I'd very much appreciate it if any of you could PM me or post in this thread the answer to my question, your age group (18-25,26-33...etc), gender and on average how much time per week you devote to gaming and other nerdy activities.
FOR SCIENCE!!!
Male
Nerdy activity for about 12 hours a week if you're talking about D&D (including preparation time, since I'm the DM). Make that about 18 of we're including videogames and all that, and make it 30 if we're including internet time in places like this forum. :P
I am planning on voting.
No matter how it turns out, even if my vote means nothing in the end, at least I can always say that I tried to actually go out and make some kind of difference in our government, which is more than anybody who didn't vote can say.
Male.
Game every day, often in different games.
I already voted in my country's election, and if I could, I'd vote in your election as well. I vote in provincial and muncipal elections too, but not for American Idol. Just don't like the candidates. :P
I already voted in my country's election, and if I could, I'd vote in your election as well.
I'd like to vote in Iran's elections, Cuba's elections, North Korea's elections, OPEC, etc.
39, Male, Currently stopped gaming since I moved.
I vote, now in my new residence (technically my former childhood residence).
forum + gaming + d&d prep -> 20+ hours
Male
I do vote. I voted in the last midterm election and during the primaries. I will vote this coming election even though I know that my state is guaranteed to go to the opposing party.
I vote because it is my right and my duty as an American to vote. That and California has a lot of propositions on the ballet.
hahha, ditto, I"m in california knowing that obama will get teh vote anyway. And I want to stop that mono-rail.
I just want to stop excessive government spending on things that should be handled by the private sector.
Unfortunately, grad school makes gaming tough, but when it comes to pure geek stuff, I'd still say about 10-15 hrs. a week.
Yes, I vote, and I try to do so whenever I get the chance.
I will vote this coming election even though I know that my state is guaranteed to go to the opposing party.
Same here, despite the fact we're on different coasts. The only bright spot is my state's electoral votes can be split up, but that rarely, if ever, occurs.
I vote whenever the presidential election comes around, mostly because it's the only one I'm ever made aware of. I'm in a small town in the middle of New Mexico so most of the other elections don't get any signage around here so I don't hear about them at all. I almost didn't vote in the last presidential election because I couldn't find the damn place to vote (all that the official sources gave out was a street address. That street had no signs, at all. Seriously, I drove past it a dozen times because it didn't have a street sign. Finally I started combing the neighborhood until I found the place.)
On a slightly more serious note, I'm 30, male and spend about 5-10 hrs a week "geekin'-off". I vote because there are a few issues that I find to be important enough to make me get out there and cast a ballot. The American political system sucks. Hard. But, until my brothers start the hootin' shootin' revolution, I'll just have to hope the system can somehow accomplish something in spite of itself. ;)
I vote because it's a privilege and a responsibility, and because you have no right to complain about a president's conduct (or any other official's) if you couldn't be bothered to express your opinion in the voting booth; since I tend to make fun of politicians a lot and be cynical about the political system in general, that's kind of a biggie.
Male
Probably about 20 hours a week on nerdy stuff.
I vote because I don't like the, "my vote doesn't matter anyway," attitude. Even though, my individual vote doesn't really matter...
Male
One rpg session and one skirmish session a week. Loads of time spent on video games plus nerdy projects (min conversions, writing up my Golden Axe rpg etc). LARP/re-enactment as and when possible.
I vote because I believe that you've got no right to an opinion on anything even remotly political unless you're welling to say these things when it matters. I also believe that you've no-one to blame but yourself if you get a government you don't like when you haven't voted.
Did you lot know that the word "idiot" is allegedly descended from an ancient Greek word/phrase that means "person who choses not to vote"?
Male
Some people would say my job is nerdy, which would basically mean if I'm not eating, sleeping, getting dressed or running errands, then I'm doing something nerdy.
If we restrict it to non-work-related-nerdum, then prolly ... 20 hours a week. Kinda a hard figure to nail down.
I also already voted in my country's election (stupid PM breaking his own law just so we can give him the same damn government), and if I could vote in your election I would vote for Tina Fey. (has that joke been overused yet? No? Good)
I vote because my parents raised me to believe that you should vote and then spend the next 4 years complaining about how "If my party got in, then we wouldn't be in this mess".
I'm a senior in high school and for my political science class I have to conduct a poll on the question in the title of this thread, summarize my findings, and address a way to solve the problem of people not voting in an essay.
I'd very much appreciate it if any of you could PM me or post in this thread the answer to my question, your age group (18-25,26-33...etc), gender and on average how much time per week you devote to gaming and other nerdy activities.
FOR SCIENCE!!!
