Rick Fielding, I empathize with your concerns about cyberworld anonymity. As a guest, I also understand the need for anonymity. I'm fairly new to computers, and there's lots more like me, who are COMPUTER IDIOTS- probably should just take it back to the store, but the internet in general is fun and informative. I'm not a regular "mudcatter", but I pop in from time to time and have even found a couple of long lost lyrics, easing my mind greatly. I think the Mudcat Cafe is an invaluable internet resource even though I'm not a member, (a couple of people have encouraged me to join). But you see, I like to visit many sites and they all want me to sign up. I like it just the way it is: visit as a guest, I'm not trying to screw things up or plagiarize anyone, I just may have an occasional question or comment. I tink there are probably more people like me out there than there are regular mudcatters. Hell, I don't even know how to sign up if I wanted to: I bookmarked the discussion page and haven't explored it further, and check in occasionally. If it weren't for the anonymity warning I read, I'd probably be giving you my e-mail address at this point.

My point is that there are a lot of people like me, who stumble on to this site, who are neither computer geniuses nor have the finances to sign up officially. I know you've had problems with impersonators, but please don't assume that if BlueJay is a guest there is some malicious intent.

My final question: what exactly is a "mudcat"? My closest frame of reference is "mudduck", an endagered species of Colorado railroaders. You may be tired of this question, but I think I'll take the bold step of starting a new thread, (and why is it called a thread)?