Mudcat Trouble

Subject: Mudcat Trouble
From: Max
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 03:58 PM

Well folks, it's getting tough around here. Just got back from arguing with our old landlord about our security deposit. Turns out we lost it cause we needed out of our lease one month early. Could have really used that. Onstage has all but dried up and so far I'm having no luck finding work in the real world. January is a tough month for me here, and I'm asking for help. I have no idea how I'm gonna pay Mudcat's January bills. The concrete ones are $270 per month for the ADSL line and $100 per month in electricity. Any help anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. Fill up that auction with the Christmas presents you didn't want. And thanks to everyone that bought a calendar, every little bit helps.

Signed,

Humbled

---

The Mudcat Cafe, PO Box 3006, West Chester, PA 19381

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:07 PM

On the way.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: kendall
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:08 PM

Let's go folks! Max is man enough to ask for help,so, it's up to us to save our Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:12 PM

Okay Max, we can all dig it....Times are indeed tough and not getting a helluva' lot better....but we got each other in this joint and let's keep the joint!

So how about a few details now that things have changed and all......Like do we still take the plastic money? Where do we send the checks now? Can I kick you in the balls and will it make you feel better? What about the "overseas" group? Got a phone number still? Fill in any particulars that may have changed for everyone....okay?

Still love ya' and I have some pointy-toed boots just for you!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Amergin
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:14 PM

Max...that takes alot of guts to ask for help....

Ok, folks...how about if folks donate x amount of dollars a month they get like a cd...or perhaps the calendar...or something...maybe a compilation cd of mudcatters...I know max has a lot of mp3s and such...or at least he did...or maybe we donate songs and such for it and email them and then he burns them....some one pays like ten bucks a month and that person gets a copy.....or something.....i don't know...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:19 PM

I've been doing non-commercial radio for 26+ years. People tend to think the airwaves are free, and nowadays people seem to think that most websites are free too.

I don't think people realize how expensive a proposition this is. We are all accustomed to checking in at Mudcat and using all the great features. We don't consider the costs and sacrifices that have gone into this. What Max is done is create a website - no, make that a community - that is different than any other.

Ask yourself how many times PER DAY you check on this site. The conversations, the information, the laughs, etc... this is a site that many of us have come to love.

While we want to keep coming here for our daily fix, it just might go away unless we all kick in. A couple of bucks per month from each of us would help keep this alive and thriving. Think of how much we spend on a daily newspaper, beer, lottery tickets, gum or some other item that makes the day a little better. Isn't Mudcat worth a few dollars? Max isn't asking for help to buy a new Mercedes, he just wants to pay the bills and in turn help each of us.

Give till it helps.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:20 PM

Max,

Tell us where we can send some checks.

Ron

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: allie kiwi
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:27 PM

Max, just sent you a personal message.

Allie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Gareth
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:27 PM

Max

I tried to PM you via "ragtime" but kept getting service not available.

Very sorry to hear about your troubles. I will be seing what I can do personally. Problem is with the UK banks remitance charges for drafts or transfers eat up much of small donations - and if any european catters wish to make donations I doubt if anyone would wish to see 50% of what we donate going into the pockets of the banks.

If this financial state continues could i suggest a deposit account with a London Branch of a bank - with one monthly transfer stateside.

This would give a focus for collection of a number of modest donations, by cheque or by standing order, and enable us who wish to to make continued monthly payments.

Frankley the Mudcat has given me, and I am sure many others, hours of enjoyment - And I for one would like to put something back.

Gareth.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:28 PM

Give us an address.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:33 PM

Having Mastercard and Visa may be the best way to get money transferred from Europe. I order books and cds that way; fees are low.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: kendall
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:35 PM

I have a treasured copy of SING OUT dated 1961 that I will put in the auction if there is any interest? That was the year Folk Legacy was created, and, there is mention of the Patons moving to Vermont. I will also put up one of my CD's.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: MMario
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:36 PM

The Mudcat Café
PO Box 3006
West Chester, PA 19381

same as for snail mail calander payments, etc.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Max
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:36 PM

Thanks all.

Address is now: The Mudcat Cafe, PO Box 3006, West Chester, PA 19381.

The phone is the same at 610-738-9050. I'm not here as much as I used to be, and have no employees left, so please feel comfortable leaving messages.

We will keep taking plastic, though if its just as easy for you to send a check, please send a check. I should have the online thingy working again this weekend.

Sure, kicks in the balls are fine.

While this crisis is immediate, I'm pretty sure this is just a temporary desperation. January is the only month I do not teach, and that lack of income hurts right now.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Hilary
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:36 PM

Hi Gareth, excellent idea about a uk bank, does this mean you're volunteering to arrange things ???? ( she said typing with fingers crossed) . H

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:43 PM

May I be so bold... fund raising ideas are great, the more the merrier. The suggestion Gareth made is excellent. The same could apply to Canada, say, regarding the sale of T-shirts... where'd I hear that before ? But, how's this... all North American 'Catters send five bucks RFN... that'll easily cover the month, and more. And then, let's really get down to not just saving Mudcat, but making it strong.

