It's not, really. It's just a forum term that describes someone who enjoys reading forum conversations but seldom joins in. Everyone lurks sometimes, either because we don't have the time or energy to think of something to say, because we don't know enough about the subject, or because we don't have anything to say that would really add value to the thread. Sometimes, what I would say has already been said. I haven't even been lurking lately. I sold my house and moved to another, with all of the associated troubles that many of you will understand, I'm sure. Things are settling though.
I kind of agree with @Sarah Price. I know you're telling the truth and it isn't creepy in this context at all. But when I hear the word "lurking" I immediately think of peeping toms. I had one years ago. He was the landlady's son. They lived directly in front of me. You know the sides that pull out on an air conditioner, that are just like a fan? He sliced those open so I couldn't see that it was cut, but he could "peeping tom" me. I found him lurking a few times. And that was really creepy.
Maybe we can come up with a new term, to replace "Lurker"? I look at it like the Editorial page of the newspaper. We all read it, but don't all write letters to the Editor. I guess it is called the Op/Ed Page, now. I would encourage new members to begin posting on subjects they like.
Just joined last night. Still trying to learn how to navigate through the various threads and get everything started. Also wondering who is who from another forum. I think I recognize a couple. Why the big identity secret on this forum anyway??
Identity secret? This is one of the few forums that encourages people to use their real names. Although we certainly allow people to choose a pseudonym, where privacy is a concern, members are perfectly welcome to use their real names. I do.
Thank you, Ken Anderson, for helping me get back on here. I started an account quite a while ago but forgot my password. I didn't know the password resets were going into my spam folder. I am here, and don't know how active I'll be but I do know how to get here now.
Just joined also...I have used Ken N Tx on the internet since 1998..But rules are rules so I compiled..
It is not uncommon for someone to create a membership account and visit the forum from time to time, yet never make that first post. Many others will read posts here but not take the next step to create a membership account so that they can participate in forum discussions. You are perfectly welcome to read through the posts here, whether logged in under an account or not, but I encourage you to take the plunge and make that first post. If you are fifty years old or older, we'd love to have you as a participating member of this forum. Introduce yourself in our Introductions thread or simply reply to any of the discussions here. This forum has been here for more than a year and a half now, so it is likely that we have something here that you might be interested in. Don't worry about whether it's an old thread, either. Some forum administrators don't like it when old threads are replied to but that's perfectly okay here. Otherwise, feel free to start a thread on a topic you'd like to discuss. The forum will be a lot more fun for all of us if you are a part of it.
@Diane Lane Now, this I like! Very old news, yes, but just found it. Disagreeing a bit with the above (Lurkers = Voyeurs), I rank myself definitely with the Voyeurs, but Lurking I think I have never done. Define Voyeur? Me, ever on the lookout for salacious content, erotically provocative content, "clothing optional", headings thus aimed at arousing interest. Interest should never wane, for if it does, cognizance of human pride disappears with it. Frank
I often wonder why people lurk. There was one member, not here who very rarely posted or commented, then all of a sudden boom a controversial opinion to upset the apple cart then disappear. Causing the thread to go on for several pages. I put this down to being a trouble maker and having five minutes of fame I often wonder what they get out of that. There must be members who are admin from other forums just wondering what is going on in this forum I suspect so pop into have a look. Also fear of posting could be down to retribution from another member. I do agree you must not be offended by another person's comment. After all in your working career how many eye roll moments did you have. If you remember you just let it go. It's different on a forum I suspect because we don't now the member just an advatar. Nuance never comes across in the written word also so misunderstanding could be part of that. I think politics and religion cause the most upset. I tend to read and rarely comment, firstly I am not American so feel unqualified to comment on your politicians. Quite happy to post funnies though. I come on the forum to read and contribute and have a laugh its nice to have a chat to members as well.
Well, the lurker I think, is just another variation of the chatroom troll. The person who comes in, and starts posting all kinds of offensive content just to get a rise out of people. I think there lives must be very dull and boring, to use this as their source of entertainment Also, they maybe be psychopathic or sociopathic, and enjoy creating chaos wherever they go. Just be aware wherever internet people are gathered, a troll or trolls or lurkers are not far behind.