Why I don't fold
Posted 07-20-08 at 01:18 AM by ElMikeTheMike
I pay my own electric bill.
The end.
Seriously - I'm an adult with living expenses and bills in the state of Maryland. I live between Baltimore and DC; if you're familiar with the area, you know how expensive everything is.
I've become an anal-retentive old man that makes sure every lightbulb is turned off when not in use. I monitor the A/C and use it only when I absolutely need to. TV goes off the second im done. Dishwasher - once a week at most. Clothes washing - once a week. Fridge door - Close that damn thing.
I never used to care about any of this...until I was out on my own.
Nope, I don't live in a college dorm or with my parents. I don't have roommates to split the bills with. I'm an independent adult in the real world.
Now maybe you're well off and can run your own folding farm or don't mind a steep electric bill. Good for you, I'm sure you've earned it - but you're in the minority. I don't wish to imply I'm broke or "monetarily challenged", because I'm not - I just have other things I'd rather spend my hard earned money on, the least of which being Baltimore Gas & Electric.
Now you might say F@H only uses the energy comparable to a light bulb, or some other hogwash. Well, I switched to the energy-efficient bulbs. The fact of the matter is computers and gaming consoles draw A LOT of energy. I don't leave them on when I don't have to.
You might call me selfish or self-centered - F@H is for the greater good! Well, I'm thick skinned, I can take it. I'll smoke my cigarettes while you work on the cure for lung cancer [/sarcasm]. Personally, I think donating money to actual cancer foundations is a better way of doing things, but that's just me. At least you can write off those donations on your taxes (assuming you pay them).
So why am I writing this?
I refrain from making comments such as these in the forums. I see all the folding threads and people preaching the wonders of it, even though I'm pretty sure most of them could care less about the cure and are far more concerned with their PPD and where they stand in the rankings so they can earn some "free" prizes. But rather than make infraction-worthy comments there, I'll share my opinion here. And by infraction-worthy, I mean any comments not in support of F@H. This is a tech website after all, and I stand in the minority of people here on OCN that do not wish to fold. We have a voice too. To shut us out wouldn't be right.
The end.
Seriously - I'm an adult with living expenses and bills in the state of Maryland. I live between Baltimore and DC; if you're familiar with the area, you know how expensive everything is.
I've become an anal-retentive old man that makes sure every lightbulb is turned off when not in use. I monitor the A/C and use it only when I absolutely need to. TV goes off the second im done. Dishwasher - once a week at most. Clothes washing - once a week. Fridge door - Close that damn thing.
I never used to care about any of this...until I was out on my own.
Nope, I don't live in a college dorm or with my parents. I don't have roommates to split the bills with. I'm an independent adult in the real world.
Now maybe you're well off and can run your own folding farm or don't mind a steep electric bill. Good for you, I'm sure you've earned it - but you're in the minority. I don't wish to imply I'm broke or "monetarily challenged", because I'm not - I just have other things I'd rather spend my hard earned money on, the least of which being Baltimore Gas & Electric.
Now you might say F@H only uses the energy comparable to a light bulb, or some other hogwash. Well, I switched to the energy-efficient bulbs. The fact of the matter is computers and gaming consoles draw A LOT of energy. I don't leave them on when I don't have to.
You might call me selfish or self-centered - F@H is for the greater good! Well, I'm thick skinned, I can take it. I'll smoke my cigarettes while you work on the cure for lung cancer [/sarcasm]. Personally, I think donating money to actual cancer foundations is a better way of doing things, but that's just me. At least you can write off those donations on your taxes (assuming you pay them).
So why am I writing this?
I refrain from making comments such as these in the forums. I see all the folding threads and people preaching the wonders of it, even though I'm pretty sure most of them could care less about the cure and are far more concerned with their PPD and where they stand in the rankings so they can earn some "free" prizes. But rather than make infraction-worthy comments there, I'll share my opinion here. And by infraction-worthy, I mean any comments not in support of F@H. This is a tech website after all, and I stand in the minority of people here on OCN that do not wish to fold. We have a voice too. To shut us out wouldn't be right.
Total Comments 4
Comments
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Well said.
Your subtle yet potent critique of some participants' rather warped intent behind participating in F@H (i.e., using it as yet another opportunity to wag their epeen and nothing more) is something I have also observed.
I do appreciate your position, and do so very strongly: F@H, while a noble endeavor, extracts a price. Sometimes practical realities such as needing your money to go to something other than an electric bill stops you from participating more than anything else.
Good read.
Posted 07-20-08 at 03:18 AM by txtmstrjoe
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I couldn't agree with you more.
I fold, but for my own reasons (which I think is the most important part). I am currently studying Biochemistry at University to follow thru with my dream of becoming a Scientific Researcher (cancer/stem cells). Folding allows me in a sense to get closer to that dream even though I am not actively participating in the process apart from allowing my computer to do "its thing". I understand where you are coming from also. I don't know how long I will be able to afford folding as I need to money for my (studies/apartment/food/other expenses).
We all have our own reasons for choosing or not choosing to do something. Regardless of the impact this may have on how others view you; if you can live with the consequences of your actions then you made the right decision.
Quote:It is a clear gain to sacrifice pleasure in order to avoid pain. - Arthur SchopenhauerPosted 07-20-08 at 08:06 AM by mega_option101
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I agree. I think Folding is particular foolish endeavor and it only sought after because of the whole "point" thing. How many people would do it if they didn't get any points? Problably not too many.
Quite honestly I don't expect any real results from the project either.
With recent news that Folding@Home controls the worlds most power super computers (by a lot) I wonder if there is anything else they are using it for. Seems likely to me.Posted 07-28-08 at 08:39 PM by pauldovi
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... hahahahhaha
YOU being on OCN that much is what makes your electric bill that much more expensive. Why not FOLD while being on OCN??Posted 04-30-09 at 09:53 PM by kevinkor99
