Is snooping ?
No.
When I jump on, I want to know who is here, sometimes. Maybe I have something to communicate with another member.
I always snoop (seldom caught, however), but snooping is "cowardly," in some ways.
IT is also a shortcut to contact one with whom you may want to talk.
Now that could be brave; going directly to the one with whom you want conversation.
Otherwise, WGAF?