[Mike Irwin]

All of a sudden I feel completely burned out on the entire internet web board culture.

Even worse, I'm starting to feel burned out on guns, gun rights, and all the arguments that swirl around them.

I'm simply burned out. This isn't fun right now.

In a little over 3 years I've posted over 16,000 messages.

The only problem is that this place is such a big part of my daily activities that it's almost an addiction by this point.

[Justin]

Mike, sometimes it happens.
Take a break, use the time to go do something else. We'll still be here when you get back.

[c_yeager]

If its starting to become too big a part of your life its probably best to take a step back for awhile. You dont want your hobby to become a "job" with the sense of having to punch a clock and "do your work". You, and your knowledge will be greatly missed in your absence. But, i feel that when you get back you will be able to look upon the whole thing with a fresh gaze. And I think that we can all stand to benefit from that. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[Iain]

Take a break Mike, I have recently cut down all activity to THR alone and then mostly on topics that relate in some (often vague) way to the work I should be doing.

I plan to take September at least off and maybe not return to posting in the same volume as I have done for the last three months ever again.

I cite the same reasons as you do - arguments seem to go nowhere at times by going round in circles. Sense can be drowned out by volume.

Ask the mods to temporarily IP ban you if this is a genuine addiction ;)

[Wildalaska]

I know how you feel too, I am a mod on a very big Board and its rapidly becoming trying....

I am trying to read more and post less, although sometimes I see stuff that is so wierd I just have to let loose...

WildfingersaretiredAlaska

[Trebor]

Mike,

First of all, I've learned a lot from your posts and I've come to value and respect your thoughts. Thank you for sharing them.

Having said that, If you think you are spending too much time on-line, you are probably right. There are other things to do out there and don't feel like your letting anyone done if you aren't on-line as much anymore.

If you do something for fun, but later it is no longer fun, why do it?

Do what's best for yourself and take a break. I don't think the internet is going to go anywhere while you are gone.

Take care,

Rob

BTW, thanks for bringing this topic up. I'm been thinking that I've been spending too much time on-line myself lately, which probably affected the advice I gave you, and your statement is helping nudge me towards cutting myself off the net for awhile as well.

[Sven]

All things in moderation.

[coldshot03/04]

Yep! That happens sometimes.:( Hurry back now!!!:)

[Schuey2002]

We'll keep the campfire burnin' for ya.. :)

[BamBam-31]

Even uranium gets depleted.

Take a break. Give ol' C.R. Sam a chance to catch up.

But do come back. You're invaluable here.

Go fishing, ride a bike, take a swim in the ocean.

We'll see ya when we see ya. :)

[S_O_Laban]

SVEN nailed it, less is often more.

[Hal]

I'm thinking seriously of leaving for awhile. Then leave. No need for a big production or announcement, just do it.

Sound cold?

Think about it...

[P95Carry]

If your web time becomes beyond relaxation .... and in fact all but a chore .... yep, too much! Been there - done that .... sometimes still do!

What really brings things home tho is ..... total up your weekly web time .. well, board time .... it can be frighteningly high!! If out of that you have things on back burner ... ease off and go get em done!

A break is often all that is needed ....... oh and in case you're late ..... Happy Christmas!!:p

[TheeBadOne]

I think most would benefit from doing this once in a while :cool:

[Nando Aqui]

THREE HINTS
- Ditto above: Take a break or reduce the frequency of involvement.

- Find an aspect that is relatively new to you and that keeps your interest. (I saw a picture of an Olympic contestant with what appeared to be a super-precision .22 rifle. Hmmm... I have never done that...)

- Don't let it become or even seem as though it is an obligation. If you can't make it to the range, don't worry about it. If your firearm doesn't perform as you would like, don't get upset - it's supposed to be just for fun.

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

Happened to me with guns, 16 years ago after 20 years, but came back about three years ago.
And with Model Railroading 10 years ago after 30 years. Not back - yet.
And with Radio Control airplanes two years ago after 15 years, but I am still involved somewhat. Doubt if it will ever again be as big as it was for me.
And with tennis 10 years ago when my knees gave up after 30 years. But I had just had enough of it anyway. Do it very infrequently now.

In each case I progressed to competitive level (except model railroading - never entered any contests) and did everything possible including writing magazine articles and even made the hobby a business. BIG MISTAKE!

Back to guns and thoroughly enjoying it, and want to get into competition again.


Alex

[Kharn]

I've found myself cutting back a whole lot, I used to hit almost every gun board out there (lurking on some, posting on more) but now I mainly post here and on a custom gun forum (www.roderuscustom.tzo.com).

Moderation is good, try picking your favorite board or two and only visit them, also consider limiting browsing hours (like from 7-8pm every evening, never at work, etc).

