The quick answer is no. Take it from me, who has been a Silent observer in Online Forums and Communities since 1998. I contributed where I really felt was warranted, but most of the time I was just learning information from other people. Contribution from members can come in many different ways, not just by commenting on posts.

You never know what a long time lurker will do after they start trusting you and your community. They could become your biggest customers, your biggest contributors, your biggest fans.

They gave you a great gift, they joined your community. Don’t expect the world from them, especially if you start to get angry for them not participating, that’s a you problem for you to figure out how to run your community correctly, not them! They are just here along for the ride!

Until Tomorrow,
Jason Ziebarth
JZ#753