There is a major difference between being outspoken and being abusive. I've fired back at Martin Gibson a lot, and I probably shouldn't have done it, but at least when I did, I tried to give people a laugh in the process (granted, at Marty's expense). I do it the same way I handle a heckler, which is what he usually acts like. I've tried to extend an olive branch on a couple of occasions, but all I got in response was obscenity and abuse. After all this time, I'm afraid I'd have trouble regarding Martin Gibson as anything other than a tasteless joke.

Is that my fault? Not that I can see. I enjoy a good discussion. Even a good argument. Provided the debate at least makes a nod toward reasonableness and there is a level of civility about it. I've had some vigorous exchanges with Doug R, for example, but even though each of us thinks of the other as a political idiot, at least there is a measure of respect there. I would love to talk to Doug face to face, maybe over a nice bottle of Charles Shaw shiraz. As I understand it, his life has been dedicated to music in one form or another, and I think we probably have a lot to talk about apart from politics (and politically, I think there's a chance I could actually convert him—how crazy is that!!???!).

But when a failure to see eye to eye on some issue comes up, Martin Gibson makes no attempt at rational discussion, he immediately turns into an abusive smut-mouth. And he seems to think that he is merely being "outspoken." That kind of "outspokenness" in a face to face discussion could very easily lose him a mouthful of teeth. But here, of course, he hides behind a pseudonym, which he claims is not the "real" him. I disagree. I think that, under the veil of anonymity, not having to fear a punch in the mouth, he lets the real him come out.

I like Mudcat's free form. I wouldn't like to see Mudcat turned into a closely moderated forum, nor would I like to see people banned. But unfortunately, people like a GUEST or two, and Martin Gibson, are driving good people away. This is not unlike Gresham's Law. Debased money drives out good money. And the same thing seems to be happening with people. I received an e-mail this morning from a good friend whom I put onto Mudcat a few years ago. He has made some major contributions to Mudcat, both financially and in threads that he's started and posted to. He e-mailed me to let me know that he is sick and tired of Martin Gibson's disruptiveness and abuse, he doesn't find Mudcat very enjoyable anymore, and he has decided to withdraw. He also e-mailed several other people to tell them the same thing. And I know a couple other people who are no longer frequenting Mudcat for the same reason.

I don't plan on allowing Martin Gibson to drive me away. But I will say that Mudcat is not as enjoyable as it used to be and has generally slid in quality quite a bit within the past year. A lot of it has to do with a very few people who apparently don't know how to behave in civilized society driving out those who don't want to put up with the foul mouthed personal abuse they find here.

I'd say the message is pretty clear.

Don Firth