lurking

adj 1: concealed and unsuspected; "lurking dangers"; "search for

lurking ambiguities"

2: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to

avoid being observed; "a furtive manner"; "a lurking

prowler"; "a sneak attack"; "stealthy footsteps"; "a

surreptitious glance at his watch"; "someone skulking in

the shadows" [syn: {furtive}, {skulking}, {sneak(a)}, {sneaky},

{stealthy}, {surreptitious}]

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)