Well, when you throw the door wide open, you never know who, or what, might come strolling in. The open door, IMHO, has been, and continues to be, a key contributor to the vitality of the goings on. True enough, some folks get downright tedious, but I think most of us learn how to ignore them and their posts. I have scant patience for the anonymous blasters, and wouldn't care a bit if they were censored, but I wouldn't want to see a ban on "Guests." Many of us once were guests. I haven't had the time the past couple of years to drop in as often has I have in the past, but I cherish my visits when I do get to come. And I especially cherish the many friends I have made here, even the ones I've gotten to know in flesh and blood. The Mudcat is a national treasure (not just, thought. It really is a global treasure and resource) and a priceless resource for anyone with a genuine interest in the music. I very much enjoy the diversity becase, in its own way, it helps to shrink the world.

Maybe it might be helpful to start a third catgegory of threads - "Events of Local Interest"

It's been too long since I kicked in to the pot. I will do that soon.

Love - to the whole famn damily.