Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes

Subject: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:23 AM

After reading the "I'm Leavin" thread, I've got a couple of things running through my mind. I know some folks are hesitant to post because they find the familiarity that a number of Mudcatters share to be somewhat intimidating. I've been there. I "lurked" (I hate that word) for several weeks before posting anything. As I've mentioned before; outside a comfortable environment I'm still a very shy and often quite insecure person. Even though I've been passionately involved in folk music since I was 15, it still took a bit of a leap of faith to put that first posting in. If someone is easily offended or has a bit of a chip on their shoulder, they may not find Mudcat to their liking, but I've found there to be only ONE requirement neccessary to have a lot of fun here. PARTICIPATION.
If you're feeling a bit unsure, you can throw in two or three weeks worth of "That goes for me too" or "My guitar's a Martin". That kind of thing. If you go back a month or so in the threads you'll find SOMETHING right up your alley, and post a simple "yea or nay" comment. After a few weeks (it won't happen in two days) you'll find something neat happening. You'll be well on the way to becoming PART of that group you found so intimidating.
Within a couple of months YOU may be the mudcatter that welcomes a newcomer in. It DOES take guts at the beginning...but go for it! It's well worth it.
Rick

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:27 AM

I think my first look at Mudcat came in May. And I've never participated in any kind of online chat room or forum of any kind before, so I was very shy about jumping in. (Y'all can see how long THAT lasted...) I still don't "talk" much on the music threads, because I'm still such a student of music, and not much of an expert on anything but throwing back my head and singing. But I still enjoy reading the threads, even if I only stand by silently and scrolling. AND, I appreciate the "BS" designation, so no one has to click on and get frustrated by the lack of "on-topic" discussion. WW

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:34 AM

Off-topic? What on earth do you mean Wyo? An AKG, Audio-Technica, or Sennheisser microphone will be ok as well.
Rick

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:37 AM

Y'all wanta find out what fun is, post something uninformed on the Indiana Ballad list and don't cite any references... it may help if you're female too. I'm still smarting from that one.
And yes it was dumb of me to associate Oak and Ash with paganism and Peter Bellamy's tune (MODERN)and unforgiveable to leave out Kipling, for any of you that subscribe. All I can say it I provided a lot of people with the opportunity to tell me how dumb it was, and they enjoyed themselves immensely. Always glad to be helpful, thas me!
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Margo
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:45 AM

Heck, Rick. When I first started posting, I was careful to make sure it was music related. Then I kind of got a feel for the BS threads, and jumped in. I was quite shy at first, I guess that's normal.

Margarita

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:46 AM

Thanks, Rick. You bet your SM58!

WW

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: ddw in windsor
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 01:07 AM

Good points, Rick.

I'm not usually the shy type if there's something that interests me, but I got a pretty good case of the shakes after I saw the response to my first posting here. I got royally jumped on -- or, at least, thought I was royally jumped on -- for responding to a posting that was a joke as tho' it was serious. Took me a couple of days of reading threads and getting a better feel for this place before I ventured in again, but I sure am glad I stuck it out.

So far, this site has made me laugh a lot, cry sometimes and feel like there really are a lot of people out there who love music as much as I do. Never mind the differences of opinion occasionally -- that's what makes it interesting. If you or Katlaughing, 'Spaw, Joe O., Sandy or Art or any of a whole lot of other 'catters dropped out of my world now, I'd feel a loss.

ddw

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 01:43 AM

Like Rick, and I know a lot of others, I spent time lurking around this place before I put in my first post...I think it was on Open D tuning...at least it was something I could reasonably comment on. Then after a few other stabs, there came a thread where Art was busily ripping away. I cautiously jumped in and soon I felt like the new kid gunfighter trying to prove himself...but I hung in there. Soon I got bolder and found that a few people would actually respond. Then came that strange time when I began to develop friendships in this strange cyber fashion. My joking got to be expected and I also found myself telling the 'Catters intimate details of my life......things I normally never discussed and trusting that I wouldn't get hurt. I didn't, and I developed friendships with some people here where we had many more things in common than folk music.........and more to the point, when May came along with all that crap.........Well NO ONE could ever expect better of their friends. Sometimes I still read your postings at that time and wonder how I came to such a great place.

