Are You Lurking or Participating?

Are you a "lurker"?  I guess I should define the term to be sure you know what I mean.  According to Wikipedia:

"In Internet culture, a lurker is a person who reads discussions on a message board, newsgroup, chatroom, file sharing or other interactive system, but rarely or never participates actively. Research indicates that "lurkers make up over 90% of online groups" (Nonnecke & Preece 2000). Lack of trust represents one of the reasons explaining lurking behavior (Ridings, Gefen & Arinze 2006)."

Is it a lack of trust that prevents you from engaging? Spam, violation of your privacy...what is preventing you from participating? Why should you bother?

"Trust Agents" and "Crush It", two amazing books I've recently read, reference lurking. It is, according to them, a good first step to take when exploring new tools.

So, there's nothing wrong in getting the "lay of the land".  Figuring out who's active and how they are active in the groups you are newly part of is pretty smart.  However, at some point, once you've figured it out, you need to participate.

Participating means commenting and sharing.  Why is this important? 

• Creates an awareness of you
• Demonstrates knowledge/expertise

I moderate a LinkedIn group exclusively for job seekers who have completed a job search training program.  There are over 500 members.  The majority of them do not participate. Perhaps it is lack of trust or maybe they don't know that they can share news or add discussions.

I am also part of a Yahoo Group which is extremely active. People regularly post information.  But you know what?  It is a clunky tool.  It is email based, it is difficult to find user profile information.  Yahoo groups were wonderful when they were first invented, but we've come so far. (Sorry, got sidetracked). Members of this group lurk too.  They majority don't participate.  When they do participate, they have been encouraged to "introduce themselves".  They post a long boring resume-type message. 

If you are ready to stop lurking, then begin posting information that is "on brand". You can do this in any of the "groups" you belong to or tools you use (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)  What I mean is, if you are an Electrical Engineer, share an article, news or link that would help other electrical engineers. Look for ways to help others. 

Instead of "introducing yourself" begin by participating!  Your reputation will precede you (if done correctly).

Comments

[Career Sherpa]

Doug,
Thanks for the comments! Actually as I was writing this post I thought of you...you are not a lurker. You engage. Your comments are positive and/or thought provoking. I have a hunch that is close to "on brand" for you. Another kudos to you for participating on a board, you "get it" Doug and I am sure the right job will come along quickly! Best of luck!

[Doug Hitchcock]

Hannah,
this is a GREAT blog topic.

1) I am amazed by the number of people, even Career Navigator alumni who do NOT post anything online under LinkedIn groups, etc. Lurking in the dark corners is fine, but everyone should share when they find job opportunities of interest to the whole network. The same holds true in sharing success stories, lessons-learned, or just plain "pick-me-up" stories. But, also don't just write to spam and brag without value-added to the audience.

2) Your other comment about the migration from "chat" groups such as Yahoo to new tools such as Facebook and LinkedIn is equally spot-on. I am on the board of a non-profit here in Rochester, and have migrated our 600+ volunteers from a one-way e-mail list, to a Yahoo discussion group, and recently to Facebook.

Keep 'em coming....come on all others...don't just lurk!