Wowza… it’s been quite a while since we held a TSTO Anonymous meeting here on the site and once again it’s my fault. Last time we gathered it was August 1st of last year. Jeesh how the time flies by. Lots of stuff has happened since then. New levels, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas… phew. Just a “few” months between meetings and Wookiee needs a topic… hmmmm… guess nothing else to do but fire up the coffee pot and get started, right?
I guess we could start out by just asking how everyone feels about their games since August but that doesn’t seem fun. Heck… all you have to do is read comments on past posts to get a jist. It follows a pretty predictable pattern: Woo hoo.. new stuff! Glitches… blah. Is this event over? Will this event be extended? Meh… next.
Of course I’m oversimplifying and by no means is that a generalized opinion. Often… this game makes me think of other addictions. You can choose whatever substance you want. Love, coffee, moon rocks, whatever. The high feels so good at first but then it takes more and more to get that fix each and every time. There’s good days and bad days but most of the remembering falls on the negative side. Makes ya wonder why you’d want to be called an addict in the first place? No one wants to be an “other”. (Well maybe besides me, Comic book Guy is my favorite and Lisa is a close second.)
Here’s the truth as I see it. We’re not the others. We’re not just addicts, we’re TSTO Addicts. Why would anyone in their right mind want to be an addict? Easy peazy lemon squeezy… It’s this place! A community that takes life one tap at a time and for 99.9% of the time is fun, welcoming, free of trolls and a fun place to spend some time away from the real world. Where else could you find folks who admit to tapping on the toilet? Where someone says they got married but made sure to tap beforehand? (We won’t even get into what they tapped that night.)
How about a place where folks from Australia are friends with folks from Montana? Where comments sometimes come in foreign languages and get translated using Oogle? Where a grown man goes by a Star Wars name and is besties with another who is a cray cray rabbit and another who wears Crocs too often? We’re all cogs in the big machinery that is a TSTO blog. Everyone of us has a part in making this place what it is.
You picking up what I’m putting down? It’s about belonging. It’s about not having it all together but together having it all. It’s about realizing TEAM is just MEAT spelled funny and that you can’t spell slaughter without a lot of laughter. It’s about identifying with a four-fingered yellow character for a few minutes of the day. It’s about that board meeting where Homer says “better him than me” when someone gets yelled at or “Visitors… better put on pants” right when you enter a crowded room.
Life can be tough. You feel like you’re playing duck duck goose with Ralph Wiggum. Life is expensive and Jebus knows your mobile game isn’t helping by tempting you with Truckasauruses, castles and donut deals. But it IS just the internet and a tapping device, right? It’s just a game. EA and Oogle don’t control us…
Anyone besides me wish they knew when the Oogle Street Crew was going to be in their neighborhood? I have to say that one of my favorite things about TSTO Addicts is the sense of humor shared by so many. Not a day goes by where I don’t find a smile on my face after spending even just a few minutes here. Laughter is the fuel that fires the engine of my life. If I’m not laughing… I’m probably asleep. Maybe Krusty’s Pyramid of Laughter could be helpful in furthering this meeting?
Ok… I’m gonna go with no. Not that I thought Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofski would be any help here. We all know he’s the kind of addict who makes us all look very fine indeed. I actually looked up topics from other “Anonymous” organizations before writing all this and the first two suggested were “Acceptance” and an “Attitude of Gratitude”. Call it laziness, finding a list sorted A to Z or cosmic intervention but I thought those two sounded like nice topics to round out this meeting.
Acceptance is what this site is all about. Regardless of personal background, location, etc. we’re all tappers possibly addicted to a mobile game that is “life ruiningly fun”. You ever see the EA commercial in that regard? It’s funny while also mildly sobering.
They say the first step towards beating an addiction is admitting you’re addicted. Well… the site name says it all. Step one… done. We accept we may play the sky finger role a bit more than other so-called “normal” people. We accept we probably spent more of our entertainment budget on a parcel of pixels than other forms of fun. We accept that sometime our games/town designs/ grammar/(insert gripe here) aren’t perfect. It’s all good… nothings ever perfect. Just look at the poster and breathe.
