In praise of Malcolm Douglas

Subject: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GeorgeH
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:09 AM

This has been said before, but bears repeating . . .

Why is it I now read and learn more but post less to Mudcat? The answer, in two words, is:

Malcolm Douglas

His encyclopaedic knowledge, and his generosity in sharing it with us (and giving us many hours of his time in the process), is a remarkable asset of the Mudcat.

The fact that I and others are reduced to adding minor postscripts to Malcom's posts is simply an indication of how much we are in his debt.

So . . many, many thanks, Malcolm.

With all good wishes,

George

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: UB Ed
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:27 AM

Hear, Hear!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:31 AM

Hear, hear.
Malcolm and I may not see eye to eye from time to time, but I'd need to stand on my copies of Bronson, Child, Greig Duncan, Hogg, Motherwell, Buchan, Ford, etc, etc, before I scaled the dizzy hight's of MD's knowlage.
love, john

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Wolfgang
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:35 AM

A well deserved praise that I wholeheartedly support.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:39 AM

I'll add two more hears to that!

Brian

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: pavane
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:40 AM

I agree with all the above. He has been most helpful to me in the few weeks I have been here.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Les from Hull
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:50 AM

I'll sixth that.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:52 AM

Nice bloke as well - and he had a lucky escape not to have to share my tent at the jug! Keep up the good work Malcolm. Just because you are more knowledgeable, a better musician, younger and more good looking than me I don't bear a grudge...;-)

DtG

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:56 AM

Bet he'd spell knowledge "knowledge" as well :-),
love, john

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: MMario
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 09:03 AM

"AMEN" to all the above - Malcolm not only shares his knowledge, but goes out of his way to teach others how to use the search features, link threads with a common subject - post references to variants, etc.

I am terrible about documentation - but that does not mean I don't respect and appreciate someone who can go through the tedious and exacting process of doing the documentation! And I am of course perfectly willing to use such!

A hearty thank you, Malcolm!!!!!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 09:06 AM

Thanks for starting this one George. Add me to the "Malcolm Douglas Appreciation Sosciety".

Jon

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Dunc
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 09:13 AM

Who is this Malcolm Douglas?
How come he knows so much?
How come he is so helpful?
How come I feel unworthy when his name appears on my monitor?

Wherever you are,
whatever you are
or whoever you are,
thanks for all the times you have eased my aching brain by supplying me with answers that were beyond my ken.
You are not taken for granted.

Dunc

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 09:15 AM

A very generous and knowledgeable person. Thank you, Malcolm.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:02 AM

How does one second an "AMEN"?

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Kim C
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:07 AM

Yes indeed! I have never met Malcolm but I know if I post a question about some obscure something, it's going to be Malcolm who has the answer, or can at least tell me where to find it! :-)

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:07 AM

To second an amen, sing it...A-A-A-Men!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:13 AM

This is the kind of praise I can get into. Yeah, Malcolm.

Rick

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Maryrrf
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:37 AM

Don't know that I can add anything to what's already been said, and I've never met Malcolm, but he has swiftly answered many of my questions and I've been very impressed by his knowledge, his scholarship and his willingness to help others. Thank you, Malcolm!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Noreen
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:44 AM

Me too!

♥ Noreen

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: nutty
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 11:18 AM

Was so pleased to meet Malcolm at the "Jug" gathering but am now left with a dilema

Malcolm looks exactly as I had imagined Jon Freeman would look - so unless they are twins I'm having to rethink my visual image of Jon
We must meet soon Jon - the suspense is killing me :o}

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 02:15 PM

All praise justified. Malcolm is a good un. Burl

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 02:27 PM

The very model of that to which I aspire.

Thanks, Malcolm!

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 02:36 PM

Agree absolutely with all the sentiments expressed above. I was very touched the other day by his kindness in sending me a PM explaining points in html editing following another bluclicky failure in a post I'd sent. I always enjoy reading his posts on a song thread, as they are always informative.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Snuffy
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:03 PM

In spite of all the flames, trolls and bullshit going on here, it's people like Malcom who keep me coming back to the 'Cat. We need more like him.

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:19 PM

I'll raise a glass as well!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: bill\sables
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 08:28 PM

Not only does he know everything which is worth knowing, but he is also a fine fiddler. It was a pleasure to have him join the mudcat scratch band at the Yorkshire gathering. You can see a picture of him in the "Yorkshire Gathering at The Jug" events photo gallery, You can also get a photo of Jon Freeman in Llanfairs Gathering last October.
Keep it up Malcolm we all need what you do.
Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 10:20 PM

Thank you for helping me with that song, Malcolm. (Ae Fond Kiss). Sheila

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 11:20 PM

G'day,

I'll add the 27th amen to all the above. Malcolm's erudition shines through all the petty distractions that won't keep me away from Mudcat.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 11:25 PM

I hope this isn't an obit. **BG** I sort of seems like one. This sort of praise is usually reserved for the departed. I promise to keep an eye out for this fellow. If it is not too late. ;)

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 11:27 PM

One of the best. And he does it with elegance, too.

