Is Lurking The Online Equivalent Of Lunting?

[mortonbriar]

I was just thinking how many new members bashfully admit to lurking a while before joining, and I remember doing the same for at least a year before I joined.

What I was wondering, (since I have no other real forum experience, and do not use other social media) is this lurking before entering a common trait found throughout the interweb, or is it specific to pipe smokers?

hmmmmm?

 

[BROBS]

I was just thinking how many new members bashfully admit to lurking a while before joining, and I remember doing the same for at least a year before I joined.

What I was wondering, (since I have no other real forum experience, and do not use other social media) is this lurking before entering a common trait found throughout the interweb, or is it specific to pipe smokers?

hmmmmm?

I think it’s found all over. Starts with just searching subjects and constantly being directed to the same place. Then you figure “shit, I’ll just join seems to be the spot.”

 

[canucklehead]

Long time lurker, first time poster was a meme before memes were called memes.

 

[desrtrat68]

I lurk several forums, but this is the only one I'll post in. I lurked here for quite a while first. It's not as hostile of a crowd in here.

 

[mortonbriar]

Long time lurker, first time poster was a meme before memes were called memes.

I had a sneaking suspicion it was a generic thing...

 

[KingCob]

I think getting a feel for the environment before jumping in is important, I like to do some research to make sure that I wouldn’t be wasting my time or anyone else’s by joining to quick.

 

[didimauw]

Yup, I always lurk before joining. Not because that's how I want to do it, just happens that way. I think @BROBS hit the nail on the head there. Always getting directed to the same sites.

 

[B_Rock]

I feel it’s always good to lurk before you post...just to get the lay of the land!

 

[canucklehead]

I had a sneaking suspicion it was a generic thing...

It has its origins in the pre internet days of talk radio, "long time listener, first time caller."

 

[bullet08]

Nope. No lurking. What's the worst that can happen? They can't send me to Vietnam (one of my co-worker was a disabled Vietnam vet. Whenever he does something that might get him in trouble, that was his line).