:-)
do it do it! hehe. man, my poems have gone rhymed lately. not sure what's wrong with meh. :(
I miss the pol. there is nothing like the smell of burning issues in the morning, eh? :p
It's funny to know that I'm not the only person who drinks coffee while hubbing. My personal saying "Have coffee, will hubber". LOL
ysdata-- coffee in the morning and tea at night--blogging, hubbing or just hanging out-- I am a coffee-holic too:-)
Idunn-- watch your email box
Sally's Trove says:
2 years ago
Robie, I'm about two weeks and one flu behind you. This place is wonderful for all the reasons you state, and it is addictive. It is at the start, a delerious, psychedelic high.
See you soon, because I know we both will find a right steady pace and be here for a long time. :)