Lurk Moar

About “Lurking”

The word “Lurker” as used to describe someone who reads a message board or newsgroup but rarely posts or contributes in any way, is believed to have originated in the mid 1980’s on BBS systems of the time. (see: Wikipedia)

According to a 2006 study by Catherine Ridings (Lehigh University), David Gefen (Drexel University), and Bay Arinze (Drexel University) entitled Psychological Barriers: Lurker and Poster Motivation and Behavior in Online Communities people may “lurk” due to a lack of trust for members of the community.

However, in many social communities, especially Anonymous ones such as 4Chan, the idea of trust is hardly a common value. Being that trolling is one of the most common activities practicied on 4Chan, all are advised to lurk before posting. When one fails to meet this requirement, they will often find their remarks met with the command, “Lurk Moar, newfag.”

By engaging in observation before posting, one can begin to assess the culture, etiquette, and values of the community.

Lurk More / Moar

“Rule 33. Lurk moar — it’s never enough.”
- The “Rules” of the Internet

“Moar” is lolspeak for “more” and is a portmanteau of the words “More” and “Roar.” (see: Urban Dictionary) A heightened level of enthuiasm or stressed importance can be inferred from usage of “Moar” as opposed to “more.”

An increase in “Moar” Google queries is congruent with the peak of Caturday’s popularity in the Spring of 2007.

On Urbandictionary

• Urban Dictionary: Lurk
• Urban Dictionary: Lurk Moar