many ladies. A large number of providers read the boards often but only post on ocasion if at all. They want to find out about their next date and what he likes, etc.
Recently,we had a few interesting threads about our friends the White Knights.
I think we ought to turn our attention to our other friends, the lurkers.
Who are they?
What do they do?
Is their presence [relatively speaking] here a benefit or a loss to the TER community? Or does it have no effect?
Would other terms serve better? Loiterers? Lingerers? Slinkers/ Furtives? UTRs?
Are there degrees of "lurkerhood"? [Deepest lurkers, deep lurkers, shallow lurkers, for example]. This might be based upon an occassional review or post on a board?
Where did this term originate? [Yes, I AM TOO DAMN LAZY to do a Google search]. Is it unique to TER?
I must say, I am very amused [most things leave me very amused, BTW] by my image of lurkers [which probably bears little relation to reality]. I imagine a shifty, furtile guy, of rodent-like appearance, possibly dishelved and sporting the stereotypical dirty trenchcoat. He's trying hard to be inconspicuous, and failing badly, and presents a vague air of ill-defined menace and threat. He's the personification of the term "loitering with intent."
BTW, the handiest dictionary provides these 3 definitions of "lurk" :
1.to lie in wait, as in ambush. [nah, no one here at TER, unless you're thinking of the politics board];
2. to move furtively, to sneak, to slink ;
3. to exist unobserved or unsuspected; to be concealed [this sounds like it's usage here].
maybe they just don't want to get involved in all the riduculous chatter that goes on here, and are only interested in finding out where the best pu$$y is.
As one who lurked here for a few years before finally finding my voice, I'll take a stab at your questions:
Who are they? Probably outnumber those of us who vocally participate greatly, and are hobbyists, mostly, who are just reading our ramblings, but are too shy or reticent to join in the discussion...in other words, the silent majority...
What do they do? Many are no doubt active hobbyists, but choose not to participate in the discussions. Their reasons are myriad...
Are they a benefit or loss? Probably the latter. Many likely have contributions that would be valuable, and perhaps entertaining, but they remain silent for their own reasons...
Other terms? Lurker seems to be generally appropriate...
Degrees of lurkerdom? Never thought of it in those terms...
Term origination? Not unique to TER or hobby boards...have heard the term used elsewhere...
Your image of a lurker is obviously yours...is stereotypical, and probably inaccurate, of course. As I write this, over 2,700 are logged on, so the percentage of VIP's who lurk full-time undoubtably greatly exceeds those us who comment frequently here...
Since they "lurk" I don't see how they effect things in one way or another here on the boards. Lurking is not a practice relegated to TER. There are lurkers on internet boards everywhere...I don't really see it as a problem. Some folks like to read and participate and some just like to read. After all, there is good info here from folks who care to provide it.
You're image of a lurker seems to be that of a "raincoater", a pervert. Lol, not sure I even want to know what causes you to conjure this particular image but mine is very different. I can think of at least two providers I see that read TER regularly and don't post anything here. Not everyone has the need to speak out. Indeed, there are a few folks on the boards who I'm sure many of us wish would rather just remain lurkers...
most of us are college educated white males in our thirties and forties that wonder where so many of you board hoggers get so much free time and have the time to even think about us lurkers but thanks because we are never brought up to anyone and are mostly ignored
many ladies. A large number of providers read the boards often but only post on ocasion if at all. They want to find out about their next date and what he likes, etc.
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