As with many of us I first came here looking for a song lyric, (I believe it was "The Ox Driver's Song," and I still do so on occasion. But my first official post (May 1998) reflects that I got sucked into one of the many discussions about the definition of folk. I've been truly blessed in that, along with Bill Sables, I was able to travel to meet a good many of the folks here on their home turf, thus putting faces with the some of the names here. Attending a few Mudgathers and FSGW events furthered that process to the point that I feel comfortable calling some of you my friends. If you should happen upon an opportunity to meet some of these fine folks, I highly recommend doing so.

I always scan the "upper deck" to see if there is anything there that catches my eye: songs I know, songs I might like to know, tidbits of folk music history, folklore and yes, the obituaries. Over the years I have imparted most of what I know about such things. (You can find my "illuminating" comments in some of those threads listed above a previously discussed topic.) For this reason I have very little to add to what is found in the "upper deck".

Down in the "lower deck" I enjoy finding the occasional topic about which I feel comfortable adding some portion of my paltry knowledge. I will admit a degree of frustration (read disgust,) with some of the "discussions" that evolve into two contributors comparing the length of their male members. But there are many threads there that are well worth reading. I especially appreciate those that express good wishes or even condolences to those of us who are experiencing difficulties. For the most part I eschew threads dealing with religion or politics. I learned long ago that such subjects can rarely be discussed without someone's attempting to persuade someone else to their beliefs, sometimes heatedly. It is below the line that I sometimes get to learn about how things are done in places different from where I live. Often this is demonstrated through threads about food and drink, from which I have learned a lot.

As you can see I have a hard time giving a simple answer to the initial question. I love this community of which the discussions, both above and below the line, reflect the intellect and caring of its constituents. It is those two elements that continue to draw me here.