With over 50 responses and counting, my lurker post of last Thursday generated a landslide vote of support for the status quo. Not to mention prompting first-time posts by newly 'delurked' subscribers, some of whom weighed in with reports.
In past lurker debates, restriction advocates pointed to a relatively small proportion of regular posters to the list, expressing the fear that too small a 'core' group of posters would cause the list to implode. But today, the number of core posters is actually larger than the entire list was just 3 or 4 years ago. Clearly the list is in no imminent danger of folding due to disinterested subscribers. Growth in the number of subscribers also parallels the growth in popularity of flyfishing among the general public as a growing, increasingly urbanized population seeks to connect with the outdoors. On the other hand, several messages protested that there is no real information of value posted to the list, hence there is no need to restrict it. If that is the case however, why then do any of us subscribe? In short, because the list operates on many levels. It allows for quick and easy communication in a virtual community with a shared interest; it provides a sort of cathartic release for those wishing to share their experiences with others; it facilitates answers to an individual's questions from a large base of collective experience; it provides a vicarious fishing experience to those of us unable to find the time to do so ourselves. The list does indeed provide value. Perhaps not the fish-here-use-that-fly kind of value, but value of a better kind, the type that shares experience to build confidence and enjoyment for all. Wes was right: our periodic re-examination of the lurker question generates a flood of passionate responses and the end result is the same - 'It ain't broke, so don't go trying to fix it.' So we won't. Thanks to all who shared their opinions. Your posts made for a lively debate that was remarkably polite and courteous. But above all, your collective input provided a clear answer to my question. Kent Lufkin
