PBEM definition: What is a Lurker?

Wikipedia’s definition:
In Internet culture, a lurker is typically a member of an online community who observes, but does not actively participate.

Lurkers – Good or bad?

As all posts on OngoingWorlds are publically accessible, you might have lurkers reading your posts. You might consider this good or bad.
But remember:

Lurkers might be people who haven’t joined your game yet.
Because all posts on OngoingWorlds are public (except for private games),they’re viewable by anyone. Someone can just start reading your posts like a book if they want, which is great because they might like it so much they’ll join. Or they might even decide that they’re just happy reading.

Creepy right?

Nah not really. People post loads of stuff on Twitter which is publically accessible. I think the benefits of making the game easy to read outweigh any creepiness.

Be proud of your writing!

If you’ve got lurkers, be proud. It means your story is so good, people want to read it! Lurkers might even tell others about your game and help you get new members.