Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 09:25 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Beanster
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 01:00 AM

Nicely said, McGrath. But you know, I don't believe those people will mend their ways. As we all know, one cannot change someone else's behavior but we can change the way we react to it and the solution here, is to not react at all.

Even though I'm really brand new here, I think it's a great place and the more people who come on, naturally, the more friction will arise from time to time--but those are growing pains that I suppose the 'Cat must endure and it will. And it will be stronger for it.

From Mudkitten to Mudcat to Mudlion!

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 07:19 PM

Just read through this. It was great to read a long thread about this kind of topic which didn't have any of the kind of sick stuff we've been having recently - till right near the end, when it started to creep in.

I think the sensible use of personal messages should be a crucial element in keeping the tone balanced, with a mix of all the things that keep the Mudcat good.

That's why people who insist of being GUESTS rather than members and combine that with throwing insults around are so destructive. Any dialogue with them has to be on the open threads, and that distorts and diminishes the whole tone. Either that or you have to ignore them, which is wiser - but that in itself destroys the sense of an open forum in which everyone has a right to their say.

In spite of which, this is still a spenldid place to come. It just needs a handful of people to mend their ways, and it'll be good as ever, and even getting better in time.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: GUEST, A.C.
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 04:31 AM

And I'm sure Shambles has a whole personal page full of them.

Changing my handle, because people are already calling me by that name.
I feel almost part of the family now. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: alison
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 04:26 AM

If you have a rough idea of what the thread was called you can put a "search word" into the "filter" box and set the number of days/months/years... it should find the thread you are after.....

if there is a thread that you really enjoy at the time you can use the "tracer" option and that will add it to a list of threads on your "personal page".....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: GUEST, The Thread Watcher
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 04:15 AM

You want to know how Wagner up there remembers all these threads?

He keeps a trace on seemingly every thread he's ever started, and narcissisticly reposts them to remind everybody what an impatial mind he has, and to self-promote himself as an all-round good egg.

Not to mention his 'song writing' skills.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Melodeon
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 05:39 PM

I am still trying to get my head around the thought of Catspaw being the "bad boy" of Mudcat. If that was being bad, then "come back all is forgiven"

Viv

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Teasle
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 10:24 AM

How DO you find threads that have fallen off the track....?

Teasle

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 10:07 AM

Yes this thread is a year old. Deja vu?

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 07:34 PM

Well, Shambles, I guess the chatty stuff is OK, although I tend to stay away from one-liner chit-chat and from threads like this one that go on and on, and the damn ellipsis threads.... I much prefer the threads that talk about actual songs, and I hope we can continue to keep threads of that sort going. The thread that asks if there is any chance of more threads about songs may not be far off the mark. Things have been getting a little "teejus" around here lately.
I think I'd ask that maybe we should think about whether the words we're typing are an actual contribution to the thread we're typing in. If people in a thread are discussing a song, let 'em KEEP talking about the song, for heaven's sake. A little goofing off is great for the tone of a thread, but let's not get carried away so much that we divert a thread away from the original subject.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 01:11 PM

As always it is a lot easier to start a thread than it is to finish it and while it is still going on. I would at least like it to finish (when ever it will) on a constructive note. Where indeed it seems to be at the moment. Let's just see if I can mess that up. *smiles*

First off I am sorry to all those who have felt bruised by this thread, that was not the intention and if is any consolation am feeling a little sore myself ( with this hatchet sticking in my head). It is a fool who cannot see where they have made mistakes and where they could have improved. As usual I get more out of the threads than I ever put in and it was during that process of examining the feedback, that the obvious hit me (or it might have been the hatchet), a little late it's true. The most surprising thing was that no one else seemed to see it. Alison came closest, when she referred to the content of the threads at that time, but did not really focus on it exactly.

The change to shorter, chatty exchanges, directed and addressed to individuals (if we can at least agree that is the change of tone, I was referring to), has only been apparent since our experiments with the various Mudcat Chat rooms.

In those places time is a major factor and this sort of exchange becomes the normal way of conducting business there. The tendency to be more interested in who is there, is far more important than what is actually being said. It is difficult, if not impossible to conduct a sensible conversation (unless you go off to a private room, which somewhat defeats the object of being there) as people are constantly arriving and leaving and you spend more time saying hello and goodbye more than anything else. The problem of excluding people there, is not really a factor as you can see who is there with you and it is only those people that will see what you say. Your words (such as they are) will not be recorded for posterity. Humour is very important there but everything is conducted on a pretty superficial level and it is not a place for profound thoughts.

