Actually, the problem with some, if I am understanding the drift of opinions here, is that this place IS their life.

That is as unhealthy here, as it is anywhere online, whether in forums, using IM chat excessively, gambling, porn, whatever.

If your life is disappearing into the computer screen, that's a problem.

The other theme in this thread seems to be about control and power issues here. In that regard, some people really do need to get a life.

Azizi said it well when she said her concern was with unfair and unequal treatment of forum participants.

In this and other threads, I also notice people (not Shambles) commenting more and more frequently about editorial abuses of authority, power, and control over others.

IMO, Max should take a serious look at recruiting new clones, regardless of how well (or not) they are doing. When perceptions like this are of this magnitude, it is a sure sign it's time to shake up management.