[OSList] How do we define LURKER?

Sun Dec 14 11:59:12 PST 2014

I have played with the term "active readers" rather than lurkers. Has a different tone.

The compulsive historian in me wants to mention that in November, 2009, a message called Roll Call: Present was sent by Erik Fabian (who contributed about 15 messages from June to November of that year.) He asked people just to respond with a “present”. While he used the term lurkers, he included in a larger framing (below).

By his count, it brought 100+ responses, similar in tone to those responding now. Ironically, Erik’s reflections on the roll call (also below) was his last message to the list.

appreciatively,
Peggy

ROLL CALL: PRESENT
> On Nov 24, 2009, at 1:13 AM, Erik Fabian <erik at DOUBLEHAPPINESSNYC.COM> wrote:
> 
> I was intrigued by Phelim's observation that the OSLIST, not being a physical space, lacks the 
> information that comes from people sitting silent or choosing to leave.
> 
> I invite the many folks, the lurkers, the newbies, the old hands, the folks with better things to do, 
> anyone really...to respond to this message with a "present" if you would like to be noted as attending 
> to this virtual space.
> 
> I know it won't solve the exiting problem but it might perhaps give a sense of scale to the ratio of 
> talkers to the silent.
> 
> Erik - present
> 
> *
> 

REFLECTING ON THE ROLL CALL

> On Nov 29, 2009, at 2:01 PM, Erik Fabian <erik at DOUBLEHAPPINESSNYC.COM> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> 1st thing: I don't mean to stop the Roll Call if folks would still like to chime in. Feel welcome.
> 
> 2nd: I was quite struck by the 100+ voices that have called present so far in the Roll Call. Your 
> responses reoriented my sense of scale on this list and created a fascinating moment where I 
> didn't know what was going to happen next...I felt like I watching a filibuster or something. 
> 
> I was also struck by the sense of willingness to continue to be present in this OSLIST conversation 
> despite disagreements, other options, shyness, busy lives, etc. That felt like some kind of bedrock 
> to me.
> 
> The momentum has slowed and the thread has mixed back into the stream of multiple 
> conversations on the list.  I have also started to hear some reflection from Michael (here: 
> http://tinyurl.com/ygupaax) & Harold (here: http://tinyurl.com/ykx3scs) and so it seems 
> appropriate to put out a broader invitation to reflect on the Roll Call.
> 
> I suppose I should say, I viewed the Roll Call responses in the context of a couple weeks of debate 
> about OS, where the online OS community should find its home, differing values around online 
> communication styles, and thoughts about OS and change.
> 
> Peggy asked an interesting question recently: How do the Open Space principles help us both 
> support and resist change and what does that mean for the evolution of OST and opening space? 
> (http://tinyurl.com/yzg8nh9)
> 
> So I invite anyone, anyone who was present or silently sat aside, who would like to reflect on the 
> Roll Call to feel welcome to do so, and to perhaps consider the Roll Call in the light of recent 
> debates on this list or Peggy's question about change and the future of OS.
> 
> Cheers,
> Erik
> 
> *
*

_________________________________
Peggy Holman
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> On Dec 11, 2014, at 10:23 AM, openspacedk1 via OSList <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> Given we are a community working with open space,
> 
> therefore able or learning to be absolutely present
> and absolutely invisible
> 
> isn't what we see the only thing that could happen ?
> 
> 
> Greetings Gerard, Denmark
> 
> 
> 
> ichael Herman via OSList skrev den 2014-12-11 17:08:
>> Perhaps a bit of conflict in the definition, as it seems to say that
>> listening isn't active participation.
>> My working definition for leadership, in any field, is practice made
>> visible. Maybe visible is useful in place of active.
>> Yes, this suggests a distinction between lurkers and leaders, but it
>> also allows for the definition of leader and our leadership ranks here
>> to expand.
>> I have been very visible here in the past but less so in recent years.
>> Reading most everything, but not so visible.
>> I think every single posting leads some us somewhere, even if those
>> places aren't so obvious.
>> Enjoying seeing so many familiar names mixed in with new ones.
>> Michael
>> On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Daniel Mezick via OSList
>> <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
>>> In the game, as described, the definition of [lurker] is clear:
>>> "...someone who examines these OSLIST threads periodically but does
>>> not actively participate."
>>> The definition is purposefully loose, so anyone can self-identify
>>> with it, and optionally play the game.
>>> Daniel
>>> On 12/11/14 9:32 AM, Carmela Ariza via OSList wrote:
>>>> Dear all,
>>>> It is very interesting - that asking who are lurkers - encouraged
>>>> the lurkers to come out and write a few sentences...
>>>> I am curious - how do we really define LURKERS?
>>>> Would love to listen to your thoughts on this....
>>>> Carms
>>>> True happiness is a state of mind.
>>>> Happiness is not a consequence of things that happen.
>>>> Do not pursue happiness - practice it.
>>>> Sing, even if you do not sound good.
>>>> Smile, even when things go wrong.
>>>> Create happiness, and happy you will be.
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>>> --
>>> Daniel Mezick, President
>>> New Technology Solutions Inc.
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>> --
>> --
>> Michael Herman
>> Michael Herman Associates
>> 312-280-7838 (mobile)
>> http://MichaelHerman.com [9]
>> http://OpenSpaceWorld.org [10]
>> Links:
>> ------
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>> [2] http://newtechusa.net/dan-mezick/
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>> [4] http://twitter.com/#%21/danmezick/
>> [5] http://newtechusa.net/about/the-culture-game-book/
>> [6] http://newtechusa.net/services/agile-scrum-training/
>> [7] http://newtechusa.net/services/agile-scrum-coaching/
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