I don't sound too biased, do I? I personally do not like them for those reasons and for more that I can't think of at the moment, but they do have there uses and do serve a purpose. It does enable you to get to know people a little better than here and I would suggest is a better place to do that. Having seen how much you can squeeze or paste in to that little text box on the Mudcat Personal Messages, I would recommend that as a method too.

The forum is different. it is not in real time, there are no time constraints and you can take as long as you like to say pretty much what you like. It is more important here, what is being said, rather than who is saying it. You can walk around for two days before replying. Everyone will see it and it will be recorded and can be refreshed at any time. If a post is addressed to someone personally and doesn't concern all who will read it, is not really using the strengths of the forum. I am not suggesting that this is never done in the forum. It would make it a less friendly place. It has always been done and it is part of the attraction for me too, but may be we didn't know, or want to know each other as well as we appear to want to now? We didn't have alternative methods for real time contact in the past, but we do now.

I suppose it might 'ruffle a few feathers' and it would certainly 'clog' things up, if in you were to go to a chat room and post all the words to 'Sir Patrick Spens' or ask for information on the Easter Island nose flute. That would not be it's strength.

We can't put the cork back in the bottle and some change is inevitable, but if it is not inevitable, we can decide whether it is desirable. The extent of that change is up to us.

All I am really asking is, do we want The Mudcat Forum to become just another 'chat' room?

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: AlistairUK
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 06:19 AM

NOW...can we let it get shoved down the thread list? Sheesh...and Shamb stop walking around with that damned phoney hatchet...oh..sorry , it's not phoney,eh? Ha*ahem*

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: AlistairUK
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 06:17 AM

Oh YES OH YES!!! THREAD CREEP I LOOOOOOOOVE IT bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 02:19 AM

This community is getting flat out scary! Jeez Roger, two (expletive deleted) days and five of us thought you'd been evicted, two were convinced that you were in prison, nine thought you might be taken in the over-age draft, and at least one was convinced you were terminal and letting us down easy before visiting the Kevorkians for cocktails. It's understandable how Mick got us confused since we (somewhat) share the same body type, but be advised that I'll never leave home again without seeing if there's at least one 'catter in the vicinity of my destination.

Mick, sincerest sympathies. Man, have I been there, and I know what a downer it is. You're right of course. They knew exactly what they were doing, and when to do it. They also knew that speakers and amps are much easier to turn over quickly than instruments. If they are experienced, the stuff will go in a lock-up for 3 to 6 months and then along with a lot of other ripped off equipment will go in a classified ad as "studio closing..great deals on equipment" or "band breaking up......" It's much harder and FAR less profitable for them to use pawn shops these days. To this day I still keep my eye out for an unusual gray oblong hardshell case with my custom Guild 12 in it. Course it's been many years and if I did see it, I'm not sure what I'd do, cause I'm sure whoever owns it now has no idea it was stolen. Oh well, for the audience, it WAS a perfect night. I'll dedicate "jesse James" or "Pretty Boy Floyd" to your band on the radio tomorrow night.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 12:07 AM

Thought this thread was dead, but it has returned for a good reason. Welcome back Big RiB. See what happens when you get people counting on you around here? Next time we expect to know exactly where you're going and when you'll be back! And if you're going to be late, a phone call would be nice. This is your last chance young man and I don't want this type of thing happening again!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 12:03 AM

OOPS, I meant to say "Glad you are back, ROGER".

MICK

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 11:47 PM

Glad you are back, Rick. Yep, you worried us a wee bit. Glad you had a great weekend. My band, The Conklin Ceili Band, had one of our finest gigs ever. It was just one of those times that even the mistakes sound good, we were just talking to each other through our instruments, the harmonies were phenomenal and we had the audience in the palm of our hand. You know the type. We broke down, had a quick pint and came out to the truck to find that someone had stolen our main speakers and our bass players amp. $1800.00 worth gone in about 5 minutes. We figure they had cased us while we performing. Really threw a bucket of cold water on an otherwise fantastic evening. Shit............I hate it when this happens. If they had gotten my '63 Guild 12 string I would have called Fielding for advice. He knows all about getting guitars stolen. ******LOL*****

Mick

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 09:23 PM

I'm back. As I reread my post and those that followed, I realize that I left my goodbye open-ended. What I really meant to say was that I was going to Marge's house and out to a couple of singing events and would not be back for about two days. Well, as a confirmed Mudcat addict, two days seemed like an eternity and I don't think I'll be able to read all the went on while I was gone.

