"I've noticed a somewhat nasty trend in tone in some threads, though, and have a final, uncivil request for civility:

If you aren't willing to take credit/resposibility for your criticisms, nasty comments or flippant remarks, DON'T SEND THEM! If you have qualms about attaching your name to your response, you should have qualms about sending it, too. Only flaming assholes flame anonymously."

The above paragraphs were written by larmarca in 1997, at a time when the tone of the mudcat was not even close to being what is today. There have always been differences of opinion regarding philosophies, ideologies, political stances, etc., because we are all individuals with individual beliefs. That is a good thing because it's differences that make the world go around.

I am, however, totally disgusted with the current tone of the mudcat cafe and agree with bbc that if it doesn't cease, people are going to leave. We will lose many people who have been committed contributors to the mudcat cafe, and WE WILL ALL LOSE!

People calling people idiots, publicly debasing a fellow mudcatter and trying to garner support for having done so, ridiculing one's religious beliefs. This is unacceptable behavior from anyone ... family, friend, or foe.

The mudcat cafe is not utopia and to expect it to be so is fantasy. I enjoy the edge of a good political discussion or a discussion on gun control, or censorship, or a number of other subjects. I have friends who don't share my political beliefs, however, I would NEVER talk to them the way you are talking to each other on this website.

I don't want the mudcat cafe to be a milquetoast website because it would be downright boring. But, if I'm going to visit, I want civility and respect for all. For heaven's sake, people, exercise a little control! And learn to agree to disagree. I would be surprised to learn that you talk as nasty in person as you do in writing. Haven't you heard that writing it down makes it written in stone?

I am going to annap's gathering next weekend to see some old mudcat friends and to meet some new ones, none of whom are exibitionists. And I am very excited to see them again. I hope that I will feel the same about you some day.

Respectfully ... moonchild