Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?

Subject: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: marty D
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 02:12 PM

Because of work constraints and family responsibilities I've only managed to meet a couple of catters in the flesh, but have had some good contacts thru e-mails and PMs. I know that many of us have met dozens of members on several continents even, and just wondered how many people find this an important part of being a Mudcatter.

Accidental meetings at clubs and festivals are one thing, but am I right in thinking that quite a few people have gone out of their way, and some REALLY out of their way to meet? Just curious about how others feel about this aspect of Mudcat, and does anyone know if this is common to other net groups.

marty

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 02:17 PM

Another group I am in has regular gatherings. The discussion forums in www.acousticguitar.com We show each other our guitars and jam a bit. I am hosting such an occaision on October 27, One fellow catter wil be there, IamJohnne. If you are interested, check out the forum.

I have yet to meet a mudcatter, but I have met people from the AG forum and from Guitaernotes. Fine people all!!

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 02:43 PM

I don't think it is real important to me to meet another Catter. Not in the sense of "I gotta buy a ticket and go!" There are several I'd love to meet.

But knowing that there are catters in other states that I may be in would lend itself well to incorporate that meeting as part of the travel. For instance - I may end up in Washington D.C next spring. I'd certainly like to meet some folks and play some music!

I met Dave Oesterlich in a picking session on Paltalk last night - what a trip!! I sure enjoyed that!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 03:08 PM

like everything else, people differ in their 'needs'...I live near the 'home' of Mudcat and watched it start, so it was natural to add some we met here to the local Getaway....and others immediately wanted to see if those nice people they met online were as nice in person. There have been planned gathering of all sorts in the last several years, and serious new friendships formed.......but some are content to just live their lives and collect the songs...*shrug*

Me, I'm glad next week is the Getaway, and I get to add 10-12 more faces to my list...*smile*

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Allan C.
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 03:13 PM

Gee, I guess my answer would have to be "yes"!

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 03:26 PM

Yes, I think it is important to me to meet other Mudcatters and be able to put faces to postings. We had a very enjoyable Anglo-German Mudgathering last May, and it definitely was worth the three-hour drive. I think I'll make a point of seeking out Mudcatters in the future. (Though I'm not going to bother the 'home of Mudcat'. I was afraid of flying even before 11 Sep.)

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: 53
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 03:50 PM

there is a couple that i would really like to meet. bob

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: MMario
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 04:50 PM

Important? Not sure how to rank that, but interesting, enjoyable, informative, intrigueing; yes. I think I lean more towards the attitude of Norton1.

Another forum I have been reading for years has organized meetings for a variety of reasons - and has inspired quite a number of long distance trips for many of the members. (East Coast to west coast and vice versa)

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: smallpiper
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 05:25 PM

Putting faces to names is all part of the community that is Mudcat yeah its normal John

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 05:36 PM

I would say yes! I have not met that many mudcatters only about a dozen or so catters...and stayed at two cathouses...and I have been blown away each and every time...and the hospitality my hosts and hostesses have shown towards me was fantastic..and I am still feeling grateful!

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 05:57 PM

I don't think it's a necessary part of the Mudcat community, but what a kick to meet face to face instead of mouse to mouse and discover we really like knowing each other! And it's great to know that no matter where I might travel, there are people who share my interests and are practically friends already.

Never leave haphazardry to chance!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: CarolC
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 06:12 PM

Yes. I think it is important. I could enjoy the Mudcat without meeting other Mudcatters, but my experience of meeting other Mudcatters has added a dimension to my experience of the Mudcat that I would miss if I couldn't do it.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST,Fortunato
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 06:41 PM

Like 53 there are some 'cats I'd like to meet. Some to make music with. Some to just to share a some time with. Some I feel rather attached too and would like to give a hug. I guess YES is the answer for me. I'll see some at the Getaway. Micca my pal is coming from London and you didn't ask, but to see my 'cat friends again it really good, too.

regards, Chance.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: AliUK
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 06:55 PM

Living down here in Brazil ( as far as I know the only one in the 'cat who does live in South America) It's a bit of a pipe dream to even bump into another catter. Saying that If anyone ever comes down my way the door is always open and the beer is cooling in the fridge.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 07:03 PM

