I'm afraid circumstances have turned me into one of those sometimes maligned guests, but I've actually been around Mudcat for quite a while and was an active member. Long enough to remember when music threads actually had more than one or two informed posters. Long enough to remember when non music discussions really were just that rather than silly pointless attempts at humour or just tedious one sided political rants. The recent spate of 'what have the****done for us'. endless silly 'Hull' threads and obvious Middle East shit disturbing is what has made me finally speak up.

I remember the flame wars of two or three years ago, and I remember Oldtimers like Joe Offer, MMario, Art Theime and even the bizarre misanthrope Gargoyle trying to get the focus off endless BS chatter and back to music. Obviously it didn't work, and I wonder if they've simply given up. It really feels like this once fascinating site is in complete freefall at the moment and it makes me sad.

So here's a bit of a challenge and a simple question for the members who've been here for a few years. I know you've made friends here and you don't want to rock the boat but are you happy with the way Mudcat currently is? Are you comfortable enough to come in under the name you normally post with and give your opinion?

For all I know this message will be misinterpreted as being a flame and be removed before anyone has a chance to see it. I hope not because I'm sincere but if it is then I guess I've gotten my answer. I live in an area where there are several Mudcatters (not Hull!) but far fewer post now than did a couple of years ago. I'm not sure why they left but I do know that they loved folk music. I haven't labeled this BS because I think it does deal with music and I hope my thoughts don't get shot down too quickly by the first people to respond. And to Joe Offer et al, I really hope you haven't given up trying to make this site vital.

iggy