Lurkers!

[camaraderie]

I just looked at the home page stats and right now we have about 50 members on line and 750 lurkers/non-members. It seems like whenever I look there are at least 10x more "watchers" than members...why is that? I can understand people lurking...but a 10x ratio constantly is weird. Nothing to ask? Nothing to contribute? Then why lurk??

[padean]

I was a "lurker" for awhile, and have enjoyed being a member for some time now. Maybe many of those "lurkers" don't understand that becoming a member is painless, simple, and has many advantages. Anyway, lurking around can also be helpful for sailors. I have found myself wandering around a marina from time to time.....

[artbyjody]

A good number of those could be bots (like google etc - and most likely as posts here show up within 10-15 minutes of posting in most search engines). Unless there is a filtering process on your anon count. I know on my sites they account for 20-40% of all online users at any given time.

[camaraderie]

Ahhh...good point Jody...never thought of that. Go bots!

[Stillraining]

When I found out that all post end up in cyberspace for any and all search engines and not contained within Sailnet site only...I almost became a Lurker again...Kind of freaky really..

[sailingdog]

What's wrong with bots??? Are you guys discriminating against them???

[doncindy]

Disgust with flaming has a lot to do with it for me. Some of the responses on this site can be rather strong/personal

[MMR]

HEY! I resent that remark! I'm a lurkette!

Seriously, aside from checking up on DH's stories, scanning the forums keeps me sane at work (some of us have to, to pay boat bills, ya know)

I read, I laugh, I get riled up and compose posts on my 90+ min commute back and forth to work. I read PBzeers log and map the trip up the coast, daydreaming of being there, daydreaming of doing it with Capt Chuckles some day (or by myself if he does the GREAT OVERBOARD dive some day).

I don't have much to say - yet...I enjoy listening...I enjoy learning...I enjoy laughing.

Ya'll are greatly appreciated. Shine on for at least this lurker....

[chucklesR]

As the DH (dear hubby) I occasionally resent the fact that my Admiral is a lurkette on sailnet. For the most part it is a constant reminder that I need to stay real and keep honest.
Ya'll remember that
I'm sittting 5 feet away from MMR as I post this, wireless living is 'engaging'

[sailaway21]

Originally Posted by doncindy

Disgust with flaming has a lot to do with it for me. Some of the responses on this site can be rather strong/personal

It's a common insecurity of Catalina owners. We've tried treating it to little avail. For those upon whom the treatment has been successful it has been observed that they just start out all their posts with a, "ya'll can just BITE ME!". Seems to help them. I am presuming that you're not avering a preference for weak/impersonal responses over strong/personal ones? (g)