23, my group is around that same age. (pretty much all of my groups actually) It depends, on the week. Some weeks almost nothing (maybe half an hour) others 20+. Unless you count going to the forum as a nerdy thing.. that I do alot *L*
I vote, if only because I feel even if casting my vote is only marginally better than not at all. I don't think you are a responsible citizen if you do not.
I'm a senior in high school and for my political science class I have to conduct a poll on the question in the title of this thread, summarize my findings, and address a way to solve the problem of people not voting in an essay.
I'd very much appreciate it if any of you could PM me or post in this thread the answer to my question, your age group (18-25,26-33...etc), gender and on average how much time per week you devote to gaming and other nerdy activities.
FOR SCIENCE!!!
Age 41
Female
Bookworm, documentary addict, D&D devotee since 1981, and it seems I always have something going on regarding the game. Regular sessions are Saturday nights and last for however long it takes. Hours unknown.
I have voted in every election in which I have been eligible to vote. Too much blood was spilled and too many lives destroyed to get me that right for me to turn my nose up at it. I believe one vote can make a difference (anti-smoking laws passed in my area by one vote), and it is my honor and duty to cast my ballot.
(Yeah, I've taken those online alignment tests. I'm a solid LG! :D )
I am a male.
I play D&D once a week.
game average 4 hours a week.
I am 21.
I am a male.
I play D&D once a week.
You didn't answer whether you vote or why. :P
dont vote for religious reasons.
And what, pray tell, might those be?As for voting - I only ever vote when I am able to do so with full knowledge of all the factors, so I do not vote for much as I do not spend time learning what I would be voting for. I feel not voting is better than just choosing an option at random.
You didn't answer whether you vote or why. :P
well since you had to roll your eyes...i would rather not get into it....that is for another thread.
As for voting - I only ever vote when I am able to do so with full knowledge of all the factors, so I do not vote for much as I do not spend time learning what I would be voting for. I feel not voting is better than just choosing an option at random.
This is a bit off-topic, but why do you (or other people) actively decide not to vote? I could understand inability or apathy, but not this. I'm under no illusion that my one vote will change the outcome (although it was close in my home riding), but I do it for the principle of it, to ensure that I will have a voice when I truly need it.
Female
Game about 16 hours a month.
I don't vote, personal reasons.
What if we asked politely? Would you tell us then?
Crimson_Concerto And if it actually turns out to be a legitimate reason, I'll retract the eye roll too...
ahh since your all a bunch of curious cats....
My religion does not get involved with the government. We do not join the army or take part in mans wars. We are completely nonviolent (many other religions believe joining the military is ok)
I used to be in the army but quit for my religion. Jesus wouldnt shoot people with an m16, drop bombs on Iraq, or vote for Bush so neither will I.
Jesus acknowledged only god as ruler and I am to copy him to the best of my ability, which involves me not voting for or acknowledging the president as my ruler.
Ever hear the catch phrase WWJD?
well...unlike most people who sport WWJD bracelets, t-shirts, and bumper stickers i actually take it seriously and try to live by it.
there are people whe wear the christian on the outside for show, and the true ones who live by it and are deeper than a bumper sticker.
And if it actually turns out to be a legitimate reason, I'll retract the eye roll too...
Some religions, such as Jehova's Witnesses, do not vote:
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to God's Kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government. Thus they refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs. They believe that these acts are tantamount to worship. The political neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses is also expressed by their refusal to participate in military service – even when it is compulsory – and by their detachment from secular politics. Voting in political elections is considered a compromise of their Christian neutrality. However, they believe that they owe the secular authorities their obedience. Members are expected to obey all laws of their native governments, so long as these do not violate their interpretations of scripture. They are instructed to pay all taxes of the country in which they reside, considering the government to be solely responsible for how they are used.
Not saying that those are that poster's reasons, but that there are legitimate religious reasons not to vote.
This is a bit off-topic, but why do you (or other people) actively decide not to vote? I could understand inability or apathy, but not this. I'm under no illusion that my one vote will change the outcome (although it was close in my home riding), but I do it for the principle of it, to ensure that I will have a voice when I truly need it.
The best way I can describe it is to say "If you don't know what you are saying, don't speak."
To use the analogy of "everyone has a voice."
A voter that is not 100% aware of what they are voting for, in my opinion, reduces our voting process from being a way to determine popular opinion into what may as well be a roll of dice.
I also encourage others that do not have full knowledge of the issues involve to not vote - as I feel that uniformed votes blur popular opinion enough to make a joke out of the whole voting system.
Hopefully that makes my point of view clear, and understandable to a point.
ahh since your all a bunch of curious cats....