If you're new and reading this thread.........well you gotta' believe, 'cause you'll never find a better group anywhere. I still go back to Sandy saying that he always wanted to live somewhere like this and now he does...we all do. Yeah, there's cliques and sub-groups but there is a unity here that's unmatched anywhere else I've been...Cyber or otherwise. This is a village founded on mutual respect and caring. Never give up too soon.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Anders Svensson
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 01:56 AM

Hello folks! My name is Anders svensson and my first post here was a couple of days ago.. I must say that I fell in love with this forum BANG!!

I think it is great that so many people gather and share their knowledge with others!!

I´m a rather new on this kind of stuff (internet) but I think that those people responding to my posts where very nice!!

Hope to hear from ya all folks!!

Music is magic!!

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: The Shambles
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:49 AM

It's bad enough having one of these 'hair shirt wearing' theads but at the moment we have three, count them.

This was the original one I Give Up

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Banjer
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 03:25 AM

Oh boy....Having read all of the three 'hair shirt wearing' threads, (what in the hell is a hair shirt wearer anyway?), I have come to the conclusion there is but one phrase that fits the occasion, "love it or leave it". As for Catspaw's comment above about there being cliques here at the cat, he's right, there are cliques. But just like a family that quibbles among itself occasionaly, let someone launch an attack from an outside source and watch how quickly ALL band together in defense of our 'village'! Good grief, if we all thought alike there could/would be no discussion. When I first started on the 'Cat there was a lot of discussion about Celtic music, ancient Scottish music and other things which are not really my cup of tea, but they were enjoyable reading and in spite of myself, I learned from them. Then, just when I thought I might delete the bookmark to this site, along came some form of BS. It may have been a lighthearted poke at someone or maybe even a saga of Paw and Cletus, but I realized that there was more to this site than pure music discussion and that appealed to my warped sense of humor. I've been here since and loved every minute of it!

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Andrés Magré
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 04:26 AM

I came once to this forum to ask for a little help on finding lyrics and music sheets, and get caught. Not only I received immediate attention, but also got nice response to my comments. The secret seems to be similar to that which works in any social group with doors open: 1) Look how people looks and talks to each other before you get in ; 2) When you jump into, say "please", say "may I", say "if I'm allowed to" ; 3) if you have nothing to say, keep reading and enjoy the other's conversation, be patient to find your turn ; 4) offer any contribution you are able to ; 5) keep in mind that doors are open to enter and to leave. For old participants, I suggest that a "welcome thread" should be maintained always on top of the list, for easy reading to newcomers. (For example, a message like "Who you are?" - "Who sent ya?" - The Gorilla at the Door) :)) And please, tell us who are new, what is the meaning of "Mudcat" Thank you all - Best regards - [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:09 AM

Andres. You Got it! It's as simple as that! Welcome to Mudcat.
Sham. I know you love a debate, so I'm wearing my hair shirt proudly. But I ain't bending over backwards again. It's just too painful trying to straighten up again.
Rick

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Dan'l (inactive)
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:17 AM

OK...That's enough...If I'd known I was going to start something like this...ohhhh, I'd probably done it anyhow.

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:39 AM

Wait a minute. I think we've been had! All this "come back little Sheba" stuff, and still no explanation. OK, can we PAY you to clear our consciences?

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Dan'l (inactive)
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:41 AM

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Dan'l (inactive)
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:41 AM

Rick go back to the original thread.

Dan

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Sheye
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 09:29 AM

Can someone give Banjer and I a clue? A 'hair shirt'? Quoi?