Amerigin...I'm waiting for 'Spaw to pounce on your line about being "blown away...at a cathouse"

and AliUK...we did have Escamillo? in Argentina, but haven't seen too much from him recently.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST,fortunato
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 07:03 PM

Brazil? Oh, man. Well, AliUK, the same to you. If you come to the US and the Washington, DC area, then you got room and board and a pint and music with us. Best regards, chance

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: AliUK
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 07:06 PM

thanks guys :o)

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Joe_F
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 07:10 PM

I would be delighted to hear of any accessible mudkittens in the Boston area.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 07:21 PM

Yeah, it's fun. I'm not sure how "important" it is, but maybe it's more important than I think at times. I'm REALLY looking forward to meeting some folks at the gettaway . It can also be really interesting getting to know the folks who's internet personae are kind of like "alter egos" to their "flesh and blood" ones. Probably everyone I've met so far has resulted in a "surprise" or two.

Rick

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 08:24 PM

I've never had a desire to meet anyone I've encountered on the Internet, and I've been in groups like this for many years.

I have met a few people I've met in forums/groups over the years, but no off-line friendships developed out of the meetings. I realized the people were more curious to meet an on-line personality in the flesh than in developing the relationship, so it seems the meetings were really pretty much a waste of time.

Unless you are the type person who just can't stand not knowing, that is.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 08:27 PM

I'd guess I'd split hairs on this one. Meeting people that I have got to know from Mudcat is nice but meeting "Mudcatters" means little to me. I like a lot of people here and much of the community but I don't have that sort of "clan" instinct in me.

Jon

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 08:28 PM

Maybe it's a function of living in the Northeastern US, where there are so many Mudcatters, but I never experienced the dichotomy between on-line friends and real-world friends--lots of Mudcatters are real people to me.

It's just that there are still a few Mudcatters who are real-world friends I haven't had a chance to meet yet.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Allan C.
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:10 PM

Guest, you may never feel differently than what you have stated. I am sorry if that will be the way of it for you. I can only say that my experiences have been vastly different from what you describe. I have developed what I am certain will be life-long friendships with some of the 'Catters I have met in the 3-D world. I can't say that some of these friendships might not have flourished to some degree without the face-to-face meetings. I am sure, though, that seeing, hugging, laughing, singing and even crying with these folks have added dimensions to our relationships that I believe are simply not possible via electronic means alone. In most cases these encounters have been much more than just shaking hands in a meeting hall or hotel lobby. Most of them have taken place over a period of at least a couple of days - often, very intense days. One particular encounter with a guy from England encompassed more than a month. *G* Now, when I read postings and correspondence from these people, I have a very clear idea of the meaning behind what they say. I can see their faces. I can hear their voices. I can hear them singing. I know them in ways that I could never have realized in 2-D.

I sincerely hope to meet you, too, someday, Guest.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: 53
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:27 PM

i'm glad to see all the positive input. bob

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:31 PM

Allan, there is no need for you to be "sorry for me" or go on as if I was some sort of social misfit because I don't want to meet people I encounter on-line. Jeez!

If you want to meet people in 3D fine. Just like I'm fine with not meeting them in the 3D.

I said that not only did I not have any interest in meeting Mudcatters (and no, I'm really not even curious about them), but I don't have any interest in meeting anyone I encounter on-line. If I do end up meeting someone inadvertently, that's not a problem either.

I believe some people here really are interested in establishing friendships with others in this forum. I admit, I am somewhat skeptical of your assertion that yhou have developed close, life-long friendships with other Mudcatters, in light of what has been posted to this thread so far. I'm not saying it can't happen, and I'm sure it does on occassion.

But please, let's just let everyone share their preferences (as the thread title suggests we do), rather than decide that another poster's preference is bad, as you seem to have done with my expressing mine.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Ed.
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:39 PM

I'd have to agree pretty much with parts of what Guest and Jon say.

Sure, there are several people who come across as interesting here, and sharing a beer might be enjoyable.

However, even though I've posted here for a couple of years, I don't consider myself to be a 'mudcatter' whatever that might mean.

I simply see this as website that is really useful as an 'information exchange'

I post when I can help, others are kind enough to post answers to my queries too.

To be honest, I don't want any more than that.

