Posted by PeterH on November 15, 2006 at 14:39:01 from 81.132.218.243 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: Re: Listening (was lurking) posted by Fiona on November 15, 2006 at 11:38:31:
So don't be so disparaging about those that may lurk (in the computer sense). Be a bit more welcoming.
But, Fiona, we can't welcome them unless they appear !
'Listening' seems a euphemism to me. I think of it as 'eavesdropping'- 'listening secretly to others' conversations' (OED).
'Don't be disparaging' - sorry, but I reserve the right to be disparaging about people who remain hidden and silent for ever. Many many years ago, I learnt in group therapy that one of the most aggressive things you can do in a group of people busy conversing is sit there absolutely silently the whole time.