BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: semi-submersible
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 03:18 AM

All of the above, especially:

That an electronic, virtual world can harbour a truly human community.

That simple elements (alphabet, basic communication equipment, simple procedures that anyone at a public library computer can jump in and use) breed complexity (wisdom, give and take, healing, hurtfulness, learning) even here outside the real universe. But most online communities are not "alive" like this one.

That in this cyberspace, one can ask for help at a time when family and friends are fast asleep, and someone will answer from Australia or Iceland.

That each visit here costs us real life hours from our lives, and can be well worth it. (Great mix of feeling, ideas, and good laughs, and sometimes I can add something.)

Maureen on the west coast of Canada

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Appaloosa Lady
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 04:41 AM

Beautifully expressed, Gervase. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Gervase
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 04:35 AM

Quite a bit - but mainly that there is no virtue in entering into an argument in the hope of changing someone's mind. Below the line (and even sometimes above it) one can venture an opinion that, however impeccably researched and lucidly written, will attract a negative knee-jerk comment in seconds.
It's a bit like a popular beach on one of those rare, hot summer days; there are respectable families, sunbathers, dreamers, exhaustingly active types and just a few boisterous and ill-mannered kids who take delight in kicking over sandcastles. There may even be someone playing music quietly to themselves and and a few friends. All in all, it's a nice beach, though, and there's no shortage of sand...

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 01:36 AM

The going price is $4000 + ...

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Chicken Charlie
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 12:55 AM

A journalist friend of mine says, "If you want to find out what happened, write what you THINK happened and go wait by the phone."

Mudcat has let me learn things I knew I didn't know. Sorcha must know when I'm going to post a question ahead of time, because the answers are there before the question is finished, or so it seems.

Mudcat has also let me learn more about things I thought I "knew" but didn't. That's sometimes a chastening experience. Sokratic questioning sometimes hurts the brain but in the end you get a better answer for the NEXT time somebody asks the question.

Recently I tried out another site, for the simple reason that some folks on that site had dissed Mudcat rather egregiously. I don't get it. Mudcat is the real world. "If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen" type thing, and thank you, Harry Truman. I already conclude that I will learn more here in a week than in a year on the other site. And the older I get the less I care about tip-toeing around, so just give it to me straight out, Mudcat style.

But be polite, maggot.

Chicken Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: DougR
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 08:10 PM

Tolerance.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Appaloosa Lady
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 04:47 PM

"I've learned that sometimes you find a diamond, amongst the pebbles."

"I'll bet Demosthenes broke a couple of teeth."


And...I've learned all about Demosthenes (thank you Bill) :-)


Demosthenes
384-322 BC
As a youth in ancient Athens,   Demosthenes had a severe speech impediment, and people jeered at his stuttering when he addressed his first large public assembly. Demosthenes, the son of a prosperous sword maker, was orphaned when he was only 8. His guardians so pilfered his estate that little was left when Demosthenes came of age. Seeking justice, he successfully pleaded his own case and won damages. To improve his elocution, he talked with pebbles in his mouth and recited verses while running along the seashore over the roar of the waves.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 03:24 PM

I came to Mudcat via Google while trying to learn what a Hogeye was.
I learned that it is a type of boat that is pulled by a rope. Now does anyone know what Dylan means by "Eating Hogeye beef in a Hogeye town".
   Since then I have discovered Planxty (and the various members solo work), Nic Jones, Dick Gaughan, The Corries, and many other wonderful musicians. All thanks to Mudcat with a big assist from You-tube which I barely knew existed before Mudcat's Blue Clickies steered me there.
   I've also learned much about current and historic events and that 'Spaw is one funny dude. Some of his Cletus stories like the one about the recycled Christmas trees or the one about the blow-up dolls and explosives make me LOL, like reading Twain used to do. (Uh... btw thats Mark not Shania.) Any more installments coming our way?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 12:45 PM

I'll bet Demosthenes broke a couple of teeth.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: GUEST,Appaloosa Lady
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 12:11 PM

I've learned that sometimes you find a diamond, amongst the pebbles.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Riginslinger
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 11:29 PM

Azizi makes a really good point. It amazes me sometimes that I can agree completely with a poster on one issue, and disagree just as completely on something else.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 11:03 PM

I have learned that posting on this online forum is a meaning full, often educational, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes maddening, sometimes energizing, and sometimes emotionally draining form of interaction.

I have learned that a person's spirit can be communicated vividly through their words, so much so that over time and/or as the result of a large number of posts in a short time, it can seem as though you know other people who post here very well, even if you've never met them-and may never meet them-face to face.

