I've been thinking about lurkers today

**forestdale** · 03-06-2005, 10:26 PM

I wonder what brings them here.  I come here to swap ideas and to feel like I'm part of this group.  I also love reading about the experiences of other posters.  I've learned a lot about simple living here; I've been able to define what I want from the lifestyle since I came here and shared many of my thoughts (some might say too many).

Are you a lurker?  I know that there are many of you.  Please add to this thread and tell me why you come to FV, what you get out of it and maybe what you'd like to see here that isn't offered now.

I'm really interested in knowing, so don't be shy.

**kntrylady** · 03-07-2005, 12:42 AM

Hmmmm, Since I 'just' joined, but belong to some other boards, I can give you this.... I join a board when it is a subject that interests me. Either something I'm already doing, but more often, something I'm interested in doing. ((The only reason you got me to post so quickly

is I haven't been able to figure out this forum is yet

I don't see the FrugalVillageForum link anywhere, I only saw it on the 'summary' of what people are talking about. )) When I am information seeking, I often don't post simply due to the fact I don't think I have much, if anything to contribute. As you can see though, if I think I can contribute, watch out

Hope this helps a bit.... Cheryl

**oreo** · 03-07-2005, 08:19 AM

Overtime, reading posts, ya'lls personality begins to show. It is then that I feel like there are people on "the other end". Its like real life relationships. The more I know about the people here, the more I post, feeling you may actually be interested in what I have to say. I think lurkers are like strangers at a social, wandering from conversation to conversation, looking for one they feel they can become a part of. KWIM?

**Darlene** · 03-07-2005, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by oreo
Overtime, reading posts, ya'lls personality begins to show. It is then that I feel like there are people on "the other end". Its like real life relationships. The more I know about the people here, the more I post, feeling you may actually be interested in what I have to say. I think lurkers are like strangers at a social, wandering from conversation to conversation, looking for one they feel they can become a part of. KWIM?

Yep, I kwym.

As much as I love to hear Rhonda (forestdale)talk..

I just love it when new people join the conversations, nice to hear different ideas on things and make new friends. And yep, I'm interested even if it's "I've got tons of laundry to do" we all can relate and who knows where the conversation will go.

**frugalandsimple** · 03-07-2005, 02:31 PM

I'm queit as a mouse, even in real life LOL I'm afraid what I say might not be worth contributing to the post. I came here because I'm interested in frugual living, including simple living. I also like to "surf" other websites when I'm online.

**daddys3chicks** · 03-07-2005, 02:31 PM

I can't tell you - I don't lurk I just jump right on in and push myself into the the group! LOL!

**forestdale** · 03-07-2005, 03:42 PM

yoohoo!!! I didn't think I'd get any responses in this thread. Well, I knew Darlene would, but the others ! YAY!

Cheryl (kntrylady), I hope you've already found this but the FORUM link is on the home page just under the Homesteadgarden logo. Thanks for your post, I look forward to getting to know you.

Oero, I know what you mean. It does take a while to realise that we are all REAL. I, for example, am currently sitting here with wet hair, in a big blue chenelle dressing gown, no makeup, slippers. Or is that TOO real for you.

I wonder what my ramblings reveal about me. Thanks for you posts.

Darlene, I'm like you. I love it when the newbies post and reveal who and where they are and let us know what they're doing in their neck of the woods.

Chrstn4ptsrc2me, I've come across a couple of your previous posts and found them interesting. Please keep posting.

Cheryl (daddys3chicks), you're like one of the family now. I often read your posts and smile.

I live in Australia and it's wodnerful to know that my tapping on these keys early in the mornings can reach out to all of you all over the world.

So, anymore lurkers?

**Nikmom** · 03-07-2005, 03:54 PM

Well, as you can see, I don't post often. But sometimes it is because I don't want to just post, me too, or I agree or whatever. But I do feel like I can post whenever I want to and I do feel welcome. And I do get a lot of good ideas from all of you.
Part of it too is that I don't always have time every day

**SewCrafty** · 03-07-2005, 03:55 PM

I'm not exactly a lurker, lol, but I think this is a great thread Rhonda!

