<< But I do think it's important to recognize that lurkers choose (rightfully so) not to accept direct responsibility for the quality of the thread in their choice not to participate. I appreciate the indirect respsonsibility some accept by getting in touch with participants, but sitting in the stands will never yield the same perspective as standing in the middle of the field of play.>>
Um, sorry Merlin, but I still disagree. Many of our lurkers accept direct responsibility for the quality of the thread by respecting its essence and not fouling it up with junk. To use your analogy, they sit in the stands and cheer us on, without interfering with the game or ruining it for others. In my view, that's more responsible than someone who streaks through, or kisses the pitcher, or throws toilet paper on the field. You don't get brownie points just for "standing in the middle of the field of play," but rather for what you do there.
In other words, discretion can be the better part of valor, and they also serve who stand by and restrain themselves.
tekboy/Ares@BWDIK.com
PS Greg, having just come across your post, I see we are on the same wavelength here, and I think you articulated it very well: "how many of us need to post 15+ times in a day? I, for one, would rather see one long post than 5 short posts from the same person." As for "enforcing" such a policy, it ain't gonna happen, for a whole variety of reasons. That's why personal restraint is so important, and why I respect those who choose to lurk rather than blather.
PPS mathemagician, just came across your post, and I think it too was very well put. |
