TEACHSOC: RE: Further explanation

[Roberts, Keith]

-----Original Message----- Erin wrote: You asked how I will account for lurkers on the Teaching Sociology newsgroup.  Yes,  I know that lurkers are present in unknown numbers.  But if they do not post messages to the group,  I cannot account for them.  How could I?  Lurkers present no behavior or communication on the newsgroup and hence cannot be observed.   You asked how I can contextualize "living" with the group if I do not teach sociology.  My assignment was to observe a newsgroup with professional interests, such as newsgroups for musicians, dentists, photographers,  et cetera.  I'm "living" with the group because that is the very premise of fieldwork.  No, I do not teach sociology but I am "living" with a group of sociology teachers for fieldwork purposes.   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   I, for one, think this is an extraordinarily interesting project for an undergraduate sophomore!  Erin, you will note how we kind of put you “on the spot” to define your status in our midst….not unlike informants around the globe who wonder who this anthropologist observer is.  So much for your being an unobtrusive presence, huh?   Good luck on your project!  Are you willing to share your results with those who might be interested when it is finished?  I’d be interested to see what you make of us! J   Keith