I have read quite a bit in the forums lately of slow players (via the use of vacation time usually).

I have heard interesting arguments on both sides. Personally, my move speed is around one move/hour (the joy of working at home). However, i have no problem with slow players as they are following the rules.

The argument I would like to submit is that slow players should motivate the less patient players to find quick, decisive victories in won positions. Indeed, if you can find a 4 move forced win over a 12 move then this could literally save you weeks of impatience.

Thus you can use the slow players speed to your advantage and learn at the same time.

I guess my interpretation of the rules differs. Vacation is to be used for vacation. To me vacation is when you are away from your computer and cannot make moves: a planned trip away with family, a death in the family, illness, injury, business trip, etc. Vacation is not for extending that three moves to four or more every move or two just because you can't bring yourself to end that hopelessly lost position. People do this and it's sad.

Is vacation time ok if you just want a day or two away from chess, even though you're technically still around to play?

 Yes. The vacation rules cover this circumstance as well. If you want to step away from your games for a couple of days and come back with you time at the same spot, then you are free to do so per chess.com rules.

There are those that disagree, of course, but I believe more in rules than opinions (it is my nature as a mathmatician...lol).

 Yes. There are those that abuse the vacation rules. However, the rating points and victory will still be there waiting for you regardless of how slow they move. Vacation time does not last forever and whether you get your victory today or in the middle of March you will get your victory.

I agree with the statement that the rules are the rules.  But I also understand people's frustrations.  People have talked about sending games to a panel who can rule the game is over if this sort of situation would happen, but it's somewhat hard to prove IMO.  I doubt the vacation system will ever be perfect, and if you have a game like this, just play it as it goes and worry about mroe pressing issues I guess.

And I was actually pointing that comment more towards xMenace.

If I know my plans, I may move fast or I may slow the game down to hide the fact that I have a plan, or to regulate my game load. If I have an OTB tournament, I may log in and look at the boards, but not move, and take a vacation to avoid time out.

I rarely darg out a lost game, but have done so once or twice (and "lost" is in the eye of the beholder).

Players may use as much time as the clocks and available vacation time permits. It is not for others to judge. Play efficiently; use conditional moves; wait patiently. If you are winning, then win by making good moves.

but how do u activate a vacation. i have been vacation often to places with no computer net access.

Go to online chess, then settings, and there should be a box that says "vacation"  or something to that effect about 3/4's of the way down. Check it, then click "save changes" at the bottom of the screen.

I played an opponent from the U.S. He only had a king standing with no other pieces. I had king,queen, and several other pieces. Rather than resign like any normal opponent would,he deliberately ran out of time. Now that is what I vacation

I have read many of these posts, and yes it is frustrating, prolonging things is unfortunately within the rules, but your opponent can still show some class and stop delaying the enivitable. I understand that many times the goal is to hope for stalemate, but 99.9% of the time this doesnt happen. In my case I have a FORCED mate in 2! and my opponent took off on vacation for up to 2 weeks...just shaking my head