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Where Are The Lurkers?
#1
I had never seen the term social media "lurker" until a few months ago, when a lady posted that she had been a CM Forum "lurker" for many years. She posted for the first time just a few days before the sunset of CM Forums to express her regrets that the forums were ending. I see the same phenomenon here. For a given thread, there are many, many more views than posts. The disparity is perhaps greater here than on CM Forums. I don't know what the total membership is here but it appears to be far greater than the number of regular posters. Anyway, if you look at these forums regularly, please consider posting. Maybe you could even start your own thread on a topic that interests you. If you have posted in the past and have not posted in a while, it would be great to see you again.
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#2
(12-09-2024, 04:11 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: I had never seen the term social media "lurker" until a few months ago, when a lady posted that she had been a CM Forum "lurker" for many years. She posted for the first time just a few days before the sunset of CM Forums to express her regrets that the forums were ending. I see the same phenomenon here. For a given thread, there are many, many more views than posts. The disparity is perhaps greater here than on CM Forums. I don't know what the total membership is here but it appears to be far greater than the number of regular posters. Anyway, if you look at these forums regularly, please consider posting. Maybe you could even start your own thread on a topic that interests you. If you have posted in the past and have not posted in a while, it would be great to see you again.

Hello, Armand. I have been quiet for a while but all good.
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#3
(12-09-2024, 04:11 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: I had never seen the term social media "lurker" until a few months ago, when a lady posted that she had been a CM Forum "lurker" for many years. She posted for the first time just a few days before the sunset of CM Forums to express her regrets that the forums were ending. I see the same phenomenon here. For a given thread, there are many, many more views than posts. The disparity is perhaps greater here than on CM Forums. I don't know what the total membership is here but it appears to be far greater than the number of regular posters. Anyway, if you look at these forums regularly, please consider posting. Maybe you could even start your own thread on a topic that interests you. If you have posted in the past and have not posted in a while, it would be great to see you again.

I have noticed that also.....hundreds of views and a handful of comments
but for God's grace go I.... Hands
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#4
The lurkers are all hiding! I am surprised that you had not heard of the term on CM. Many posters tried to coax the lurkers into posting. It usually didn’t work. I post if the topic interests me or I think I have something to add. I am not especially fond of the user names on here because I like to know whom I am speaking to, but that is just me.
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#5
(12-10-2024, 02:13 AM)Debbie Wrote: The lurkers are all hiding!  I am surprised that you had not heard of the term on CM.  Many posters tried to coax the lurkers into posting.  It usually didn’t work.  I post if the topic interests me or I think I have something to add.  I am not especially fond of the user names on here because I like to know whom I am speaking to, but that is just me.

I agree with all these points, but there is a bit of irony here as... Which Debbie are you again?

Is this the Debbie in Kansas? I'm seriously thinking of putting my grumpy profile photo back up because it is kind of signature at this point. But this one features a very handsome tuxedo cat.

More people should chime in. Different perspectives and insights are interesting.

Popcornbeer
This player character is partially married and has been removed from the game.
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#6
I know I am a semi-lurker. I do reply if I feel that I actually have something to add, but most times just read to see where the conversation is heading.

As for people using aliases, I am just going to say it does not bother me one way or another. I do understand that some prefer to stay "low-key".
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#7
I believe the posts can be read by anyone worldwide, meaning you don't need to be a member to read the posts. You need to be a member to post. If this is in fact the case, then many more lurkers than posters would be expected. It would also be prudent to use a name and photo which can't be traced.

I have to say, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with anyone, from anywhere in the world, being able to read my posts.
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#8
(12-11-2024, 08:14 AM)English Rose Wrote: I believe the posts can be read by anyone worldwide, meaning you don't need to be a member to read the posts.  You need to be a member to post.  If this is in fact the case, then many more lurkers than posters would be expected.  It would also be prudent to use a name and photo which can't be traced.

I have to say, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with anyone, from anywhere in the world, being able to read my posts.

wow......I didn't know that
but for God's grace go I.... Hands
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#9
Quietly lurking from time to time.Life is busy Wink
I do like a closed forum .
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#10
(12-11-2024, 07:42 PM)Greenfields Wrote: Quietly lurking from time to time.Life is busy Wink
I do like a closed forum .

in some ways..... we have a message for lurkers but like our aussie friend, I prefer privacy
but for God's grace go I.... Hands
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#11
I wonder how or why anyone would find this site, unless someone is looking for something Catholic. In this case, the non-members viewing this site are generally going to be safe people. There is actually another site called Catholic Hangout but is is not a forum, just articles and book and movie reviews. When I google "Catholic Forums," this site does not come up, at least on the first three pages.

If one is interested in preserving anonymity and confidentiality, identifying oneself with a user name will help.
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#12
One of the reasons we changed from a closed to an open forum was that no one could find us. We were not on the Google search list since bots wouldn't stop by. I was also told by some that they wouldn't register until they had an idea what the forum looked like discussion-wise. As far as restricting what you say, there isn't anything said on the Internet that isn't accessible to those that want it, just hiding it makes it a bit more difficult to find.

