Attention All Lurkers

[Julie Lomoe]

As of today, Crimespace appears to have 1826 members, but most of the activity is generated by a relatively few regulars. I'm curious how many other folks are checking in and reading anything, even if they don't post regularly. This is a great site, but it would be a shame if it's really only a couple of dozen people talking amongst themselves. Is there a way to find out? Feedback, anyone?

[Julie Lomoe]

Thanks, Daniel, this is really useful information. And I'll be sure to check out Crimespot.

[Debbi Mack]

I had dropped out for a while and now I'm dropping back in.

Anything exciting happen while I was gone?

[Clair Dickson]

Crimespace is blocked at school... it's either because it's labeled obscene or for violence. Either way, that's when I do most of my browsing and forum posting. (During the independent study class-- between requests for help.)

[Christine Duncan]

Who are you calling a lurker? :-) Lots of us don't post a ton because we're doing a quick check in, but this is one place, where I get a real sense of the mystery community. Plus, I get so much info here I can't afford to pass the site up. I try to check in several times a week--but it was definitely down during the holidays and I am still trying to play catch up at work (as I'd bet many people are.) As for finding out how many of us are really here--Daniel's stats should tell how many are repeats and how many are just random, right?

[Julie Lomoe]

Thanks to everyone who's commented to date. It's great to learn from Daniel that there are 300 to 700 visitors a day - a tribute to the quality of the site. I'm glad people keep coming back, even if they seldom or never post. Lurkers, you should try it sometime - don't worry about, in Ruth's words, "cluttering the site." But even if you don't post, it's good to know there are readers out there.

[HappyRuby]

I haven't been on CrimeSpace in quite a while and I really don't have a good reason. Saw a post about Peg Herring's blog on book reviewing and checked in and enjoyed the blog. Currently reading Shot Girl by Karen Olsen and next up is Val McDermid's Darker Domain. It has been cold weather here and reading where it is warm and cozy is a joy.

[Kent Morgan]

This is the first time I have checked the site in over a month. I lost interest for two reasons, i.e., busy with other things and the fact it seemed to be the same writers doing most of the posting. I'm more interested in comments about books, not how to write and promote them. Just don't take that the wrong way as my writing is freelance sports journalism and I have no plans to write a crime novel. Good luck to the published authors and those who hope to get published in this difficult book climate.

[Teddyree]

I am only a new member and I do check in regularly and read all the comments but I agree with Karen & Beth that most activity tends to be more writer focused. Don't get me wrong, I find that very interesting to read about but probably a little daunting to post on. I would be more likely to comment on books I've read but there doesn't seem to be much of that now...is that a recent trend?

[Dana Stabenow]

I'm one of the lurkers. I don't get here anywhere near often enough. I'm trying to change that by putting a link to the site in my "Groups" folder, and trying to have the discipline to check in on all of them at least once a week.

I'm also on Goodreads, where the subject is books, not authors. I was a reader long before I was a writer, and it's a relief to go there and not talk about this writing life, only about books I love. And, you know, some I don't.

[I. J. Parker]

Welcome, Dana Stabenow. Nice to hear from you.

See, Daniel? Things are getting better all the time. :)

[Daniel Hatadi]

Does that mean it's time to sing that Beatles song? ;)

[Julie Lomoe]

Thanks for your reply, Dana. I signed up on Goodreads a couple of months ago but haven't gotten into the habit of using it yet. Will have to revisit it.