My apologies, Max, for perhaps overstepping my boundaries, but it seems immediate action and a continued effort are required.

BTW, RFN = right quick like.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:46 PM

Ah yes! It's pledge drive time again folks! Its time to think of all the good things the Mudcat Cafe brings you...serious traditional song discussions from Malcolm Douglas and Masato, music tips from Rick Fielding, original songs from Amos and the Song Challengers, incisive political commentary from McGrath, Little Hawk and Doug R, comical quips from Kendall, brilliant original fiction from Jen and Peter, irreverent comedy from Catspaw, free lessons in political incorrectness from Clinton, help on most any question from Joe and Kat, and the occasional poisoned dart from gargoyle and the guests.

It has been a tough few months since September 11, but dig deep and give what you can...5, 10, 25 bucks multiplied times the number of active Catters will make the difference!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:47 PM

The last line of my post got cut off.... Tell me if I am out of line, here, Max.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:49 PM

This is just the incentive I needed to order my calendar NOW. Keep us posted Max.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: kendall
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:51 PM

I'm willing to commit to a monthly donation if it comes to that.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: pattyClink
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 04:55 PM

Okay, the envelope's filled out and the check goes in tonight.

Any others out there who are new to kicking in to the 'cat, please join me, jot the address on an envelope right now. If you're brokish and can't be a continuing underwriter, you're not alone. Send a check for what a good magazine subscription costs, and plan on doing it again next year if not sooner... If that's still beyond the budget, can you write a check for the cost of a beer at the bar, it'll at least be moral support.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:04 PM

People should give what their heart, head and pocket tell them is the right amount.

If you think about similar items in your life that give you pleasure and/or assistance - think about what it costs you in a year. How much do you pay for the daily newspaper? How much do you spend on beer? How many CD's do you buy in a year?

When you get answer to those questions, think about maybe giving a portion of that - say the cost of a beer or two per week - and buying good old Max the "beer", but in this case Max will use that "beer money" to keep us all in the pub!

It is great to see that so many people are stepping up to help. Hopefully the rest of the Mudcatter's will also do their part and help.

Ron

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Maryrrf
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:13 PM

I just ordered my calendar and will also send a donation. But really I think it's time to do things on a subscription basis rather than having Max have to ask for help when he needs it and funding Mudcat the rest of the time out of his own pocket. I certainly would subscribe, pledge or whatever it takes!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:20 PM

That would screw up the non-profit status, Mary.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: MMario
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:21 PM

just go ahead and do so. you wish to subscribe to the mudcat for "X" amount per month? then send that amount monthly to the 'cat.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: DougR
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:24 PM

My check is in the mail, Max. Keep a stiff upper anything.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Deda
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:39 PM

Mine, too -- smaller than it should be but it's something.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: SharonA
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:40 PM

To whom or to what do we make out the check, in order to satisfy whatever requirements there are for a non-profit organization? To "Mudcat"? To Max? To a non-profit corporation name??? Please answer soonest, so I can write a check!

Sharon

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:41 PM

I'm #17--if we all sent even $10, that's almost the $200...........

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:47 PM

Ditto SharonA...got the address, what's the name?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Wolfgang
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:48 PM

If you do feel compelled to make a contribution we won't stop you. You may do so on our secure server here with Visa or MasterCard , or calling 610-738-9050, or send checks to The Digital Tradition, 28 Powell Street, Greenwich, CT 06831 or The Mudcat Cafe, PO Box 3006, West Chester, PA 19381

That's what I read when following the link 'Support Mudcat'.

But there is no secure server anymore...Makes it difficult for Europeans to help.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Allan C.
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:49 PM

Sharon A, the Mudcat has yet to obtain non-profit status in the eyes of the authorities. It leans heavily toward not-for-profit however. Either way, there is nothing special you need to do on your check.

Some of you may recall that I offered SINSULL a deal in which I would pay the Mudcat $5 per pound for whatever weight loss she might have obtained by the end of the year. What I didn't tell her is that I will add to that a payment at the same rate for my own weight loss during the year. The check goes in the mail on Monday.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: NicoleC
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 05:50 PM

Max,

Another thought on donations -- what about a service like PayPal? It helped on my web site -- some people are leary of sending off a check (not the regulars here, I see!) I just include a link under the "How to Help" section, and voila! I've received donations from folks who just happened to drop by and find the answer to their burning question, and they sent me a few dollars.

PayPal does take a cut, but it's pretty small, and they don't charge any fees to the sender or any fees to keep your account open.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: GUEST,Mark Clark (via public proxy)
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:05 PM

For some reason, Max, your part of the Internet is no longer available to me. I'm going through Anonymizer.com. I can't ping you or traceroute back to you so I used the old end-around trick.

PayPal works great and, as far as I can tell, is very secure. The registration process has a few extra steps in it but is all the more secure for your trouble. It will let you email money to Max right out of your checking account if you wish with no credit card company involved and Max doesn't get to see your account number.

