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

[DVC Mike]

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

http://i235.*************************************Misc/AreYouALurker.png

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.

http://i235.*************************************Misc/Lurker1.pnghttp://i235.*************************************Misc/Lurker2.png​

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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Purchasing DVC

• What was your purchase philosophy when choosing your home resort(s)?
• Headed up or down with your points?
• How much of the DVC legal documents have you actually read?

DVC Resorts

• Favorite thing you love, and what you most dislike, about your home resort?
• Which DVC resorts have your favorite cocktail lounge/bar?
• How much time do you spend at the resort versus the parks?
• Which DVC Resort is your favorite for watching the MK fireworks?
• Are the Polynesian Villas really that noisy?
• What does the future hold for DVC?

Renting Points

• Do you rent out your points yourself or use a “points broker”?

Using Your DVC Membership

• Do you still call Member Services?
• Out of points, but you still want to go to Disney?
• Which room sizes do you book the most?
• Do you still experience obsessive Disney planning?
• How much of your vacation time do you spend at Disney?
• How has DVC changed your vacation pattern?
• What meals or snacks do you prepare in your room?

Just for Fun

• How did you pick your DISboards User Name?
• Are you a "lurker" on DISboards? If not, what caused you to de-lurk?
• How long have you been a DVC member?
• How old were you when you first became a DVC member?
• What is your family status?
• Do you unpack or live out of your suitcase?

http://i235.************************************************************* DVC Mike - *******.com

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[Disneyepcot]

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.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

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!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Sorry double post.
Foolish "Smart phone"

 

[ResQme3]

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.

 

[Sparrow624]

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.

 

[Sleepy Sheep]

Oh I'm definitely a lurker!! Occasionally I de-lurk on a whim, but generally afterwards I remember why I only lurk.

 

[DisTXMom]

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.

 

[zlah31]

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.

 

[chipndaleluver]

Not a lurker. Just don't always have something to say.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

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).

 

[Bellecruiser]

Good topic, Mike. It is a question I have asked myself. I lurked for years educating myself on DVC through the generosity of posters. After we purchased our first contract I started participating. I have learned so much from the people on these boards.

 

[spiceycat]

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.

 

[Popouri DVC]

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....

 

[rcchello]

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.

 

[xlxo]

After my first cruise.... I found sharing my experiences was a great way to extend my trip... "virtually" while helping others on their planning.

 

[toniosmom]

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

 

[jerseygirl82]

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.

 

[THEDISNEYTHREE]

I was a lurker until I wanted someone's ressie.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I go back and forth and usually the closer we are to a trip, the more active I get.