Quick poll: Clumsiness and reaction time

[BLuRry <brendan.robert@gmail.com>]

When playing an action or RPG game (say, prince of persia, ultima,
drol, karateka, moon patrol, whatever), what is about the amount of
time before you make a fatal mistake and when you actually realize
it?  How long do you normally react to this mistake while the game
displays some sort of death sequence?  2 seconds?  5 seconds?  Do you
run around the room like a beheaded chicken for 30 seconds?

what about using other apps -- how long do you go before you make a
mistake and when you realize it?  Say you accidentally meant to remove
line 100 but accidentally typed 10 and pressed Return.  Do you catch
that sort of error within a short amount of time, or do you find
yourself discovering that sort of error much later on?

Other than the anticipation of humorous responses, I actually have a
motive for this question.  But I wouldn't want to give anything away
just yet.  ;-)  Any responses greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
-Brendan