As for an attitude of gratitude, that’s sometimes easier said than done, right? Everyone is always saying to just be grateful but the only person stuck in your head is you. Oscar Wilde had a witty saying in this regard: “A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
I can certainly say I am grateful for this game and all the social sites for introducing me to people I would probably have never met. It’s such a big planet while at the same time such a small place. I know the value I place on this community. Also helpful to leave the price stuff to the lady addicts lol. I’m grateful for everything TSTO brought into my life and all of the like-minded individuals who can join together in a silly place like this. EXCELSIOR!
So here’s my deal for the next week or month or however long it takes for life to slap me back to a my normal stance of optimistic realism. I am going to try and be grateful not just for TSTO but for life in general. Despite glitches, being poor, some personal struggles… the glass will be half-full. (NOTE: The nerd in me wants to point out that a glass is never empty. It’s always filled with something.) I hope all of us can do the same and maybe, just maybe make a small difference in the grand scheme. What can it hurt? A smile can go a long way.
As usual, we’ll end the meeting with the TSTO Anon serenity prayer:
“EA, grant me the serenity to accept the updates I cannot change, the courage to recommend the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Hope y’all have a great week and that your games are everything you need them to be. More importantly, I hope your real lives are full of joy, laughter and other amazing people. If you’re lacking one of those items on the list, that’s what places like this are for. Sound off below with your thoughts, what you’re grateful for, your view of acceptance or whatever. Much love from a grateful fuzzball. To quote Harry Chapin… “the new jobs a hassle and the kids have the flu but it’s sure nice talking to you.”
TTFN… Wookiee out!
Thanks Etanmi for this link!! My name is Christal and I’m a addict.. I go to the bathroom with both devices to play (tmi) lol.. I set my alarm especially during events, I loose sleep.. I play hourly!! I stop going places if they don’t have wifi for my tap out. I use to get gifts for holidays and bday’s but I have told my family just get my iTunes cards. I sing the tunes, I watch FX Simpsons Mon-Sunday and on Wed and Saturday I watch Simpsons on my IPad. I used to watch LMN on Sunday’s but now I re-decorate my tap out.. And I am falling in love with Premium items. I have registered for surveys to get free iTunes cards… I’m a ADDICT
Yes the game goes with me to the bathroom . My name is Jon…and I’m a tap a holic … On my way to work some times swerving trying to get 50+ springfielders off to 8 hr tasks. Is a bit dangerous. So I’ve started setting my clock a half hour early. At a 12 step meeting and i forget to turn my phone off. “woo hoo… New building”!!! Thy will be done
Hi Jon.
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!!! Wait, wrong show… I have finally hit the top level and if history repeats itself, every time I make it close they drop a new level lol So maybe there will be an update soon 🙂
Most excellent posting Wookiee
For the first time since I became a TSTO Addict, I have a zero in my Task Book, can’t get FP and have no new level to play. All I can say is, “Aaaarrrgg!”.
I found it a chore to go to all my neighboreenos to tap them so they get FP, but I did it and will continue to do so.
As Homer says, “Mmmmmm, need new level.” (or should say anyway)
Hi neighbor! How about your KL?
Never really noticed this, but when you reach the max XP for the current top level, get the chance for donuts, and then need to fill a new XP bar, does the amount increase to a higher total than before?
Yes. You are essentially in the “Bonus XP Level” bar. It turns pink. Each “refill” amount increases for chances at the 3 donut boxes.
We need a ” Simpson’s Tapped Out Yard Sale. ” Giving new tappers chance for missed freebies and or donut worthy items henceforth opportunities for everyone.
