Why Do I Do What I Do?

YC114.02.01

I’m starting to think I need to quit frequenting bars while I’m stuck in a station, or start drinking faster once I get to them...

Are You a Content Seeker?

Firstly, I would like to clarify my definition of "content seeker". These are not necessarily just players who can be labelled and dismissed as "roleplayers" or "carebears" (although I'm sure the skim-readers will still assume that to be the case). There are many null- and low-sec combat pilots with an appreciation for the lore of EVE and the layers of immersion beyond the performance-obsessed powergamers.

From the perspective of a casual player or an outsider there is a beguiling darkness and a sense of wonder in simply moving through New Eden and being overwhelmed by the detail. Roleplayers certainly tap into that and build beyond it, but that is a niche within a niche. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the min/maxers for whom the enjoyment is in the DPS and the kill:death ratios. They don't give a rat's arse about the backstory.

- Seismic Stan, Power Gamers vs. Content Seekers

This time, the talk was about what motivates us capsuleers, keeps us coming back for more, and not just killing the power on the cloning vat and opening the air lock doors.

For many, especially in null space, it’s the thrill of the kill.  (At least that’s what it seems like to me, plying my skills here in high-sec.)  It’s almost like the powers-that-be wish everyone to end up in null, making space for an endless streams of new grads to occupy high-sec for a month or two, before they move on and make room for others.  The circle of capsuleers, to coin a phrase.  (Hell, that would make a great song too!)

But what keeps me going?  What makes me climb into that pod each day, crush rocks each day, build trinkets each day, ply the markets each day?  In truth, it’s the companionship and interaction with my corp mates, my allies - hell, even my enemies.

Cause as an industrialist, I find the powers-that-be don’t leave much other motivation for me.

As I said earlier, if things don’t burn, there’s no reason to do anything else.

Everything I make, goes to the war movements of someone.  Can I produce view screens, or art work, or even clothing for my fellow pilots to enjoy?  Not even close.  Sure, I can move trade goods, and sell them to the powers.  

But New Eden is full of people that never set foot in a pod.  They have ISK that would look just as good in my pockets as theirs.  Why must the powers keep their monopoly on these markets?  

The power-that-be like to trumpet how capsuleers are responsible for the entire economy in New Eden; I wish I had the chutzpah to try feeding my customers such a line.  Sure, we’re responsible for the entire economy - the entire economy consisting of the crumbs they see fit to give us.

I’ve heard rumblings that changes are coming, and even seen press releases and “technology tests” that suggest the rumblings may be true.  It’s possible that one day, I may be able to buy and sell goods that don’t lead to a ship’s crew dying.  Of course, I’ve seen nothing indicating I’ll actually be able to build these goods myself - rather than just playing a shell game moving around consumer goods produced elsewhere, like a glorified courier.

But until that day, even though I call myself an industrialist - I’m just a cog in the war machine, profiteering where ever I can.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that...