I have learned that you can very much like some things about some people, and very much dislike some other things about the same people.

I have learned that because of the positive experiences I have had relating with them on this forum, the positions that some people take on issues that I consider important matter to me so much more than the same positions taken by other people who post here who I have not related to [with?} as well.

I have learned that I have a lot to learn- about music, folk cultures, and life itself.

{Actually, I knew the last four things before my involvement on Mudcat, but I know them more deeply now than I did before}

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 02:08 PM

Hey, Spaw? You need to talk to this bird...

the Foul Owl

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 02:05 PM

How to better learn and how to strive for understanding.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:59 PM

How appropriate Hawk. I've always said you're a guy who just has to stick his nose into things................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:49 PM

There are usually at least 10, even 20 outhouses in a giant line at a folk festival...so it isn't just a question of picking "the one on the left". No, no, it is much more complex and esoteric than that. One must observe the outhouse choices of a folkie meticulously over a period of several years, bringing in advanced numerology in order to understand exactly where his political sympathies lie. Having done so, one can finally arrive at an absolute certaintly about something that never mattered much in the first place...but OH, the satisfaction of knowing that one knows!

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:37 PM

Mick - I've heard stories that you always pick the outhouse on the left at folk festivals. Doesn't that PROVE you're a leftist leaning commie???? It's a code isn't it?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: bankley
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 01:32 PM

how to get in touch with Murdoch....







still don't have the blue clicky link thingamajig mastered

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: gnu
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 04:16 PM

I have learned that many good 'Cats don't post so much anymore below the line because they just can't be arsed with all the BS and antagonism, even though it's a lot better than it was by times.

Nice to see a few of you down here with the rest of us lower lifes. And, you know who you are, you uppers, you. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:44 PM

I have learned that some folks will see a conspiracy in the choosing one outhouse instead of the other at a folk festival. (see current idiotic discussions of such stellar names in science and engineering as Willie Nelson and Rosie O'Donnell)

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:28 PM

Not much. Snew?


A

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Severn
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:12 PM

Yes, beer, but it's covered with updoc.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:12 PM

About ten stone.

What's a stone?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:07 PM

Really? What's a henway?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Beer
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:04 PM

I learned that I have a henway.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:50 PM

I've learned that there is something called "Morris Dancing," but I still don't know what it is.

I've learned that different countries had entirely different and separate "folk revivals" about 40-some-odd years ago.

I've learned that many people around the world who profess an interest in folk music have difficulty agreeing on much of anything, BUT. . . most of them are very articulate writers of opinionated prose. And I thought I was the only one!

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:49 PM

Many things I think. Humility when reading the words written by others in their songs and posts; sadness when reading the depths of despair people reach at different times; conscience when someone posts from a POV I'd never considreed. I've learned that a kind word goes far with greater ease than a harsh word. That compared to so many people here I really don't know all that much about anything. Learned that there are folks here who are encouraging--others discouraging. That a smile goes better than a frown, and that there are some utterly wonderful humourists on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:42 PM

Ha! Spoken like a kindred soul, Weelittledrummer. ;-) Do you admire yourself in the mirror for lengthy periods each morning, as I do? I've been trying to make out which is my best profile, but I just can't decide! They are both so perfect.

(A derisive snort is heard from Chongo, who is over there on the couch, disassembling and cleaning the Tommy Gun...)

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:33 PM

Fotunately I knew everything before joining mudcat, but its been a pleasure to share my enlightened state with you all.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:29 PM

Ah, Gnu was being TOO abstruse for understanding by fools such as I.

Much ado about sweet folk all, yes.



A

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:11 PM

All of the above....

And...

I have learned several new words and phrases, courtesy of Amos, such as "persiflage", "frisson", "I swan", and "bloviate", for example.

I sprinkle them now casually through idle conversations with friends and acquaintances, and it reduces them to stunned and perplexed silence. They have no idea what I'm talking about, but they think I'm a genius. It's fun! ;-) And I owe it all to Amos.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 12:35 PM

Alright, gnu, I'll try.

After 9 years posting here, I've decided you're sweet folk all.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 12:08 PM

Gnu:

THis time, I think it is....



A

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: gnu
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:56 AM

I'll try again.... ahem...

Much ado about all folk?

Maybe it's just me.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 10:21 AM

I have made some lovely friends ; and (believe it or not) I have learned to guard me tongue and not jump in at the deep end.

