I can vouch for the "close, life-long friendship" part of what Allan C said. I've made a few of those friends myself. I guess the "life-long" part would have to be judged at the end, though.

I found people interesting and likable here, and I've wanted to meet them - not specifically because they were Mudcatters, though. I drove 800+ miles to spend a week with a couple I'd never met before, and I loved every second of that visit. I've met Mudcatters at Annamill's and bbc's gatherings, and various folk events. I've made some good friends and haven't yet had a bad experience. I have good friends I've not yet met and may never meet.

I've also met plenty of folks, and I've enjoyed the meeting, but no relationships developed. Not everyone has enough in common to make a relationship desirable, and let's face it, some people just don't get along.

I agree with Charlie. People are just people. Sometimes you talk to them on line, and sometimes it's face-to-face or on the telephone.