Have you played "World of Warcraft"?

ah, the heroin of the internet gaming community. a few mates of mine play it, and some share subscriptions - personally, though i do see the draw, i recognise an addictive substance when i see it, and it's not worth the cost - in terms of money and things other than money - not to someone like me.

I was tempted by the game, but was put off by having to pay for the s/w and then have to pay again, and again, and again to play!

I play a bit of Guild Wars, which is free once you've paid for the game. I'll admit that it's very addictive at first, but once the novelty factor wears off I can play as and when I choose - I don't feel obliged to play in order to justify a subscription payment.