I have learned that I have a broader back than I thought, when on the butt end of a troll's malice.

I have learned that the nice Catters outnumber the others by a long chalk.

I never fail to be amazed, amused and educated, on the 'Cat.

Long may it flourish.

Blessed Be, and be blessed, all.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Gurney
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 11:55 PM

I've learned that there are a lot of people pretty much like me. Doesn't seem to matter much where they were born.

I've learned that if I need wise council, I can get it here, usually from direct experience.

I've learned to appreciate some odd people. Well, who I consider odd.

I've learned that not everyone on line is a wanker, and a lot of non-wankers end up here, even if they aren't that fond of folk music. Even some trolls stay and become members. I think.

As someone further up said, I've learned to have second thoughts before submitting.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: gnu
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 03:57 PM

Much to do about all folk?

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 03:39 PM

I have learned that there is much about folk music I really like.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 03:20 PM

I have learned that the Young Student Sent Down in His Prime was written by McGrath of Harlow and MikeofNorthumbria

And when I see a letter to the Guardian from Greg Stephens I suspect it's from a member of the Boat Band.

And that Canberra Chris's mother was born in the road where I now live, so the world is really quite small.

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: PeadarOfPortsmouth
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 03:16 PM

Greg,

Half the time, I couldn't even spell Myxolydian after coming home from the pub. (Of course, I'm a bit dodgey on it before going to the pub as well.)

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 02:55 PM

Well I have learnt that the world is a much nicer place than I had imagined, there are some very generous and lovely people about.
There are also one or two exceedingly unpleasant trolls.
That I am by no means the only person in the world obsessed with the study of folk music.
That no two people agree on the definition of what we all talk about.
That there's a woman who likes Seth Lakeman a lot, and another woman who doesn't.
That Iraq and Israel are thread subjects best left alone
That some Americans understand irony, but not many
(The most important lesson) think very carefully and reread before you press that "submit message"
That Sir JOhn from Hull is the funniest writer in the world.
That you should not come home from the pub after half a dozen pints of the landlord's best, and expect to write coherently about the Myxolydian mode.
That there are some people here who know an absolutely fantastic amount of stuff about folk music.
How to make hash browns(not that anyone agreed about that, either)
That will do for starters

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 12:47 PM

I have learned, among many things, that certain islands of Greece are superb spots for vicarious vacations with much hilarity, wonderful music, and the best ever descriptive writing for those of us who go there only in our office chairs. Thanks, RtS!

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 09:58 AM

I awlways proofraed before sneding. Thats' a given.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 09:55 AM

1)To do blue clickies
2)To proof read before sending
3)To check facts before posting
(now all I have to do is remember to do 1-3)
....oh and I've picked up a few more obscure artists for my blues & skiffle CD collection, learned the proper words to several songs I thought I knew (now all I have to do is learn to sing them in tune)and learned of the amazing generosity of this community (thanks for all the CDs & help guys, you know who you are!). The nasty bits I ignore.

RtS
(and thanks for all the jokes)

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Rowan
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 04:37 PM

I've found some wonderfully quirky people.

And, LonesomeEJ, keep that creative writing coming; your next instalment of Tolkien Outtakes is overdue and we want you onto it without distraction by Will.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 03:36 PM

ROFLMAO!!!

The mind, indeed, is bogglèd!!



A

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 03:30 PM

Yeah, Amos. Infinite patience would also be required of the proofreaders of such an experiment. Imagine the frustration of getting to the last speech in A Midsummer Night's Dream and reading

and, as I am an honest Puck,
if we have unearned luck
now to scape the serpent's tongue
we will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call.
So goodnight unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
and a ham sandwich with extra mayo

and having to shout "my God we almost had it!" And then realizing the same mistake was also likely to be repeated an infinite number of times.

The mind boggles.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 03:19 PM

hmmmpppfff... I'd be willing to bet the monkeys would do e.e. cummings first....after they finished Robert Frost.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Peace
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 02:49 PM

OH.

Subject: RE: BS: What Have You Learned From Mudcat?
From: Amos
Date: 11 Feb 08 - 02:45 PM

SUck you IN? Wesley???!?!! I would NEVER!!!!!



Peace: no, man, it's the monkeys who have the typewriters, dig? And they type all day!! ANd finally one of the scientists jumps up and down and yells in excitement, "We've got something!!! We've got something!!!!" He grabs the sheet out of one monkey's typewriter, and reads, "To be, or not to be, that is YUIY&*(*(HB+@E$%^%&(pogkl;sn."

Kinda like that...


A