What is your strategy for NOT getting addicted to the forums?

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   allie8020posted 14 years ago

   Many hubbers admit to being addicted to the forums and I've been afraid that it would happen to me. I'm sure it's difficult to overcome this addiction.
   
   I know it's a lot of fun to participate, but I still want to be very productive and write as much as I can. I think I maybe at high risk for getting addicted to forum participation. So, I need your help.
   
   I just did one forum post (YAAAAY!) and this is my first topic posting. Before I get addicted to forum participation, can you please share your strategies for preventing this addiction?

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      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It is probably too late!  Once you get a taste for forums the temptation will be hard to control.

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         allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I really hope you're mistaken. Today is my first day here and I will try to be good. So far, it doesn't look too good for me. I'm supposed to be working out before I start writing again, but obviously I'm replying to your forum post.

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            Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Told you!!

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      prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      just discipline is all, when I am writing, I sign off HUbPages

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         allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Good for you! At this time, I don't sign off when I'm writing. Discipline is something I definitely want to develop.

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      Mikel G Robertsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Admitting that it isnt an addiction to the forums, but to the interaction with other people helps. Enjoyment of other peoples company, input and insights are what make the 'forums' addictive...
      personally I find Forum interaction a help for writing not a hinderance
      
      Peace and Love 

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         allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I think after some time, I will be able to participate in the forums and still spend enough time writing. Thanks, Mikel!

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      Carmen Borthwickposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It isn't as easy now, it takes more work! It was so simple before to just post a response... like IM... now its a chore! I haven't been here for awhile, buts its changed.

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         allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Carmen!
         
         Really? It used to be simpler? Well, I'm just getting to know the process. Maybe that will help me avoid getting addicted to the forums.

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      vox vocisposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Actually, forums are a good thing because you can present yourself and it's also one way of drawing more traffic to your hubs! You just need to post answers or comments on the topics you're really interested in, if you're sure about what you have to say. And as for the addiction, dear, you're the one to decide how much time you'll spend on forums, Hubpages, Internet or anything else. Controlling ourselves is the art of living!

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      anime_nanetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Don't come i here...
      
      ...o wait.... ups!
      
      bye!

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   Wayne Orvisburgposted 14 years ago

   Well, the first step is to admit there is a problem...

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I noticed that many hubbers admit to being addicted -- and then they do nothing about it!
      
      I really hope it doesn't happen to me.

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         Sa Toyaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I spend too much time here...sometimes not even replying or posting just reading...it's ridiculous...I have  a problem but it's one I've made peace with

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            allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah, I know what you mean. Even when I'm writing, I peek here and read some of the forum posts.

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   theirishobserver.posted 14 years ago

   the same strategy I have for not getting a hang over...keep drinking....

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Too funny...

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      Niteriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Irish, I love you more every day!

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   A Texanposted 14 years ago

   To get banned...occasionally

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hmmmm... that's an unusual idea! You probably have to be somewhat obnoxious to be banned, don't you? I don't know... I tend to be kind. So, it looks like I have to have discipline to stay away from the forums.

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   blondepoetposted 14 years ago

   When things get too bad I recommend tying up one's hands with strong sturdy rope while distracting the mind with a good Abba song.

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good idea! A good Abba song or any song plus some dancing will probably help.
      
      AAAARGH! Gotta stop posting and workout now! Must force myself to step away from the computer...

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   mega1posted 14 years ago

   I am so addicted to the forums I have considered getting a different job that won't allow me so much time online during the day - but I know I would just stay up half the night then, so I could make jokes and talk with my buddies here.  They do inspire me to write too, so it's not all time lost!

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This is my plan B. If I get addicted to the forums, I will set aside some time at night *after* I'm done writing my articles.

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. Some of the forum posts helped me stick to my schedule and inspired me to write. So, forum participation can be very helpful as well as being fun.

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   mega1posted 14 years ago

   yes, the only solution is to leave the house, do not take your laptop with you - and do something else!

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I tried this and it works. Thanks!

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   AnythingArtzyposted 14 years ago

   I have no plans to form a strategy. I fully intend to become addicted. I'm loving it and I suggest you check out the thread about the Ruffled Cock   Oh I've never laughtd so hard at the posts. LOL LOL LOL LOL

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      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I checked out the thread about Ruffled Cock. Sooo funny!

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   Milla Mahnoposted 14 years ago

   Total abstinence, the only thing that works. To some extent...

