OK Susan, accepted. I have no answer to this but my own opinion is that there are many factors, all of which have probably been suggested above.

1. Laziness. I would be tempted to suggest that this is compounded at Mudcat by a system which at least last time I looked at it requires info sent to someone else to do the job. I know it would be a further off putting factor for me but with what little evidence I have at folkinfo and the annexe, it does not appear to be a major one.

2. Although I agree with those who suggest that people can post anything (within reason) I suspect some may think they are "trumpet blowing".

3. And I think the most important: People have differing opinions over what they feel is thier personal security/safety on the Internet. I'm one of the breed that would give full name, address and tel no on the Internet but I can fully accept that others may not wish to...

Jon