I was reading Eric S Raymond’s weblog the other day and felt compelled to put my $0.02 in. That, for some reason, prompted me to come up with a strange curiosity about how we are viewed as website readers. if we read a website, whether its a weblog, forum, or static informational page, we are reading the content.
When it comes to weblogs and forums, there’s a twist if you don’t actively participate. You read the posts and often the comments on those posts (I don’t always read the comments on ESR’s site, though, as they’re often off-topic flame-fests). You gain insight from what you read.
Without participation, though, you aren’t called a reader. You are called a “lurker”. You’re grouped with those who hang out at popular meeting places but don’t meet anyone. You just observe.
So, the question I raise is:
If you frequent a weblog or forum and only read it, are you observing? Or, are you reading? Is “lurker” a good term to describe the reading without participation?
If I comment on a post, I usually have something to say. If I don’t comment, I’m not lurking, I just don’t have anything to say to your post. Maybe your content was to dry and leaves nothing for discussion.
I believe if you want people to comment on your post, then it’s your duty to post content that’s worth a discussion.
Like this comment for example!
But that’s just my opinion, and you’re entitled to it. b-)
Yes, Corey, you’re a lurker ;))
But hey, that’s your M-0, and that’s okay. There are a couple sites that I’m a lurker on too. Your’s for instance. Half the time I don’t know what you’re talking about with all that geeky stuff
p.s.,
And because you’re usually a lurker, when you do comment, it makes my day :”>
Aah! There she goes flirtin’ again. Lookin’ for a new OBL are you? x(
Haven’t you heard of the “back door man”? :-”
I don’t know nothin’ about no back door man
Yeah, that’s the right answer!