I find it quite difficult to understand why a person wouldn't at least listen in for a few different days and times.
I have caught the very strangest, the most interesting and even a boring conversation, here or there.

I participate when I can, listen when I feel like it and still post on the forum.

For the paranoid, you have the option of checking a little box upon set up that stops people from being able to record your conversation/voice.

A lot of times, what is being discussed in the ventrilo voice portion is completely separate from the discussion in the chat window. And they can both be relevant.
So, don't forget to open up chat after logging in.

Peace be with you all...
enjoy the ride and try new things...