Thanks to Catspaw, Rick, Big Mick, and Katlaughing for all the nice things you said, and thanks to those who didn't post, but worried. I will try to be more clear next time about where I'm going.

Did have a wonderful weekend of music: an open mike Friday night, a paying gig at a church coffeehouse Saturday, and providing second guitar and harmonies for my son's girlfriend at her church. All three were good-times.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 09:48 PM

Very attractive, Sham. If ya' leave it there, soon it will be all the rage in the fashion world!***Big Grin***!!!

katlaughing in balance

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 09:45 PM

It is in my head.*smiles*

Love to you all.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 08:16 PM

Just so ya' all know, the hatchet, as far as i am concerned, has been buried. May it rest in peace.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Banjer
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 07:53 PM

I'll probably get run out of town for this, but my two cents have not yet hit the table. No place, real or cybervillage, would long exist without change. Like a non-moving body of water it would soon become stagnant, without the sparkle of life. Let us ALL be like a flowing brook, babbling along at will. (Yes, babbling was a pun intended, and NO I have no idea who will is so this is not a private message to any one person. TIC, NOI) Gawd why can't I keep my mouth shut? Love it here....

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: bbc
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 07:25 PM

Sorry, folks, not quite done yet--P.S. to settle Rick. Yes, I admit that I, too, sent personal mail to Shambles, but not to air concerns--merely to agree w/ some of his points after he started this thread. You will notice that, on 9 April, I also posted publicly. Some of us do both. To briefly reiterate, my plea was for balance--public & private posting, folk music & chatty threads, personal & group communications. I enjoy the diversity of personality & interest among us & have gotten attached to many of you. I agree w/ Shambles that we might get past some of these difficulties if people would sometimes post privately when what they are saying really only concerns 1 person. I hope there is a place here for all of us--from spontaneous, punny, risque folks even to slightly dull librarians who don't play instruments, but still enjoy folk music. Let's just give each other permission to be different & get on w/ the good stuff!!!

best always,

bbc

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: AlistairUK
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 02:42 PM

oi! who you calling human? I'm a possum eating hamster from the planet CvtyIV I'll have you know.

Alistair( trying to bring a lighthearted end to this thread in a way that has got nothing to do with anything else) UK

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 02:13 PM

Curious, and somewhat unsettling end (for me anyway) of this thread. Like Katlaughing, I'm still wondering.... and with the news, long into the thread that others have also e-mailed Shambles with concerns that they'd rather keep private....it feels like a bit of gasoline sprinkled on dying embers. Sure does prove were human though.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Mo
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 12:22 PM

'Nuff said, as far as I'm concerned Big Mick - how about we all let this lie now rather than split the family? And now, on with the music.....

Mo

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 10:58 AM

I hope you will forgive me but this thread is getting tiresome. I have lurked on it and have given a great deal of thought to all the views, but it is starting to remind me of an RUS session that someone happened to walk in on. If you don't sing the way the book says, then there is something wrong. I mean no offense when I say this, but doesn't it seem a bit silly to try to control the way people decide to have conversation. Most of the time, I take great enjoyment out of the personal interaction between the folks you are referring to without referring to. Katlaughing, Catspaw, LEJ and the rest. The few times that it gets bothersome, I just enjoy it. It is just human interaction in our town. Those of us that have been around a bit know that things go in cycles around here. For a while you will have chatty threads, then up will pop a serious discussion, then we get back to the music, and so on. Admittedly I prefer the music threads, and the topical discussion threads because they are about the events which spawn "folk" music, but I take great pleasure out of the chatty ones and laugh uproariously when these wicked minds take off on condoms or some other such things. MO, I have missed your contributions to this community and hope that you will stay with us. We are diminished when you are gone. Just understand that, like any other community we are evolving daily. This place has been enriched by the newcomers. It is like I said in another thread, celebrate that which is different about each of us, and worship that which we have in common. Such as our love of this place and our music, and hopefully, each other.

All the best to ALL of you,

Big and Preachy old Mick

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 10:11 AM

Dear Shambles,

Rather than innuendos and semi-accusations, why don't you or Mo either "out with it" or send a personal messages to those of us who are supposedly guilty, so that we can ALL try to work this out?

