I've noticed many atheist websites have a higher ratio of lurkers to members, as opposed to popular topics like pets, home improvement, sports, etc. As the owner and moderator of a few forums myself, I get that there will be more guests, bots, etc, but it's the RATIO that intrigues me compared to the engagement.
On a pet forum, for example, a person may only be interested in reading a specific post about "How to stop my dog from pulling on a leash" and then leave, but on an atheist forum many people are arriving here due to important life decisions....questioning their faith, question their very existence....heavy stuff for many people, so they'll stay longer as a guest to learn more about it.
However, I think to many people, especially those who have escaped a religious belief system, the concept of "joining" atheists may be akin to joining yet more beliefs. Yes, I know it's the lack of belief that is important, but to those people questioning, wondering, pondering, it may just seem like a "cult of naysayers" to them, so they'll read with fascination, but perhaps worry about joining for fear of ending up in another "religion" of sorts.
Thoughts??
On a pet forum, for example, a person may only be interested in reading a specific post about "How to stop my dog from pulling on a leash" and then leave, but on an atheist forum many people are arriving here due to important life decisions....questioning their faith, question their very existence....heavy stuff for many people, so they'll stay longer as a guest to learn more about it.
However, I think to many people, especially those who have escaped a religious belief system, the concept of "joining" atheists may be akin to joining yet more beliefs. Yes, I know it's the lack of belief that is important, but to those people questioning, wondering, pondering, it may just seem like a "cult of naysayers" to them, so they'll read with fascination, but perhaps worry about joining for fear of ending up in another "religion" of sorts.
Thoughts??
It will all be over soon...
