I have never been a lurker -- I like hearing myself talk (reading myself type?) too much for that. But I understand that most online communities consist of maybe 20% really active people and 80% mostly lurking people (maybe even 10/90). Mudcat is no different, I'm sure.

And that is okay -- in fact it's great. It shows that Mudcat is a healthy, vibrant, fairly "normal" online community. There will always be people who would rather listen than speak, and if they feel comfortable being here, more power to 'em! After all, we chatterboxes need an audience! Hehehe.

"Lurker" I've found is an internet term -- a new meaning glommed onto an old word. In the internet world, it has no negative connotations that I've ever discovered.

Hooray for lurkers! Hooray for chatterboxes! Hooray for the in-between types! And most of all.... HOORAY FOR MUDCAT!

Some gave her marks, some gave her crowns
Some gave her dollars plenty
She's counted out five thousand pounds
And got her back her dearie
--The Silly Sisters' version of "Geordie"

Alex
O..O
=o=