I don't think the posts, so far, serve any purpose except to make people wonder if they are the culprits and/or whether they are not wanted on here, or if they are to try to second-guess themselves everytime they go to post.

In the meantime, I'll keep my mouth shut lest I offend someone.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 09:56 AM

First off. I would like to thank Mo for her post, which I think under the circumstances (for which I was entirely responsible for), was a very brave thing to do. I wish to apologise to her here, as I wish to make it quite clear that, she did not ask me to do anything and was not aware, that I had or was intending to say anything. She is obviously more than capable of making her own views very clear.

Mo's was not the only personal message I received on the subject and it is to this method of communication I wish to comment. We would appear to be in danger of getting them around the wrong way.

There was a post in the thread, making some good points and also suggesting that this method is a better one for communicating to an individual, rather than ones addressed to one individual on the forum. To my astonishment, there immediately after, began a series of posts addressed to one individual, that surely would have been better being served by using the personal messages, after all is that not what the facility exists for?

Or is it as MO says?

the increasing number of messages in threads, mainly from newer people, which are addressed solely to one person (usually another newer person), which don't take the "conversation" on any further, but soley serve to show off how "smart" and "in the know" the responder is, and if you want examples you need look no further than some of the responses in the first couple of days of this thread.

If my tone comes over as accusing of individuals, I am sorry, that is not my intention, it is just my general observation. We don't have to agree with people here, it's just nice if we can respect each others views and enable a situation where we feel safe and leave enough space to air them..... In the forum and not in the personal messages.

New or old, we don't have to try TOO hard to belong here, if you want to be here, then you DO belong.

I have not singled out any individual here, except for poor old Joe and Joe himself made the point that, post like these make everyone feel that they have done something wrong. .....Which maybe is not such a bad thing as we all could do, whatever we do better, couldn't we?

Despite that I do appear to have become a prude and find myself tied to a possum with Catspaw?

LEJ, writes

I think that there are also sub-groups of individuals with common backgrounds, or senses of humor, or nationalities, or even folks with nothing in common except they enjoy a good argument.I see a lot of this as an opportunity to "lurk and learn.

I think the above just about sums it up. Sorry if I continue to labour the point.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: LEJ
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 01:38 AM

Hey Mo! Good post. And I don't know about you, but part of the fun of this is posting something you are proud of, and having somebody respond directly to you. As a result, the more outgoing people probably get to know one another more quickly, whether they like or dislike that individual. I don't think there is any intent to leave out the more infrequent posters, or to ignore the mudcateers as a whole. I think that there are also sub-groups of individuals with common backgrounds, or senses of humor, or nationalities, or even folks with nothing in common except they enjoy a good argument.I see a lot of this as an opportunity to "lurk and learn." Example the "Limeys"- I get a kick out of the threads where Bert, Steve Parkes, Alistair, Penny, Lion, Shambles et al get going on some obscure topic. It's like sitting at a table in a cozy pub in Christchurch or Birmingham and eavesdropping on the party at the next table...LEJ

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 12:24 AM

Truthfully Mo, did I snub you? I don't recall it. If so, I apologize. If you read my long winded post to this thread, I've tried to explain...and I wouldn't hurt a soul. I'm generally sensitive to hurt feelings...if I'm your problem have at it, I don't do repecussions or strike backs. I agree with kat's post and with Rick's too...and yes I do sometimes go over the top...that's all in that other post......Look, the only thing that angers me as I've often stated is the way we treat each other. So if you have a problem with me, say what, I'll listen and let's move on. Life's far too short for hard or hurt feelings.

All My Best,

catspaw

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 11:46 PM

Hi Mo, good to hear from you. Well, we've all had a few days to ponder what we've contributed to this thread (your leaving DID get the temperature rising all right!) and I've thought long and hard about what I said. Basically in a few million (somewhat desperate, I now see) words, I was yelling "No, no, this is great, I love it here, don't change a thing! C'mon, can't we all take a joke? Hey, it's allright to discuss politics, don't let the swearing or the scatalogical references bother you," and in general, sounding like someone who was scared that the dynamics that HE had become comfortable with, might change ever so slightly. Well, it's been that much fun for me to be part of this community, and I think a bit of self-interest took hold. (I'm attempting to shoo it back out the window as I speak)
You've made a great point about trying to talk to the group as much as possible, and I hear you loud and clear. Doesn't mean I'm going to jump into discussions on Gaelic songs or whaling ballads ('cause I'm too Canadian and landlocked to boot) or stay away from instrument threads and silly pun sessions, it just means that for a while I'm going to keep your concerns circulating in the old brain (Can't remember which side though...golf clubs, or rake.)

