Re: OT: iris-list lurking


<Why are you out there
lurking and not writing occassionally?
Now is your chance!>

Jan, et al - I guess that I am a "lurker" and have actually been enjoying
this conversation a lot, especially since it applies to me. I have been on
the list for a few months, and the only message I have posted was my
opening bio (for which I am proud to say I used the correct subject tag,
thank you very much).

I am extremely new to iris growing, and have to admit that I have learned
an incredible amount just by "lurking" and comprehending other people's
questions/responses. Often, my questions are asked or answered before I
have a chance to type; that is the nature of chatting with over 500 people.
Eventually, a question will appear more than once and since I have been
here for a few months, I get my answer.

<With 500+ people on the list it appears there are over 300 lurkers.
Perhaps we need to ask ourselves why?

Some reasons I can think of are:
1. Just like to read, and not participate.
2. Wish to remain anonymous.
3. Only read their archives once a week, and any threads they might have
contributed to have run thin.
4. Have difficulty with subject headings and fear reprimands.
5. Are afraid of asking stupid questions.
6. Have set no mail, rather than unsubscribe, and only appear to be
members.
7. Could answer a question but don't have time, or think someone else might
be more knowledgeable.
8. Have become so hooked on irises through their participation on this
list,
that they no longer have time to write to the list :-)>

I think all of your reasons are correct (especially #4 or #5). But one that
applies to me should be #9 - the only access to e-mail and the internet is
at work, and the member becomes a lurker b/c of the hustle and bustle of
the job, or the fear of getting in trouble with the boss for using company
e-mail for private purposes!

I also believe that everyone should keep in mind that some of us lurkers
are new to the iris and/or this group, and do not intend to repeat and
rehash things that have been discussed over and over again. And believe me,
I have used the archives plenty of times, but we are human and would
sometimes enjoy a human response! Sometimes I have been frightened out of
my mind to ask simple questions. I know, I know, I shouldn't be, but after
reading some exchanges, I am!

However, I do enjoy this group very much and enjoy reading about everyone's
experiences. Thanks to everyone who do a great job to keep this group
"alive"! And maybe I'll get enough guts to ask another question or make
another comment soon.

Best wishes to all

Jen O'Brien
Knoxville, TN







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