Question of the Day: Do you take yourself and the game too seriously?

[Reginald Rutledge]

Guys,

I get a ton of emails about the game of miniature football, even on Youtube. Most of the people tend to mock fun at the game and others want information. Some ask do I take myself seriously about the game? They see the passion, energy, etc. and they think I am crazy!

For me, I can't take the game that seriously! I act like it but there are more serious issues that life offers for me. I love to play the game but I could easily put away my toys tomorrow and do something else - that's just me! I think I get more fun out of running around the countryside with my family than spending 3 hours arguing over a call.

But while I am in the game, I always look to have a good time. I see guys wanting to beat people up over the game and hold lifelong grudges over these plastic figures. What is it that drives us to react in such a manner? Is our manhood bruised or permanently scarred if we don't win, or let someone else win? Do we understand it is not always about the winning or think it is all about the winning? I am just curious how guys see themselves through this game.

Do we take ourselves too seriously about the game?

My attitude is at my blog at http://buzzinbrine.blogspot.com/2009...-football.html

but here's some additional thoughts; if anything is keeping you from carrying out the basic functions of your life, or keeping you from your family, then it is harmful. If you are using any habit, or hobby in life, to hide from a real problem in life, then that is a problem.

I know I don't have the time to put into this like so many. That's why I fade in and out at months at a time. My skill sets (I"m not artistic, or mechanical and very simplistic in my approach to things, though I admire the skills of others,etc.) don't lend myself to great time investments to this.

But I think it is a question everyone has to ask themselves and be accountable for to others. For me, it is a relaxing diversion. If it becomes more than that, then I need to either get a grip or walk away from it.

[Electric Coach]

Although I don’t put too much emphasis on winning, I find that it is necessary to do so on a regular basis because people tend to pass judgment when a person doesn’t win. Sometimes people don’t know how to leave the competition at the table, field, basketball court, etc. People think that if you don’t win here or there, you can’t win anywhere. Believe it or not, one becomes a target for disrespect if he or she loses. This type of crappy behavior usually exists among men.

In regards to doing a good job like with my YouTube productions, I am serious about that because I am entertaining. People take their valuable time to watch my work; therefore, it is my responsibility to make sure that their time is well spent. Furthermore, it is work making these short videos. If I am going to be putting in time to do this, I am going to be serious about it. When people talk about the Electric Coach, they will speak highly of him. They will look forward to seeing the Coach again because he has established a reputation of being about his business.

Maurice

The Electric Coach

...and it can be applied to many aspects of life. I will say this and it echoes what was said earlier. I believe that ANYTHING done without discipline is unwholesome behavior. If you are not doing it ON PURPOSE then it is potentially destructive. But I see nothing wrong with striving for excellence in whatever you do as long as it is kept in perspective and does not detract from having a balanced life. In fact, I would say in the right circumstances finding success in this hobby could promote confidence in those with little that would spread into other areas of one's life.

[Treks1]

.... for MOST people in the hobby, and for me its just that, a hobby, relaxing and having fun, enjoying the fellowship and creativity. I tend to enjoy the game more when I am winning because I hate losing (or even worse, missing passes and/or making dumb plays...) In the end I have to remind myself why I play the game... There's always next season....

It does bother me in the way others tend to perceive you, especially in League play, if you don't have a good record or don't win, that you are a scrub or failing life in some way. I say let those haters hate or don't play.
You can't let someone else define what you get out of the miniature football experience.

Although I have had some satisfying wins and many more painful losses, I get the most out of non-competition aspects of the game. I really enjoy quiet evenings at home painting teams and making figures and seeing what other coaches out there and on the board are up to. This hobby has a lot to offer, and if you take it our yourself TOO seriously, I think you miss out on some of its simple pleasures.

[Vince148]

Just starting out, if I can stay in the game, great. I'll take a 17-14 loss over a 50-0 loss any day.

[Collegefootballfan]

I think anytime you play a game it is about the win. A scrimmage is a dif story. But, you must take a lose just like a win. When I lose, it is kinda a good thing since I hate it so much. I go home and practice. I try to get better at what may have cost me the win. Just being honest.


Jeff

[Anthony D Burgess]

How one takes this hobby is based on there preception. Why you play and what you wish to get out of you're hobby experience factor in.

Many in this hobby base how they play on the word of others with out even trying to figure out what they want, the popularity of public opionion in this hobby distorts this view.

This hobby is what you make it, rather you play as you did when you were a child, or house rules, make believe, or simulation.

You should be proud of how you play and not embarrassed by it.

[RavennaAl]

Do I take this game too seriously??? I won't even dignify that question with a response. Oh wait, saying I won't dignify that question with a response is already a response, thereby dignifying the question. I know, I'll quantify my non-responsive response with a pontification of exaggerations based on non-pseudoscientific divinations obtained by a combination of psychic revelations derived from an ouija board that was purchased for $2.25 at a local garage sale and the classic literary masterpiece 'Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask', the culmination of which will surely leave absolutely no doubt about the existince of the id and ego as it relates to modern the day social eco-system and miniature football.

[Norbert Revels]

Just like my other hobbys (collecting vintage comics and sportcards),........but when I lose in MF, I don't jump off the ledge (smile).

Norbert Revels