There are things that distinguish The Mudcat Cafe from other forums and sites. These are the things, for good and bad, that make it unique and successful. Joe and I have disagreed over the years as to what is appropriate and what is not. It is good that neither of us has the ultimate say as to what happens here. My understanding of Joe's view is that if he had a completely free rein, he wouldn't have anywhere near as much non music chatter. My view is that the discussion of the issues of the day is what spawns what we know as folk music. If I had my way, there wouldn't be any unregistered GUESTS. I would not allow multiple personalities, to the extent that I could control them.

The whole issue of whether or not one can distinguish between GUESTS is a non issue. Rick Fielding could tell you who was who without ever looking at a name. I can identify GUEST whom I often battle with purely on the basis of the syntax and issues. It is ridiculous to spend so much time discussing the obvious.

Mudcat is what it is. Max made up his mind long ago that that is the way it will be. Everyone of us wishes we could change certain things, but depending on who you are talking about, it is different things. That demonstrates the wisdom in Max's decision as to how it will be. And it seems to have worked because you are all still here. I get just as tired of cranky comments from folks that are stodgy about "it should be music only" as I do with those that respond to every post that they disagree with.

Get over it, the lot of you.

Mick