Ed

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: AliUK
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:43 PM

This business with on-line personas and real-life people is pretty confusing to me. I am what I write basically and cannot be any different, a bit silly, a bit pompous. Hopefully, fairly intelligent and sometimes a bit mixed up about what I want to say. Most of the other people I know from this particular forum are basically the same way they are in "real life". I know that there are many, many people who for some sad or misguided reason have created an on-line "persona", maybe to bolster the poor self image that they have of themselves. Personally, I extended the offer of shelter to any 'catters ( by that I mean anyone who uses the forum, not for any 'calnnish' reasons) who happen to swing down my way. I thing that I can trust a 'catter, where I know I couldn't trust someone I have met on mIRC or something like that. I have received much help and encouragement of the last few years from those in this forum. There were times that were extremely hard and for one reason or another I had to exempt myself from cyberlife. Always thinking of the "cat and the people here. But, always I have been welcomed back with open arms by those that know me ( even when I had to log back in as a newbie, never could remember that darned password), and that's the biggest vote of confidence that I have EVER received, anywhere.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:49 PM

Yup Ed, I concur with what you said as well.

This is just one of several on-line discussion groups I participate in. I don't consider myself a member, much less a regular, of any of them.

And as you might have guessed by my handle, I enjoy the anonymity of the Internet! Not because I am projecting an invented persona, but because I like the physical and emotional distance of discussions with cyberstrangers.

And I would NEVER invite a stranger I had only corresponded with on-line to stay in home.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 09:56 PM

"Important"? Not exactly that, but certainly fun and worthwhile! Nice people, in my experience.

- LH

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 10:06 PM

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.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 10:10 PM

There is (I believe) one difference between Mudcatters and the on-line denizens of most other forums (fora?)--we all have an interest in folk music. (Yes, I know there are many kinds of folk music, and I'm not concerned with definitions, but there is an overlapping corpus of music that interests all of us.) Getting together with other Mudcatters is not simply some opportunity to say hello and shake hands with a screen name and see if a relationship develops. Instead, whenever I've met with Mudcatters, the instruments come out of their cases or the singing voices are raised, and music happens! It's about a goal oriented gathering--the making of music; very often the goal of making music together creates relationships. But I'd rather you stop talking and start singing.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 10:28 PM

Not meaning to be a fly in the ointment, but there are other folk music groups on-line, and folks from those groups do get together and meet, and many consider one another friends too.

It seems that quite a few UK cyberfolks know one another, though they have not necessarily met on-line.

I'm sure those here who feel they developed special friendships with others they met on-line, really do have those special relationships. I also believe that is pretty unique on the Internet, as well as on Mudcat.

I'm guessing most folks who have posted here over the years have never met another Mudcatter (with the exception of those on the East Coast in close proximity to one another--I'd think it strange if *none* of you had ever met in sessions, etc considering the "common interest" factor of folk music and your proximity to one another).

But then, this forum seems pretty dominated by UK & East Coast folkies, so it wouldn't really surprise me to find that they meet up with others with folk interests in their geographic regions. I'm guessing that is much less true for Southerners, Midwesterners, and Westerners.

But then, that's me.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Oct 01 - 10:28 PM

I think it was Michael Johnson who said in one of his song lyrics-----

"It's the time you waste for them
That makes a friend a friend,
Unique in all the world until the end."

Well, I've wasted so much time here that, if I had it back, a dozen years might get stuck onto my life.

Enough said.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Chip2447
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 12:32 AM

Personally, I look forward to meeting new people. Always have, and always will I suppose. Generally speaking a stranger is just a friend that you havent met yet.

I might not get along well with some of you, and some of you are bound to dislike me, but, in the long run I would bet that I made more friends than enemies.

Is it important for me to meet other members of Mudcat? Nah, not in the overall scheme of the big picture. Is it worth doing whenever you get a chance? Hell yeah.
Nuff said....

Chip2447

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 02:28 AM

Guest - you Love being a fly in the ointment! In real life? Maybe. You alluded to fame - doubt it. In this forum's reality you are quite likeable as you always have a differing perspective that makes me think. Sometimes your causticity makes me wonder what happened to sour you so on life. The other side of me agrees with you personally- I don't think I would want to meet you in real life.

