I joined a writers group on LinkedIn after some searching for the right group. I was a little dismayed once I was accepted, to read the group leaders' comment that anyone who hadn't commented within a two month period would be automatically removed from the group. Quite simply she didn't want lurkers within the group.
I find it strange because some of the greatest benefit I receive is from lurking I do around other people's blogs or LinkedIn groups. Some I comment on, some I buy their books, some I learn from what they post. Is lurking that wrong? I'm sure I have lurkers who visit here fairly regularly but who never comment. I don't have a problem with that.
Fair call though I guess, it's her group, her decision - I just didn't like the idea myself and said as much - politely and nicely as numerous other people on the site had. Two days as a member and suddenly I'm removed, what - for daring to voice my opinion in a nice, polite way?
I could have been abusive, I could have been rude and obnoxious. I wasn't. I was also not given an opportunity to explain or to 'chat' to the owner about my comments or her reasoning. That bugged me, but you know what - if I can't speak openly and honestly and voice my opinions then you're obviously not a group that I want to be a part of.
Being new to a blog or even a writers group can be quite daunting and I usually won't jump in and comment straight away - nor do I want to be forced to make inane comments just so I won't be removed.
Any of the blogs on my sidebar are ones I visit regularly, I may not comment on them all but they are in that list because I gain value from them in some way.
I think I've found another group on LinkedIn+, I'll see how that pans out. I do know that I'll probably be a little bit more circumspect about comments I leave for a while.
So are you lurker or commenter? I guess if you're a lurker though then you won't be responding will you? Let it be known that lurkers and commenters are welcome here in equal measure, just be nice and respectful is all I ask.
I hear ya. I have no problem with lurkers, I am a member of Backspace and while I comment from time to time, most of the insight I get is just from reading what other people are talking about. (Not to mention that most of the questions I have have already been asked, so a little searching is all I need to do unless I want to be really lazy, then I ask the question and usually get some good-hearted soul posting the link for the original post. Sweet people.) I wouldn't want to be part of the group you just mentioned either.
ReplyDeleteBackspace - okay I have to go and find out what that is now. See that's added value from comments :-)
Deletebksp.org - there's a yearly membership fee ($40 I think) but there's alot of very helpful information from published writers, both e-publishing and traditional, noobs like me, and agents. Very helpful website and forum. Glad I could offer something! :D
DeleteI love the quote at the end of your post! I've seen lots of groups who don't want to have lurkers, but I'm not sure why either. Like you, there are a lot of places I visit but don't always comment on. I would hate to get kicked out because of it. One example is a Facebook support group. I learn so much, but I really don't want to make it known that I am there. I'm sorry that the group leader didn't even give you a chance to make yourself understood. By the way, I'm writing on my blog again. You're welcome to lurk any time! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wondered how long it would take you - welcome back, I did miss you in the blogosphere :-)
Delete*Grin* I made my decision days before Blogger would have deleted my blog for good. I just couldn't let years of thoughts and writing disappear like that.
DeleteI'm both -- I understand her position though -- it is the cooperative nature of the group -- just not very cooperative to remove you without any discourse though!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm of the thinking if that many people aren't commenting where is the group direction going wrong? Well that's how I would feel as the organiser anyway
DeleteThat is kind of weird. Sometimes we just don't have anything to say. When I don't, I lurk. Being removed without explanation is what's rude.
ReplyDeleteAgree entirely
DeleteI am both a lurker and commenter on many blogs/facebook groups, etc but you shouldnt have to comment. You may not have anything to say, don't feel comfortable for whatever reason, etc...Yeah I think it is odd/weird that they would have deleted you without even engageing with you a little bit. Like you said though probably really not a group you want to be part of anyways in light of that. Good luck in finding another group. And I like you, like lurkers or commenters, just as long as someone is reading my blog.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across a writers blog/community/forums and thought of you called studio30 I lurked a little bit...thought it might be of interest to you...hopefully not the one you wrote this post about...lol...
ReplyDelete