< messaging , jargon > 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)