Anti-marijuana campaign Above The Influence is targeting gamers by demonstrating how bad their playing skills can get while feeling the effects of funny cigarettes. Pointing out the effects of pot on your memory, perception and eye-hand coordination, Above The Influence makes its message clear -- a high gamer is a FAIL gamer.

"Getting high affects your brain in ways that may directly influence your gaming ability," claims the group on its Web site. "... Getting high affects everything from your reaction time to reasoning skills."

The anti-drug folk even go as far as to produce a video of a fake videogame character lamenting the demise of her gamer companion, mourning the loss of skill and swiftness because he "decided to get high." A modern tragedy for our times, I'm sure you'll agree. 

While this new campaign initiative falls somewhat under the banner of "cynical attempts to be relevant by people who probably don't know anything about the demographic they're targeting," it's still quite an interesting and unique spin on an old, familiar and ignored message. Since plenty of gamers smoke pot, I doubt this will have any significant impact, but I have to award Above The Influence points simply for creativity. 

Just once though, I'd like to see these organizations talk about the true cost of drugs -- the fact that most people who take them very quickly become incredibly boring "individuals" who spend a ridiculous amount of time talking about how many drugs they've had, are having, or will have after work. Seriously Dave, nobody CARED how much puff you smoked!