Guest, I would add only one comment to Mick's post: If you don't like the direction this community is moving why don't you try to do something about it? And, by that, I don't mean fretting or wringing your virtual hands in recriminations over the awful things going on in the Mudcat Forum. Why not start your own thread discussing some musical point. I, for one, would love to see more serious discussion. And, frankly, I believe many of those who you categorize as 'compulsive posters' would probably join in these discussions as well. Were enough 'serious' threads started, those who are only interested in idle chitchat might become discouraged and look for another place to carry on their discussions.

Yes, many people may seem to be compulsive posters, but I also see many of those same people posting to the Lyr Req, help:*** and similar threads. I also see many of them in Hearme, some sharing their songs and tunes, others listening, but all very supportive.

As a relative newcomer to Mudcat, I've been impressed with Dale Rose's posts up until now. But I must say that I'm with Mick in finding both his posts to this thread condescending and demeaning (my characterization, not Mick's). Any community changes over time. If we don't like the directions those changes are taking it, we can work to turn it in the right direction or we can leave. My choice is to try to help make this a community where all who profess an interest in folk and blues can be comfortable,whether they want to discuss a tricky chord progression in somebody's blues song or ask what to do about their plantar warts.