They just had a huge one. Lol
Iirc the last one was after easter last year?
http://tstoaddicts.com/2014/11/28/1128-thanksgiving-a-roony-gils-back/
Yeah, i remember that, but all those items wherw not limited time i believe, but in mid year garage sale we were offeres limited time characters such as shary bobbins
Ah nuts! Missed it! The one day of all months shop for beding and this happens. Poop.
Hmm. I have worker in my springfield a lot since august and id like to show it off.
*** 🙂
I’m pretty much new to this site and I’m just loving it here. I’m so glad to have found tstoaddicts. I just started tapping last year during the Clash of Clones event, I’m so obsessed that I’ve already reached the current highest level. Oh, and yeah, I bought my very first tablet partly for internet access and emails on the go, but also so I could play the game.
Welcome to the Addicts Madness. 😉
Thanks so much! Now I better get back to beautifying my town. 🙂
Am I the only one who is getting constant daily “updates” of 200+ Megs that don’t update anything?
a couple of others are saying similar things. Try a full uninstall and reinstall of TSTO, see if that helps clear it all out.
Just forget about your fellow humans all together. Homer is the only friend you’ll need. (And Family Guy) XD
lol that line always cracks me up
Fabulous post, Wookster!!
Only problem with this “meeting” (as compared to other “Addicts” group meetings) is that I don’t think most of us here want to overcome our addiction! 😉
I’ve been stuck in bed for almost 8 months now with a disability, the first few months out of work on short-term disability, which is when I started playing this game and found this community. It really was a lifesaver for me, bringing me back from the stir-crazy precipice I was on. I’ve since gone back to work (fortunately, my job is doable from bed and my boss has been marvelously supportive), but I still play and post before work, during lunch (like now), and after work. I’m glad I started when I wasn’t working, because it allowed me to play almost constantly, maximizing my in-game income and allowing me to level up fairly quickly. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that I’ve only been playing for about 5 or 6 months!
I’ve used various sites to get specific TSTO info/data, along the way, but this is definitely the one that I call “home.” Hopefully, I’m not like that annoying relative who makes everyone sigh and roll their eyes when she shows up! I know that brevity is not my strong suit and that I probably post too often, but I hope that my strong community spirit makes up for that, at least somewhat. Just know that I’m ALWAYS open to feedback, so feel free to give me a kick in the you-know-where when you think I need one!
Okay, sorry, got WAY too serious there (and long-winded, as I usual)… So I’ll just end by saying, “But my mom says I’m cool!”
Awwww you know we adore yah round here Sandra. 🙂
I’d never seen that tsto advert video before, so funny and soooo true!!!!.
You have become part of my daily fix! Thank you for making this space for us.
This is an awesome community.
This site is the only tsto one I visit, love the staff, and community. The game can be a headache at times, but the fun outweighs the bad.
Not sure if anyone here visits woot . Com, but there’s a nice mashup shirt there now:
http://shirt.woot.com/offers/pac-homer-1?ref=ref%3Dcnt_wp_3_18
Check it out, post if your buying one.
I’ve been unemployed since last April, and had been able to play as often as I want. I was offered a job and go back to full time work next week. I fear the withdrawal. There maybe tears. But I will not, I repeat will not, take my phone to the ladies room to sneak in a few taps.
Break room should work for that…. 😉
I just want to say thanks for all the things all 3 of you do for this site. Super Bowl Sunday is my one year anniversary of tapping, and I have loved it ever since (Execpt that D*** valentines day event) I don’t remember when I found you guys, but It was one of the best decisions I have made, Tapped Out-wise
Also, I want to get myself a one-year anniversary present, and I’m trying to decide between Otto and Frink. Which do you recommend?
Hmmmmmm… I have to say Otto is probably overall one of the favorites… but to put him against my fav nerd… that’s a tough one. Lol
Wookie, you da man. I love this blog and come back to it repeatedly. I have a problem, and I admit it, which is the first step to… something. I forget. Anyway, the point is… I forget that, too.
I love the blog and enjoy reading your missives and those of my fellow TSTO addicts.
