I would like to clarify that when I wrote that I was afraid of posting on the Internet, I was not referring to a fear of being ridiculed or insulted by persons who posted on this forum.

Instead, I was fearful of my ability to communicate effectively and I was intimidated by how much I thought that I didn't know and how much I actually didn't know about folk music and blues. Furthermore, I was aware that anything I wrote on this forum could be and probably would be viewed by large numbers of people throughout the world. And I was aware that a record of what I said would be at least potentially available for years and years and years.

In essence, I doubted myself much more than I was afraid of the reactions of people who posted here.

The first time that I found this site, I had so little experience with Internet message boards/discussion forums that I didn't "get" that you had to click on the subject line to read the messages about the topics listed. I looked at the site, and shrugging my shoulders I quickly left. But for some reason, I kept Mudcat's Internet address. And two years later, with more Internet surfing experience under my belt {or under my fingers ??} I came back to Mudcat. After lurking for a month, I took the plunge and jumped into a conversation that I felt confident that I knew something about
{a thread on the song "Kumbayah"}.

I posted a brief, pointed comment as a guest on that thread. And frankly, because I knew what I knew what I knew, I wasn't concerned if people posting to that thread disagreed with me. And that realization, that acknowledgement to myself that I had something of value to share with others was a huge part of what caused me to conquer my fear of writing on the Internet.

What also helped me get over my fear of posting on this forum was the nature of the responses that I received from folks whose conversation I had joined. I didn't know what to expect when I moved from "listener" [reader] to "talker" {poster}. Because I felt so strongly about the subject matter, I admit that I probably would have been through with Mudcat-at least until the next time I got up enough nerve to post-if my comment was ignored or if no one on that thread had agreed with my position. I'm glad that didn't happen.

As it turned out, three people who were part of that conversation immediately responded favorably to my comment, and then wrote on tht thread encouraging me to join this forum. And I did so.

In my two years of posting to this forum, I have learned alot about a host of subjects, and I have learned alot about myself. And I absolutely do not regret my decision to join this forum.

I encourage those people who may be reading this comment to take the plunge and post on Mudcat. If you have something that you feel is worthy of sharing, we want to hear it, and discuss it, and learn from it-even if we-or some of us-may disagree with it. If you like play on words, and like to be witty, show us what you've got.
Many of us enjoy those kinds of posts too.

If you're not ready to join yet, stick around and read. Then try posting on these threads-and yes, please use a consistent name so we can get to know you.

Get to know Mudcat members and Mudcat consistent guests from our postings. Have confidence in what you can share. And at some point now or later, even if you don't think you're ready, take the plunge and post.

You'll be glad you did.