Are you a "lurker" on DISboards? If not, what caused you to de-lurk?

DVC Mike

DIS Veteran
DIS Lifetime Sponsor
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Are you a "lurker" on DISboards? If not, what caused you to de-lurk?

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A "lurker" is typically a member of an online community who observes, but does not actively participate.

There is a 1% rule of thumb pertaining to participation in an internet community. In most online communities, 90% of users are lurkers who never contribute, 9% of users contribute a little, and 1% of users account for almost all the action.

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People who just discover DISboards are likely to start off as a lurker, as it allows them to learn the conventions of our online community before they actively participate, improving their socialization when they eventually "de-lurk".

However, some just keep on lurking, and never participate.

A Neilson study called it the 90-9-1 Rule:

User participation often more or less follows a 90-9-1 rule:

90% of users are lurkers (i.e., read or observe, but don't contribute).
9% of users contribute from time to time, but other priorities dominate their time.
1% of users participate a lot and account for most contributions.

As I've pondered this situation, I ask “What can the moderators of the DVC boards on DISboards do, provide or build that will drive participation and engagement with these lurkers?

Of course, as a moderator, I’m not here to shame you into feeling bad about being a lurker. If you're a lurker, but logging in and reading the DISboards content regularly, you are still an engaged user.

I still believe that any silent community members can benefit from moving from just reading posts to becoming engaged in the discussions.

So, I have two questions:

  • For those of you that actively participate, what caused you to to de-lurk and start posting on DISboards?

  • For those of you who only read posts, why do you think you only lurk?

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http://i235.************************************************************* DVC Mike - *******.com
 
My first post was to share my DVC Direct purchase experience. I still read much more than I post so I am not an "active" participant but I sure do appreciate those that are!
Since my first Direct DVC purchase, I learned enough here to add on with a DVC resale.
 
I read much more than I post, because I don't want to give misinformation to people by accident. I only respond, if I really think I know what I'm talking about.

I appreciate all the information people share here. I have learned so much over the years!
 


I was a lurker until I started the DVC purchase process. Now, as an owner, I really feel like part of the club, so to speak. 8-)
 
I think my first post was 10 years ago maybe? Researching the Grand Floridian hotel concierge level for our honeymoon. We now own at VGF...haha. I came back off and on as future disney tips approached and then stuck around for the past year or so when researching DVC more in depth.
 
Oh I'm definitely a lurker!! Occasionally I de-lurk on a whim, but generally afterwards I remember why I only lurk. :)
 


I have been a member for years and have simply gotten tired of my "earning my ears" title lol! I really enjoy reading more than posting.
 
I am mostly a lurker, Ive been to Disney but this is my first time planning. Anytime I post its because I am certain to the answer but usually I'm still unsure so I don't want to give out false information. I also post on things pertaining to movies because they interest me. I don't like to post on any topic that might become debated or argument. I try to steer clear of that. I think I'm just trying to learn as much as I can instead of taking time to reply also.
 
I am in the 9%. I tend to comment on a variety of topics if it's a new thread and lurk on established threads - even there I've been known to take advantage of the Like feature. I have certain Dis'ers whose threads I'll check out if I have seen that they posted (Chuck, Dean, BWBOUND, Bobbi, and Diane come to mind) and others whose I will ignore (no names to protect the parties).
 
Good topic, Mike. It is a question I have asked myself. I lurked for years educating myself on DVC through the generosity of posters. :worship: After we purchased our first contract I started participating. I have learned so much from the people on these boards.
 
Joined DVC before even found the Dis - so try to help people. I loved DVC even then.
Not so much on the DVC boards - because there are alot of people here who want to help and will post. the other boards sometimes there are posts who go unanswered. So since I have been there - not on the Dis - try to at least answer. Lots of time once I answer - others who have much more knowledge will then. Hate for anyone asking for help - especially about WDW go unanswered.

guess my reason for posting is wanting to help.
 
I decided to become active because after a year of lurking I've bought one DVC contract and am now in the process of adding-on via resale, which I wouldn't have known about before finding these boards.

Funny thing is: haven't yet stayed at my home resort yet on points and already feel like we have to have more.

Now if I could just figure out how to upload an avatar pic....
 
I go back and forth. Sometimes I don't post because I know someone else (one of the 1%) will answer a question. Sometimes I quit posting because someone gets nasty. The more people "like" my posts or quote my posts the more likely I will post again.

I will also avoid those topics where people always get nasty.
 
After my first cruise.... I found sharing my experiences was a great way to extend my trip... "virtually" while helping others on their planning.
 
After my first cruise.... I found sharing my experiences was a great way to extend my trip... "virtually" while helping others on their planning.

I go back and forth as well. I tend to be more active when I have a trip coming up.

Both of these apply to my level of activity as well. In between trips, I'm mostly reading trip reports and offering advice so I can feel like I'm still living a piece of the magic. The boards are a great way to expand my knowledge so that I can assist my friends and family with parts of their trip that may enhance their experience.
 
I go back and forth and usually the closer we are to a trip, the more active I get.
 

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