knight_high,

I can only tell you what I think it means. Years ago, there was a little magazine called Sing Out! It was based on an interest in the various facets and definitions of folk music and it was quite political in nature. It was not afraid to be controversial and not all of the contributors to its columns agreed on everything. There were some stimulating disagreements by the editor, Irwin Silbur and Israel Young, the former owner of New York's Folklore Center. Many people objected to the controversial nature of the magazine and so it was taken over by those who wanted it to be more acceptable and it became a folk music fan magazine.

Mudcat takes on the earlier position of Sing Out! It's Muddy because there is no strong assertion as to a religious or political affiliation or orientation and does not shy away from controversy which makes it one of the most interesting places on the net. The Catfights are often informative and the mud sometimes gets slung around. This is the way (IMHO) that democracy works. Also, it's the best reference for folk music lyrics and songs on the net. There are scholars here who can point you in the direction of not only lyrics but appropriate known data on folk songs. All you have to do is ask.

I have found that people who have an interest in folk music are generally more socially intelligent and tend to be more informed about contemporary issues. I see this in evidence here. (Notice I said "generally")

I guess that's why I keep coming back.

Frank