Hi, sorry I've only just been able to reply.
I do have an interest in poker and play casually myself. The idea for this came about as I needed to introduce a topical/human interest angle in order to write a piece about poker.
I understand how you think it could be a "nanny knows best" piece but I can tell you this is not my intention, I need around 1500 words and I will indeed be writing it in perspective - i.e. how poker relates to other addictions and how it is of course different to other types of 'gambling' due to the large element of luck involved.
I think my definition for 'addiction' will be when it takes over someone's life, and I suppose has mainly detrimental effects. As for the "10 hrs a day and $2000 a day" - in this case it may not be addiction if they are professional, but if it affects their life for the worse in other aspects e.g. family life - then it may well be - I will be sure to make this clear so a hobby can not be confused for addiction.
I also see your point that things such as collections are possible additctions - but surely you can also see it is unlikely to have the same effects - maxed out loans and credit cards, loss of family etc. It may well do but I'm sure there are more cases of poker having this effect than stamp collecting. Also, another point to this is poker, be it online or live play is much more glamorous and widely available (in terms of getting into it) than collecting things... although this obviously is only my opinion - and is probably why "the media" have more interest.
Oh and also in no way am I trying to get poker banned or anything likde that - I am merely raising the issue and showing another side for people who see poker as just a glamorous thing that cannot go wrong.
And mfalda34 - I am not trying to change minds, just raising more awareness of how things can go wrong.
Sorry to anyone who got the wrong idea and thanks
Again, anyone who knows someone who could talk to me about being addicted, having been addicting or even has the fear of it please get in touch, thanks
Matt
mattdomm@gmail.com