Eric has mentioned this group of skulkers, but the proposed "solution" of
having him post messages anonymously so as to protect one's identity seems to
miss the mark. He asks:

>>Are some of you inhibited by fear of exposure?

 What kind of "exposure" is there to fear? If there's a significant risk of
appearing foolish, then perhaps that's somehow created within the framework
of the group and conveyed by the language used by those who do post.

Or, perhaps, some of those who "lurk" are in fact thoughtfully listening, and
would rather muse than speak.

It's important to remember, though, as Eric has implied, that speaking up is
taking some risks, and so silence can be a rather powerful "move" even when
it feels defensive. We all know what it's like to speak of something
meaningful in a group and be greeted with a deafening silence. At least a
head nod or a thoughtful expression indicates some kind of investment and
indwelling. "Chat rooms" have developed their own way of signalling this
(like LOL and FOFL); perhaps something similar would be appropriate here.
Something like RWYWAX:NSIABTAI (Read What You Wrote About X: Not Sure I Agree
But Thinking About It). Of course, something more substantive would be of
greater value since it would further the discussion, but this might be a
start.

Bob Berley
Seattle