Can We Get Back To Music

Subject: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Alex
Date: 16 May 99 - 01:25 AM

It seems to me that there are fewer threads on music and a whole bunch of crap on political and "Chat" threads. Is there some way that the spurious stuff can be put on a separate section of the Mudcat and the music threads are on their own. I feel we can still argue the political implications of a SONG but the idiots seem to be taking control of the site.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 May 99 - 01:32 AM

Alex: where have you been? This was recently addressed

here

and there was a counter one called "more BS". Plenty of reading there and recent.

As was pointed out in one of them, you are free to read or not read, to start any threads you want, on music or whatever. Some of us feel the need to counter what some of the more conservative Mudders might be saying; you yourself got rather personal in another thread about that.

Please give the above thread a read..

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 May 99 - 01:53 AM

Any idea who sang or wrote it?

The title does seem familiar.

Alex

One person's idiot, is another's knowledgable folk buff.

YAWN.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: reggie miles
Date: 16 May 99 - 03:02 AM

Get Back To Where We Once Belonged, oh yes that's a Beatle's song isn't it? Alex, I've only been here a short time myself but it seems to me there are endless threads about all kinds of music and music related stuff each day I gaze at this site and if there isn't enough there for you to sink your brain into, you can, as was mentioned above, post more, just let your fingers do the tappin' on your keyboard and hit the "submit message" box below when you're through. The rest of us will be happy to delve into the inner most reaches of our inner most reaches to help you explore all those musical mysteries, to the best of our respective abilities. That's all there is to it and all that needs to be done. It's easy. The Beatles had another good song that went something like this. And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. There was a thread called second favorite site, or something like that, where folks posted other web sites that were interesting to them. Upon exploring this "non-musical" thread I discovered that someone posted a site that was for people who enjoyed building their own instruments. Being new at this webb thing, I was happy I had poked my head into that thread.

This is how you get there.

Fixed by a Joe clone

I guess what I'm gettin' at is that if you click your mouse on enough threads you're bound to find somethin' and the odds are pretty good at the Mudcat that it'll be at least related to music in some way. So get clickin' and I'll be lookin' forward to discussin' the finer points of hen scratchin's and other musical madness with you in the future. Reggie

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: reggie miles
Date: 16 May 99 - 03:08 AM

Oh darn, my link language wasn't correct. The address is http://www.mimf.com and I thought I was following the correct procedure for turning it into a blue clicky thing too. Oh well, it's back to the books for me.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 May 99 - 06:04 AM

Sorry Alex

I was feeling a little 'grumpity' this morning.

In truth I think the balance is about right now, but it will vary. The best thing to do is be positive, as Reggie suggests and start the sort of thread that interests you.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 06:13 AM

Actually, Alex, in a broad sense this IS ALL about music. The folks that are discussing that which is being discussed range anywhere from "amateur plunkers" to very accomplished musicians. It would follow then that if this diverse group feels that these subjects are OK to discuss, then they must be in some way related to their interests which of course, is music. Life goes full circle for the open minded. Those with a one track mind cannot find pleasure in the diversity life has to offer. This is one IDIOT that happens to enjoy the varied subjects offered here. Add to that the fact that we discuss as intelligent, rational people rather than argue is what keeps this IDIOT coming back. (We also always make an effort not to resort to the childish and immature act of namecalling, it serves no good purpose) Have A Nice Day!!

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: bbc
Date: 16 May 99 - 08:34 AM

Many of us post to a variety of threads in the same time period. Life is made of more than music, even on a folk music bulletin board. As has been stated, you have the right & opportunity to choose what you read. I, personally, think that variety is wonderful & that we are a rich community. I hope you find your own place, Alex, & that you'll be happy there. As kat said, we recently discussed the issue of pure music or mix & the vast majority of those who chose to post favored the mix. Now, I feel no guilt.

love to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Alice
Date: 16 May 99 - 10:51 AM

We've had this discussion several times in the two years I have been posting to the Mudcat. It used to be sparked by someone asking for a song that wasn't folk or blues, and then the discussion would begin regarding what topics should be "allowed" on the forum. THAT discussion would usually spin off into something like, What is folk?... then to lighten things up, we would start telling urban legend stories, or some such thing. The personal life accounts that are part of the discussion is what keeps things interesting. If the forum became just a list of lyrics, chords, historical data, and links, it would have no flavor of real life and the personalities who partake of the Mudcat.

