Does anyone else think they might need a 12 step type program for RP consumption?

2016-06-10T02:01:43-04:00

Hi, my name is Maj Kim Patterson. I blacked out the first time I signed on to RP. Initially, I would go long periods without giving it a second thought. Lately, it has begun to lure me in with greater frequency, daily use and an almost compulsive need to respond to those who respectfully answer questions I pose as soon as I notice. When I post a question, it's genuine interest. Anyone else?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 10 at 2016 2:03 AM

2016-06-10T02:03:17-04:00

Works for me!

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 10 at 2016 2:03 AM

2016-06-10T02:03:29-04:00

It is rather addictive

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jun 10 at 2016 2:18 AM

2016-06-10T02:18:12-04:00

Please feel free to tag yourself.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 2:44 AM

2016-06-10T02:44:32-04:00

I know someone like that she is a dear friend, well actually cousin, well actually Aunt, we'll actually my Mom, well actually someone that looks like me, well ok it is I.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 3:02 AM

2016-06-10T03:02:21-04:00

Likewise, the interest is genuine... especially when one starts seeing familiar names pop up all over the place (not to mention any *ahem* names...Pete Fleming :) )
I forgot how exactly I came to be introduced to RP a while ago... I think it was mandated by leadership at some point, or a conversation at the gazebo prompted it - I don't recall. The kicker, I suppose, for the recent spurt of commentary/ranting/perching on the well-worn soapbox is simply that I really REALLY hate math. I'm in week 6 of an 8 week "Math for Liberal Arts Majors", so once the complexity and difficulty moved past the "can you identify this square-shaped shape", I began the process of "creative procrastination" here.
All kidding aside, there is a lot of interest in some of the discussions here on RP. I tend to stay away from politics and threads with obvious malice - all I have to do for that nonsense is open up Facebook. I've had some interesting commentary going with folks about 18 year SSG's and a couple of aviation-related topics, so to acknowledge the "compulsive need to respond..." - absolutely. If people have the time to read my lengthy monologues and reply with substance, then why not return the favor as soon as possible?
My biggest question, though, is: while I was still active, there is NO way I had the time to be as involved as I am in retirement/math avoidance... so how do some folks manage to pull it off? Are we getting THAT integrated with social media that it has replaced places like the gazebo?
My second biggest question: how...in...the...world are people here on RP having *some* of the discussions with some of the most immature and disrespectful (regardless of rank) replies? Are people that socially stunted to think that this wonderful thing called the internet is somewhat damning when it comes to verification and possible repercussions?

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 10 at 2016 3:28 AM

2016-06-10T03:28:06-04:00

Well...I need a couple of 12 steps...but RP isn't one of them! RP probably keeps me from needing more.

Response by SGT Anthony Stiefel made Jun 10 at 2016 3:50 AM

2016-06-10T03:50:38-04:00

I was the same way. While I was active I rarely accessed or even thought about RP. These days I'm on here more than I ever had been on Facebook. It's like a better version of Facebook where I don't have to hear people crying about their lives, far more enjoyable! It's been a great tool for me since I was medically retired.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Jun 10 at 2016 4:54 AM

2016-06-10T04:54:25-04:00

Hello, everybody. My name is Mike and I am a web addict. It's 5 am and I'm reading RP posts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 6:32 AM

2016-06-10T06:32:01-04:00

It has become all consuming, bet you can't read one!.
https://youtu.be/5h-w2aXN-Zc

Bert Lahr for Lay's Potato Chips

Betcha can't eat just one!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 10 at 2016 6:38 AM

2016-06-10T06:38:47-04:00

Thank you ma'am for the early morning humor. I too get the urge to look at RP every chance I can.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 7:04 AM

2016-06-10T07:04:43-04:00

Hi Kim! The first step is to admit you have a problem.

Hi. My name is Tim, and I don't have a problem. Since I am recently retired I have found this to be therapeutic and relaxing.....

*Who the hell am I fooling?!?! This is my crack. I need to get a job and get the hell out of my moms basement*

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 10 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-06-10T07:23:58-04:00

MAJ Sir if you look at the intelligence level that way I must be off the charts. Your two Capt's Said and Michael I do see a lot on RP. In fact Capt Mike and I just enjoyed around of posts. My wife said I live on the computer.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Jun 10 at 2016 7:32 AM

2016-06-10T07:32:59-04:00

Good morning all - Problem?! ME??? Just answering this post shows that I have a small problem - well a bit bigger than small - OK,ok I have a problem! My therapy you ask - I go out and take a long, long bike ride but now I have RP on my iPhone! Help!!!!! I'm a RP junkie.......

