I am not sure but I believe it is still the case - Max's Blickie thing didn't check for http:// . Now that it uses https:// things have changed and browsers may not be able to accommodate due to the security that the protocol demands.

which meant that if you type without the protocol bit (say) just <A HREF=mister.red>Mr Red</A> your browser would assume it was somewhere on the mudcat site. I would guess Freddy Heady's problemo was in the same category.

Using /mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=119988 -
it appends it to the domain and becomes https://mudcat.org/mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=119988

I note that the URL for this thread now contains // following mudcat.org

let us see - if I remove mudcat.org and just use the bit after:

using - /thread.cfm?threadid=119988&messages=32#3889703   (that worked)

same using - // as an alternative   (seems to hang)

both should open in a new Tab (if they work) - I am now testing......
see above for results.