Sheye

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 09:46 AM

'Hair shirt' is one of those things folks do for pennance. If you've ever sat on a horsehair chair or sofa,you might have an idea what it would feel like to wear something that raspy and annoying next to your skin.

A mudcat is a kind of Mississippi River catfish, and was part of Max's original blues site (like the [Mississippi] deltablues. address that you see sometimes when you load this site. There's a thread on it somewhere.

Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 11:00 AM

I liken it to having to walk into a room for the first time, full of strangers brought together under a common bond. Although I know people who wouldn't think twice, I would not immediately begin to assert my opinions and thoughts to anyone on anything until I had gotten a "feel" for the ambience of the room, much as the musicians in this community most likely "read" their audience upon taking the stage and perform their repertoire accordingly. To me, that only seems prudent. If what I discovered about the room full of strangers were not to my liking, then I would head for the door. That way, no toes have been treaded upon on either side.

Having said that, the old platitude, "I am not put on this earth to live up to your expectations, and you are not put on this earth to live up to mine," seems apropos. I too "lurked" here long enough before posting to realize that diverse entities and (slightly) opposed forces were able to coexist peacefully, and then my initial foray into the fray was to ask for help, having, as I said, lurked long enough to know that the cyber-citizens of this community live and love to render assistance when requested.

As has been said in a previous post, if we were all alike then we would be only telling each other that which we already know and expect. Mostly I post to threads such as these because I seldom know enough about the origins of a particular piece of music to help those who wander in off the "street," as I did, with an obscure question about a lyric that nobody else has ever heard of. And I would never consider seeking entrance into the sacred inner circle of knowledge of the regular "chroniclers" for the same reason, although I admire their prowess with musical history and fact.

Otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to diplomatically and respectfully disagree with anyone in this forum on anything, if I were so moved and impassioned. Who knows, through the exchange of ideas, I might see something from a perspective I've never even considered - moving deliberately, inch by inch, towards greater self-actualization, and becoming enlightened and closer to an unattainable perfection in the process. To me, that's what it is all about. All because I happen to like blues and folk music, hmmmmmm...... From the simplest things come the greatest wonders.

Regards, Neil

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Ewan McVicar
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 11:25 AM

What made me drop out for a while was that I'd made what seemed a reasonable but turned out to be a mistaken deduction that this forum was about music but not about politics.
I don't say the two are not intertwined - I have in my time written in detail about politics and folk song, and written and sung for many a cause. But I found that the way they were interlocked in a couple of particular threads here, and the assumed sharing of viewpoints (re party political, sociopolitical and sexual politics) that turned out to be implicit in the discussions, was so other than my political stance and position and the way I talk with other people, the only thing I could do was drop out a while.
I've come back in, and now avoid any thread that wants to kick up the political dust, sticking to musical questions. Mind you, I've taken my drubbings in a couple of other electronic places, and the people here are notably civilised in their remarks.

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 11:35 AM

I too hesitated at first, but I'm glad that I jumped in. Like many, originally used it as a resource for lyrics. But I was drawn into (and ultimately killed) a lot of BS threads. The wealth of musical knowledge here is astounding. I have never posted a question that has not been answered quickly and correctly. I found the BS threads inappropriate at first, but later came to enjoy them. I find them to be the place where the personality, intellect and wit of the various posters comes through.

I am glad to have found Mudcat, I feel that I have come to 'know' some wonderful people. Have personally met Rick and Heather Fielding, and Michael Miland and found them to be as nice in person as they are on the 'Cat.

If you're watching and thinking of joining in, do it. It's a great place to be.

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:23 PM

Dear folks,

I realize that some of what I think is funny and apropriate just isn't everone's cup of scuz. Lenny Bruce must've known that too. Puns & strange associations & juxtopositions (what makes comedy from my point of view) are the way I tend to think. Comedy can be a way to say stuff that's real serious without ticking people off too much. And I know I've got strong opinions about what this music trulyis and isn't. I am sorry if some o' what I've said here seemed off-putting to individuals. If I'd bitten my tongue, I couldn't live with myself though. Personally, I'm just glad that Matt Hale isn't a Mudcat person. (Did anyone else notice that HALE becomes HATE when you replace the "L" in his name with a cross---(+)? WHOOOOPS!! There, I did it again probably. Well, whatever...