Thanks, Rick

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 11:36 PM

Mo:

I am sorry if I am one of those newbies you are refering to. The only reason I list a message or several to individuals in my postings is so that they know I have read what they said and that I want to either thank them or respond to a specific. I consider it respectful and also the kind thing to acknowledge what they might have said to me directly or how they've responded to a thread I personally started. I have no way of knowing how long anyone else has been a Mudcatter, so have not based any of those on whether someone was new or not. I in no way meant it to be cliquey.

As in any community, there will be people who just naturally gravitate to certain others for whatever reason. Naturally they enjoy visiting with that person, but here at the Mudcat, I've felt almost everybody enjoys hearing what each other has to say. I have sent a couple of personal messages to members whose posts I appreciated, ones who are not always on here and I've never heard a word back. Did it hurt my feelings or make me feel unwanted, sort of and no. I tried to plant a seed. As the "ground" wasn't fertile, I moved on to others.

As to people being clever on here. That is one of the things I enjoy the most. I don't think any one person is trying to be a show-off and generally it all seems to be taken in stride, tongue-in-cheek. But, I am a newbie, so maybe you think I've been doing those very things, even with this writing.

If so, again, I apologise. All the best in the health situation.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Mo
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 08:23 PM

Okay, It's 'fess up time - I feel quite responsible for this thread as I was the one who originally messaged The Shambles with my concerns. I will readily admit that my sense of humour is not what it usually is at present, due to a family illness which now (Thank God) seem to be on the mend. But that aside, there was a change in tone over the past month or so, and I really didn't feel like I belonged anymore.

When I discovered the Mudcat about nine months ago, like so many people before and since, it was like I had found a place I could feel at home - I loved it. I joined in conversations, made mistakes (let's not mention Bob Dylan....), and learnt from those around me. Part of the joy of this place, as has been mentioned so many times, is that a diversity of opinion, spirit and attitude is welcomed here. I love that - it's great! However, one of the very best things about this place is that until recently, everybody talked to everybody else. You may not always agree with what they say, but everyone was included. There were no cliques. I think what has really put me off recently is the increasing number of messages in threads, mainly from newer people, which are addressed solely to one person (usually another newer person), which don't take the "conversation" on any further, but soley serve to show off how "smart" and "in the know" the responder is, and if you want examples you need look no further than some of the responses in the first couple of days of this thread... I'm delighted that new folk are finding their way to the cafe all the time - it's what it's about, I was welcomed here myself, I will do no less in return. I'm even more delighted that you feel so at home you want to join in, but all I ask is you talk to all of us - not just each other. The odd personal one-on-one exchange has never been a problem - but let's not make it our only method of communication. Sorry this has gone on so long, but I do feel so strongly about this - the Mudcat is a terrific place and we ALL make it that way. I hated feeling excluded from a place I had grown to love. Cheers,

Mo

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 08:03 PM

Well, geez, guys! Me, too, Roger! They stole all of the good lines! I did really like and appreciate what posted above and wish you well in all things. I always read your posts and enjoy them so much.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 07:46 PM

Roger,

You are one of those whose posts I always read. One of those whom I count among my cyber friends. We may not always agree, but that is what friends are for. All that is just a prelude to say that I hope all is well, and you are just going away on business or something. I know I have been more or less lurking for a while, it is just because my life is so hectic. I hope that is all that is going on with you as well.

Come home soon.

Mick

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 07:17 PM

Not my business either, but that's two of us who'll miss you. Can you give us a hint?

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 04:45 PM

I hope you're going away for an enjoyable time and not something else...No I don't mean you're insulted...I know better than that. I will personally miss you as your posts always have a nice summarizing way to them; you always see the whole picture. No, I was just wondering if everything else is alright...I know it's not my business, but I can't help asking.

All the Best,

catspaw

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 04:26 PM

bbc,

Oh, bbc, I think many of us do. And what better permanent and cumulative record than one that has not been self-censored and pre-screened. I believe we struggle with two agendas in life, one, is to be a unique and independent individual, and the other is to be part of a group. The most freeing, joyful events in life are where you get to be a unique and independent individual and some group, Hey, Matey, your allright, sit yourself down and stay awhile.

