Ballad of A Would-Be Mudcatter by ScottyG
(Tune: The Ballad of Jed Clampett)

I ain't a famous folkie or blues artist of renown,
And my name ain't on the marquee of the best venue in town.
I don't get paid for singin' songs; I sing 'em just for fun,
And I won't boast about the singin' contests that I've won.

Amateur, that is. Nothin' fancy. No big deal.

I really am a tuneful guy, so I should fit right in,
Yet I hardly get acknowledged here. Good thing I got thick skin!
I'm a half-way decent songster, folks, or so I'm often told.
So tell me, 'Catters, what's it take to get into your fold?

Short of crawlin', that is. Won't catch me doin' that.

Y'all are such a clever lot; your wit I much admire.
Your collective recognition, it's to that which I aspire.
But my posts must go unnoticed, 'cuz I hardly get replies,
No matter what discussion thread to which my post applies.

I ain't no flamer or a no-name guest. And I don't spam anybody. So what gives?

Now, no one likes to be ignored, egotist or not.
And it seems to me, that since I joined, I've all but been forgot.
Sure, I had a couple comebacks to the LYR REQ posts I sent
When I first surfed in to Mudcat but, that has been the extent.

Don't get me wrong. I ain't ungrateful. But a little feedback would be nice, ya know.

When I said I don't feel welcome, though the Mudcat makes me smile,
Joe Offer said to stick around, sometimes it takes awhile.
Then I see these posts from newcomers like Celtic Soul, for one,
And THEY get lots of welcomes; Makes me wonder what I'VE done.

So what am I, folks, chopped liver? I'm startin' to get a complex here.

I swear I just can't figure how to hook up with your clique.
It's like my posts just run into a wall of cyber-brick.
Nobody ever says, "hello", or "good to hear from you."
If I've offended anyone, I can't imagine who.

Never meant no harm. And I try not to stick my nose in where it don't belong.

Now, you might call this a hissy-fit, say I'm paranoid 'n such,
But ask me if I feel at home. My answer is, NOT MUCH!
What should I think about all this? Should I take it as some sign?
And, before you ask, I've got some cheese that suits my "wine" just fine.

Aged, that is. Vintage wine, too. Real good year.

Don't wanna be a nameless guest in anonymity,
I wanna be a member of the Mudcat family.
But if y'all think I don't belong, then just be straight with me.
If that's the case, this is the last you'll hear from ScottyG.

Y'all post back now, ya hear?