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jun 10 at 2016 8:54 AM

2016-06-10T08:54:51-04:00

Maj Kim Patterson If I join yr program does that mean at some point I will not be able to read or post on RP? That's asking a lot I'm afraid. Perhaps you could come up with something or someway to slowly withdraw to a certain healthy point? Maybe some of us old timers have too much time on our hands and need to take up a hobby.? In the meantime I intend to overtake SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas COL Mikel J. Burroughs and a few others before my life expectancy expires.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 10 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-06-10T09:25:11-04:00

MAJ Kim Patterson - since I have been in the real Twelve Step program for years,one day at a time I do feel a definite connection with this post, my lovely wife on the other hand is always asking are you still doing that crazy Military stuff on line? Can't expect much more from a college kid from the 60s her not me,all that aside I find RP a great outlet for my old memories you guys understand great post by the way.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 10 at 2016 9:32 AM

2016-06-10T09:32:16-04:00

Personally, I do not believe it is as addicting as you say. I believe the allure is that we are all professionals from all walks of life and in these trying times, it is difficult and almost rare to have a civilized conversation with almost anyone. I come on to RallyPoint and I can have a friendly conversation with almost everyone and I don't know anyone here on a personal level. But if I tried to have an intelligent conversation on Facebook for instance where the majority of the people on my Friends List are close friends or family, at least half the time it devolves into screaming matches, name calling, obscenities flying etc. People these days don't understand that you are allowed to have conflicting opinions and still get along just fine. This is why I tend to log on to RallyPoint with an increasing frequency.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 10 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-06-10T09:36:50-04:00

Good morning,

I do not believe this is the venue for a 12 step program MAJ. But, I do think RR has it's uses in helping to guide, or give direction to a person's situation. RR appears to be heavy in military personnel. Military personnel know best how to help their fellow veterans, or active duty co-workers I believe.

There are some cases that would need special attention. I have noticed a couple and I am not sure how to approach them, or the situation that is obovious. Without being in person, it is hard to convey tone towards someone you what to reach out to without reading like a weirdo. (I care about you and what to help you written here might cause some RR members to go off in anger)

I am sitting here in my office awaiting a patient and thinking about your great question. I'll be back.

Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS, RVT

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 10 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-06-10T10:07:24-04:00

I've recognized that I feel an addiction to the intelligent replies. They challenge the one brain cell that CIF didn't want when I retired. I like it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 10 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-06-10T10:55:43-04:00

When I first read your post Maj Kim Patterson and saw consumption my mind drifted to the term used for Tuberculosis for centuries.
As far as dealing with ideas that we may be heavier, my first recommendation is switching the measurement form pounds to kilograms if that doesn't do the trick switch to the old English stone [20 pounds] you will see a drastic weight reduction in not a reduction in mass :-)
I too try to post questions that are well-thought through and researched where possible. I also try to spellcheck before I post because I have "fat" fingers. :-)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-06-10T12:34:18-04:00

Work has pulled me away a lot. When I was deployed I had a lot of free time. Most of it was consumed by RP.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 16 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-06-16T10:14:23-04:00

Maj Kim Patterson Yes we definitely need a strong version of "RP Anonymous" to help unglue us from the computers, iPhones, Androids, Tablets, and iPads. Great post.

Step 1 We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable

"The fact is that most RP Addicts, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in their daily RP addiction. Our so-called willpower becomes practically non-existent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first RP Post or discussion."

Something to that affect??

PS No disrespect meant for the great team at RP. Just throwing out a little "lite hearted" fun!

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jul 7 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-07-07T16:39:57-04:00

Major.. RP reconnected me back to the military. I go to the base to shop and stuff like that but there is little connection. I believe I have made new friends and some that isn't so friendly because of view points. Plus you do have a good cross section of military on RP. But I try to draw the line at the name calling and getting into heated debates about subject matter. As I told one man I didn't go on RP to to debate and call names but to keep up with what is going on. I got in a big one on a website when they stated that Rebels were traitors and they didn'y care how many died. That one got a little hot but you can be pushed round. I spend probably to much time on RP but I am retired and can't do much so I could do worse.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jul 7 at 2016 7:16 PM

2016-07-07T19:16:19-04:00

Maj Kim Patterson Just checking back to see how your withdrawal is coming..