I'll be away for a while, but I just had to "mark my territory" before I left. Is all this cat ('Cat, CAT) stuff contagious?

Love to you all, like many others, I miss you when I'm gone.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: bbc
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 10:31 AM

What's coming through to me is that, though we share an interest in folk music--some professionally & some just personally--that is not the only aspect to our personalities (no joke!). Once we get to know each other through the folk music aspect, it's nice to be able to share some of the other parts of our personalities & lives, as well. I really like there being a mix in the threads--some strictly music & some not--& I get a kick out of the banter back & forth, on or off-subject. Perhaps some of the messages would be better sent as personal mail (Plug for the email site!) or not. Language offends some; generally, I think that's their problem; we hear it on the street every day, anyway. One thing to consider, though, & I've voiced this to a few privately--when you post on the Mudcat, you are leaving a permanent(?) & cumulative record of who you are. Sometimes, I wonder if some of you consider that before you post?

best to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 05:48 AM

Kat and all.

I am sorry about the last one, I has been hard month in the world, to try and make sense of. I slept on it and then read Kat's and Alistair's postings

Alistair

Thanks for that, what you said was spot on and is what I meant to say. I hope something turns up on the job front for you. (That's NOT because you will be able to contribute less) *smiles*

I know you all, from other threads as well this one, to be an intelligent, caring, and knowledgable bunch. I suppose I just want to expose and expand that to as many people as possible and for them not to put off in the way that Alistair describes he has been in other places.

This place is special, can we all just work to keep it that way?

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 09:17 PM

An arithmetic correction: If every regular visitor to Mudcat.org could be relieved of ONE dollar per YEAR, we'd be in fine shape. We're never going to put a turnstile on Mudcat or Digitrad, but we'd appreciate any suggestions (or money, for that matter). Maybe record sales will do the trick. Meanwhile, tell your friends that if they're going to order from CDNOW, or AMAZON, or B&N or any of our other sponsors, it won't cost them more to buy through this site. And it will help keep Mudcat healthy.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 08:18 PM

Sham, no that was NOT all I read in your postings. Just what I felt like commenting on. Was trying to articulate what others were saying, but obviously I mis-read and/or had my foot in my mouth. I've been told before that I may contract hoof and mouth disease at any time! Looks like maybe I did! sorry.

katl

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: AlistairUK
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 07:08 PM

OK, i have been coming into the cat for less than a month now. I already feel part of the community ( wether you are all too polite to shut my gob and blow on out of town I don't know), simply I think because I find everything fascinating on here. The diversity and the openess of the people within this community is amazing. I have found it to be the most accessible and open site that I have ever encountered in the 4 plus years that I have been surfing the net. I have been in Forums for science fiction where they only talk about science fiction, if you aren't into it then you aren't welcome. If you don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre you are considered a dork. I have been in history and archaological forums where the same applies. I had to work hard to get accepted into those forums in the first place only to discover that my thoughts and opinions weren't valued.
Mudcat is the first free forum that I have ever encountered, where people are welcomed and accepted by everyone, views are expressed, songs and music, and techniques and problems have been discussed, but also politics, feelings therapy, experiences and yes...God Forbid...Humour.
As with any community, sometimes things evolve that exclude newcomers. I was lucky I had the patience and time to explore the forum and the people on the forum and got to know them through the threads and posts that they made here. I was not discouraged. As I said I have been into a lot tougher forums that were practically exclusive. Sometimes things happen that are in-jokes, discussions that have gone on before, people who have known each other longer than others. You have no idea how jealous I feel about you guys that live near to each other and get to see each other now and again, i can't do that. If I were a different type of person I would write that off as cliqueness and haul my butt out the door. What can I do for the Mudcat? This is a big question. I have recently lost my job ( this is why I spend so much time on here) so a financial contribution is really out of the question at the moment ( the comp time is free by the way, a generous arrangement with a guy I know) so all I can do is keep coming in and contributing this way until such a time as I can afford to make a financial contribution (and believe me when that day comes in the not too distant future, it is a priority). Until then I will just be a little obscure, try and help with any information I can and generally try and make people feel welcome. Shamb, your message was received loud and clear the first time. Forgive me my levity in what I thought was actually a fortuitous and brilliant thread idea. And I managed to write this without once swearing, I am proud of that actually.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 06:38 PM

If that is what you understood, from all the careful thought and care that I put into this thread, then I have not said it very well at all.

