Poster's: one; Lurker's: one hundred

[slang]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

.......and for those of us who enjoy being social in this particular way, it's compelling and interesting, PART of "a life".

Yes, I suppose so. In the new world of computers and younger people I agree. For older folks this is not anything other than a non-personal form of communication that isn't real or meaningful.

Originally Posted by Undertoad

I think what happens is that people are intimidated and don't necessarily care to break into the "inner circle", although there really is no such thing and anyone can become a true blood Cellarite almost simply by declaring themselves so.

If you read a lot of what is posted here before you post I can see it being intimidating. I guess it depends on what you are posting as your first message. If you visit many forums you see that many times people make the same mistakes in starting off in them. I made many of the stereotypical mistakes and most people seem to also.

If you start off by introducing yourself before posting, this kinda assumes you are going to be around for a while. It says that you find the forum interesting enough to take the time to post and that you are not involved with a specific issue emotionally, that you want to become one of the folks

If you start by posting something really goofy or self serving....I think you get a spankin' , either politely or not so, no matter what board you are using.

After making some seriously bad mistakes here at the cellar in the beggining, I adjusted the way that I post. I didnt have any idea how to do it well. You tend to think that this is not like real life comminications when it really is in many ways.

Now when I start at a new place, I make sure to start a "hello, I'm this crazy guy slang" thread and that works wonders at kicking things off, right from the start. Taking the time to get to know what information is listed at the board and the different personalities and noting any similarities and differences when you introduct yourself immediately gives you positive attention. That applies even if you are a novice at the board's subject and the members are all refined, polished pros.

So, yes, I agree with your idea that this is a part of real life, and when you treat the text personalities as people behind them and not just some forum-bots, you kick things off right. Taking the time and interest to reply to a post with something interesting with value often takes more energy than people lurking are willing or capable of giving.

Also dont forget that many people kant tipe or speel wortha damn and dont wanna luke like dumbasses.

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Some lurkers desperately hope people acknowledge their first post... others desperately hope people DON'T. It's a social thing!

Interesting. I think more specifically, they want to be acknowledged in a positive way. That's tough for a few of us combative, argumentative types.