If you aren't interested in a thread, don't read it. There will always be requests for information about performers, lyrics, tunes, or instruments that keep the focus on music.

alice

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 16 May 99 - 02:04 PM

When I first saw the title of this thread this noon, I did a quick count of "music" versus "BS" threads on today's list. The count was 43 "music" threads, 4 pertaining to Mudcat matters (HTML, etc.), and 7 "BS" (most of those relating to our concerns and prayers for one of our beloved participants, Catspaw). I would think that percentage should be good enough for Alex and GASP and the others who apparently find less need for the "community" aspect of this wonderful Mudcat enterprise. I, for one, will attach a "BS" warning to any thread I start in the future that does not deal exclusively with folk music. That ought to help them determine what to skip over as they scan the list.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 16 May 99 - 03:41 PM

Although I was appalled at the insensitivity shown in the timing of this thread, after about 10 minutes a small grin started to appear. "Robin Mudcat and his merry band of idiots". Why shucks I'd be right proud to be a member of THIS band. My brothers Reg. Reg. and Reg., will handle the huntin' and ice fishin' til' Buford and Cletus get back.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Penny S.
Date: 16 May 99 - 07:51 PM

Banjer, one effect of our national curriculum is that I now know what an idiot is, and you are definitely not one. An idiot was someone who was not concerned in the affairs of the community, someone who was only concerned for his own narrow interests (his, in that society). It's related to the words idiosyncrasy, and idiom. You are clearly a concerned member of this community, ergo, not an idiot.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Banjer
Date: 16 May 99 - 08:01 PM

Well thank you Penny S. None of us on here are idiots, not by a long shot. We are all a concerned group of folks, interested in our fellow beings and the events that change all our daily lives, which as stated before, is the heart and soul of the folk music which draws us all together. I almost feel bad for those so narrow minded that they cannot feel the caring and love that has transpired in some of the threads in recent weeks. They are missing so much, aren't they?

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: bbelle
Date: 16 May 99 - 11:16 PM

Me thinks what is bothering me most about these folks who indulge in name-calling is that they are faceless. I respect the person who has the courage to call me a dingbat or idiot to my face. Actually, I've never even been called dingbat or idiot. Now ... I've been called cranky, irritable, and bitchy at times, and always to my face. I can live with that. But don't talk behind my back and don't do it in a faceless manner. It you bothered to go back and check out some of the BS threads, you will see that we are an opinionated bunch and love nothing better than a good spar. I'm going to have to quit posting to these goofy threads because I know I'm saying the same thing over and over, just changing the words. But, you get my drift ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Don Meixner
Date: 16 May 99 - 11:46 PM

My Dad once called me an "Idjit" but I've never been called cranky. I gues I'm with Moonchild here. I don't use a screen name because when I say something I want people to know its from Don Meixner and not Woodywannabee or Captain Capo. Its a personal thing with me and I mean absolutly no disrespect towards you fine folks who use screen names. I understand the security issues involved. But I refuse to be faceless especially when I criticize or make a statement that requires comment.

Don

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 17 May 99 - 12:17 AM

This thread seems a bit ironical. I thought that perhaps it would be something about music.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 17 May 99 - 01:51 AM

Mudcat is about music people, not only words and notes on a page.
Moonchild, don't you dare stop posting.
Don: a big 10-4 to that!

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Mudjack
Date: 17 May 99 - 02:26 AM

Thats Mudslinging on our characters and I take special pride in being an IDIOT. Anybody know the words to that song?
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 17 May 99 - 08:36 AM

Banjer's right. In the broadest sense it is all about music, just as Einstein not being able to remember which house he lived in was obscurely related to his quest to unravel the fabric of the universe. Personally I pop on here at times to get a question answered (and to the credit of this cyber-community, I've never been disappointed), but it's always nice to know incidentals about the source from which it comes. That's what puts the answer to your music-related question into perspective. At no extra charge.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Bert
Date: 17 May 99 - 09:58 AM

Hi Alex,

Well this all started as a music site, but as we got to know each other we started talking about other things. Life in general, putting the world to rights, cooking, urban legends, jokes, and so on. You know thats just the sort of thing that happens at a sing or a party, people start with singing but eventually the chatting starts and people go off into corners and have their own conversations.

So welcome to our party, that's how we are. You want to talk music? GREAT, you will find the best discussions in the world on this site. And if we don't know everything, we don't care, we'll still give our opinions, right or wrong.

Remember the word 'folk' means 'people' and it includes everything that people do. I personally think it's all relevant and appropriate. There are many threads that I don't read, f'rinstance, I don't real all the gaelic ones 'cos I don't speak gaelic, but I don't bitch about other people posting them.

