Folks ask me from time to time why Mr So and So doesn't post?
In an attempt to encourage participation here,

I would like to say, "Hi" to folks whom I find lurking whenever I log in.

I encourage others to do the same.

Today at 12:44 I saw JR Russell lurking this forum.

Hello JR Russell. Welcome to The Sidewalk Forum and thank you for your
Naval Service Brother.

JR Russell

Hey Devious-

I spent neatly a year in the shadows before stepping out into the light and making my first post. Some folks may wish I stayed there...but I'm glad to be out in the open.

Still, there are several areas in the forum I still just lurk. I have an interest in Grand Illusion and Weird Magic, for example, but really (usually) have nothing to say as I do not perform in those areas nor do I have special expertise to offer. I just like to listen and learn.

But to those who lurk, let me say DON'T BE AFRAID to come out when you are ready. This side of the screen is nice, too.

Adrian Bent was spotted lurkin' at 5:22 pst.
Welcome guy, have a fun fin de semana (weekend).
Fondly,
Devi/

Chris Z,
Was spotted just before my next round of whiskey shots at
5:31 pst. Welcome guy!

The Maestro,
Nowlin Craver was spotted lurkin' at 12:56 pst.

To wit,
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/bb_pr......ser=1401


Welcome Nowlin!
Many of us are fond and were inspired by your book in collaboration with Eric Evans.


Be sure to check out Nowlin's website for many hidden gems of insightful reading.
Nowlin's Website

Well hello then I guess. Your post convinced me to post something here.
I am rather new at magic and I think I'll try to perform on the streets one of these days, when I do I'll be sure to record it and ask you guys for advice.

Devoius moonlighting for the NSA?

I didn't realize lurkers could be seen in specific forums...

I didn't know you could see that either but just found if you click the link at the top of the Café, "xx members are currently browsing the Café" it takes you to a list of who's currently browsing and which forum they're in.

By the way, I'm usually a lurker but hope to get the time and the courage to get out on the streets one day. I have a lot of respect for everyone that's out there now.

I just clicked and found myself lurking!!

Well, what do you I learn something new every day.

Amerigo,
Was spotted lurkin' at 9:16am pst.
Thanks for joining us here Amerigo, although you are longtime Café member.

To wit,
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/bb_pr......ser=9094

55Hudson,
Was sighted at 2:44 pm pst. Thanks so much for being a part our Sidewalk Family.
I tried going to your website to no avail sir. Welcome once again.

To wit,
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/bb_pr......er=45688

Do you really think the best way to encourage participation here is to "out" people who you find lurking? Honestly I think it'll do more to discourage people from visiting the sidewalk shuffle in the first place... "dude, you can't even visit that part of the Café without being called out".

You might find it welcoming, others may find it intimidating.... and really, if people have something they want to contribute I'm sure they will... it's always quiet here in the winter months anyhow.

Tom,
I always find what you write to be informative and useful.

We considered your concern prior to wandering down this
path of welcoming lurkers. However, our corporate office
is reviewing your opinion and is duly noted.

We have decided to impose a self-moratorium on welcoming lurkers
until we get more data from our regular visitors.

Having said that,
I'm curious as to how the other esteemed members of this forum feel?

p.s. There are only two types of people in the world.
Those who come here to give and those who come here to take.

Devious, I was a long time lurker untill I found a email address that the Café liked. Yes, now I can post, YA!

I think posting the lurkers is a bad ideal, seems to take a view that something is wrong with lurking and they need to be outed just my opinion though. If one would like to enlighten me to as how this is beneficial to the forum I may change my mind.

Lurkers don't bother me so much (BTW, what are they?) as those who would have the audacity to disagree with me.

My son calls me a "Troll" and whereas I have no idea what that is either, lurkers sounds worse.

I am a Lurker. But I go on this website to learn,get ideas, and stuff like that. I don't learn much when I talk.

I participate often but in other forums. I'm curious how buskers operate because sometimes I learn something useful to my own magic. I check out party strollers too. What's wrong with reading about how others operate to broaden your own work? I don't think this thread is a good idea.

G'day Devious
This thread of discussion seems to be a little contentious.
Welcome to all, including lurkers whoever they may be.
Bob latta (aka Troppo Bob)