From the Inbox...

A real e-mail from an apparent fan.....

Hi Movieman,

I was reading your blog today and wonder if I could get your opinion on a diet/fitness app I am working on ?

For me, I think the main problem with being healthy is motivation. It's an abstract, overwhelming goal. I think the best way to counter this is to turn it into winnable games and small victories.

So… my app makes living healthy, and fitness into a RPG game, where users earn points, and "level up' as they accomplish their health goals. Everytime they add something healthy like veggies to their diet, they earn points. Everytime they complete a workout, they earn points. As they achieve more and more, they'll level up and unlock badges, and discounts/coupons to rewards like spas, health foods, etc.

There'll be challenges, which will get harder as people level up. And it'll follow a certain structure. First will come changing your environment such as getting rid of all junk food. Then, reducing stress, as stress leads to eating comfort food.
The whole point is to turn it into a game so people will rely less on willpower, and more on fun, achievement, and changing our environment.

What's your opinion on this idea? Would you want to know when I'm done with it? If this sounds too silly, or absurd, just ignore what I just said, hehe =)

Is this a rib? I mean, don't get me wrong, this is ACTUALLY not a half bad idea, but why e-mail the "movieman" on the subject of diet and exercise? Anyway, Christine, if you're out there and you really are reading, drop me a comment here and maybe give me a few more details on why you chose me to share your idea with...........AAAAAAAAAand..........

I'm actually using this e-mail as an excuse to let everyone know that TENTATIVE....I say....TENTATIVE plans call for me to be back on this blog in time for a 2nd Annual Halloween, Scary Movie-A-Thon. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for details as to which horror flicks will be featured, but also keep in mind that this is all TENTATIVE.

And another quick note - I've been tinkering with the idea of getting more in depth with my tags/labels. Maybe adding popular actors names, country of origin, my rating, year, etc. to the labels, for easier access and better navigation to my blog. Any feedback on this idea would be appreciated.

October 3, 2011 2:35am