Over the last few years I have seen a number of threads created to discuss the specific misbehaviours or misdeeds of individuals: either performers, or MCs/organisers of clubs, or just plain members of the folk community.

Invariably such threads sooner or later descended to what I would call "mudslinging levels", with allegations piling on top of the existing ones, or with posters simply reiterating their disgust at whatever unseemly behaviour the individual has exhibited.

Yet there is a place here for genuine complaints. Alerting the rest of the Mudcatters to someone's bad behaviour is one thing, quite legitimate in my view, as it warns others. But persistence in the accusations when such behaviour has been explained or excused, or when an apology (however weak) has been made, is starting to smell bad; and it leads to people being tried by cangaroo court on the internet.

When the livelihood of individuals is threatened that way, or when people's artistic aspirations are being damaged by such mudslinging, where do we draw the line? What is legitimate and OK to state, and what is not? What is acceptable for us to discuss, and what is not?

Please discuss, without specific references to individuals. Where despite my plea, specific references are made to incidents or people in this thread, I will request from the clones that such postings be deleted. Let's keep this a generic and civilised discussion.

George