My religion does not get involved with the government. We do not join the army or take part in mans wars. We are completely nonviolent (many other religions believe joining the military is ok)
I used to be in the army but quit for my religion. Jesus wouldnt shoot people with an m16, drop bombs on Iraq, or vote for Bush so neither will I.
Jesus acknowledged only god as ruler and I am to copy him to the best of my ability, which involves me not voting for or acknowledging the president as my ruler.
Ever hear the catch phrase WWJD?
well...unlike most people who sport WWJD bracelets, t-shirts, and bumper stickers i actually take it seriously and try to live by it.
there are people whe wear the christian on the outside for show, and the true ones who live by it and are deeper than a bumper sticker.
Thank you for answering my question. (I just have to know everything, especially when people get evasive like how you did, it just increases my curiosity)
Ever hear the catch phrase WWJD?
Yeah, I've seen it in a commercial recently!
What Would Jigsaw Do? :D
Oh, and I'm not retracting the eyeroll...
Some religions, such as Jehova's Witnesses, do not vote:
I very much doubt every member of these religions thinks the same way. People use their religion as an excuse for a lot of stuff or to avoid having to think for themselves. "Because of my religion" simply isn't a very good answer for anything at all...
shamurai7, if your religion told you that you must vote, would you do it? If you answer yes "because of your religion," then... Well, then I'm glad you don't vote. If your answer would remain no, then the reason you don't vote isn't your religion...
Yeah, I've seen it in a commercial recently!
What Would Jigsaw Do? :DQUOTE]
Yeah, I've seen it in a commercial recently!
What Would Jigsaw Do? :D
Oh, and I'm not retracting the eyeroll...
I very much doubt every member of these religions thinks the same way. People use their religion as an excuse for a lot of stuff or to avoid having to think for themselves. "Because of my religion" simply isn't a very good answer for anything at all...
shamurai7, if your religion told you that you must vote, would you do it? If you answer yes "because of your religion," then... Well, then I'm glad you don't vote. If your answer would remain no, then the reason you don't vote isn't your religion...
ok whatever....I kindly explained my reason and dont need your sarcasm.
nor do I owe you an explanation...I was kind enough to explain once. Was I speaking to a doorknob?
I very much doubt every member of these religions thinks the same way. .
I don't vote for the very reason why shamurai doesn't.
I am a Witness and do you know anything about them or know any ? If they voted then they wouldn't be a Jehovah's Witness, because we believe in living a Christ-like life.
shamurai7, if your religion told you that you must vote, would you do it? If you answer yes "because of your religion," then... Well, then I'm glad you don't vote. If your answer would remain no, then the reason you don't vote isn't your religion...
If he's a Witness then thats an silly question, because they never just simple change things on a whim. Also they base ALL they're beliefs straight and only from the bible.
I very much doubt every member of these religions thinks the same way. People use their religion as an excuse for a lot of stuff or to avoid having to think for themselves. "Because of my religion" simply isn't a very good answer for anything at all...
shamurai7, if your religion told you that you must vote, would you do it? If you answer yes "because of your religion," then... Well, then I'm glad you don't vote. If your answer would remain no, then the reason you don't vote isn't your religion...
Way to beat up on the pacifist. Very classy of you.
Oh, and I'm not retracting the eyeroll...
I very much doubt every member of these religions thinks the same way. People use their religion as an excuse for a lot of stuff or to avoid having to think for themselves. "Because of my religion" simply isn't a very good answer for anything at all...
shamurai7, if your religion told you that you must vote, would you do it? If you answer yes "because of your religion," then... Well, then I'm glad you don't vote. If your answer would remain no, then the reason you don't vote isn't your religion...
Honestly, I never expected you to redact your eyeroll - anyone who wants a "legitimate reason" when someone says "for religious reasons" doesn't believe "religious reasons" are legitimate in the first place.
I was simply stating that there are religious reasons not to vote, and that it's not so far-fetched that someone wouldn't vote because their religion forbids it. I don't care if everyone who follows the religion follows all of the beliefs (it's not my religion, so I'm not an expert), but the canon is against voting at all - so, someone who follows the canon would not vote for "religious reasons".
Anyhow, you're right, baneofelves.
Well, what we need to do is 1) look at things from the other person's point of veiw. It's a good skill to have (and one that I'm sure most people my age don't have) 2) respect another person's beliefs unless said beliefs bring harm to others, and 3) Ignore those who try to beat up on others for religious beliefs. I mean, c'mon, we're all better than that. Just my two coppers.
Well said. I may not vote, but I have no problem with people who do. I'll even listen to who they're voting for and why .
Well said. I may not vote, but I have no problem with people who do. I'll even listen to who they're voting for and why .
Exactly. This is the kind of approach I was talking about. Heh, I suppose my siblings are right, I'm older than my years. I'm pretty sure most 16 year olds don't talk like this. Aww. Now I feel really old. Boo.
