Here's a compromise.
Place this thread in the attic, seeing as its not really about online casinos per se.
If its just a "guilty pleasure" or whatever, then it would be better off somewhere else instead of where proper discussions take place i.e. this thread is not a discussion, it is a live blog with the occasional interruption by sane people.
I don't see anyone "playing God" (whatever that means). I just see people getting annoyed at the forum being overrun by what is, by all accounts, constant gibberish. That's all.
You might find it "entertaining", but I don't get my thrills from watching and "enjoying" a severe compulsive gambler in the throes of their illness trying to justify their behaviour (and it's continuity) by talking to themselves in public and and making a multitude of excuses why they think they don't actually have a problem. I feel very sad for the family, as they are the ones who always suffer the most, and whilst I don't know his exact situation in that regard, I can say from experience and from his behaviour here that they most likely are suffering.
Sorry, but I can't see any "fun" in reading about the symptoms of a chronically ill person.
You make some very valid points Nifty, and it's a fair view from the opposite corner.
Just to clarify, by playing God, I was referring to those who were calling for him to be banned whilst questioning why the real Gods (mods) hadn't. My point was, the mods were watching and ready to intervene where necessary. Calling for someone to be banned because you don't agree with what they're saying, yet they haven't broken any rules, is unnecessary. Leave that determination and enforcement to those who's job it is, otherwise you're essentially saying they're not up to the job.
Look, Johnny obviously has a few issues, but I still think it is out of bounds to start speculating about his fitness to provide for his children or family, when no-one here has any evidence he doesn't. To me, family is off limits, and shouldn't even come into the conversation unless someone clearly states they are hurting their children.
I respect you as a person for showing that concern, yet given the sensitivity of the matter, unjustified and unfounded assumptions of neglect, can cause more harm than good given this medium. On the flip side, if Johnny was a raving psychopath, such assumptions could also put those children at risk, if a hypothetical psycho Johnny then blamed them for his treatment here. I hope you kind of get my point Nifty? Hence why I think it is such a sensitive area that doesn't need to be raised publicly.
If you are truly concerned for Johnny or his families wellbeing, I think a private discussion would be more appropriate.
As it stands, we have to take Johnny at his word like we do everyone else. He has said he had a big problem previously, currently works to control it, and now has limits in place to enjoy playing without going over the top. Yes he rants and raves too much, but we don't know his income or personal circumstances, so we shouldn't assume.
A $100 per week budget to someone earning $50'000pa, may be the equivalent to a $1,000 per week budget to someone earning $150,000pa. Because he has this budget, doesn't necessarily mean his a bad parent and his family goes without or suffers.
I just think some of you take it to another level, and get far too personal with limited evidence to base your assumptions on. Given the nature of some claims, maybe asking more questions first is a better response.
I agree we've never seen anyone like Johnny before, but being slightly obnoxious and forthright in their bragging of wins etc, doesn't automatically make them a bad father, husband or son.
Johnny may be eccentric and crazy, but until he admits to having a current problem, or shows hard evidence of child neglect or abuse, I'm of the opinion we have to take it all with a pinch of salt like we do everyone else's comments.
Imagine if all the world's leaders had to immediately act on their worse assumptions of the others. Our world would be at never ending war. It's bad enough as it is.
is this some type of joke here....
