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

I was just glancing over the various thread stats, and I noticed that for every written response there are roughly 100 views. That means an awful lot of people must just sign on and read the discussions without adding any comment of their own. I'm not complaining about this, mind you. The Cellar would not be the friendly (sort of), intimate place it is now if there were 500 replies to a thread instead of five.

Still, I'm curious. Granted, everyone who posts here is witty, literate, and intelligent - not to mention a talented writer. No doubt, merely reading the threads is an experience in itself. Still, it seems to me people would be better off going and checking out War and Peace from the public library if they feel like just reading something.

I can't imagine just reading the various threads without jumping in and giving my two cents worth. Maybe I'm just an attention junkie, maybe I'm so deluded that I think I have something worthwhile to say. I don't know. But why would people just lurk? Any thoughts? Lurkers feel free to delurk for a moment with your replies.

[redsonia]

I'm usually reading this at work and don't have time to write a post. (Bad, bad employee!) Also, I'm kind of shy about this whole thing, this being the first forum I've ever joined. Third, some of you guys can be kind of mean.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Third, some of you guys can be kind of mean.

Nonsense, the guys are never mean. The chicks are mean.

Still, it seems to me people would be better off going and checking out War and Peace from the public library if they feel like just reading something.

Boring.

Originally Posted by redsonia

I'm usually reading this at work and don't have time to write a post. (Bad, bad employee!) Also, I'm kind of shy about this whole thing, this being the first forum I've ever joined. Third, some of you guys can be kind of mean.

Oh, it's all just good, clean fun. Insult each other, question your opponent's character or lack there of, a good natured stab in the eye or two. What the hell? You can't take it too seriously and, actually, if you stick around, people usually kiss and make up or at least agree to agree to hate each other. Anyhow, welcome aboard!

[xoxoxoBruce]

And were never mean to people that have really cool dogs.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Ok, ok,........and cats.

You are one cool cat, Bruce!

[LabRat]

i was a LONG time lurker before posting (like, even before LJ joined) and i learned that 'me too' posts don't add anything of value. i also learned that everyone here is very accepting of differeing opinions if they are backed up with valid arguments and actual facts (or at least reputable sources) and generally enjoys a good debate. a lot of the time i feel a certain way, but can't adequately describe it (or spell it) or don't have the time to back it up with sufficient facts to convince the wiser members i'm not just talking out my ass (since i only have the net at work). i check out the cellar at least twice a day--tho a lot less lately since LJ hasn't been around...miss that windbag, i do How is he doing, Jinx??

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by LabRat

a lot of the time i feel a certain way, but can't adequately describe it (or spell it) or don't have the time to back it up with sufficient facts to convince the wiser members i'm not just talking out my ass (since i only have the net at work).

That's not a problem just post it as an opinion or as a question like, do you think that the sky really is blue? And spelling isn't that important as long as it can be easily deciphered, even though a few people will whine. Screw 'em.

[Tomas Rueda]

I to be different in some aspects, but I started replying (and posting new threads) the second I appeared on the stage.

(voice of an 81-year-old.) Ah, Those good ol' days.

• but seriously, In real life, I was a lurker. Elementary and middle school were spent just for the sake of completing a school year. It was not until the 8th grade that I noticed I was wasting my time (I was a - scholastic, academic, and pessimistic nerd) Now, I'm in the 11th (already) and I still have:
  
• no idea what my major is
• No idea what do I even like
• NO licence (nor driver's ed)
• Not officially dated anyone (female, of course)
• Not officially worked in any jobs
• Etc, etc, (and yes, Etc.)

I'm living the great life, though

[perth]

Originally Posted by Tomas Rueda

• no idea what my major is
• No idea what do I even like

I'm 27 and I don't have those answers either. Don't feel too bad about it.

[Tomas Rueda]

Originally Posted by perth

I'm 27 and I don't have those answers either. Don't feel too bad about it.

(uses sleeve to wipe sweat off the forehead) Phew, at least l know it is not that bad.

...but, I'm living in the midst of the time on which I have to make the foundations of my career...In fact, Im beginning to think that a career is a guized, hidden form of slavery in which bussinesses make more profits, whether the person is white-collared or blue-collared, and new members are added at every graduation.

Like, everyone in high school tell you to do your best in every single class, every single ECA (extra-curricular activity), every single test (now that is weird, asking a nerd to be a nerd and a stud at the same time, or vice-versa)

They tell you to take your PSAT, SAT,ACT, or other standarized test at least twice every year.

Then, at the end of this government-funded, job-making machine, one sighs and says that they have ruined their lives.

[lumberjim]

Originally Posted by LabRat

~snip~
tho a lot less lately since LJ hasn't been around...miss that windbag, i do How is he doing, Jinx??

doing fine, LR. doing fine. new job is a hoot, although about 7 times as intense as Family was. sometimes at the end of the night when i have to lock up, i have time to lurk a bit, but during the day, there's just no way. we just sold a car to a guy that works with xoxoxoxbruce. i miss you all too.....even the annoying ones ..... lookout seems to be trying to make up for my declining participation. I'll still be here, i'll just be in the shadows....like dagney

ps, syc, i still think you're a homo.
love jim

[Undertoad]

Ah but ya know I have to take issue with that. People who don't like the Cellar aren't like that because they "got a life". The Cellar is a social experience, and for those of us who enjoy being social in this particular way, it's compelling and interesting, PART of "a life".

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.

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

[perth]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

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

How many of us were constantly refreshing and crossing fingers during the outage?