I think that we are being watched.

[dswp]

I think that we are being watched.

I was looking at the numerical charts of the member’s list and it appears that we are wildly out numbered (posters verses lurkers). I am sure however that many people on the members list do not check in anymore.

This is based on round numbers.

Of 2200 members.

600 members never posted
700 members have fewer than 10 posts.
350 members have fewer than 50 posts.
150 members have fewer than 100 posts.

On the other side about 90 people have over 1000 posts.

[rickenbrother]

Dave, great breakdown of the number of forum members to ther number of posts.
It seemed to me that when the the For Sale and Wanted sections became restricted for registered members only, there were suddenly quite a few new registered members.

[jdogric12]

Perhaps if someone goes 90 days with 0 posts, they could be bumped off? I know it sounds harsh, but... "F" 'em!!!

[gibsonlp]

Actually - most of the "watch only" members registered in the old forum system once the rules changed and you couldn't watch anything without being registered.

[sowhat]

Mmmmm... 90 days is definitely too harsh! Imho, of course.

[jingle_jangle]

I've got no problem with lurksters, registered or not...it gets the gospel out; even if they own no Ricks, they go out to the world with some Rick knowledge and everybody is a little less stupider. But I've always felt that the "For Sale" section should be open to members only. There are too many opportunists there, and it would be great if those who cared about their instruments could find a custodian instead of a flipster.

Lurksters, flipsters.

[myfretless]

Now I've got to check and see how many posts I've had to validate my worth!

[dswp]

"Now I've got to check and see how many posts I've had to validate my worth!"

You posted more than 0...

[jwilli]

Perhaps if someone goes 90 days with 0 posts, they could be bumped off? I know it sounds harsh, but... "F" 'em!!!

Maybe they could be bumped off if they have 90 posts in 0 days?
Just padding my post count......

[jingle_jangle]

The fine print says something about padding his post count. Which is what I'm doing.

[jakeox]

I initially registered in order to read the for sale section, because I wanted to buy my first Rick and I wanted to do my due diligence and make sure I knew enough to not get ripped off. I didn't have anything to contribute, nor did I own a Rick yet, so I didn't chime in.

As soon as I bought my first 4001, and saw that it already had a thread about the auction here, I jumped in. I still don't really have anything useful to share, but I speak up anyway from time to time.

I will say that although people are very friendly around here, the tight-knit aspect of the board can come across as a little clubby (I think just because there's a small group of very active posters -- not necessarily a bad thing). Since I couldn't really bring much to the table, I kept my mouth shut and learned. I suspect many others are still doing just that. Some people are more comfortable jumping in; others not as much.

I think it'd be a mistake to disallow lurking, but I can see why restricting the wanted/for sale/registry sections might be a good call.

Not trying to be contrary, just offering an opinion based on experience.

[nukebass]

I agree, Jake. I registered a really long time ago when I was in college and learning about the truss rod system on my bass. I got it in '96, but didn't know anything about the "weaker" truss rod system until I read one of the Rickenbacker history books that mentioned it. I registered, checked out some technical stuff I didn't understand, and didn't post. I didn't figure I had any useful information to add since I didn't play in a band and really didn't know much about setups and guitar repair (I still don't, but I'm willing to try stuff...). I then got a job, got married and moved to a new city. I forgot about the forums (I didn't go to talkbass anymore, either) until I started looking at getting a 4004 back in 05. I found the forums at rickenbacker.com and saw reference to this forum. I then got my ancient account straightened out and started reading again and throwing in my two cents once in a while.

[joepee]

This makes me a little nervous.

I have been coming to this forum for years. I have asked advice, sometimes gotten good sugestions. Sometimes not a reply. I often lurk because when I log onto my computer, I have to add my password to logon. Many times, I'll admit, I'm too lazy to go through the steps. Does this make me suspicious?

I have conferred with Paul offline about a P-bass question on his email once. It was because I thought he wanted trivial questions off board. I thought he would rather not have to repeat the same answer for the one millionth time. And once again, I was too lazy to do a search. I also know how all you productive people feel about lazy people like me. I'm not proud I take shortcuts, but I do.

Most often I have no real contribution to make. But I am greatful to ALL of you. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

I am a good, but lazy person. With a full time job, health issues, daughter in college, step-grandchildren, I guess I could I make all kinds of excuses for being the way i am.

But I still consider my self a Rickresource (Even with the new format) memeber. I have a bumber sticker I proudly displayed on my Jeep. I bought a mug (even though the picture peeled off in the diswasher over time), and one of the RICKENBACKER FORUM T-shirs Paul offered on CafePress website. I am trying to think of all the things I can say to prove I have been here awhile.

But to exclude me because I am lazy?

I will admit my shortcomings to you all.

My life seems rather dull compared to Melibee, and her kind husband, lovely family, and all her Rickenbackers. Paul and his car accident with Ric unscathed. Me being too dumb to figure out what "Aitch" meant (for Howard). I am definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. But I emplore you to not exclude me from the Rickenbacker family. I am an enthsiast. I check in daily, maybe several times, daily. I feel as much a part of all your lives as you probably feel suspicious of me when I lurk.

I love what this place has provided for my knowledge, Rick-lust, feeling of belonging, etc. I fail to post often because I only have one Ric 325c58MG. I lust for many others, but will have to wait. I live on a school teacher's salary, am proud of the one I own, but have little to offer of interest to articulate, knowledgeable rick enthusiasts like you guys and women.

Please don't exclude me.

Thank you.

[ram]

I have no problem with lurking... if I wanted to join a private club I'd be a Mason or something... ya gotta learn somewhere. Never know after a year or two the lurker may exit its pupa stage and become a splendid contributor.

[dswp]

For the record I have no problems with the lurker. I was just surprised to see the ratio.