Your an awsome guy Wookie. Are you sure you wern’t born on Kashyyyyk? Im grateful that my wife and I have had a friendly, upbeat, non negative place to get our tsto new for I believe about a year now. You guys never disappoint and always put a smile on our faces. I rarely ever comment and she never does but rest assured we’re reading your posts and yoy guys bring joy into our lives every day. Thanks for being here guys… I meen girls and 1 guy id never play Dejarik with lol. We apriciate all ya’ll do 🙂
Thank you Wookie. I’ve been addicted since right after Halloween and haven’t missed a day since. I’m grateful for my hubby, who doesn’t understand, but accepts my obsession anyway. He even bought me a new tablet for Christmas so I could see better. I’m extremely grateful for this site and all of the work you guys put in – every morning I check for an update email to be sure I know what’s going on before I play. I can’t think of a better addiction to have or a better place to be.
I’m such an addict that whenever I have my tablet out, my husband assumes I’m playing TSTO or visiting this site. Sure, it’s true a lot of the time, but sometimes I actually *do* check MyFace or read things on the interweb. Sometimes. Heh.
lol my husband is always shocked when he asks if I’m on the blog and I tell him no I’m just reading the news. Always stuns him so i know the feeling! 🙂
Just popping into say hello after finishing work for the week. I feel a nuclear blast coming on in my town, probably from this evening. It needs a change and January is always a good time for this. So I shall be particularly addicted this weekend whilst I try to design a town that I’m happy with.
sneaked in for a peek… **leaves hugs for other addicts**
It’s a sad state of affairs when you are an addict. I actually came up with an elf bottling song, but was too ashamed to post it…
Serenity now!
Well now you HAVE to post it….
Where, and isn’t it a tad late?
It’s never too late…and you can post it right here 🙂
Tell you what, I will email It to the addicts addressed to you (sometime this weekend). You can decide if it’s worth it, and here to put it.
lol ok sounds good
Hmm… If sci-fi/fantasy folk songs are called “filk” songs, what are animated comedy folk songs called?
I’m wondering if anyone else has had problems with the conform-O-meter, righteousness rating. With this latest, small update, my righteousness rating went from 5 stars to 1/2 star. I was at 5 stars on all and now it will not move. I hoping this is not another glitch, not that I would be surprised.
A couple of things…did you level up? Usually a new level changes the requirement. Have you noticed a lot of spray paint lately? Have you let Sideshow Bob escape a lot, with out catching him?
Funny… I had the exact opposite. I’d been stuck on two and a half stars for ages, and immediately after the update I was up to five.
Thanks, this gave me a chuckle cookie (ok I kept trying to type wookie and it refused so I accept the universe’s verdict)
Hi my name is Chatonka and I’m an add…… hold on Ralphies just finished wiggle puppy, gotta go
Yeah, I gotta admit, I put off downloading the game bc I thought it would be a waste of time, and not any fun. I was right on one of those, but I don’t care, i’m lovin it and mad that I didn’t start playing when i first saw it; Especially when I hear about past events and see items in others springfields….if only there was grand larceny in the game….
And having this site to come to has helped keep/peek (see what i did there) my interest and helped me play the game. I can’t even imagine playing this game without a full or half-full friends list and this site is a great place to have. Sorta like another springfield.
So nuff rambling, I’ll just cut to the point and say Great site, Great people. Great Job.
Thanks so much.
Just wanted to say you guys do a great job. I’ve been tappin since July 13 and an addict since Halloween 13, now that was a great event,( insert nostalgic sigh here).I rarely do anything without checking here first.Gotta go get my yellow people fix.
Aw well thank you! So glad you’re a part of this AWESOME community! 🙂
You guys have the best TSTO blog! I’ve tried reading them all but now I’m only reading addicts! You’ve got the best writers, bet topics, most abundant info, and the most timely posts about new updates. Keep doing what ya doing!
Aw well thank you! It helps that we have the best community of players here. We just provide the music and margaritas, you guys make this site a party!