I don't mind giving posters a real chance to fit in to the community here. Honestly, what's the worst that can happen--people have to read drivel for a week or so? Hell, I have to face worse in driving to work every day. I believe Allyson may be able to recognize trolls in three posts but I don't think all of us can, which is why I don't mind the talky meat stuff. . IF you'll recall, several people thought Deena was a troll at first, and she has turned out to be a wonderful, amazing member of the community. To me, all the bullshit that this thread can generate is worth it if I get to meet more people like her--or Wolfram, or whoever else has had a rocky beginning and turned out to be great, fascinating folk.

Allyson, I read more than I post. I do an awful lot of catch up, because I want to know what's the what, and the who with the what-now, but I mostly can't keep up in real time. I've been onboard since TTmark1, but folks who've only joined since WX or Phoenix have no idea who the odd person of random postage is. I'm fine with that. I've also contributed financially, and I do have some backchannel and other-board relationships with Phoenix posters. I have a good idea what's going on here, whether I'm actively posting or not. I like to think that my rare comments are relevant, at least, if not overly content-y or full of influence for good, or whatever.

I think of myself as a citizen. But someone who's been posting for the last six--or fewer--months, and who keeps up in Natter and the show threads and music and movies...

Well, they wouldn't think of me as a citizen. "Lurker" is relative, because I go through life-stuff that relegates me to effective lurker status (in fact I'm heading into just such a sitch this next week) for significant periods of time. I'd like to think I don't lose all my "citizen" cred just because I'm not very visible. I'm still reading, I'm still keeping up in B'cy and bulbs, if relevant. I try to contribute my opinions there when a question is open, even if those are the only posts I can make at that time. Is that enough to maintain my citizenship?

I think you're not realizing how many friends you have made and how much you have contributed, Beverly. Your post is not how I see you at all.

That's a relief to hear.

Seriously. I don't feel I do enough, participate enough, do the influence for good enough. In real life, I do a lot of nodding and back-patting, not a lot of talking. It can be difficult to remember that online, no one can see you nod.

Allyson has summed it up for me. And damned eloquently, I might add.

When I counted votes, I would guess there were 4 or 5 names I didn't know, though I could go back and check that.

Yeah, me too. I was impressed with how many people I did have a real sense of.

In real life, I do a lot of nodding and back-patting, not a lot of talking. It can be difficult to remember that online, no one can see you nod.

I actually think you can, kind of. I mean, when you post, Beverly, it's clear that you've been paying attention to other people, and care about the community. When people meara, even if they're just saying "Uh huh," or "YAY" or whatever, it's a clear demonstration that they are paying attention. Not that people who don't do that aren't paying attention, but you know what I mean?

I don't think I'm saying what I'm trying to say.

Jesse, l know what you mean, and I also think it's clear.

And Beverly ROCKS!

Oh geez, guys. Damned allergies.

Really. Thanks.

But you know I wouldn't be here if the Phoenix and the Buffistas were not da Bomb, right?

I'm sure there are other online communities that are -- what? Quirky? Intelligent? Funny? Erudite? Articulate? Hmmmm, heading into maybe-not land there. But we're all that and a wrodload of chips.

As long as the people who click "recent" know I'm not trying to bust on them.

As long as the people who click "recent" know I'm not trying to bust on them.

Like they'd care, with your unholy devotion to the number 50.