I usually look to each new stacker profile, what they start posting, what they say, what they comment  etc.
For a while I monitor them and take notes, making their "profiles" to know with "who" am I talking.

You weren't just a passenger from the beginning you start putting interesting questions here. So I knew you are gathering info to know better this community. And I wait always to see your next post. Good posts!

I generally felt less interaction; maybe people assumed I was just a "passenger" without any contributions 😂

You could also do an experiment: try commenting or even posting with or without the cowboy hat.

Natalia

This is really helpful.  I'm curious if you'd say more about what you noticed when you hid your cowboy hat?  I haven't really noticed anything about having it or not having it, but maybe I haven't been paying the right attention or doing the right things.