In another post, Mindy mentioned those who only read. It's a common practice to be just a "lurker," one who reads and doesn't participate. And that's okay, too.

At the same time, I'm curious. Obviously, by this question, I'd like to draw out a lurker or two. If you have never posted to CF, what keeps you from participating? Or, to put it another way, why are you a lurker and not a poster?

-- Randal (randal@rhyme.cjb.net), November 27, 2001

Answers

I'm shy. There's something about me that can't bring myself to bare my soul to many, even on the Internet.

I do post sometimes. And pick up lots and lots of fascinating info about homesteading here. Thanks.

-- Cat (catcrazy@somewhere.com), November 27, 2001.

Ditto! I'm shy and sensitive. I would feel awful if I offended someone not realizing it and wouldn't want to be offended myself. I've read some insensitive replies on some other forums.

-- Jean in No. WI (jat@ncis.net), November 27, 2001.

Since I have been on I have been welcome with open arms. We seem to be a layed back group. Discussions, though they may sometimes get heated are presented with the utmost respect. We are not here to hurt each others feelings but to be supportive and informative. We have really great food recipes and lots of new ideas. It is ok to look but you might have more fun posting.

-- mindy (speciallady@countrylife.net), November 27, 2001.

I agree with Jean. I get really annoyed when people jump all over each other at the slightest provocation (i.e. other forums). That hasn't happened here...and that's good! Makes me more likely to post more "sensitive" stuff.

Incidentally, I've been enjoying Mitch's thread about being alone. Moving to the country has taught me about the joys of solitude. I never knew, and the first few years were hard. But I love it now...feels like the best part of my life.

thank you for a forum that feels better... Cat

-- Cat (catcrazy@somewhere.com), November 27, 2001.

I post responses here when I feel I have necessary input. I enjoy the atmosphere here, as others have mentioned.

-- rick K (rick@notmail.com), November 27, 2001.

Sometimes I feel shy. Other times I just don't have anything to say. Sometimes I have had a bad day socially and don't feel like sticking my neck out.

-- Rebekah (nomail@thanx.net), November 28, 2001.

i'm in a subdivision in clarkston, mi. 100' x 160' lot. not much homesteading going on here. but i grew up in the country and so did my wife to some degree, so i'm very interested in what/how/when people are "homesteading". she wants to move to another sub but get a house with a basement for her business and homeschooling. i want to get 3-5-10 acres and do the country thang. i think this would be a big plus for the kids and US too. tired of the break neck speed of society and want to slow down some. i'm lurking, but i'm learning. we were talking the other day and i told her "if we get the big house in a sub, we will always be working at general motors to support ourselves, if we get a little land and a not-so-big house then i may be able to do webpages/programming at home along with her business, THEN i may be able to stay home with her and the kids. i think the 4h program/country would be good for the kids. right now all they know is "play" and "school". so i lurk to learn and plan the next move to get the wife to the same thoughts as myself.:)

-- steve (thenarrowgate@earthlink.net), December 14, 2001.