A thread about lurking!
I can't help but respond, as a fully qualified lurker.
I don't find the term derogatory, although some might. I take it as net
jargon.
I have always felt that any contribution that I might choose to make would
be welcome. I also find this list extremely valuable, read a great deal of
it and save some messages that I consider particularly appreciate. I wish
I had time to read all the threads. A contribution first of all benefits
the contributor as Ben Compton says. It makes you think. Then you decide
whether to post the fruits of your thoughts.
However, as with many lists the discussion bears the stamp of the initial
and perhaps the main contributors. there is a particular way of looking at
things here, and a particular texture or timbre to the conversation. (I am
a musician and that's the nearest metaphor I can find.)
Unless a message 'sings the same song' it's hard to get a foothold if (I
may mix a metaphor.) Everyone has their notes to contribute, but there is
powerful pre-existing harmonies.
I have never felt that lurkers were 'being made wrong' only that it is
hard to sing the same tune. Someone who wishes to join the discussion may
need to model threads carefully. I am also aware that this message is not
in key, but may generate some interesting aleatory harmonies.
Joseph O'Connor
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--"Joseph O'Connor" <jj71@dial.pipex.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>