Of late, I have been doing a lot of reflection about The Mudcat, and my role here. I have stated in a number of threads that this has been a wondrous place for me. It gave me some of the best friends and musical contacts imaginable. Ponder this for a moment and then apply it to yourselves. I would love to write the names, but it would sound like name dropping to the nth degree.   I can travel virtually anyplace in the world and find people that want to sing with me, and would happily put me up if I needed it. I have become close with artists in Alaska, California, Colorado, Boston, Toronto, London, all over Ireland. I have sang on CD's with Jed Marum and Rick Fielding. I have sat in Jean Ritchie's yard and sang with her and other friends. I have gone to Boston and hooked up with Dan Milner and sang. I have sat in the Library of Congress and played Burl Ives guitar. I have recorded songs sent to me from Ed Trickett and Dan Milner. And most importantly, I have made friends. Folks that I cherish, and am afraid to start naming because I have made so many that I will miss someone. You know who you are and you know that I love and cherish our friendship. All of that, and it is only the beginning of what I could write. All of this because of Max's Marvellous Machine.

As I have thought my role over, you may have noticed I post less. It is because I recognized that I have become as much a part of the problem as I was a part of the fabric of the place. I firmly believe that the Martin's and the Shambles need to go. They simply do not possess the ability to function in this environment. They might be lovely folks 3D but they lack the ability to be part of a virtual community. JMO. I have chastised those of you who feed them. While recognizing that it is very difficult to ignore them, the constant battle with them only encourages them and gives them satisfaction. It is what they require.

While pondering that last point, I came to realize that I was a big part of the problem. And it had been exacerbated by being a moderator. I am not willing to give up the moderator, unless Max asks me too. So I came to the realization that I had to start doing some things. One is to not engage with the folks that I feel have to go. And so I stopped. Another was to try and apply the guidelines, such as they are, in a more consistent fashion. I don't believe we need more of them, as the freewheeling aspect of Mudcat gives it much of its charm. But moderators in the unique environment that is Mudcat must sense the essence of the place. Joe tries to describe this as not being too legalistic. I agree. EXAMPLE: Catspaw, with his wonderful sense of humour using language that is a bit blue, is not the same as Martin using that language to viciously attack someone in the secret places of the heart, such as the comments about Wesley. The moderators have to get this and act accordingly. It is either that or the strict rules that would make this just another boring stop on the Internet.

Joe Offer, and Jeff, are nothing short of the Saints of the realm known as Mudcat. But they are human. I shake my head when Joe engages with the adversaries. But this place exists because of the works of these two. Max would be the first to admit that. Some criticism may be due, but all those for whom Mudcat is a daily piece of your life, and I am in that group, owe these two gentlemen more than you have the ability to repay. Joe and I disagree on some things, but we will do that privately. I applaud the both of you and consider myself blessed to have you in my world.

Max, please never give in to the notion that this is a UK site. That is hogwash. The UK'ers should simply be seen as the most active organized chapter of the Mudcat world. They have changed how I view the world on so many levels. I love reading of the gatherings, looking at the pictures, remembering my time with all of them. The problem isn't that they are too active, it is that others aren't following their lead. Good on the lot of ya.

The money. I have often chastised those that don't recognize the outlay you make just to keep this going. But of late I have done little to help you. Can you forgive me, my younger friend? I, like my dear friend (and broke dick mamalucca) Catspaw, will find a way to pick up the slack. Auction items, a subscription check, something. I want you to know that my entire life has been positively affected by your unselfishness. I mean that sincerely. The effect of this place on my world has been profound. I will do my part.

So I guess the wrapup on this very long diatribe is to say that I disagree on one contention that Max made. I don't believe the magic is gone. The reason is simple. Most of the magicians are still here, and many others check in from time to time. We can regain the feeling, but not by attacking others. We must first attempt to reconnect with the feelings we all had when we logged in here in "the old days". We must regain the curiosity, and the joy, that made us reach out to each other. We must regain the respect we had for diversity of opinion. I remember "Armalite" and "Derry". I remember having my views of the world evolve as I passionately debated issues with others whose experiences were different. If we would just all attempt to regain the respect for Max's sacrifice, and for each others views, we can have something similar again.

I will try.

Anyone seen THE FAIR ONE whom I shamelessly pursue over cyber hill and dale?

All the best,

Mick