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   1. 67

      allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This is definitely something I want to be able to do. It will take a lot of discipline to participate in the forums and stay away sometimes, but this will be my goal. Thanks for sharing!

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    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    by not getting addicted.

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, you've made over 9500 posts! That's pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing...

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    goldenpathposted 14 years ago

    Discipline, as prettydarkhorse said.  First sit down and contemplate exactly why you are on HubPages.  Is it for income?  Is it for creativity?  Is it for the social interaction?  Is it all the above? 
    
    If it's for income and/or writing I would suggest just digging in and write "offline" your several hubs.  Sure, dig around the forums but do so in search of ideas on hubs and improving hubs.  There are many threads regarding backlinks.  Read them.  The same with affiliate settings.  Read them.
    
    The hardest thing for the vast number of us sitting in front of the computer is learning how to discipline our time and minds.  If you are not accomplishing the reason you joined HubPages then it's probably an issue of time mismanagement and spending time doing things that are not productive.  This leads to self loathing and will bring down your spirit until you feel you cannot accomplish anything. 
    
    Gain that focus and run with it.  The internet is a wonderful tool but is especially useful when used with discipline.  It's your fingers doing the typing and clicking the mouse.  Don't let the internet become a flaxen cord around your neck. 
    
    Best of hope for your endeavors!

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, great advice! Okay, I'm not supposed to be replying to you because I'm in the middle of writing. But, I just wanted to thank you for your comment. Now, I'll take your advice and get back to work.

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    marcel285posted 14 years ago

    I keep in mind, why i am here, to write. So i focus more on making new hubs, and updating my existing hubs, rather than forums.

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       It's great that you're able to achieve that -- that is my goal. Thanks!

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    apaceposted 14 years ago

    I guess I have no strategy which is why I am here.
    
    I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but got up this morning and did 90 minutes cardio with the intention of writing.
    
    Having decided to start writing it is revealing that I went straight to the forums.
    
    This is a timely reminder that for me it isn't forum addiction part of a broader strategy of avoidance and procrastination.
    
    Thanks for the reminder. It came at exactly the right time. Having said that (the time is 'now' blah blah blah) many times, I still havn't written my first hub, so I have hit the heights of hypocrisy again.

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, start writing your hubs. Based on your post, you're probably going to be able to write good hubs. Good luck!

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    What is your strategy for not getting addicted to the forums?
    
    I have no addiction to feed, even though, my number of posts would say different.
    
    And, as I've said plenty of times before. I enjoy the community of people here. I've even taken it to the new level as in community support, yet wasn't asked.
    
    I have a company tied to my writing. The knowledge I have is offered in my writing. I am active in the forums, so as to get more knowledge from people and to do that, I must interact with them.
    
    Therefore, I have no addiction. I just love the community of people who are there to help others. I commend their work.

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    1. 67

       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, almost 14,000 posts! As long as you're enjoying the forum interaction, then it's not a problem for you. Have fun!

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    Ghost32posted 14 years ago

    Easy.  When my wife starts looking at the .357 Magnum with really friendly eyes, it's time to sign off. 

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Good point! Just be alert for the signs...

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    glendoncabaposted 14 years ago

    Focus on your family. 
    
    Keep coming up with strategies to improve your day job.

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for sharing...

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    wrenfrost56posted 14 years ago

    Don't ask me, I got hooked ages ago!

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    myownworldposted 14 years ago

    ....by being banned into a 3 day rehab....helps!

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    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    i replace my forum addiction with some other addiction, 

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       myownworldposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       always a wise thing to do!

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          Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          thank you. hey, have you any new news?

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    thekidandblueposted 14 years ago

    look at the religion forums say ffs to yourself and go have a cup of tea

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    NewYorkerposted 14 years ago

    Im addicted..

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    SheaWposted 14 years ago

    I started smoking and have since reduced my addiction to forums a full 43%.
    
    I believe that by adding a few other replacement addictions I will then break my addiction to the forum. 

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       allie8020posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       No! No! Nooo!
       
       I'm sure you're just kidding

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    Deborah-Lynnposted 14 years ago

    Avoid reading this new girls' hubs or you will become a pitiful addict searching the forums for more of her...
    
    http://hubpages.com/hub/Merrier-Than-Christmas
    
    http://hubpages.com/_1vm9qvvxyxh1p/hub/ … ic-Fantasy

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