'Course I knew from the first time I saw Mick's "G" chord, that we'd be buddies.......

but on a serious note (and I hope ya don't mind me using you as an example Mick) when I first joined and was soaking up Mudcatters' contributions, it was fascinating to see folks' takes on some of the issues of the day. Most of Mick's posts were passionate AND balanced. Never saw any heavy-duty dogma (other than a desire for BOTH sides of an issue to be heard) get in the way. Catspaw as well (despite the rampant silliness), and several others. Some of the folks took a little longer to feel comfortable with, but have proven great additions to my life. During a particulary rough time for one Catter, I was even preparing for the possibility of a trip to Ohio. This for someone I'd never met...other than on line. That really blew my mind. Had it been only us sharing our opinions on music, some of this might have happened, but it would have taken years......and who's got that kind of time these days?

Rick