Art

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:52 PM

Well Art, as Lenny also said, "There is only what is. What should be never existed." If you didn't speak up, it wouldn't be you. And as I've already said before, another of Lenny's lines, "If you can take the Hot Lead Enema, you can cast the first stone." I know it's difficult to sit, but you've already proved yourself.

BTW---How was dinner with Sandy and Caroline? A lot of us would like to have been flies on the wall there. 'Course I hope you ate somewhere without flies.......but, uh...how about an update?

catspaw

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: annamill
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 12:53 PM

WyoWoman,exactly ditto. Everything you wrote, including May, is me. and Ewan, I've added "taken my drubbings" to my phrases. I really enjoy taking my drubbings here.

(i hope i didn't say anything i shouldn't)

If any of the new people want to get a good view of this sight, I highly recommend these threads

Hokey Pokey and the Druids

Enter "Catspaw" in the filter and 90 days - read from the earliest

Enter "Guns" in the filter and 90 days. Just don't bring this one up to the front again, please.

I fell in love so much, I had to bring as many to my home as I could ;-) Now some of us will meet for the first time. I've only been here since May, but I feel like I've known everyone for much longer than that.

Welcome to Mudcat. Love, annap

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:03 PM

Well, I've been here since just before the New Year. Came here looking for lyrics for m'dad. Had to start a thread for that, read a few postings in it & other threads and took off running. I guess I've always had a big mouth and was always taught to speak my mind, so....jumping in with both feet is me.

Same as Art said, sorry if I've offended anyone. Ewan, glad you came back, as I am sure at least one of those threads which bothered you was one I started and I know, being the political person I am, that I probably posted a lot to the other threads you're thinking about. Never mean to put anyone off, although, I confess, I did pull in my horns after a particularly contentious thread where I just didn't think it served any purpose to keep trying to get a point across to others just as obstinate.

One of the major factors which has endeared me to the Mudcat is the ability of almost everyone to forgive, live & let live, regardless of differences or disagreements. This is an extraordinary phenomenon in the world today and something I think we should all highly value.

Thanks, as always, for listening & putting up with me.

katlaughingsottovoce

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:30 PM

By the by Rick, I disagree with you. It doesn't take guts; it takes conviction.

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:34 PM

Maybe that's why I don't have much trouble...I've had several convictions.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:56 PM

I felt flamed after my very first posting here; and being a very shy person just lurked for months and months after that. I recognize that it is my thin skin, mostly, and started posting again.

I got a real drubbing on another list, a childrens music one, which is closer to what I do every day, and I quit in disgust.

I love this forum; I need this forum to stay in touch with what is so important to me. If it weren't purty here I'd be back in a smelly crowded dirty ugly city with all the things I miss.

-- Mary Ann (who also goes by her initials, MAG)

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: DougR
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 02:56 PM

Catspaw, I like your sense of humor.

DougR

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Fadac
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 03:20 PM

Ah, well isn't the blues created from pain? "My women left me....ect." Has anyone ever wrote a blues song that starts, "Oh the sun is shining and I one happy dude."?

And folk is about 50% political, mostly a form of protest of one sort or another. Then sometimes I make a wild statement, just to see how many feathers I can ruffel. (heh heh)

Yes Guts help. Now I have a nice big round gut. I'm built for comfort, not speed. Unlike Bseed, who has no gut at all. Even if his politics are a bit wierd, he is still a good guy, fine photographer, and I hear picks a banjo. I havn't seen that, but he blows a mean harp.

Then people thing up the wierdist things, like this xmas song...

Oh possom rump. Oh possom rump, How I love to blow thee.

