Quote from: James McMurrayAs I said, my experience differs from yours. I have played RPGs during sessions, both group and singular, with the dual intent of enjoying ourselves and finding things out about myself in a therapeutic environment.

Why do you feel the need to convince me that what you believe to be the truth is objective, not subjective?

Why are you trying to convince me that your RPGing in a therapy session is the same experience as when the rest of us get togther around the kitchen table with pizza and soda and game? I haven't said that you don't use RPGing as therapy, just that it's not the way most of the rest of us experience RPGs, and that therapy is not what RPGs are designed for. Regardless, despite the tone of your original post to this thread, you appear to agree that gaming is "fun", which is the only point I'm really trying to make. Let me at least say that unless prescribed by a psychologist, it is better not to try and deal with one's own deep emotional issues by playing RPGs.

Quote from: SigmundLet me at least say that unless prescribed by a psychologist, it is better not to try and deal with one's own deep emotional issues by playing RPGs.

I don't know where the notion of dealing with one's own emotional issues sneaked into discussion, but I can definately agree with that one. If roleplaying session happens to touch issues which connect to players own emotional issues, that at least should be more by accident than design.

Dealing with emotional issues of a fictive person, through fiction, with players emotionally attached to the mentioned person, yet detached enough from it to retain a sense of themselves - that's another issue entirely. I think and hope that the latter one is the subject of this discussion.

You said RPGing in that manner is not gaming. I said that for me it is. I'm not trying to convince you of anything. In fact, all along I've said that our respectives opinions are equally valid.

I agree that trying to deal with deep emotional issues via RPGs without professional help could have bad results. I also agree that one of many reasons to play RPGs is fun. Depending on your definition of fun that might be the only reason, or you may toss in other intangibles such as "fulfillment," "enjoyment," "a sense of challenge," and countless other reasons why people do the things they do.

Quote from: SigmundWhy are you trying to convince me that your RPGing in a therapy session is the same experience as when the rest of us get togther around the kitchen table with pizza and soda and game?

(snip)

Why are you trying to convince us that it can't?

Gentlemen, I think you've forgotten the point of the thread.
Teh true of the female milanese, la verdad de la milanesa, this thread was about the missuse of the word "fun".
I agree.
What most of you failed to consider, is that there is one more use of the word: you can say "Aye, that motion picture was loads of fun indeed", but you can also say "Mummy, the milk smells funny". So, weird festering dairy product smells are fun? If so, do they lead you to deep thoughts and meaningful epyphanies? Or would you have to consume the rotting beverage in question to achieve some altered perception state?
But of course, we were talking about RPGs.
We stablished already that the concept of fun relates with weird smelling things (which explains, incidentally, why no one can avoid giggling like an asshole with fart jokes), and we all know that a good RPing session needs a good GM, so we can safely assure now that the only kind of fun RPG is that in which the GM either:
1.- Is really good at fart jokes, or
2.- Stinks like a baby's vomit.
Personally, I think that RPGs looking to achieve some kind of meaningful crap stink like a baby's vomit.

But, all in all, there is something even more important I wanted to say here:

Merten, JimmyMcM,

GET A LIFE. A funny one, if you can.

And Sigmund, man, I totally agree with you.

Your post isn't very funny....

Nor was it fulfilling. Or even therapeutic.

Oh well, better luck next time.

Quote from: mythusmage(snip)

Why are you trying to convince us that it can't?

Because it can't, why else?

Quote from: James McMurrayYou said RPGing in that manner is not gaming. I said that for me it is. I'm not trying to convince you of anything. In fact, all along I've said that our respectives opinions are equally valid.

I agree that trying to deal with deep emotional issues via RPGs without professional help could have bad results. I also agree that one of many reasons to play RPGs is fun. Depending on your definition of fun that might be the only reason, or you may toss in other intangibles such as "fulfillment," "enjoyment," "a sense of challenge," and countless other reasons why people do the things they do.

You are right, I did. You are also right in that I was was not really accurate with that statement. What I should have said is that it is not gaming as the majority of us know it. For that, I stand corrected. In all else we seem to be in accord, thanks for the arguement .

But if we're in agreement who wins???!!??!!??

Does not compute. Does not compute.

:combust:

Quote from: James McMurrayBut if we're in agreement who wins???!!??!!??

Does not compute. Does not compute.

:combust:

Oops.... I broke him.

But I'm feeling much better now.

Quote from: droogYour post isn't very funny....

Quote from: James McMurrayNor was it fulfilling. Or even therapeutic.

Oh well, better luck next time.

Well, I tried. :idunno:
Now I NEED therapy. :bawling:

Quote from: SigmundBecause it can't, why else?

And you know this how?

Obviously because he's convinced that, at least in his case, sometimes opinions can actually be facts. There's probably very little point discussing it with him.