Here I can take or leave you and you me. I support your assertion that for you it means nothing to meet someone from cyber world. Were it not for cyberworld I'd not have my lovely wife and partner so it seems to work for me and most of those who have tried it.

But it isn't something I'd buy a ticket for on purpose - but I am ready to meet anyone who is looking for music and friendship. Like Chip says - Nuff said

Steve

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 11:47 AM

I'll agree with others who've said it's not "important," like making sure I'm at my kid's wedding or being available to take my mom to the doctor if she needs it, or even like showing up at work every day. However, when I have met up with members of Mudcat, it's been more like a family reunion than a meeting of strangers. I know I wouldn't feel that way about EVERY Mudcat member, but certainly the ones I've met are definitely in the category of "Pal," which is just slightly under "Family" in my psychic filing system.

I persist in the dream of going on the Mudcat World Domination Sofa Tour someday, staying on sofas of Mudcateers wherever they'll have me. And if I ever win the Lottery, I'm buying a big tour bus and coming by for a bunch of y'all. (But not everyone, of course. Who wants to hang with the deliberately un-fun?)

WW

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: The Shambles
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 12:32 PM

No not important but meeting friendly people with whom you share a common interest would always be worthwhile.

I like to think that I have already personally met and liked many people who may be regular contributors, without ever knowing they were.

It is a bit like knowing people from different areas of your life, like those at work. It would nor be necessily important to meet them socially, but if it happened, it should be OK.

But would meeting each other risk changing the online relationship or view you had of each other? I think the possible risks of this were covered in 'The Jug' thread recently.

We receive and offer help to each other and advice on the forum. We would probably do the same had we encountered each other in a different context.

It might be pleasant to meet, but it is not important.

I do think it quite important that someone far away, who may be feeling a little isolated can feel that there are among friends being brought together on this fine online community. Meeting up someday is a possible bonus but not a realistic or an important requirement........

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST,Winters Wages
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 03:03 PM

Yes, It is great to know the faces....We are only on this earth for a short period of time...It's great to meet everyone..Life is shorter than you think. Winters Wages

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Dani
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 03:22 PM

Samuel Johnson said:

"We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over."

If you had told me five years ago that I would meet people online and THEN meet them in PERSON I would have told you you were crazy. When I attended my first Getaway and SANG with these people whom I knew only from their TYPING, I was thrilled. When Allan and Bill showed up in my town on the first Mudcat Grand Adventure, I was overwhelmed by the possibilities of life, and friendship, and diplomacy when you open your heart and trust.

Dani

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 04:27 PM

Norton 1,

One reason why it isn't real important to me about meeting people I encounter in Mudcat is so many of you suffer from irony deficiencies.

Not to worry though. I'm absolutely certain none of you are in denial.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 04:31 PM

Probably because I live a lot closer to the Ohio River....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 04:42 PM

I have met quite a few Mudcatters in the UK and now count many of them amongst my friends. I hope to meet many more and would love to get over to America and meet some of you there. If I hadn't met any Mudcatters I would still have enjoyed the threads and made good use of the DT but knowing people personally makes it all the better.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 04:56 PM

De Mersey is also a long way from de Nile. I enjoy meeting 'Catters, not because they are from Mudcat ( as Kurt Vonnegut meant to cite from The Book of Bokonon "mudcat is merely a granfalloon, not a karass), but because they share some interest in traditional music and song. This can be a basis for friendship, but it is only the starting point, and life in 3D is (happily) much richer, and more complex, than a life on the cyberwave.
So, my answer is a qualified "yes".

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Morticia
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 05:03 PM

Important in comparison to what? The lives of my family, earning a living,my health? No, of course not.

However as a rich source of potential, and actual friendships, and an opportunity to learn and to teach, in person, more about the music I love ....well, it's been pretty damn rewarding for me, that's all I can say.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 05:24 PM

I have met a fair number of Mudcatters and enjoyed them all. A few have become close friends I hope to keep forever. A few I have never met in person have also become close friends, I hope forever.

There have been a few I have met who will remain acquaintances And a few have stayed at my home while passing through. Several have offered me a bed in their homes. Without exception, Mudcatters are wonderful hosts/hostesses.

