Better than the bar scene.

If I wanted a non-communicative lurker, I'd have stayed with my ex.

I believe knowing how people comment on things gives you some idea of who they are.
Which is a good thing.
You know you aren't chatting with someone who is going to be rude etc... that way. (Unless they are deliberately concealing who they really are and that can happen no matter where you meet someone.).

Some people had jobs, children, social life and are busy. This is just a sideshow.

I'm really not that picky.

True, but I'm guessing they are active on other dating forums and only joined this one as a back up. Also, it's possible the intellectual discussions are above their comfort level.

I can tell you that I would never private message someone who didn't have a picture and a written bio. It doesn't matter to me how much anyone posts.

Depends on what you are looking for, I guess.
Personally, I would like to know about what someone is like before meeting them. I like to have stimulating conversations and many people just aren't interested in getting very 'deep'.

I wouldn't rule someone out simply because they don't post a lot

This might be just another dating site to some. As in, they've signed up for OkC and PoF and goodness knows what else. Maybe they just don't have the time.

I wouldn't worry about it. There are huge discrepancies in online behaviors and attitudes. I try not to read into it too much when someone's behavior falls outside what I would expect or consider customary.

I've tried PM with quiet ones local to me. Sorry to say I failed to arouse their curiosity.

Yes. Some people just aren't comfortable expressing themselves on forums. Analogy, most people are not of the leader type. I would even imagine there are some leader types not willing to participate for various reasons. I would also bet that the majority of members here don't participate much if at all. It may take a specific topic to draw some out of a shell. It's not a reason to pass judgment or hold as any type of negative towards their manor of diversity. As one said below, relative to, you may be missing out on the best member of the site in some means.

like a duck on a June bug.

Very true, I have my days that my mind goes south LOL

Sure, the fact they are here means that there is at least one thing in common. Leads to discussion.

I think it's awesome that you can see how people respond to things. I don't know why more dating sites don't follow this format. It works just as good as a general social networking site because of it. I actually like coming here for the conversations now.

Having said that... Yes I would contact and try to date somebody that doesn't participate. Why would that matter at all. Imagine 30 years later, we're married with kids that are grown by then, looking back on our lives. Are we going to be thinking "Gee I sure wish I picked somebody who participated more on agnostic.com" lol.

Yes it is odd people join then don't participate.

Of course. My being a member here and participating in discussions has nothing to do with my desire to meet someone for friendship.

Wouldn't date a ghost. I'm outspoken so not interested in people who have no opinions anyway.