by Jeff Putz
posted 2/12/2001

We’re still a few months away from most seasonal parks’ opening days, and coaster enthusiast Internet culture is starting to show the signs of a long off-season.

Forums all over the Internet, including our own, are often reduced to superlative threads (best/worst/most/least) and my park is better than yours debates. Pretty boring stuff to read, considering the entirely subjective nature of the topics.

Fear not, spring isn’t that far away, and our attention will soon turn to new ride reviews, trip reports and the discovery of parks we’ve never been to. But what to do until then? How shall we fill our time?

First of all, turn off the computer. That sounds crazy coming from someone who wants to continue setting new traffic records for his Web site, I know, but sometimes stepping away from the Trinitron glow is best. While communication via the Internet is a legitimate form of social interaction, sometimes we need someone to hold us and tell us everything’s OK. Other times we need to throw a few back with our friends, attend a cultural event, go bowling or “cut the rug” at a club.

Another thing you can do is find something else you’re interested in. There has to be something that interests you other than coasters and the Net. I for one enjoy playing volleyball and coaching high school girls to make the perfect play, but your interests might include the noble art of underwater basket weaving.

Spend some time to get to know your family, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, pet or coworkers. After all, if they’re not coaster enthusiasts, you obviously won’t be seeing much of them come June. If you value these relationships, you’ll need to take out an advance on companionship. You’ve got stuff to do this summer, dammit.

By following these tips, you too can shake the numbness from your ass from sitting behind the keyboard all day. Save the sitting around for the long road trips ahead this summer.