[Archive]

Posted By: Joann

Exactly right Leon. Well put. Everyone has a sense of them being out there, both from receiving emails directly or hearing second-hand about someone meeting at National, etc. But overall they are kind of mythical in that they are undefinable - there simply isn't any info.

Some comments upthread seemed to suggest that, if the nature of things were to change such that some current knowledge left, the void would be filled by others that currently lurk.

But, as you say, there is no way to know what that participation would be even if we know of a few individuals that do not currently participate. I look at it as 'better the devil you know'. We know what's here now, but can only guess at the potential contribution of those that currently choose not to post.

I think it would be interesting to start a thread just for lurkers to come in one time and say why they don't post. Who knows? Could be interesting. Could be lack of time, don't feel like it, too intimidating, or just that they want to retain privacy. If regulars were asked to try to avoid rebuttals and comments - sort of a back-off agreement - we might get some interesting and helpful responses.

J