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> I'd like to poll the lurkers. My question: Why lurk?
>
Good question. Here are the main reasons why I mostly lurk:
1) I sarted reading this list in September of 1999 when I first started as a
tech writer. For the first while, I was simply a sponge, trying to soak up the
tidal wave of information that is TECHWR-L. I didn't feel there was much a tech
writer of 3 months could teach a list full of experienced writers. I've
responded occasionally to questions I feel qualified to answer (how to break
into TW, telecom & networking, Frame, book reviews, etc.) but in general I've
kept quiet because....
2) I read messages once or twice per day and generally by the time I read them,
they've been answered pretty well. I do get individual messages but I filter
them to a folder outside my inbox for later consumption. However, by the time
that I read them, they've been thouroughly explored in most cases.
3) With regard to Catherine's concern about reading TECHWR-L on work time, I can
understand the feeling. I've had some of the same thoughts. However, this year
I've actually worked it into my training plan, worked out with my manager. I
figure that I've learned far more from reading this list than from most of the
training I've taken. I've gained more in productivity than I've invested in
reading/responding to posts.
4) I agree with those that have stated a preference for seeing replies online. I
try to send mine online although there have been a number of occasions when I
have accidentally sent them offline by hitting (pressing? clicking? clicking on?
mashing?) the Reply button tather than the Reply All button.
I guess this would also be a good segue to thank all those who have been regular
contributors to the list, and have made it the great resource that it is. I
would make a list but for the fact that it would be so long that the list server
would bounce my message. There are a number of posters whose posts always seem
to be insightful/helpful/amusing/thought-provoking.
My twoonie worth.
--
Michael MacLean
Information Developer
Alcatel Canada
613.784.8667
It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive. - Bruce Springsteen
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