Lurking

No active participation on the part of a subscriber to an mailing list or USENET newsgroup. A person who is lurking is just listening to the discussion. Lurking is encouraged for beginners who need to get up to speed on the history of the group. See also: Electronic Mail, mailing list, Usenet. [Source: LAQUEY]

The act of reading through mail lists and newsgroups without posting any messages.Newcomers are encouraged to lurk for a while as they get the feel of things.The term lurker is sometimes used negatively to refer to people who take from discussions,but never give.

A term used to describe the inactivity of a subscriber who doesn't actively participate in a mailing list or Usenet newsgroup discussions. One who lurks is just listening to the discussion. Lurking is advised for beginners who need to get up to speed on the history, mores, and etiquette of the group.