When Worlds Collide

I play a few on-line games, some more than others. I used to play World of Warcraft until I realized that it had pretty much taken over my life. It can do that; the world is so real, so highly interactive, and the social elements of it just suck you in. My latest fascination is Ikariam.

Ikariam is a game of combat and growth, set in an ancient world format. Each player can establish and grow colonies on islands, with each island providing wood and either sulfur, marble, wine or crystal. Armies and navies can be created, alliances are formed, and there is much trading and raiding.

I try to keep my fantasy worlds and my real life separate. So imagine my surprise when someone in the game contacted me today saying she had read this blog. Not that I have anything I want to hide, but I like that separation. I'm wondering how she managed it, since I usually do a fairly good job of disguising things. I'm guessing it was when I made the mistake of trying to sign up on their forums so I could see what they were plotting.

I think we all have our little secret worlds that we try to keep separate. It may be something as complex as my gaming world or as simple as a meditation group, a reading club, or even just the private time you keep to yourself. It is a part of you that you don't share with the wider circle of your friends. I'm feeling intruded upon, invaded, and I don't like it. I realize that this blog is out there for the world to see, but that is why I don't use my real world name in my gaming world.

Ah well, this too shall pass. It is difficult to be too upset about anything when the weather is so wonderful, the flowers are in bloom, the beerfest is just around the corner, and the scales show still more loss.