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Hey You! DON'T BE A LURKER!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Prudential Ambassador Real Estate

PLEASE, Don't be a lurker! What is a lurker you ask? Let me explain...

A Lurker, in internet culture, is someone who reads blogs posts, messages boards, etc... but hardly, if at all, comments or participates.

Okay, I am not saying I have never lurked before, but I have since changed my ways. It is understandable if you are new to blogging to browse and get a feel for what is acceptable in certain discourse communities. But, the faster you jump in with both feet, the quicker you will overcome that fear of the first comment, and you will be blabbing your two cents all over the internet.

Whether you agree or disagree with a post, a simple affirmation or objection is all you need to leave behind to let someone know you read their blog. And since you're already there you might as well leave something, right?

Here is my way of thinking. If someone took the time out of there busy, or not so busy, schedule to conjure up something for your reading pleasure, let them know how you fealt about reading it. I particularly have fun playing devil's advocate when bloggers choose a particular side, irregardless if I agree or disagree.

And we can all see what kind of traffic our blogs get, so we know your out there lurkers! And believe it or not, we are interested in what you are thinking. Bloggers are equally delighted of comments, irregardless if you accept or reject their position.

"It's okay to look, but it's even more okay to comment!"

Can I get some feedback on this one? I need to know how my fellow bloggers feel about this one!

 

Rick Sergison
Keller Williams Real Estate Associates in the Toronto Area - Toronto, ON

I have to say that I am amazed at how many clicks you can have on a post and yet so few comments.  I've never had a problem commenting as "everybody has a right to my opinion!"  =-)

Thanks for making the point!

Jan 17, 2009 05:53 PM
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

The idea here- Blog, Post, Comment, Invite, do something- just don't lurk!!!

Jan 17, 2009 05:54 PM
Matthew O'Shea
Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

I agree with you! Let people know what you think.

Jan 17, 2009 06:18 PM
Patty Luther
RE/MAX Rock-n-Roll Realty - Lewiston, ID
Lewiston ID Real Estate, Idaho-Washington

sometimes you can read the Blog and you don't have anything to say... 

Jan 17, 2009 07:20 PM
Matthew O'Shea
Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

I disagree, there is always something to say...

Jan 17, 2009 07:31 PM
Randall Sandin
Carolina One Real Estate - Charleston, SC
843-209-9667 - Search for Charleston SC Real Estate

some blogs are items I read but do not feel a comment is warranted or maybe I do not know enough about the subject - internet is free space and each can do what they choose though jumping it gets you info, feedback and maybe a few friends

Jan 17, 2009 08:11 PM
Karen Rice Keller Williams Real Est
Keller Williams Real Estate - Hawley, PA
Northeast PA & Lake Wallenpaupack Home Sales

I only comment if I have something worthwhile to contribute.  I do not post comments just for the sake of posting a comment.

Jan 17, 2009 10:40 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

It's hard to believe that all the people who choose to read becuz they were intrigued by the subject or the headline...or the part of the country...or they know the blogger, have nothing to say...often a comment triggers other conversation...isn't that what we here for ?  Nothing to say...maybe you are on the wrong site !

Jan 17, 2009 11:26 PM
Matthew O'Shea
Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

Sally, I am agreeing with you on this one. If a blog post interests you enough to read it you must have something to say. And I am not trying to make a case to comment every single time, as no one really does this. This post is triggered towards LURKERS, those who hardly ever leave comments. I understand you if don't have anything to contribute, although a conscious effort is appreciated.

Jan 18, 2009 02:23 AM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

Nope...Not lurking here, was looking for some fresh ideas and read your post.

Jan 27, 2009 06:41 AM
Kelly Bovi, Charlotte Area Real Estate
NavMak Enterprises, LLC - Charlotte, NC

I guess I am guilty of being a lurker, I often read something but then decide that I really don't have anything that I can add to what has been said.

Mar 09, 2009 01:51 AM
Matthew O'Shea
Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

I should post a blog about Lurking for a purpose. I concur with those of you who say that it is okay to Lurk for new thoughts processes, ideas, etc... This post was mainly for those who just take and take and take, and never give. Thanks for all the great comments!

Mar 29, 2009 03:32 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

I comment about almost every post I read here. I was on another social network where I was afraid to comment because the people were somewhat unpleasant sometimes. Very intimidating. Here they are friendly and helpful. Much diferent atmosphere.

Apr 24, 2009 06:00 PM
Matthew O'Shea
Prudential Ambassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
The O'Shea Group at Prudential - 402.310.5977 -

Great to hear that. I am sure the staff like to hear that as well!

 

 

Apr 29, 2009 12:31 PM