How mainstream is D&D / RPGs

[vulcan_idic]

I wouldn't put it on a CV, it isn't relevant to the job.

Unless of course you happen to be applying at WotC, Mongoose, AEG, or someplace like that - then it would be extremely relevant.

 

[Host of Angels]

So - if it is as mainstream as all these other things, how come some of us keep it a dark secret to be hidden from our colleages? Are we that asshamed of it? I guess so. Which I suppose is understandable if people are going to label you a baby eating satan worshipper...

 

[Faerl'Elghinn]

So - if it is as mainstream as all these other things, how come some of us keep it a dark secret to be hidden from our colleages? Are we that asshamed of it? I guess so. Which I suppose is understandable if people are going to label you a baby eating satan worshipper...

[rant]Hey, I resent that crack at baby-eating Satan worshipers!![/rant]





...[/sarcasm]

 

[Stormborn]

Depends on the job. As a hobby, I agree with Henry that hobbies don't go on resumes. I have published a few gaming related articles in a professional capacity and for a writing job I definitely include them.

My main profession, however, is religious. While I would have no trouble with my congregation discovering I play RPGs, collect comics, and take my vacation at DragonCon and other geeky places, its not going to be advertised up front. Unfortunately you never know when that Jack Chick perception will turn up in a Search Committee.

I don't think this is deceptive or dishonest. I don't emphasize that I worked for a company installing lockers or a landscaper when I was in College either. They are not germane to the job at hand, and unless an employer specifically asked for a complete work history or listing of hobbies I wouldn't mention them.

 

[Greylock]

My store manager is on record as "Disapproving ", my co-workers think it's geeky, and my father points at me and laughs.

Other than that, it's all good.

 

[Umbran]

How mainstream is it? The 1999 market research by WotC suggested that in the US, something on the order of 2.5 million people play RPGs at least once a month. How mainstream is antything that's done be less than one percent of the population?

I don't put RPGs on my resume, but I don't put any hobby on a resume unless it obviously and directly applies to the job in question. I don't discuss my hobbies with my coworkers unless the subject comes up.

 

[Lurch]

All of my co-workers know about my hobby.
It's a requirement to work here.

My insanity I keep to myself.

*ahem* no comment...

 

[Scribble]

I'd say it's deffinately more mainstream then it was say in 1996, but it's far from being completely accepted.

I agree with the analogy to say bungee jumping. Everyone knows what it is, but a small population actually does it. But whereas in Bungee jumping most people will say "Oh you're a bungee jumper? Awesome, that's too scary for me..." Most people will say to D&D "Oh you play D&D? Whatever floats your boat man..."

I usually don't mention it to most people unless they ask. But I don't usually mention any of my hobbies to people unless they ask.

On my resume? No, unless like someone said I was applying for a gaming company.

Put it this way though... It's popular enough to have been made fun of on the simpsons.

 

[DragonLancer]

Just how mainstream are D&D and other role playing games? Do you tell your co-workers about your hobby? Do you put it on your CV (resume)?

The question popped up in the "D&D has threatened my job" thread. I'm British and the feeling is that it is a bit more common in the UK than the US - and possibly getting more common. Does anyone have any thoughts on this. Personally, I tend to keep quiet about my hobby as I do feel that there is a social, geek stigma associated with it.

I'm in the UK, and I include my gaming on my CV. Each time I have gone for a job interview it has gone down very well. It seems to me that it is in the US (from what American gamers tell me) that it would be considered a bad choice to include it on a CV or even tell co-workers. I find that a bit hard to believe to honest but I don't know.

 

[Host of Angels]

...something on the order of 2.5 million people play RPGs at least once a month. How mainstream is antything that's done be less than one percent of the population?

What is the population of the US (in 1999)? If 1% of the country regularly games - how come it has such a low key profile.