Kharn

[number6]

I have found myself doing the exact same thing. I get home from work, take a shower and immediately come into The High Road. I like it here, mostly because I'm a curious person and I love to read. So it's a good combination for me.

But! It's almost become what my early days on the internet chat scene enden up being -- ADDICTIVE! I don't do "chat rooms" anymore, and I haven't for over a year, (yahoo chat). But in the short time I've been in here I realize I am spending way too much time (every night) in here.

There isn't too much summer type weather left for this year and it's probably a good time for me to also take advantage of that and "take a break". When the weather starts to turn colder I'll probably come back in more often.

I do want to thank the owner of this site, the mods, and especially the members for making this a fun place to visit.

See you guys tonight when I get home from work! :cuss:

[Hal]

Hmm
Thought about editing my first response but decided against it.

Mike,
I was in somewhat the same situation a year ago. It wasn't regarding firearms or RKBA,,, I'll just say it was job related and leave it at that.

Old friend of mine once told me " If you can smell yourself, you've been stinkin' for three days".

What I'm getting at is, if YOU think you've gone too far overboard, then it's a good bet you went too far overboard quite some time ago.

Take a break. If you come back, fine. If not, It's been a sincere pleasure knowing you and enjoying your company and comments.

[Brian Williams]

O No not another Squirrilnuts again. Did he ever go??????? I have not seen him around.

Lurk
Bring yor guns up to PA and pick one up every time you go visit your folks.

I will take very very good care of them.........


Take a trip. isn't your contract up soon.....

Lurk

Lurk

alrighty then leave....

but stop by and visit.

[Bruce in West Oz]

Mike

From one old f@rt to another -- and please don't take offence, I feel I've "known" you long enough now for a little levity -- take a break, blow the carbon out, get the dirty water off your chest (oops, ignore that!) and give yourself time to get back in perspective.

Mate, put it this way -- you've done a d@mned sight more than your fair share -- for which I thank you.

As someone said -- we'll still be here when you come back with a renewed fire in your belly.

Ooroo

Bruce

[AmericanFreeBird]

Mike,

Take a break. I've not been posting much since TFL closed, kinda got burned out so I've scaled back on posts/surfing.

Sometimes you just have to stop & smell the roses.

AFB

[P95Carry]

And with Radio Control airplanes two years ago after 15 years, but I am still involved somewhat. Nando ..... similar here ... R/C flying is a passion, next to shooting and motor cycles ... started with free flight in 70's .... break ...... then control line ...... break ....... then slope soaring ..... break ......... and now last three years ... powered R/C.

I like many ... have way too many interests ... and this board is yet another ....... there is a need methinks at times for self-discipline so as to avoid the ''compulsion'' factor ....... not always easy.

Mike - take some time out ... I'll all but guarantee you'll return .... and also probably refreshed.

[number6]

Geez, a lot of you guys are making it sound as if the guy is a Shell Shocked War Veteran! It's a FORUM for crying out loud. What's next, a collection for the monument to be built for those "Veterans of Forum Wars"? LOL :D

Mike are you gone yet or are you going to hang around and read every response before you vacate the area? (that could take a while) If you've left already then every one of these replies are pointless, 'cause you won't be here to read them anyway. If you're still here, then you must not feel the need to leave yet eh?

[Jack19]

Mike, take a break. 4297 messages since December of '02 is A LOT of messages. I feel the same way you do and I'm only in the 300s.

I recently discovered reading again...you know...books, not web pages. Between work, working around the house, family and whatever else, books had dropped off my radar. I didn't realize how much I missed reading until I started again.

Time for other things.

[280PLUS]

i'd been feeling the same way myself, so i have been absent more lately,

plus i've been pretty busy too,,,

it's nice to know it ain't just me,,,

theres no reason to leave permanently, just cut back, i'm feeling a little better and its only been a week or so for me

besides, we'd miss you :(

:D

[Atticus]

There's no need to quit....just take some mini-vacations.

[M67]

Hey, you're already being missed from Alaska to Alabama... and the rest of the world is now represented by Australia and Norway. Not bad. :)

As someone already said, the campfire will be burning when you come back.

[Larry Ashcraft]

That's kind of the reason I don't have internet at home. I spend 9 hours a day here 5 days a week, checking in on THR and 1911 forum all day.

On the weekends I garden, build something, play with my old John Deeres and sometimes do some shooting or reloading. Then, Monday morning I get back online. Feel a lot fresher that way.

Just take a few days off now and then, you'll feel better.

[Nathaniel Firethorn]

Computers are fundamentally evil, Mike. They emit deadly bit rays that make you fat and listless and irritated and unhappy.

Go relax and get decontaminated for a while. You'll be welcome back whenever.

