Lurker Definition

Today I posted on a calligraphy site - there's a thread there regarding 'lurkers.' It has always bothered me when people use this word to refer to folks who don't often post to a site - why, you ask? Because the definition for lurk is lie in wait, lie in ambush, to behave in a sneaky and secretive manner - which is not the intent of anyone reading the posts - well, maybe there are SOME people who do plan to ambush the people who do post often, but come on - what kind of ambush could they possibly achieve? So I made my thoughts known and immediately received back a snide & sarcastic note from a guy who often posts his IMPORTANT thoughts on the site. Which reminded me why I don't often post - a few years ago I wrote a post asking about printers - & said anyone with information could contact me privately. I did this to be polite and not 'gum up' the site with answers to my question. I received a note from some woman who bawled me out, saying how DARE I not wish to share this information with the group, how selfish I was. Needless to say, it was a L-O-N-G time before I ever posted again. Sigh. You just can't win sometimes. So... post, receive snotty reply, don't post, be called something you are definitely NOT, you lurker you, out there secretly and so sneaky with your plans to ambush... mention that, receive snotty reply......