As for usernames instead of real names, what difference if you are, "Samantha", or "Sam1946", or "lightheart", there are probably a good million Samanthas on the net and only their profile distinguishes one from another. Some here have unique usernames and use their real name in their siggies, others have their photo in their avatar, others have something else or nothing at all. These are the options that came with the software we use and I think it offers a whole lot of opportunities for our members to personalize their profiles.
Don (ezdays)
Board Administrator
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#13
(12-12-2024, 05:29 PM)ezdays Wrote: One of the reasons we changed from a closed to an open forum was that no one could find us. We were not on the Google search list since bots wouldn't stop by. I was also told by some that they wouldn't register until they had an idea what the forum looked like discussion-wise. As far as restricting what you say, there isn't anything said on the Internet that isn't accessible to those that want it, just hiding it makes it a bit more difficult to find.

As for usernames instead of real names, what difference if you are, "Samantha", or "Sam1946", or "lightheart", there are probably a good million Samanthas on the net and only their profile distinguishes one from another. Some here have unique usernames and use their real name in their siggies, others have their photo in their avatar, others have something else or nothing at all. These are the options that came with the software we use and I think it offers a whole lot of opportunities for our members to personalize their profiles.

hope you are resting up and healing.....good to see you here, Don
but for God's grace go I.... Hands
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#14
(12-12-2024, 05:29 PM)ezdays Wrote: One of the reasons we changed from a closed to an open forum was that no one could find us. We were not on the Google search list since bots wouldn't stop by. I was also told by some that they wouldn't register until they had an idea what the forum looked like discussion-wise. As far as restricting what you say, there isn't anything said on the Internet that isn't accessible to those that want it, just hiding it makes it a bit more difficult to find.

As for usernames instead of real names, what difference if you are, "Samantha", or "Sam1946", or "lightheart", there are probably a good million Samanthas on the net and only their profile distinguishes one from another. Some here have unique usernames and use their real name in their siggies, others have their photo in their avatar, others have something else or nothing at all. These are the options that came with the software we use and I think it offers a whole lot of opportunities for our members to personalize their profiles.

Welcome back, Don. I am praying for your continued healing.
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#15
(12-12-2024, 05:29 PM)ezdays Wrote: One of the reasons we changed from a closed to an open forum was that no one could find us. We were not on the Google search list since bots wouldn't stop by. I was also told by some that they wouldn't register until they had an idea what the forum looked like discussion-wise. As far as restricting what you say, there isn't anything said on the Internet that isn't accessible to those that want it, just hiding it makes it a bit more difficult to find.

As for usernames instead of real names, what difference if you are, "Samantha", or "Sam1946", or "lightheart", there are probably a good million Samanthas on the net and only their profile distinguishes one from another. Some here have unique usernames and use their real name in their siggies, others have their photo in their avatar, others have something else or nothing at all. These are the options that came with the software we use and I think it offers a whole lot of opportunities for our members to personalize their profiles.

Don, it is so good to see you back.
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#16
Glad you are back Don Smile
Joshua
Administrator 

Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 24:16, John 16:33, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 9:7, John 3:16, Matthew 25:31-40
Your brother always trying to imitate Jesus
St. George Pray For Us
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#17
I think some posts I read only, others I read and post, or start my own post.

When I do make my own post, I thought it was interesting to see readers, but few posting or responding.

Maybe a key is to have a good post, with statement, and ask for response or reflection to engage.
Cool 
Jannet
RedheadMN
My website
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#18
Haven't been posting, since I'm just trying to survive. Thinking about getting a new job, maybe even a completely different career path. Maybe it's unprofessional of me to say, but I hate my job.

The topic that would interest me is healthcare and ethics, particularly vaccines. I was trained to be a vaccine proponent, but now I have many questions. But it might be a forbidden topic. Will be reading more on the topic on my own...
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#19
(12-16-2024, 03:38 AM)April Maccabees Wrote: Haven't been posting, since I'm just trying to survive. Thinking about getting a new job, maybe even a completely different career path. Maybe it's unprofessional of me to say, but I hate my job.

The topic that would interest me is healthcare and ethics, particularly vaccines. I was trained to be a vaccine proponent, but now I have many questions. But it might be a forbidden topic. Will be reading more on the topic on my own...

There are whole threads of topics that can be derived from just this post.

I find myself mostly a lurker here. I had become rather unresponsive on CM towards the end as well. Lots of reasons, mostly lack of time and surplus energy. I also find that there are not as many provocative posts put out there. I don't think a replication of the bloody arena sands of CM are in order, but some of the Posts of Flaming Nonsense kept things lively. Like the dating contracts and steplist dating guides from guys who did not like women. Good times, but guilty pleasures.
This player character is partially married and has been removed from the game.
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#20
(12-16-2024, 03:38 AM)April Maccabees Wrote: Haven't been posting, since I'm just trying to survive. Thinking about getting a new job, maybe even a completely different career path. Maybe it's unprofessional of me to say, but I hate my job.

The topic that would interest me is healthcare and ethics, particularly vaccines. I was trained to be a vaccine proponent, but now I have many questions. But it might be a forbidden topic. Will be reading more on the topic on my own...

I strongly suspect that the sudden death of my work friend Clare (recent post in Prayer Requests) occurred as a result of vaccine injury.  Her funeral is tomorrow.
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