'Harry Potter' Is Addictive, Study Concludes

[Zara]

> Potioncat:
> Ahem. 
> 
> Let's see, how can I say this in the kindest possible terms?
> 
> Forget the "they." If you're still reading HP boards and particularly 
> if you're still posting...you're addicted.

zgirnius:
I'm a bit leery of using the term 'addiction', which I think may be 
overused nowadays. Though by your definition, I surely am. <g> 

Would the term be used of an offline hobby everyone considers "normal" 
that consumed equivalent amounts of time? Perhaps I was "addicted" to 
Judo, back in the days when I was serious about competing at the 
national level. Between practices (2 hours each) 4-7 days a week, some 
in locations 1+ hours from home, weightlifting most days, running most 
days, and the occasional tournament, clinic, or social activities with 
my Judo clubs, I probably spent MORE time on that. I had dreams about 
it. I gave up other things I liked to accommodate it. I've never seen 
an analysis of addiction to sports, though. (And no, HP did not drag me 
away from this obsession - becoming a mother did. HP is a hobby far 
more compatible with my new lifestyle. <g>)

Also, I feel the effect of participating in fandom on my life had been, 
if anything, positive. I write better and more easily than before, 
something I notice even at work. I have met interesting new people from 
around the world, some even in person.