It's not just the indoor/outdoor or introvert/extrovert thing. I think it's the idea of passive spectating (that you pay money for) that weirds me out. Even for the things I love, I'd much rather try to do it myself (however poorly) than pay money to watch someone else do it.
Am I just really unusual in that regard?
Why are you reading HN instead of doing the things people are writing about?
Going to a game isn't passively spectating. It's interaction with other fans, and being part of the show for the TV audience too. It's also something do out in the weather. It's a cultural artifact to observe and inspect like the Eiffel tower.
> Why are you reading HN instead of doing the things people are writing about?
I'm probably one of those people who spends more time writing than reading on forums. Being longwinded like me doesn't help... sigh. But it's a way to bounce ideas back and forth between people, discuss, debate, get insulted now and then, etc :) HN is one of the more socially interactive things I do, actually.
It feels like many of the IRL things I end up doing with friends are of the "let's do something individually, together" variety... like whether it's a hike or a rock climbing or karaoke or trivia games, most of it is centered around each person being in their own little world and doing their thing and only occasionally making smalltalk about nothing in particular. It's hard for me to do that for very long, vs the concentrated dose of interesting things to discuss on HN. Maybe I'm just bad at real world interactions.
Good points though. Now you've got me wondering if I have some sort of adult ADD, lol. Might be worth reflecting on...
I play a lot of Counter-Strike, but I also find lots of value in watching professional players compete. Observing pros can be incredibly insightful: it showcases the pinnacle of skill and strategy within the game (literally the same game I play), serving as both inspiration and a learning opportunity. It's fascinating to see how far one can excel in a game, providing ideas and setting benchmarks for what's possible.
This blend of "active participation" and "passive spectating" offers new angles to better appreciate and understand the game. It's not just about watching (which I find pretty entertaining on its own); it's about learning and pushing the boundaries of my capabilities by observing the best in the field.
To me that seems similar to not seeing the appeal of watching sports.
I can't handle large arenas when they are completely packed or there is too much tension in the crowd, so I'd recommend starting small and with a friendly game if you feel the same. Having said that, I found I absolutely hate watching baseball, golf and cricket (edit for reasons: not interested in drinking alcohol all day) but have grown to love sharing intense games like basketball, tennis and football with friends.
They are analogous. You go to watch people you admire do what they’re good at, in a crowded atmosphere.
Some of my friends that I can think of also don’t watch any sports.