In praise of Mudcat

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 02:22 PM

......Have I missed something though, no pop up adverts, no click on sponsor messages, why has Max created a meeting house like this. He is either a very nice guy, far more generous than we probably deserve, or more likely there is some small print around here somewhere



...............10 free BS threads with every BLUES thread, your soul may be at risk if politics, religion or InOBU website threads are started in the same week

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: marty D
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 03:38 PM

Now this is the kind of praise I can really get into. Mudcat is PERFECT 24/7. Always relaxing, often challenging, sometimes irritating. You can't ask for more than that.

marty

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 06:27 PM

Any time now the Bad Fairy will show up...

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: LR Mole
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 05:18 PM

Yup.Late.Gotta go.

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 12:12 PM

CarolC, you mis-understand me, when I said forget mudcat's history, I simply meant Spaw's words were too important to wait for a history to be written, as McGrath suggested, and should be utilised now as an example of what Mudcat is about, and be compulsory reading for every user.
love, john

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 01:39 AM

I don't get to come here as often as I would like (certainly not as much as I used to come). I was just looking for some information on how Lead Belly strung his old STella 12 - String. I was pretty new to the net, but I used a couple of search engines and encountered quite a few sites. THe Mudcat was the only site that answered my question. My big mistake was beginning to read the other threads. I found there was information I could share and information I could gain.

The 'Cat was a much smaller place then, and you could read all the posts from the last 24 hours pretty easily. It is not so easy now, so I have to pick and choose where before I read nearly everything. I recommend the Mudcat frequently at folkie gatherings and when people ask me a folk-musical question. I am spending the week at Commonground, a camp featuring music and the concept of diversity in our society. The first day I wore a Mudcat button given to me at the last Getaway (I think). The second day, I wore

my Mudcat T-shirt. I didn't "catch" any Mudcatter's, but I was able to spread the word. People who really should know about this place (like Bryan Bowers or Robin Bullock) have never heard of it. Well, they at least know of the Digital Tradition now.

I quickly felt I had made friends here. However, given the horror stories of meeting folks from the net, I was a bit wary of meeting them in person. Fortunately, the Getaway provided a "safe" place to meet for the first time. I can't say I've liked every 'Catter I've met, but there are none I have disliked. I thought Anna was crazy to invite these "strangers" to her house. Well, maybe she was, but I have truly enjoyed here hospitality and the music. In a fit of sheer idiocy, I travelled to Connetticutt to attend a Mudcat party thrown by Barry Finn. By now, I knew I could trust the Mudcatters. I had a wonderful time, met some very charming and interesting pieces and heard two Katrina and Peter Cady songs that are part of my repetoire.

Maxx is another crazy person (crazy about music). He has spent a great deal of time and money to make this place possible. There are a few side benefits for him (he gets to test out new ideas he may be able to use in his work), but the real fact is he loves what happens here. For a young guy, he has shown great wisdom in making some rather difficult decisions that have helped this site through some horrible struggles. If you really like what is happening here and are grateful for the lack of banners, click on "Support the Mudcat." You can be generous with your money as well.

I haven't tasted many sites on the Net, but the few I have have been burdensome ways to communicate with others. The 'Cat in comparison purrs like a dream.

I look forward to more Mudcat meetings and I will continue to show my face in the place from time to time.

With love,

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: CarolC
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 01:54 AM

Oops! Sorry Dita.

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: Gervase
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 05:17 AM

Amen, Pat. I remember while ago I posted a pompous pile of shite about this place being just a BBS for chrissakes, and shouldn't we be getting lives out there in the real world. Harumph.
As a result I had my arse well and truly chewed by two good mates who happen to be regulars here as well - chewed in the real world.
And then I saw how people here actually do come together to support each other and how the simple, open and unconditional support given to the "anyone got the lyrics to..?" inquiries is carried over into more complex and life-changing things as well.
And then I began to see that, as Pat says, this place is rather splendid simply because of the people.
I mean, obviously you wouldn't want to meet 'em all at once. Particularly not if it was your round. But all in all, they ain't bad.

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: ard mhacha
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 04:58 PM

Gervase,I agree with all you say, being of a like mind until I went into Memorable Mudcat Threads and took in the search for the origins of Spancil Hill, this was fascinating. I have known the song for years and numbered it among my favourites but after reading through this link, the song has took on a whole new meaning. I recommend this link to any newcomer. To Mudcat,And to everyone connected to this site,Slan agus Beannacht [Health and Blessings] Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: In praise of Mudcat
From: Amos
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 09:35 AM

The marvelous thing Max has wrought, partly by design and partly from a convergence of spirits, is that the Mudcat is in composite both intelligent, humorous, industrious, humane and inexplicably and unfailingly human.

Plus it has the wonderful quality of not minding when you are not there, welcoming you back when your eappear, allowing you to continue any conversation as long as you wish, say as much or as little as you want, and test the waters of acceptance without fear of animus (usually) or psychosis.

This is indeed a wonderful creation in the field, a truly successful and human website which is also intelligent, 99% fully operational and 99% caring. Kudos are due!!

A