"Lurker" never bothered me. Maybe because "lurk!" was a word we used as kids when we were playing and didn't want the neighbors to see us. The thrill of dropping down into the bushes and suppressing giggles still hovers over the word for me.
Thanks, Sourdough for starting this thread. It sometimes bothers me that I used to be a much more visible presence here on the Mudcat, and there are many who don't know me at all, since I've done little but lurk for upwards of a year now. I check in almost every day, have good friends I've formed here, but I only ever post when I feel I have something to say. I learn a lot by looking and listening, though.
So today's flu bug is a blessing after all, since I've posted on 3 threads or so!