Well I remember the first time I came across Mudcat. It was a google search for the lyrics of Jack Of Diamonds by Lonnie Donegan. That was maybe about 2 years ago. The response I got was great and I was a guest in those days.

I hadn't been to a folk club since the early 70's.

I have to say that since that original guest post,I now run a folk club in an area where there never was one before. I am very pleased to say that there are a quite a few mudcatters who have performed at my club since then. Mr and Mrs Sooz, Strollin' Johnny, Oaklet, MR, John Rawlings, Mick Pearce, KJ, Fence, Mary Humphries and Treewind, Hip Flask Andy, Bloke In The Corner, Gaucho, El Greko, Linda Kelly and Pistachio, Weelittledrummer to name but a few. Plus many artists who are not mudcatters. There are also a number of mudcatters who have come to listen such as Georgiansilver, Travelling Audience, Zany Mouse, 12stringgrowler etc etc.
Mudcatters who will be appearing in the future are StrawLegend (HarriWattsBand), Rhyzla (Rhyzome)

Sorry if I have missed any mudcatters out - feel free to have a moan if I have missed you :-)

I have run several charity events at the club and helped to get a charity CD on the market called The Yellowbellies which has Lincolnshire artists on it.

I guess the point that I am making is that when you answer a request for help, you never know indirectly how much good you have done on behalf of the folk world.

So I would say to you guys - rethink your reasoning. You may be helping to create a new scene without realising it.