morality question

[melioris]

I have been giving a lot of thought to my feelings about the morality of poker, as well as posting like a fiend around here, while I take some time away from playing. It is a tough nut for me to crack. The whole free-will thing suggests that we are all responsible for our own actions and the consequences of these actions. I definitively believe in this philosophy, especially as I apply it to myself. Generally, I try to be more generous with others than I am with myself, so I don’t feel comfortable with a “fuck’em” attitude towards others. In the end, I cannot come to a satisfactory conclusion to the question of the morality of poker. And I am totally cool with that. That is one of the joys of human nature, exploiting the gray areas. Other than boozing more than I should, I don’t have a lot of vices. I am ok with poker being a vice for me (if it is actually is a vice). I really appreciate the thoughts that you all posted on this topic.

I think the core of this issue has been my approach to poker. Is it just for fun? Or should I manage it as an investment of time and money? Should I treat it like a second job, an income source? Or is it just something that I enjoy and I happen to make some money at it? Should I be pulling out my profits or building a bankroll and playing more serious? I vacillate through all these questions and it really messes with my head as I try to justify the time I put into poker. During this time away for reflection I have come to a satisfactory answer to these questions. I am going to treat poker like an investment, and I am going to try and increase my bankroll to move up. My plan that at the end of each month I will pull out 50% of my profits for that month. Theoretically my bankroll should grow, satisfying some ambition, and I should get consistent reward for the investment of time and energy. The fact that I enjoy the hell out of playing is just a bonus.