To lurk, or not to lurk...

• Hi there lurkers! by John Suler, 7/26/97
  
  

After having "lurked" in this forum for some time, I have finally decided to come forth and say a few things. I have not participated earlier for fear that my non-professional opinions may not be welcome. I have since decided that the nature of the internet and public forums makes it feasible for everyone and anyone to put in their two cents worth and that by creating such a public forum, you have in essence opened yourselves to such input. I must also state that having spent more time online these last few months, I have overcome my fear of being ridiculed and feel somewhat secure with my online presence, if you will. This is based on my impression that the "people" at the other end are just that, people. They are human and subject to the same (or similar) faults and weaknesses.

I approach all my online "relationships" with the view that there is a person there, somewhere. In fact, not having visual clues up front sometimes helps me because I can not make stereotypical judgments based on appearance. I learn more about the person and can determine what they are like by their words and "virtual" actions. Yes I suppose they could be lying to me, but then, there is no guarantee that people that I meet in the real world are always telling the truth either.

Thanks for allowing me to voice my opinion. :)

• re: to lurk or not/seeing the person by John Suler, 10/27/97