Cheers,
- pdmoderator

[Majic]

Close and lock the safe. Sit back and smell the roses. There's more to life, so don't let it pass you by. In time if you get the urge again your friends will always be around.

[FPrice]

Mike,

Lots of good advice here. Although some of it is presented in a little better fashion by some than others.

All of us have to take a critical look at our own lives every now and then and see how we are doing. Even though the things we may be doing maybe good and purposeful, you have to have a break form time to time to relax, recuperate, and re-charge yourself. Otherwise you may burn-out and create more serious problems for yourself.

My advice is to find some way to relax for a while, find something you enjoy that does not take a lot out of you, and work for some personal growth in ways you may not be doing now.

Then see how you feel about coming back. Personally, I hope you do.

Now, if I could only find a way to take my own advice.

:banghead:

[C.R.Sam]

Mike...
Friend.

Thank you for all the;
Information.
Camaradrie.
Help for the cause.
Help for individuals.
And holding to your principles.

Slack your sheets a bit and enjoy.

The light is on here, and at my place.

Sam

[Skunkabilly]

Guns are a means, not an end....go out and enjoy yourself! We ain't goin' nowhere :)

[grampster]

Mike,
Take a little time off and come back, please. I appreciate reading your posts. I'm not alone in that opinion. I noticed my own posts/thoughts have gotten somewhat erratic lately and I find myself becoming more bellicose. I don't post anywhere near what you do, nor am I as thoughtful or knowledgeable as yourself. Not in your league. But I can imagine how you feel.

You're right about this place being addictive as well as draining. But, then, being in conversation with "friends" even if at arms length not even ever having met for the most part, becomes a sharing of thoughts by like minded folk. That is something we do all day everyday anyway. It's good for the soul, but one must be carefull not to overdose. Everything is good in moderation.

Hope to read more of your thoughts and opinion when you return from your sabbatical.

Cordially,

grampster

[2nd Amendment]

Funny how this happens. I've cut back to three boards and I rarely post on any of them, even the one I'm an Admin on. I've noticed too that after burnout sets in once you never seem to "get back in stride". There'll be days I post like mad but for the most part I've become nothing more than a Lurker.

Everything changes, eh? *sigh*

[Skunkabilly]

Old friend of mine once told me " If you can smell yourself, you've been stinkin' for three days".

Hal, that quote's been sitting with me for a few hours now. The more I think about it, the more I think I should probably shower and brush my teeth :uhoh:

[45R]

I feel your pain. Take a break, go out and do some shooting and come back soon!!!

[DragonRider]

Mike, I know your feelings. That is why a vacation is a good thing. You have seen all the boards I read. When I left for CA/LV for 10 days it was hard, but I came back a new guy. I've check the only THR on a normal basis. I havent been to AR15.com since my trip. Go visit some of out winery's and have some fun times. Take care.

John

[Monkeyleg]

Go ahead and take a break, Mike. A lot of us know how you feel.

It's reached a point with me where I really have to force myself to get out and shoot, which may or may not be the result of all the work on CCW I've been doing.

The worst thing about leaving THR for awhile would be missing all of the news that's hard to find elsewhere.

[citizen]

Don't even think; just do it.

[Safety First]

I happens to the best of us, take a break for a while but find something else you enjoy doing to fill the void,we will miss you but I think we can all relate to your problem to a certain extent.. I kid sometimes about being addicted to this site and as little as I post I still spend more time here than I should. So as others have said 'ALL THINGS IN MODERATION'... Later...

[ddc]

Mike,
I lurk much more than I post and I don't know you from Adam but for what it's worth I've appreciated your posts and consider your opinion to carry about as much weight as I'm willing to give anybody on the internet who I've never met before.
Good luck with whichever way you decide to go.
Don.

[BryanP]

Any hobby or activity can be overdone, and then it's not fun anymore. Try not to let something you enjoy become "not fun anymore." A good friend of mine spends way too much time online. I have to go over there occasionally and say "PUT THE MOUSE DOWN. STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD. "

[Redlg155]

If you get to the point where you think you need a break, chances are you are long overdue.

It could be worse. You could be addicted to internet chatrooms and leave it all to run away with "Trixie", only to find out "She" is actually a "He" 40ish crossdresser on your first real life date!:what:

Take a break, but make sure you come back. Your wisdom and presence is very much appreciated here.

Good SHooting
Red

[yesterdaysyouth]

well if you need a babysitter.... i have plenty of room in my safe...:D

[fallingblock]

And thanks for all your insight and inspiration.

Those guns will wait for you, and they don't even need to be fed:D

[jimbo]

Get a new addiction. Buy a motorcycle.:)

[Mal H]

At Mike's request - closed.