I've been in love with the idea of EVE ever since I first learned about it, I don't know how long ago. Years I guess. 
 
Part of me has always been trained to believe that when I buy a game, that's all the money that needs to be exchanged, so when that part of me thinks about how free that universe is, how much you can do and how frigging beautiful it all is, I wannit. Now.
 
But I have to remember there's a training wall you need to jump over, and that takes time. The anarchy of it also means that you may never get the experience you want, in part because you, as an individual, MAY be able to affect the world, even through methods other than betrayal, but there's no real certainty, and plenty of ways to lose a lot of progress (the stories of someone finally getting a ship only to have it and their character wiped suddenly wiped out come to mind, although I suspect some of them were victims just due to risky behavior). When I'm reminded that in addition to upgrading my machine, I'd have to pay a monthly subscription for that, I balk. It's sort of like you're paying for membership in a club. If it was a single pay model somehow, I'd probably not be as wary.
 
If I did, though, I'd be eager to try new ways to build a business in there, since I wouldn't have to worry about the tax nightmares of trying that in real life :)

I've been playing Eve for about a week now. Inspired in part by the crazy stories I'd heard on the Bombcast and also by the trailers that keep popping up, I strode boldly into the expanse of player controlled space economics. I must say, it's clearly not for everyone. If you want nonstop action or really enjoy waiting in line to kill some big boss, this probably isn't the MMO for you.  
 
HOWEVER! If you are looking for an MMO where players can actually have an impact on the world, this is a clear front-runner. I should also mention that this game "does space" better than any game I've ever played (with the exception of Mass Effect perhaps).  
 
Anyway I'll be brief. I'm having a blast so far despite the lack of action. I really enjoy the feeling of working toward a goal and being a part of a player-driven world. I owe it to Sacerdos87 for showing me the ropes and getting me started in his corporation. If you're interested in playing, I suggest you contact him on GiantBomb!