Cheers, Malcolm!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 11:34 PM

Malcolm Douglas has the skills of the librarian - the person who consistently and accurately finds otherwise hard to find information, and steers people in the right direction for their own research. A great asset here and anywhere. Thank you, Malcolm, and kudos to GeorgeH for this thread.

Best,

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 01:17 AM

It's always a pleasure to read Malcolm's posts. He does remarkable research. His biggest project was annotating Alan Foster's transcription of the Penguin Book of English Folksongs (click). Thanks for all your good work, Malcolm.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: ard mhacha
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 04:46 AM

Some praise and all deserved, and Malcolm would also praise that Wolfgang man, the shepherds of the site. Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: GeorgeH
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 06:49 AM

Not an obit thank heavens . . just a reaction to a combination of:

a) the "write to someone to say thanks" thread

and

b) the realisation that far too much of my recent Mudcat posting has been negative . .

plus, of course, being bowled over by Malcolm's knowledge yet again . .

G.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 07:09 AM

I will concur with everything said above. Apart from his encyclopedic musical knowledge, even when he posts on non-musical subjects, I have never felt the urge to make a smart-ass reply.

You can come out and take your bow now, Malcolm.

Murray

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Patrish(inactive)
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 07:16 AM

Thanks for all your help Malcolm
It was great to meet you at the YG
Patrish xx

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 01:12 PM

Malcolm, I've felt all this about you, but it doesn't hurt to say it sometimes! Thanks for your knowledge and your willingness to share. Thanks for doing searches to find things for people. Thanks for being an all-around nice guy! Finally, thanks for giving me opportunities to feel useful by fixing blue clickies! (Malcolm may, in fact, be in the top 10 list of clickie creators around here.)

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 02:00 PM

Just the simple fact that I have no clue what he's talking about 90 percent of the time is proof positive of his extensive knowledge of traditional music.

Keep up the good work Malcolm!

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From:
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 04:45 PM

Yes, I agree with every one of the messages above. Malcolm has been most helpful. Keep it up, good fellow! Thanks.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: toadfrog
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 05:13 PM

I think in addition to being "knowledgeable," the gentleman is frequently often quite perceptive. He not only knows lots of songs, but also thinks about what is in them. And without the thought, knowledge can be barren.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 06:02 PM

Aye. When I see Malcolm Douglas' name on the thread-list, I know it's worth reading. A dependable test... Cheers, Malcolm, I hope we meet someday. Jean

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: mousethief
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 06:18 PM

I especially appreciate how kind he is to people who accidentally post something already in the DT, or a version with very few differences from what's already in the DT.

Alex

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Drumshanty
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 07:14 PM

Malcolm, you have my thanks too for your help with "Lovely Molly" - I did sing it in the competition and I was placed. Your generosity with your knowledge is one of the things that keeps me here.

Thank you.

Tracy

Subject: question for Mousethief
From: GUEST,in Room 327 of the Motel Six
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 09:05 PM

Mousethief,

Given that you're saying nasty things about him elsewhere, is your complement to Malcolm insincere?

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 09:19 PM

Aye !

Art

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Finn McCool
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 09:47 PM

Malcolm,

You are a gentleman and a scholar, as well as a true Folkie par excellence!! Thanks for your wonderfully informative postings on such a wide range of topics. You have no idea how many lurkers learn at your feet.

Best,

Finn

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: IvanB
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 10:36 PM

My first post as a member of Mudcat was a request for correction on some lyrics fairly obscure to me. Malcolm was the person who responded, not only with the correct lyrics but additional information about the author and the tune. As a first impression of Mudcat, he gave me a great one and I'd have to say he's the epitome of what's best about this community.

Thanks again, Malcolm.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Brían
Date: 10 Jul 01 - 10:55 PM

Malcolm, your postings have really help me to round out my knowledge of traditional music. You have readily offered resources for sources to traditional songs on the internet.

I now know when I am researching a song to check the DT.first. Not all the answers are in the forum, but is amazing to see how many of our conversations are repeated in the midst of other discussions.

Fad saol agat,

Brían.

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 01:34 PM

I am guessing he is also very modest and so very happy that this thread has dropped and sunk of the bottom of the page.........
......So I thought I would bring it on back, and say thanks for answering my questions quickly and politely.
When my friend asked for information on a tune/song that an elderly lady had asked her about I posted the sketchy details here. Not only did Malcolm identify it but also took the time to find, copy and send it to me to pass on. I have never met the lady in question but she wrote a letter of thanks, she sang the song as a child and it must evoke many memories for her.
many thanks Malcolm

Subject: RE: In praise of Malcolm Douglas
From: Big Tim
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 01:42 PM

Malcolm must be totally squirming by this time but I'm nevertheless contributing. He's one of the best on Mudcat. And maybe he's an in-law of my as I'm married to Jan Douglas from Kirriemuir. Thanks MD.