Now let me go see if I have anything to auction.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:07 PM

www.paypal.com

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Max
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:08 PM

Making checks out to Mudcat Cafe is just fine. Also, I do have a paypal account. If you get or have a paypal account, just choose send money and use [e-mail] as the email address you are sending it to. And yes, their cut is very small, so its not a bad option. Thanks everybody.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Art Thieme
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:18 PM

Max, we're with you. Put that book I sent you in the auction. It could help out.

Art

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:23 PM

I believe PayPal works for those in countries other than the US, also.

I think it came to the point of needing regular monthly pledges, much like NPR, quite a while ago.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to set up an automatic payment through one's bank. My bank is online and I have set it up, without any need to go to the bank or call in. Every month, on a certain date, $10 gets deducted from my account and sent to Mudcat. All I have to do is remember to deduct it in my checkbook.

It isn't a lot, but like the widow's mite in the Bible, if we all give a "mite" it ADDS UP!! AND, WE HAVE TO DO IT ON A CONSISTENT BASIS.

Thinking up premiums, such as CD's, T-shirts, etc. is fine, except they require an initial layout of time and money for Max and I don't think we should ask that of him, esp. right now. We get music, info, comaraderie, and "family" that is worth a zillion times more without him asking for anything in return, really, SO let's just do it! Make a monthly commitment and DO IT!

And, thank you:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: SharonA
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:24 PM

Awright! Thanks for the quick answer to my question. The check goes in the mail tomorrow morning (after I deposit my paycheck!). :^)

Sharon

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Helen
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:43 PM

I'll check out PayPal, or I can send it on Visa, when you set the secure server up again.

"I'm pretty sure this is just a temporary desperation. January is the only month I do not teach, and that lack of income hurts right now."

Snap & double ditto: I wonder how many teachers around the world starve in the off-month(s) of the year. It's January for me too, here in Oz, when life gets a little difficult, but due to a set of unrelated circumstances I happen to have enough to make the donation I've been meaning to make for quite a while.

Helen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Burke
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:58 PM

I thought I'd use PayPal, but thought I'd read the User Agreement before I clicked on through. 36 pages!! I would have wanted smaller type, but not that much smaller.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 06:58 PM

In all my time here, I have never seen my dear friend come right out and say it like that. Congratulations, Max, for putting it where it belongs. My check will be on the way next week.

Please, folks. Think of what you get out of this place and drop a few in the mail.

And Kendall, I will bid like a madman on that issue of Sing Out!

Mick

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:11 PM

PayPal enroute

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: GUEST,Mickey191
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:13 PM

Max, It'll be in the mail tomorrow. Good Luck. Mickey

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: kendall
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:14 PM

Just give it a good home, Mick, sob, sniffle.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Gareth
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:25 PM

Kat has it right - small but regular amounts are the answer. And yes " standing orders ( a lttle bit every month ) are the answers.

I am very happy to assist with the management of a Uk/EU collection account BUT to protect myself and the Mudcat I will require other trustees.

I wear a number of hats. Including Treasurer of a Trade Union Area in South Wales, and no way am I prepared to acept responsibility without a transparent accounting and multiple signature control.

I had a quick word with our local Postmaster in the Pub tonite. The minimum fee for a Post Office international money transfer is £12 say $20.00. If you were to use a Bank double that fee.

I trust you can see why I have my doubts about the efficiency or cost effectiveness of using normal methods of cash transfer.

This does not overcome Max's immediate problem - and I beg to remind non UK ot EU Catters that the US of A is not a Welfare State (Unless you are an Oil Co. or an Airline)

It may be that we may have to put £20.00 or 50 Euro notes in an envelope, and let Max or Dick change them over the counter.

Thats the problem but if you want the Cat and DT to continue we will have to find a working solution.

I am open to PM;s for suggestions.

But on an historical note I beg to remind European catters what a debt we owe the US of A on both "Lend Lease" and the "Marshall Plan" So lets do it, and to niss quote Churchill "Let the Old world come to the assistance of the New ".

Gareth

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: GUEST,guest Robin2
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:25 PM

My little bit is in the mail as well...January is tough, but hope this helps.

Robin

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:59 PM

Good for you, Gareth!

Here is a link to the PayPal International FAQs page for all of you who are elsewhere than the USA.

GUEST 6:07p, thanks for putting in the general link for PayPal.

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: mooman
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 08:03 PM

Just added a rare item in the Mudcat auction, 100% proceeds to Mudcat and I'll see what else I can do to help.

All the best

mooman

Subject: RE: Mudcat Trouble
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 08:22 PM

I owe Max for the calendar. so THAT money will be going out. Unfortunately, my bank balance is at a low it hasn't seen for at least 2 years. The good news is I have a basement full of antique type things: salt & pepper thingies, salt dips, books, books and more books. At least I can get some unique, hard-to-find things in the auction.