I’ve been almost exclusively a lurker on the site since 2003. I read all the front page posts pretty much every day and I usually take a look at a fair number of Recommended diaries. I’ve always found the site provocative and I like to stay informed about what the progressive big thinkers are talking about and where the progressive movement is headed. I’ve never been much of a joiner though and, quite frankly, I’m not all that smart -- usually someone else is better able to articulate the things I think so I almost never comment or post diaries. Am I part of the dkos community? I like to think so. Though I think a fair argument could be made that if you don’t participate – if no one will miss you when you’re gone – you’re not a member.
I just took a quick look at my profile to see what my eight-year legacy would be if this post ends up getting me banned. In all that time I’ve posted a grand total of 30 comments and 1 diary; no followers; hmm… not too impressive. My UID number is 11493 so that’s kinda cool. At least I recognized something really cool was going on here pretty early.
Maybe that's enough to get you to make the jump.