Lurker ? What is the meaning ?

[DougVieyra]

O.K., so I am from a small town and 'don't get out very much'. I read many posts here that often use terms that I don't know what they mean. I try my best to work around the strange word or phrase, and can often (I think) get the 'drift'.

But recently a new word has arrived to which I have no clue as to it's meaning: "Lurker". After reading about six posts with this word, I think I may have - through connotation within the sentence - discerned the meaning. Please advise if 'Lurker' refers to a reader of Forum posts who does not comment or add to the dialog.

Conversely, if "Lurker" means something else altogether, please advise.

- Doug Vieyra, ignorant in Eureka

[2manycars]

Holy Makerel Vince! You are on a roll the past few days! Are you competing with Uncle Bill for cheif comedian?
Keep up the good work.
Doug, lurker is generally used to describe a forum member (or non member) who reads the posts and the replies, but does not start new posts or answer other members posts.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

A great example of what a lurker is, is when you look at the stats of this thread on the main page. At the time of me writing this, there were 2 people who had responded, and 119 people that had looked at the thread. In other words, over 100 people were just "Lurking".

Even better, there is a post titled How many are still on the road which has 37 comments yet over 7,500 people have viewed it yet not made a comment. They are the audience 'lurking" in the background.

[31 Model A]

A "Lurker" is a looker or in the case, just a reader. I was a 'lurker' quite a bit while in Europe as a 'looker' while hanging around nudist beaches.

[wrndln]

Brent, I'm not quite sure about your analogy about a string that 119 people had looked at, but only had 2 responses. I do this all the time (look at posts and don't post a response) and I don't classify myself as a "lurker". Most times I look at a post and find I am not interested in it or someone already responded to the initial post with what I believe is correct information - no point in adding anything.
Rusty Nelson

[2manycars]

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Originally Posted by wrndln

Brent, I'm not quite sure about your analogy about a string that 119 people had looked at, but only had 2 responses. I do this all the time (look at posts and don't post a response) and I don't classify myself as a "lurker". Most times I look at a post and find I am not interested in it or someone already responded to the initial post with what I believe is correct information - no point in adding anything.
Rusty Nelson

I do the same. If a clear answer is given, why fan the flames? I try to reply if I have something of merit to add, and if I dont, I usually just move to the next topic. This was probably not a good example, as I have added nothing!

[nick c]

I am lurker, I go to the Barn twice a day, I rarely post or reply, I may have an opinion on a post but I don't reply. The price you must pay is criticism from a small few, its just not worth it.
nick c

[Y-Blockhead]

Catch 22... It seems there are those that complain that some respond just to make a comment (and build their post count) and on the other hand if they don't comment they are labeled a "Lurker".

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Buster T. sez, "A lurker is like the kid that hides around the corner & watches the GURLS, but doesn't TALK to them"
Bill W.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

A Lurker is usually a guy who stands in a dark doorway watching everything, learning, but almost never leaves the dark or gets involved. Unless he has to leave to get food, relief, or to occasionally step out and drop a coin in somebody's tin cup. He likes to help somebody in need. He is happy with his position in life and has very little stress.
However, a Lurker can change..... Bwa ha ha ha.....

[Afordman31]

Wikipedia
In Internet culture, a lurker is typically a member of an online community or PLN who observes, but does not actively participate. The exact definition depends on context. Lurkers make up a large proportion of all users in online communities. Lurking allows users to learn the conventions of an online community before they actively participate, improving their socialization when they eventually de-lurk

This definition is off the Internet

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Buster T. sez, "A lurker is like the kid that hides around the corner & watches the GURLS, but doesn't TALK to them"
Bill W.

...and today a kid can get arrested for doing just that.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Afordman31

Wikipedia
In Internet culture, a lurker is typically a member of an online community or PLN who observes, but does not actively participate. The exact definition depends on context. Lurkers make up a large proportion of all users in online communities. Lurking allows users to learn the conventions of an online community before they actively participate, improving their socialization when they eventually de-lurk

This definition is off the Internet

verb (used without object)
1. to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively.

2. to go furtively; slink; steal.

3. to exist unperceived or unsuspected.

4. Chiefly Computers. to read or observe an ongoing discussion without participating in it, as on a message board.

noun,

Australian Informal.
5. an underhand scheme; dodge.

6. an easy, somewhat lazy or unethical way of earning a living, performing a task, etc.

7. a hideout. (love that one) Ned Kelly was a Lurker who had a few lurkers.........LOL!!!

[burner31]

Some do not want to be accused of responding just to increase their post numbers

[SHEC]

Better than being a "creeper", as there are so many areas this one can cover...................

It can include the slick little device we use to get in under our cars for oil changes etc. A car creeper.

I guess worst yet would be a "lurker" that is creeping around the garage trying to lift "A" parts!

Have fun -

SHEC

[Pinesdune]

Originally Posted by SHEC

Better than being a "creeper", as there are so many areas this one can cover...................

It can include the slick little device we use to get in under our cars for oil changes etc. A car creeper.

I guess worst yet would be a "lurker" that is creeping around the garage trying to lift "A" parts!