Make the notes oh so high, Blow them higher than the sky.

Oh possom rump, Oh possom rump, How I love to blow thee.

Make thy tunes so happly. How I love to play thee.

(chores)

Ahhhhhhhh meeeeeeeeeen.

(Tune of "Oh Christmas tree")

This is known as thread creep.

That tune does require a clay possom orcana (sp?) Something that is desired by all true members of the Mudcat religian.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: The Shambles
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 04:08 PM

Rick.

Please to tell where I can find the Mudcat post, for to take the guts to sometimes?

I did once post a list of all the places where Mudcatter's said they came from, to say thank you to them for their contributions to the 'Mudcat: The World' thread, never again. It took ages!

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 06:27 PM

Ewan, et al, As a lifetime student of the Middle Path, I try to stay out of *political* discussions -- partly from a personal conviction that minds are rarely changed by a reiteration of positions. After a devastating relationship with someone who'd rather argue than breathe, I came away with a permanent distaste for argument.

I have strong opinions, but I guess I'd rather try to persuade by logic or by example. I subscribe to the Rodney King school of humanity: Why CAN'T We All Just Get Along? -- but I do passionately love all the many variations on the theme "human," and passionate political feelings seem always to be a part of the mix.

So bring on da' funk, bring on da' noise. If I don't love it, or some portion of it, I'll leave it. There's always at least ONE thread that interests me. (Which is why, dear ones, I'm spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME on Mudcat and too little on my own writing projects. Wasn't there a thread sometime back about addiction? I may be needin' a 12-step program soon....)

WW

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Duane D.
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:31 PM

I, too, lurked for quite awhile before my first posting, and in the beginning most of my posts were serious and informative. Lately, though, I've fallen into a rut of tastless comments and even more tasteless links to the point that if anyone would do a search on me, there would be little of social redeeming value--but I'm enjoying it all just the same. The way I figure it, I have plenty of opportunity to make a fool of myself and I might as well enjoy it.

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: WyoWoman
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 10:32 PM

"We are fools whether or not we dance; so we might as well dance..." (Alleged Japanese Proverb)

WW

Subject: RE: Takes guts to post on Mudcat sometimes
From: Banjer
Date: 16 Jul 99 - 05:43 AM

Attaboy Duane, just be yourself!!! We all are! (Not yourself, ourselves.) It's too early.........

Subject: Takes guts & time & a sense of the absurd to post
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Jul 99 - 01:26 PM

The human race spent thousands of years learning to communicate face-to-face...and did a mediocre job of it in many cases. When writing and telegraphy were added...along with telephones, some things were lost..(the 'body language' that can help in understanding)...now, in this medium, we have multiple, complex interactions the would put the United Nations to shame...and we are making up the rules as we go along! Some things have evolved to help..('emoticons' ;>)...acronymns.. NOI, LOL,BS, etc.), but it is NOT always clear or easy to discern what is behind a remark.

Some have mentioned their chagrin at being royally flamed in some forums...I have seen that happen, and it is not pretty. I am truly amazed that this forum continues thge with basic civility and care that it does. Yes, there are cases where some just do not wish to make the effort to separate the wheat from the chaff..(it takes TIME!!)(Bruce O. is a (mostly) serious collector, student of old music, and he wearies of some of the 'stuff' that goes on...but don't think for a minute he is 'gone' *grin*...those who know can spot an occasional answer to a serious inquiry that could have come from no one else!)

Personally, my mind simply does not work fast enough to create witty, ribald, and/or timely responses to every thread going!. I sit and ponder and compose many times..only to find the topic has 'thread creeped' out of sight. Add to that being a 2 finger typist and I DO get frustrated.....but leave? naaahhhh...been here for 3 years, and have made friends online and met some in person, and there is nothing like this anywhere!

Did I start to make a point up there? well, no matter...Mudcat remains in the upper left-hand corner of my bookmarks, and always will...you're a weird bunch, but fun....