lurking
The activity of one of the "silent
majority" in a electronic forum such as {Usenet}; posting
occasionally or not at all but reading the group's postings
regularly. This term is not pejorative and indeed is casually
used reflexively: "Oh, I'm just lurking". Often used in "the
lurkers", the hypothetical audience for the group's
{flamage}-emitting regulars.
Lurking and reading the {FAQ} are recommended {netiquette} for
beginners who need to learn the history and practises of the
group before posting.
(1997-06-14)