Have fun -

SHEC

Lol, not only "creeping"...what about "phishing", that can and will really get you in trouble, unless you're a "coder" then you'll know how to make it look like you're computer's in Thiland (just an example) when you're really in California, lmao

hope this helps confuse the issue

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by burner31

Some do not want to be accused of responding just to increase their post numbers

My magic number will be 1400 and then I will quit the Barn!!! I will only "Lurk" on my PM's then on, reducing my post counts and increasing my PMs, that I will have to delete after so many in my in-box. This will keep me in-line, dress right dress at attention. I'd change my name to Lurking Lurch but Lurch has already been taken................and no way would I want to be associated with him.

[31 Model A]

I lied!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fred K-OR]

So------?

[31 Model A]

So many people suffer from cabin fever this time of year and then some get the rattlesnake syndrome, that's when some strike like rattlesnakes blindly from suffering from Cabin Fever hibernation.
Pretty soon that will pass also and we'll all be driving down the road in our As, smiling and singing Kumbaya!!!!

[Mitch//pa]

Dad and I are lurkers

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Dad and I are lurkers

and that's why Bill and you were in the latest sequel..........

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

I lied!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[burner31]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

My magic number will be 1400 and then I will quit the Barn!!! I will only "Lurk" on my PM's then on, reducing my post counts and increasing my PMs, that I will have to delete after so many in my in-box. This will keep me in-line, dress right dress at attention. I'd change my name to Lurking Lurch but Lurch has already been taken................and no way would I want to be associated with him.

Apparently, Lurch's signature line, "You rang?", was ad-libbed by Cassidy, but was such a hit that it was thereafter regularly written into the scripts.

[tbirdtbird]

As far as I am concerned most (pls notice i did not say all) lurkers have insufficient knowledge to be able to contribute; while those that respond usually have good info that they are willing to share, and take the time to do just that. For instance I use Tom Wesenberg as an example, at over 15K posts. I am sure he has better things to do but enjoys sharing and helping. I am also sure he is not worried about his post count

After all, if the lurkers had anything to contribute that was meaningful, why wouldn't they????

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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The important thing is that we LEARN & SHARE things. If it's done with a little FUN, so be it. Model A'ing is supposed to be FUN. Look up FUN, it's like, WRECKLESS ABANDON or DEVIATION from the usual boring routines.
Bill W.

[2manycars]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

The important thing is that we LEARN & SHARE things. If it's done with a little FUN, so be it. Model A'ing is supposed to be FUN. Look up FUN, it's like, WRECKLESS ABANDON or DEVIATION from the usual boring routines.
Bill W.

And if you look up Wreckless Abandon and Fun, is there a photo of Bill Williamson?

I resolved several years ago to only do things that I found pleasureable, aside from the necessary, like cooking and chores. Like my license plate that was on my 48 Ford Hot rod, "FUN NOW"

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by 2manycars

and if you look up wreckless abandon and fun, is there a photo of bill williamson? :d

i resolved several years ago to only do things that i found pleasureable, aside from the necessary, like cooking and chores. Like my license plate that was on my 48 ford hot rod, "fun now"

priceless !!!

[Jwilli]

Could lurker = learning observer?

[Cory Moffat]

How can you Learn if one does not Lurk

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Cory Moffat

How can you Learn if one does not Lurk

VERY good thought, Cory
Everyone should do it their way, either as a LURKER or a PARTICIPANT. We should all be our OWN MAN, as everyones' BRAIN??? processes info DIFFERENTLY. My Dog is his "OWN MAN", that's why I LOVE him
Bill W.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Everyone should do it their way, either as a LURKER or a PARTICIPANT.
Bill W.

Yip, I agree 100% Bill on that.....I did it, done it and still do it my way as a participant and not as a Lurker when it comes to the ladies and this bunk about you can't teach a old dog new tricks is just that......bunk!!!! These young things today make me look like a kindergartener learning the A B Cs all over again.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

OK, a day and a half plus 36 posts... all on an unanswerable question posted by a member at 1:30 in the morning? Rhonda help me, the Cabin Fever is at the peak, beware the Eides of March... whatever they are.....

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by cool hand lurker

ok, a day and a half plus 36 posts... All on an unanswerable question posted by a member at 1:30 in the morning? Rhonda help me, the cabin fever is at the peak, beware the eides of march... Whatever they are.....

It was posted at 2:15 am. Here. Hehe

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

OK, a day and a half plus 36 posts... all on an unanswerable question posted by a member at 1:30 in the morning? Rhonda help me, the Cabin Fever is at the peak, beware the Eides of March... whatever they are.....

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by burner31

Apparently, Lurch's signature line, "You rang?", was ad-libbed by Cassidy, but was such a hit that it was thereafter regularly written into the scripts.

I forgot about that Lurch, I was thinking about the other "Lurch".

[H. L. Chauvin]

Authentic Lurker:

Years ago there was a story about a certain Single, Senior Female Cougar Lurker.

It was an elderly lady who called police because as she looked out of her window, there was a young, handsome male neighbor next door who shaved every morning in his bathroom ......... buck naked.

Police arrived, looked out of her window and said he only saw the young man from waist up.

She told the policeman to stand on her chair and he would get a much better view.

[rowens55]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Authentic Lurker:

Years ago there was a story about a certain Single, Senior Female Cougar Lurker.

It was an elderly lady who called police because as she looked out of her window, there was a young, handsome male neighbor next door who shaved every morning in his bathroom ......... buck naked.

Police arrived, looked out of her window and said he only saw the young man from waist up.

She told the policeman to stand on her chair and he would get a much better view.

hahahahaha!!! Great story!!
Rowen