Denotes the process of reading newsgroup discussions without participating This is recommended for people new to a particular group [week 3]
To read a network newsgroup or electronic mailing list and not post any messages; usually considered to be good netiquette for those unfamiliar with the newsgroup Most regular participants appreciate new contributors getting the feel of the discussion before jumping in
The act of browsing through online forums and discussion groups and reading the posts and exchanges without posting a message of your own Some consider this sneaky, while others encourage the practice to allow newcomers to get a feel for the internal etiquette and rules of engagement before sticking their foot in their mouth
Non-active participation on the part of a subscriber to an mailing list, a Usenet newsgroups, and IRC channel, a video connection, or any other Internet communication device If you're "lurking," you're generally just listening to the discussion It's usually best to lurk if you're a beginner or if you are new to a communication group This allows you to get up to speed on the history or acceptable behavior of the group
Reading news in newsgroups for some time before posting to a newsgroup This is a good idea and can save embarrassement Reading messages from electronic mailing lists but not contributing to that list yourself
Lurking involves simply listening or watching and not participating on an IRC channel, a mailing list, or some other type of Internet connection
Reading news or mailing lists but not contributing to that list yourself It helps newcomers understand the community before they contribute so it is a good idea
{i} reading of discussion groups without leaving messages in them or contributing to the conversation (Internet)
The act of reading through mail lists and newsgroups without posting any messages Considered good netiquette to get the feel of the topic before adding your own two cents
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed; "a furtive manner"; "a lurking prowler"; "a sneak attack"; "stealthy footsteps"; "a surreptitious glance at his watch"; "someone skulking in the shadows"
Reading articles in a USENET group without replying or making yourself known Generally a good idea until you get a feel for the group and its occupants
Reading the email or articles in a discussion group or newsgroup without contributing or posting messages
Observing a newsgroup or chat room without participating A preferred way to learn Netiquette
[return to top] A person is lurking if they read postings to bulletin boards but rarely if ever respond or post comments to the bulletin board themselves This person would be analogous to the person who sits in a classroom and listens but rarely speaks
No active participation on the part of a person to a mailing list, Usenet newsgroupor IRC channel A person who is lurking is just listening to the discussion
The act of reading through maillists and newsgroups without posting any messages Considered good netiquette to get the feel of the topic before adding your own two cents
Listening in to the discussion on a Usenet newsgroup without contributing to the discussion Lurking is encouraged for beginning users so that they can get acquainted with the form, style, tone and content of the list
Joining a newsgroup but not contributing messages Highly recommended for newbies until they figure out how things work