LIFE : MMO, like cocaine but without the benefits

I've been intrigued by the whole MMO movement, but can't really be bothered commiting myself to wasting the hours it takes to play. My mate Justin plays EverCrack, and thinks it's great.
Well I just read about a particular MMO that sounds like it might be worth having a look at - A tale in the desert. Based in ancient egypt it has not fighting, and places a real emphasis on socialising. For example, you have to trade person to person, and the tests you sit to increase your skills are voted upon by the community rather than simply being determined by the server.