***ATTENTION ALL LURKERS***
(RETITLED POST)

On another thread, Karen noted that 40% of the LCT registered members have little-to-no posts under their belts.

What is up with that?

So learners (you know who you are) come on out and play with us! We won't bite or otherwise harm you, honest.

If you are an experienced cruiser, share that experience with us. I think all the frequent posters would welcome shared knowledge. If you are a newbie to cruising (like me) ask questions.
The frequent posters here are truly a wealth of information.

The other thread I mentioned dealt, in part, with how to attract new posters to these boards. As Karen and others pointed out, the new posters are already here! Why look to the outside if the resources are in-house?

So don't just sit on the sidelines, come on out and play ball. The rules are simple - we do not slam each other. A different viewpoint? Sure. Debate is healthy as long as it is kept light hearted it's cool. ;)

This community contains a bunch of terrific people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and ideas. The paramount common ground is a love of cruising, and to put a finer point on it, a love of RSSC.

So, you learners out there, post today! You will be warmly welcomed.

The first 10 learners to un-cloak will recieve, courtesy of Karen, this lovely virtual tea set! :eek:

Lurkers come out when they are ready - I remember my first post last summer after lurking for a few months - i thought my question was dumb (important to me of course) but everyone jumped in and was so helpful - and there may be the perception that we all know each other - not true - Joanna

I must have lurked on CC for over a year, maybe more? Yeah more...before I uncloaked. I agree about the perception of everybody knowing each other and yes, not entirely true. I have bonded with several posters but have not even met posters who live 5 miles away from me.

Many do know each other by virtue of having cruised together. It also may appear cliquish (sp?) because the same people post over and over.

But to the lurkers, join in! Before you kow it you will be part of the group. The group that is not a group, that is.


Thanks, Karen, for adding the tea set!

I don't think I have that many posts, so do I qualify for one of the tea-sets????? If I do, I'd like to donate it to Marty (hope I got the name right!) who was really jonesing for one on the other thread..........Enjoy it!

Claudia

I think its funny that Karen said UN CLOAK

Claudia: Fine give him the tea set - you will now be number #1 girl in harem - Joanna (He is fickle and can be difficult)

Geez, Just Claudia offering her tea set to Marty, insures a place in his harem. That means we will have to share the diamonds with one more girl :ohmy:

Robert,

What a nice gesture, to welcome all of the lurkers here. Just adds to the tone of warmth here on LCT.

ChatKatR: You are so right - what a wonderful group here at LCT .... just wish they'd(lurkers) come out...Joanna

Hello Robert and all,
Coming from someone with just a very few posts, and a wealth of information gained, i feel i can speak from a lurker point of view. This board is a lovely place to both gain information and view insights into an obviously wonderful group of friends. So many times i smile at the lively conversation about birthdays, basketball games and upcoming trips. I think that sometimes the "lurkers" are just enjoying the ride!! You are such a fun and happy group, it just sometimes takes a leap to get in there!!
Cindy

Robert:

I fully agree with you, except that I call "lurkers" another name ----"learners." It's a more positive term.

And for the "learners", here is the place to learn about REAL cruising, where the idea is NOT to entice you onboard with a cheap fare, and then double or tripple that with all the "extras." You would be surprised how many people I try to convince to cruise who say "sure, and after all the extra charges, I won't be able to afford it." Well, on our lines, we really don't have that many extra charges.

Then, right in my own family, I tried to talk my Dad into cruising with us. You know what he said? He said "No, it would be boring." I exploded with laughter and told him I could think of nothing LESS boring than a cruise. And you might be surprised how many others have told me thay don't cruise because they perceive it as boring!

So again, that's why I like the term "learners" instead of "lurkers." Because I know so many who have so much to learn, from which they would benefit.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

Claudia,
You very nice lady! I can really use it. Please do not listen to Joanna - I am NEVER fickle or difficult. The woman truly doesn't understand me!
I want to thank you for your generous openness of spirit - it will stand you well during this currect membership drive we are having for the harem! The most senior member may be leaving soon, so her vacant position could be filled by you - I'll advise later. The membership drive we are having will only replace smart alecky current members, so Karen's fears of having to share the jewelry with another lady is unfounded. I thank you for the tea set, and ask Karen "When do I get my chuck cheese tea set?"

The Sheik rides again!

Richard I really like that. Learners instead of Lurkers. Well said.

Marty, I'm a bit concerned about this "membership drive" you seem to be on...doesn't say much about us... your original harem! Quality NOT Quantity. <img border="0" alt="[jam]" title="" src="graemlins/jammin.gif" />

As for this funky Chucky tea set...for those whom find it so appealing, you'd have a field day rummaging through our garage! Yours for the taking! :D

Okay, so I have edited the post accordingly. I never liked the lurk word either. Learn is so much better!

May I ask the frequent posters to post words of inspiration to help in the uncloaking process?

