Lurker ? What is the meaning ?

DougVieyra

DougVieyra

Well-known member
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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. :D
 
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
 
wrndln said:
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
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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!:D
 
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
 
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".
 
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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.....
 
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
 
Afordman31 said:
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
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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!!!
 
Better than being a "creeper", as there are so many areas this one can cover...................:mad::(

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

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

Have fun -

SHEC :cool:
 
SHEC said:
Better than being a "creeper", as there are so many areas this one can cover...................:mad::(

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

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

Have fun -

SHEC :cool:
Click to expand...

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 :D
 
burner31 said:
Some do not want to be accused of responding just to increase their post numbers
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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.
 
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!!!! ;)
 
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