talkmagic.co.uk

the lurkers...

we have on average 30 lurkers at any one time i've noticed...

if you could give them your "top ten tips" (or however many you could muster) - what would they be? Should they join? Should they stay away?

we can omit the "DO NOT ASK FOR SECRETS", as that is the standard...

go!

f*** off?

phronesis wrote:f*** off?

unless you were suggesting that i do; should we take that as a "don't join"?

When I was at school, I was told that the more you put in the more you get back. For years I did not believe that, but I discovered (far too late on) how true that is. I guess that regular lurkers might want to bear that point in mind.

As a case in point, by joining this forum and participating I now know a fair few members in real life (including you, Iain, of course). Lurking would not have seen me huddled up in a weird gothic gastro pub with three rather impressive individuals earlier this year.

ok......
firstly don't be afraid you won't fit in or you won't have anything contribute, we all felt like that to begin with even the great mr browning.

secondly we are generaly a lot more aproachable than may come across in type, even the sainted rev.

thirdly like skydiveing, rollercoaster riding & your first gig..... the first step is the hardest, give it a go you will not be disapointed.

lastly it takes time for you to find your voice on here so make use of the emoticons and brakets, ie (jokeing) till we get a feel for you. (bingo)

I don't write all that much on the board but I read through nearly everything taking in the good stuff and offering up what I can, when I can.

Read and learn and if you've got something to share, don't be afraid to speak up.

Two words: Innuendo Bingo

I'd suggest they carry on lurking if that's enough for them but eventually there will be a good time for them to join in and contribute.

Mandrake wrote:I'd suggest they carry on lurking if that's enough for them but eventually there will be a good time for them to join in and contribute.

On a serious note, for once...
I lurked for around 3-4 months before joining. I didn't want to become a member of a(nother) forum comprised mainly of huge egos with little tolerance for those who are at the early stages of learning the art. Thankfully, TM isn't like that for the most part. Noobs are welcomed and helped (and the search function aside), are offered valuable advice when asking questions.

Secondly, being new to magic/mentalism, I just didn't think I could contribute much of anything worth reading. That's still the case to some extent, but at the same time I'm glad I took the plunge and just joined in with my dumb questions and inane comments anyway. Everyone has to begin somewhere!

I have learned an incredible amount about magic from the great people on this forum and most of it since joining rather than lurking. It's only by taking part and asking those seemingly silly questions that you learn those things you are most interested in.

Cheers,
Wishmaster

PS Mandrake, please pm me with details of my commission fee

Wishmaster wrote: Mandrake, please pm me with details of my commission fee

It'll be exactly the same level of commission as I get !

I've persistently lurked since I joined and will surely continue to do so. One of the greatest features of this site is the search function and I use it frequently if I have a question to ask. This is actually the feature that has stopped me posting as more often than not the question has been asked before and the answers then apply now.

I wish I contributed more to the forum to give something back to you guys, offering my experiences and "insight" but, truth be told, there are (much) wiser members here than I with broader experiences than me who can give better, clearer and relevant advice and can speak with authority on magic.

One things for sure Iain, you have me posting here again!

Best

Martin

I would advise lurkers to refrain from joining TM if they have Nike trainers to sell. No good will come of it.

Everyone should come and say hi. We're a big happy family who have the occasional squabble but we all love each other really.

If you're happy just lurking then that's fine but why not say hello and talk some rubbish with us over at the Dove's Head.

Even now I'm still quite the lurker myself.

I say, let them lurk. I'm confident that 9 out of 10 will like (most of) what they see here and eventually get more involved.

As comfortable as you are, be as you are.