I too love when lurkers and newbies just jump right in and start posting. I too used to be very shy, but have found the ladies and gents on this site to be the friendliest I have ever met, whether in real life or on the net.

So come on everyone, join in. Even if you don't think you have anything to contribute, I can assure you, there is a like minded person on this board somewhere!

**LBD301** · 03-07-2005, 05:37 PM

Well, I'm a newbie, and mostly a lurker also. I think I got a link to this site through a buget stretcher newletter. I joined because frugal things interest me. I haven't had much to contribute, just responding to a couple posts.

I'm definitely not as much into the frugal life as a lot of you seem to be. I guess maybe because I live in NJ, about a 1/2 hr. from NYC? But I am pretty cheap sometimes, DH gets annoyed when it takes me forever to figure out if I want to buy something, because of the price....I take too long comparing sometimes!

**PrairieRose** · 03-07-2005, 05:56 PM

Great thread Rhonda.....

I can relate to the folks who say that they don't think they have that much to add or much that would interest anybody.... . I find myself trying to come up with new threads, I usually think "well that's kinda silly or lame" . I'm more like a lurker who posts replies.....

I have to also add that I'm usually a bit hesitant to post much personal stuff b/c of privacy issues. I live in a very small town and I really don't want everyone in town coming here and reading what I post daily, kwim? So I try to screen my personal info due to that.

**Panndy1** · 03-08-2005, 02:55 AM

I might be classified as part lurker and part poster. I joined this group cause I was invited by a friend. I really love it here though I am not as much into living frugally as everyone else or that I should be. One thing I have learned and been encouraged to do since joining the group is start and emergency fund. So that has helped. I am quiet also so kind of hesitate to jump in and say much. I have once in awhile. Like others have said on this thread, I don't really feel that have much to contribute. One problem is lack of time. I could very easily spend hours here. Though I have been a member for over 2 months, there are still areas here that I have not seen yet. I get here for a few minutes once in awhile.

**Englishlady** · 03-08-2005, 06:58 AM

More of an enthusiastic lurker than poster here!

There are reasons though, the only time I have been a member of another board, I replied to threads, they "dried up" ended with my posting, I thought I had become the "kiss of death"!

I do have things I would like to post, but I always wonder how people will react, and I am a sensitive soul!

Also it has become evident thus far that whilst I am a keen frugalite, my life is very different to anyone elses, in that I don't have children and I am an Ethical Vegan ( not doing it for health but for the animals).

I am isolated enough in real life, what bummer it would be if I became persona non grata in a virtual way!!

I do actually have an Aunt who is American so I am conversant with quite a lot of American/British Cultural differences, however, there are some things that I have tried to find out about American life from my Aunt, and she has chosen
to ignore them for some reason?

I have Been to North America (Canada-I just love it! and also San Fran and Hawaii, I wish I was there now!) I have even read "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich, which I found both fascinating and shocking.

So there you have it, I "lurk" to find out more about everyday American life & people, I am a prolific reseacher of all things Frugal and love to experiment (on myself!) with new ways of saving money on Beauty products /toiletries/ household stuff etc.

The other more basic reason is, that whilst I can "post" I am not that Computer savvy and all the little twiddly bits (smilies/moods etc.) are beyond me! so my posts would lack the colour that some of the others have!

Karen

**brokemom** · 03-08-2005, 07:30 AM

I have to go along with the being shy in real life, it's hard to just jump in a lot of the time. And also can read into my stuff to much to see if others will misinterpret or whatever and then just say "forget it!". Or most of the time what I would have said was already said by someone else, so I don't bother. And as for content matter, you ladies are unbelievable with your great ideas and suggestions. I'm really interested in getting my grocery bill down and am in awe of the grocery challenge thread. And all the other great ideas. I also need some "support" when I feel down about money issues.

**forestdale** · 03-08-2005, 03:08 PM

I just love this thread. It shows me how different we all are. I would never have thought that people would be too shy to post. Thank you to every one of you who have posted so far. FV is an amazing and wonderful place and you've all added to the intruiging mix.

Now, I wonder if there's anyone else out there lurking.