I've read newspaper artiles about EQ, even heard an NPR piece on it. They are all very similar, talk about the HUGE amount of time the game requires, and dig up some woman who says that EverQuest is destroying her marriage because her husband would rather play EQ that do stuff with HER. I know this sounds very non-PC, but it's been part of every EQ "Expose" I've ever seen.

Of course, the point we have to make to others is that EQ is not destroying anyone's marriage, it is just an except outlet for people who are unhappy. The exact same "shocking revelations" are made about Internet chat all the time. EQ is a MUD, a Multi User Dungeon, and as such is a much more interactive form of online chat, along with a lot of stuff that doesn't require talking to other player characters.

YES, I am addicted, but I set boundaries and don't let it interfere with my work or family. In fact, my daughter lives out of state, and we play EQ together once a week, it's a heck of a lot better than a phone call!

Phone call:

EQ Dad: "Hi, how are you?"
13 year old daughter: "Fine"
EQ Dad: "How's School?"
13 year old daughter: "Fine"

Everquest:

EQ Dad: "Oh, look at the goblin!"
13 year old: "Ok, I'm gonna reverse kite it while you stand by to do a Washobi if I need it!"
EQ Dad: "What's a Washobi?"
13 year old: "Oh DAD....don't you read the boards?"

Surprisingly interactive. And teaches typing.