:)

Thanks,

R

I will add to this post, as befitting the 5th most prolific poster on the board (can't you tell I'm proud of this?? :D )

I have not chatted with this group prior to LCT opening up. I have yet to meet personally with any from this group. Yet, I have been made welcome and have made many an acquiantance and, dare I say, friend on this board despite the brevity of the relationship. Indeed, it was the warm and welcoming nature of this group that made me such a prolific poster here. And for this, I have to thank Ngaire, Ken, John, and Karen for creating such an inviting place to be.

So I echo the sentiments of others here - jump in! The water's just fine. And to prove just that, I have no frostbite or burns anywhere!

Masaki

Marty - I am quite sure Joanna meant "fickle and difficult" in the most positive way....... I appreciate your lovely gesture re replacing a senior harem member, but as a Radisson and LCT newbie I feel a "junior" harem membership would be more appropriate.

Karen - Do not worry! I only require small amounts of jewelry so will only need a couple diamonds...

Claudia,
I don't understand how one can make "difficult and fickle" in any way positive, but I like your style! Smooooth. Sliiiick. Clauuuudia. -
It all runs together so nicely. I have heard from most of the ladies and since you are willing to accept smaller amounts of jewelry, they have waived the normal entrance fee are welcoming you as a member in good standing to the harem.

This current membeship drive, interestingly enough, has brought two of you local ladies into the fold. Margo's in Sarasota, and you're in Venice.
Maybe we should think of a monthly dinner and drinks meeting to discuss/review harem activities, future pursuits, etc. Michael's on East, Christies, the Summer House - just a few of the locales we could meet. Let me know your thoughts please on this...

Marty

Marty -

How gracious of the ladies to waive the normal entrance fee! I am proud to become a junior harem member!

Re the Summer House - sadly, its being torn down and will be replaced by condos..........

Enjoy the Chuckie tea-set!

Claudia

As a relatively new "un-cloaked" learner-lurker, both here and on "that other board", I think it's understandable that newcomers are reluctant to post, in light of all the experienced, articulate, knowledgable people on LCT, but I do feel that you have all made me feel welcome here. I only hope that I will be able to contribute from time to time.

As for the tea set, Marty wants it, and I for one, want Marty to have it!

Betty

Betty,
I appreciate your vote. Karen is going through
underwhelming pressure right now to come up with the tea set. Your vote may just be the deciding
push she needs.
Thank you again for your confidence and support
I'll do my best to wear this with pride.
Marty

We may be one step away from not qualifying for the "Cyber Tea Set", but let us encourage everyone to join in with their comments, thoughts and ideas. This is a great crowd! Surpised that many of you have only met in cyberspace. Isn't the internet a marvel!
Rich&Gail
VTC 4-13-04 :)

Hell,

I'm only a lurker-learner until someone mentions or asks a question that I feel knowledgeable enough to answer. Hope that helps.
M.

Oops, that was supposed to be hello.
M.

Marty and Claudia:

We definitely need to organize a LCT meeting in the Venice/Sarasota area - it appears that we have many potential members for harem and other activities!

Marinergal - I thought it was funny in the original post...Hello, sure that's what you wanted to say, yeah, sure... :D

I also think we should note that one of the posters here who will remain "nameless" but is now using this board to increase his Harem did not post for the longest time on CC even though I strongly encouraged him to do so. I knew with his personality he would add a lot to the boards.

He is also a very intelligent and smart poster and I dont understand half of the stuff he says in the posts or in person(little girls from N.Z. cant keep up with these highly intelligent Sultans). So I know it was not because he was uncomfortable about posting and using the written word. So for a long time he was a "learner" too. I guess he learned QUITE well.

So we must remember some of our most active posters were "learners" at one time.

So "learners" post if you like we would love to hear from you - if you are not comfortable posting then stay around and keep "learning". You are all welcome to do this also.

Of course. I learned alot when I was behind the scenes. I even learned what questions to ask! But the welcome I felt when I did join in was overwhelming.

So post, learn, NK is right - doesn't matter! Just enjoy the ride however you see fit.

Pain makes man think,
Thought makes man wise,
Wisdom makes life endurable.(Confucius)

It is indeed painful to admit that I was a learner for so long - but after thoughful reflection, I have come to the wise conclusion that my TA, and friend, makes my life endurable. I was leary of commenting for all to see. So, learn all you want, but still feel free to jump in any time!

Sheik (not Sultan)

Marty,sweetheart... what ever are you smokin these days? :eek:

(guess I just can't keep up with your intellect) <img border="0" alt="[Hammer]" title="" src="graemlins/hammer.gif" />

Marcie,
I aint smokin nuttin honey! Don't worry about my intellect - The Saint says it's just an open field with nothing happening. My above comment was in response to N's "learner" needle - all in fun, and I thought I'd just throw a little Confucius into the game.
Still worshipfully yours (new word)
the Sheik

And Marcie? What would you know of such things?!?

;)

ATTA PERSON ROBERT !!

Don't let her get away with anything!! After all, the woman doesn't even know in which cabin she'll be staying! Not that I care, as far as I'm concerned, she and Tom, Tom the Dancing Man can stay in ANY cabin they want! But keep up the good work - don't let Kimmi have all the fun...

Marty

LOL :app: :app:

This is why we love you Marty....old silver tongue....I have always been attracted to older men - in our case 18 months???? Joanna