Oh well, if you can't beat 'em' join 'em'.

Let us all just fuckin go, and blow up a possum's ass!

Have I made my point now? I just must have been useing the wrong language.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 05:33 PM

Shambles, I think you put it well and it was understood. I do understand what you are saying, but not all of us want to be just like Joe, nor should we. What makes the MUDCAT what it is IS the diversity of people, opinions, outlooks, rhetoric, experiences, etc. that are allowed expression on here, yet usually, do not get out of hand and in each other's faces as can happen in the "real" world.

If all the world were covered with only white daisies, scientists have discovered, there would be a great change in temperature, climate, etc. I know that this is simplifying what you said, but if all the Mudcatters were Joe-Clones, it would definitely be a very different Mudcat.(No offense, Joe, ya' know we love ya' and *ewe* two, Shambles!)

katlaughing, joining Catspaw in the "catty-corner"!

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: The Shambles
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 02:25 PM

I rest my case.

It does not appear that how many ways I try to say it or how well it is said to be understood, that it is not going to make any difference.

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:37 AM

I'm strangely worried 'Paw, that I always find your jokes, admonitions, ramblings, and general nonsense crystal clear. This is troubling. And me without the money for therapy!

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: AlistairUK
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:32 AM

catspaw is continually offending me, he offended me in his last posting on this thread. What can I say, I love the guy...er...guys...er...whatever (how many personalities have you discovered so far 'paw?). Maybe it's just my masochistic personality that gets off on him insulting me...hey this could turn into a BDSM site...naaahh perhaps not...folkies in leather and PVC, chains and gags, I just don't see it. But I think Joe would look just cute with one of those ball gags on. But just let him get on with his blowin'up a possums ass research and cletus will be down with his twelve bore over and under to sort out your problems.

The answer my friend
Is blowin'up a possum's ass...

*sigh*

Subject: RE: Think Not What Your Mudcat Can Do For You etc
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:23 AM

I would never turn down such prestigious award as "Mudcateer Most Likely to Go Over The Top." And it's true. I have an extremely strange sense of humor and things that strike me funny often get stares in return. Roger is right, some things are funny to him, some are a bit over, and some are like a bowl of Quaker Puffed Rice. I really don't go through and say, "Gee, what funny things can I say about this," on every thread. It's just the way I read something and it cracks me up, but it may not be funny to anyone else. It's also true that I am a cynical curmudgeon whose responses may be a bit humorful, but also sarcastic. Too many years of reading George S. Kaufman, Lenny Bruce, Ambrose Bierce, Groucho Marx, Woody Allen, and listening to George Carlin and Richard Pryor will give you a distorted sense of humor. But you can be a bit sarcastic and still be friendly; go read the "Curtis and Loretta" thread.

LEJ also brings up my multiple swings in tone and that's a part of me too. He also stated that it keeps many people off balance...and that's true too. Keeping people off balance is a lot of fun to me, because we all really want to understand, classify things, be in control. It's the one skill that also made me a top 10 sales rep with two different Fortune 500's. (In an effort to regain our control, we "take charge" and make decisions...salespeople can deal with any decision, but indecisivness just kills them...try it when you go to buy something. Even if you know exactly what you want, negotiate around for a different one...then when it looks like you are about to buy---swap to another and negotiate...then a third, back to the first, back to the third, then the second...THEN what you want......the guy will be so nuts he'll give it to you!)

So if I inadvertently offend or upset someone I want to say with all sincerity and humility, Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke..uh,no, that's not it...I want to say I'm sorry. Actually I'm not, but what else can I say? (and now you're confused about that last sentence..is he or isn't he?) Multiple personality disorder...gotta' see a shrink. Matter of fact, here comes another ......

Hey there bubbas...I want to say to Ol Shambles that regardless of what that other dumb suhbich is sayin', I think we all git your point boy. And this here thread is gittin' so's yuh cain't hardly load the sucker without yuh should have time to take a trip down the path and shake the dew off'n your lily. Sham, we all love your posts, but this one yuh been tryin' ta say so many ways you're kinda killin' a gnat with an A-bomb. Unnerstan' now, I ain'ta sayin' that dog don't hunt 'cause it been a right fine hound, but I'se a thinkin' the suckers about dead...specially after that Fielding boy went off the deep end. So tie him up out back and git him a big ol' bowl of table scrap and some praise for a good job. Well that'll 'bout doer I reckon...the other guy's got to work on the pantry.

catspaw