It seems to me just like the 3D world. You meet people every day. Some you like and make a point of meeting again. Some you like but there is no "connection". Some you dislike or are neutral about and don't pursue.

As for opening my home to internet acquaintances. I use the same rule as in real life. And I suppose, as in real life, there will be a time when I regret it but not often enough to outweigh the pleasure of most visits.

Is it important to me to meet Mudcatters? I don't think so. Is it fun? Invariably.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 09:23 PM

Guest - You are certainly a slippery soul. I don't understand the irony part though. It was a bit out of context for me. But that's cool -

Whatever makes you smile.

I've had lots of people stay at my home. One time I brought a Viet Nam vet home and my wife (#2) freaked out. Couldn't believe I brought a "crazy vet" home. I think she went "oops" when she recalled who she was married to. The guy is still a friend. I've thousands of folks I've gave a hand to and have received one in turn. And all from the most varied of sources.

Indians have a way of looking at it - Whatever you look for you find. Looking for inconsistency? You'll find it. Looking for friends - you'll find them also.

What I cannot for the life of me figure out is why you keep coming back to post here when you claim to dislike it and the folks.

Curiouser and curiouser . . .

Steve

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 09:43 PM

I didn't get the impression that GUEST disliked folks - just isn't motivated by friendship or potential friendship. Everybody is different, and I can't see getting upset because someone sees the world differently than I do.

Steve, I completely agree with "Whatever you look for, you find." Look for people to betray you, and they will. Look for evidence of nobility of spirit, and you find it. Don't look for either, and you might find a little of both. Even so, the good aspects sure mean a lot more to me than the inevitable human failings.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 10:04 PM

Norton 1,

I've had lots of people stay at my home too.

I've had thousands of acquaintances over the years too. But I wouldn't say most were very important, though some have been.

But I've had very few close, intimate friends and this is the way I like to keep it.

If an Internet acquaintance were to become a 3D friend, that would be fine. But I'm not interested in seeking out and meeting people on-line. Like I said, I'm happy with the anonymous conversations with strangers, just as I am with anonymous conversations with strangers in 3D life. I have them all the time.

I also frequent (I wouldn't say I'm a regular) several discussion forums (not just about music), and while this one can be informative, it just doesn't ring my chimes as far as the personalities go. In fact, I find more often than not the personalities of many Mudcat regulars annoy the living beejeebees out of me for getting in the way of perfectly good conversations among strangers about music.

I either enjoy my time here and hang around, or if things are annoying me I don't visit, sometimes for very long periods of time. I have a pretty busy and active life, and so don't feel any need to connect with people I encounter on-line. Like I said earlier, its the emotional and physical distance between you and me that I find appealing about this medium. I have contact with hundreds of people a day--I don't really need anymore stimulation than that, thanks.

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: John Hardly
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 10:34 PM

Well my experience meeting any 'catters is slim indeed...
...but definitely NOT meaningless. On the contrary.

The only fellow I've met is Big Mick and what a pleasure that was---and what a window into the soul of a VERY honourable man.

In a rather off-handed way Mick and I had decided to hook up when I was in his "neigborhood" doing the East Lansing Art festival. When I'm on the road there is really no way to contact me and in the meantime the demands of work took Mick on a trip east of his own.

Anyway, on his way home, road-weary, drained and little but home on his mind, it occurred to him that he'd said he'd come by to meet me.

If Mick tells you he'll do something....he'll do it by-god. I'm not sure I would have had the character he showed to find a parking place, walk through block upon block of crowded street and sidewalk (the show draws 25,000 per day) just to keep his word to a virtual stranger.

He had little to gain, but he sure gained my respect!

Subject: RE: Is meeting Mudcatters important to you?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 14 Oct 01 - 11:43 PM

Jeri - I don't think I am upset by Guest - Not in the least. Just always curious about Guest. To be honest I'm not sure if Guest is male or female - I think I assumed male. And I think I've always advocated for Guest's presence. Doesn't matter if I like or dislike Guest's opinions. Just always seemed so, caustic is the word I used, out of sorts with the stream of the conversation. In this thread I've very much enjoyed the exchange.

Maybe you and I are more alike than different Guest. Well enough for now - Have a superb week.

Steve