The best way I can describe it is to say "If you don't know what you are saying, don't speak."
To use the analogy of "everyone has a voice."
A voter that is not 100% aware of what they are voting for, in my opinion, reduces our voting process from being a way to determine popular opinion into what may as well be a roll of dice.
I also encourage others that do not have full knowledge of the issues involve to not vote - as I feel that uniformed votes blur popular opinion enough to make a joke out of the whole voting system.
Hopefully that makes my point of view clear, and understandable to a point.
Clear and understandable. Same as Shamurai.
ok whatever....I kindly explained my reason and dont need your sarcasm.
nor do I owe you an explanation...I was kind enough to explain once. Was I speaking to a doorknob?
If it makes you feel any better, the reason you gave was actually more legitimate than I had expected.
I expected it to be more like "I won't vote because neither candidate shares my religious views," to which I would have added twelve more eye rolls for various reasons. ;)I really try to follow my religions doctrines as much as possible, and in a lot of areas I likely screw up every day. But one of the first things I learned was the bibles stance on mans government and mans politics. We tolerate them because they do serve a purpose of loosely maintaining order across the globe, but we do not involve ourselves with them.
That is to say the governments try their best, but I am to acknowledge only god as my ruler and await his promised Kingdom. In the lords prayer we are told to pray for this kingdom to come, but we are to acknowledge it NOW.
So my government will be a monarchy with god as king.
if any of you have heard the lords prayer...:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
ahh since your all a bunch of curious cats....
My religion does not get involved with the government.
So, you're not paying taxes? If so, where do I sign up?
So, you're not paying taxes?
Sorry, already covered, "..render unto Ceaser" and all.
32, I vote every time I can. Why? If I want to have any influence over what occures politically and the direction of policy etc., then I have to be active.
Besides, someone probably already voted for Obama for me
The best way I can describe it is to say "If you don't know what you are saying, don't speak."
To use the analogy of "everyone has a voice."
A voter that is not 100% aware of what they are voting for, in my opinion, reduces our voting process from being a way to determine popular opinion into what may as well be a roll of dice.
I also encourage others that do not have full knowledge of the issues involve to not vote - as I feel that uniformed votes blur popular opinion enough to make a joke out of the whole voting system.
Hopefully that makes my point of view clear, and understandable to a point.
I must say I agree.
I'm a senior in high school and for my political science class I have to conduct a poll on the question in the title of this thread, summarize my findings, and address a way to solve the problem of people not voting in an essay.
I'd very much appreciate it if any of you could PM me or post in this thread the answer to my question, your age group (18-25,26-33...etc), gender and on average how much time per week you devote to gaming and other nerdy activities.
FOR SCIENCE!!!
18-25
Male
7-10hrs/wk
I vote for two reasons. First, I want to have a say in the policies in the upcoming years. To have a say in those policies I find a candidate that represents my desires and beliefs as best as is available and vote for them.
Second, I vote because I think it's an effcient capitalist method of leading the country. With everyone competing to get a vote, they have to listen to the wishes of the populace. Those that don't, won't get votes. Although, I have often questioned whether the populace knows whats good for us or not.
My religion does not get involved with the government. We do not join the army or take part in mans wars. We are completely nonviolent (many other religions believe joining the military is ok)
I used to be in the army but quit for my religion. Jesus wouldnt shoot people with an m16, drop bombs on Iraq, or vote for Bush so neither will I.
I'm not trying to be a jerk, I have asked others with the same opinion, how do you deal with the parts of the Bible that are clearly meant to send man into war or Matthew 10:34? This is an honest question and if it is going to direct this thread too far off topic you can PM me or we can start a new thread.
Jesus acknowledged only god as ruler and I am to copy him to the best of my ability, which involves me not voting for or acknowledging the president as my ruler.
I also am curious about the parts where Jesus acknowledged other rulers as he did in Luke 20:25/Mark 12:17? Again, this is an honest question.
Ever hear the catch phrase WWJD?
well...unlike most people who sport WWJD bracelets, t-shirts, and bumper stickers i actually take it seriously and try to live by it.
there are people whe wear the christian on the outside for show, and the true ones who live by it and are deeper than a bumper sticker.
If only more people tried to live up to their faith in an honest way. Too many of the faithful have no idea what they are doing or what their canons say. I hope you achieve your goals (I know you won't but it's the journey not the destination you seek).
I don't vote because I am not allowed. I would love to vote for McCain, but I am a convicted felon and thus barred from voting.
Besides, someone probably already voted for Obama for me
This isn't true in all states. If you want to vote you might want to consider residency in one of those states and vote via absentee ballot.