So stick around, read what you want and say what you want.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Moonchild
Date: 17 May 99 - 05:04 PM

Rick & Don ... I've never been one to hide behind the cloak of anonymity; unfortunately, I've had to resort to using a "stage" name because of being stalked via personal email by a person who occasionally posts to the mudcat. I also had Max delete any personal info about me. 'tis a sad state of affairs, ain't it!!! moonchild

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Martin _Ryan
Date: 17 May 99 - 05:18 PM

I've been watching the level of BS build-up over the past few weeks. I had almost reached the stage where I had had (parse that!)enough of the current (partly understandable) American preoccupation with matters to which folk song and music is fairly incidental when..... along came a couple of very interesting threads, queries and answers. So I'm still here.

I suspect I'm not alone in my ambivalence. I hope the Mudcat can keep up its wide-ranging scope and inclusivity, while focussing on the music and song. Otherwise there will be one sad Irishman fading into the background - and I doubt if he'll be alone.

Regards

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 May 99 - 05:31 PM

Martin,

Please don't leave! It is the international community of the Mudcat that makes it so special.

I have to say, though, that American or not, the problems facing children of the world today, are or should be of concern to all of us, with or without the tragedy in Colorado. Yes, we Americans can tend to be a little self-centered and brash, but we are, after all, still a very young country.

Also, as has been said in various other threads, it can be hard to separate the music from the politics of daily lives in society. There've been several threads about this, specific to Ireland, which were very informative and interesting.

Also, to everyone: I think, in general, the "BS" is a misnomer. By the looks of it, most of the threads originally protested about, dealt with worldy and regional problems of interest to many, as they garnered many postings. Problems many of us feel pertain directly to music and the life we might lead through music.

I, too, hope the Mudcat can keep its "wide-ranging scope and inclusivity" while we all remain tolerant of one anothers' interests.

A man I once knew had a septic tank cleaning service. His slogan was, "Your sh*& is my bread and butter!" A little crude, but perhaps it could be paraphrased to "one person's BS is another person's interest".

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Bert
Date: 17 May 99 - 05:32 PM

Just re-read the first message again.

Here's Alex complaining about non musical threads and HE'S starting one. And he calls US idiots!!

Bert :-) Gotcha Alex!

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 May 99 - 05:44 PM

Kat's septic tank slogan and Bert's observation made me think of the sign in the opticians window.

If you can't read this sign, then you are in the right place.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Alex
Date: 17 May 99 - 10:22 PM

Yeah, I read the other posts. I was suggesting a way of having a music side and a chat/BS side. Although no-one's going to admit that they are posting BS. And Touche!, Bert, I shall now disappear in a puff of logic!

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:35 AM

Funny, I've seen several admittedly BS threads started recently.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 18 May 99 - 12:55 AM

Moonchild. What a sad state of affairs. I am truly sorry that you've had to protect yourself here - but believe me, I understand. Although I'm a lefty (hence, AK 47 control) I'm NOT a pacifist, and thinking that a cyber-stalker finds comfort in THIS community angers me greatly. I believe that with VERY few exceptions this is one hell of a group of folks.
P.S...I'm also anti-Hollywood greed, so I ain't THAT "left".
rick

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From:
Date: 18 May 99 - 06:31 AM

Don, I choose my nom d'mudcat on the basis of old UNIX habits--not to leave a space. There was another "Murray" at the time, and I hate the custom of refering to people by their last names. The only time I wish to be faceless is when I have to buy new razor blades.

Sandy, your "BS" classification leaves out music that is not "folk". Perhaps you should use "NF" (not folk) on all your postings that don't deal with folk music.

Murray

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Bert
Date: 18 May 99 - 08:49 AM

Hey,

Don't disappear Alex or we'll have to call you "Puff the magic Alex".

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 18 May 99 - 11:26 AM

The great thing about the folks who disappear in "puffs of logic", is that when they get bored or lonely and start to miss us, they can return with another pseudonym. Sort of cyber-re-incarnation. One thing 'bout us "idiots",(see beginning of thread) we're always happy to welcome someone back to the flock.

Subject: RE: Can We Get Back To Music
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 May 99 - 11:37 AM

Alex is a fine fellow and a guiding light of the Lake County Illinois Folk Club. He also digitally recorded the farewell party/wake that Bob Gibson tossed a week before Bob died. I must publicly thank Alex for providing me with a DAT tape of my rendition of Jerry Rasmussen's "Handful Of Songs" from those night's tapes so I could include it on my recent (only) CD.

Mr. Alex---THANK YOU! Here's hopin' we'll tip one together soon. Love to you & Sine,

Art