Abstract is...

Better than reality sometimes. Mind you, I've been sitting here watching Storyville about young Chinese internet addicts who are treated for their addiction in prisonlike conditions by an army of young (mostly) women doctors in white coats.

Their addiction is based in an abstract, virtual world and it's pretty extreme. Some wear nappies so as not to interrupt their playing time while one played continually for 40 days and nights. They are treated under a fairly strict regime and undergo intensive therapy alone and with their families.

During treatment a group of them escape the hospital and run home to an Internet café to carry on gaming. In a way the café is their home - the people who care about them are online and there are underlying tales of violence, loneliness and lovelessness within their own families that bring this film home to roost. If there's a message for the rest of us it's to keep talking.

It's a fascinating watch - a subtley produced film and the crew got amazing access within mainland China. I might try and find out a bit more about it but for now it's time for me to sign off before it's too late for me too...

Watch out blipmates - don't overdo it!