Stony Stratford Guests

Subject: Stony Stratford GUESTS
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 11 Feb 02 - 08:02 PM

I am a resident of Stony Stratford. I play and sing at the various sessions and help to organise local music events. I'm also an occasional GUEST (in capital letters, apparently) at The Mudcat. I drop in, read the threads, offer advice if I have it and occasionally check out a lyric.I didn't actually realise that I was only a GUEST until recently. I didn't realise that it was a big deal. This weekend Stony Stratford played host to (I'm guessing) about 60 Mudcatters who took the chance to find out what a great town this is -- for living and playing music in -- and how welcoming we are to outsiders (or GUESTS.)We welcomed them into our pubs (even though it took longer to get served at the bar). We welcomed them into our sessions (even though the added numbers meant that we got to sing less often). We were glad to have them here. Some of them may have behaved badly (I'm not saying they did) but you have to tolerate an ill-bred minority -- they're everywhere. What we don't do is condemn them all or try to exclude them. We happily invite them back --- come and sample Stony Live and Folk On The Green in early June --- and maybe even the ill-mannered ones can learn to behave in a civilized manner. When I first read Max's open letter I was angry that he seemed to be condemning me and people like me in such an arrogant manner. Having read the responses I understand some of how he and the members feel. I know that most of you don't really think "Members good, GUESTS bad", but the whole farrago doesn't really do you any favours. I'm with Groucho on this one.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Feb 02 - 08:33 PM

Nobody thinks "Members good GUESTS bad", Malcolm. There are some nasty characters who make use of the GUEST mechanism to play silly games (and some of them are probably members) and it looks like a change in the access arrangements to the Mudcat may be the only way to avoid some abuses. (And one of the tricks in the game is the claim that there is antagonism towards GUESTS as such, - and time after time people fall for it. But it just ain't true.)

Open House, such as we were able to have at York House this weekend is fine - unless and until people turn up who want to wreck the place. If that had happened and the arrangements had needed to be tightened up for our safety and conbtinued enjoyment, it wouldn't have meant that we weren't welcomed as visitors. It just so happens we seem to have got to that stage with the Cat.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:09 AM

That'll be Stony in the parallel universe then, Malc? Be our Guest.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 05:07 AM

Nobody thinks "Members good GUESTS bad"

Well you could have fooled me, Kevin. Try looking in a mirror, eh? You have been about the loudest critic of GUESTS going.

Or do you recant your "I'll never post to a thread started by a GUEST" comments?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,brid widder
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 05:59 AM

We are all guests sometimes...I am not home yet but a guest at a friends house and on his computer! on the other hand I could be anybody saying I´m me..and under that cover wind up whoever I like...I had a great time in your town Malcolm thank you for making us so welcome...you would be welcome at my local session...you just need to introduce yourself.

Joining the Mudcat is easy and free...come on in, enjoy the session!

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:13 AM

Malcolm, I'm a bit puzzled by your posting: you say
Some of them may have behaved badly (I'm not saying they did)
and then go on to say
...and maybe even the ill-mannered ones can learn to behave in a civilized manner
.

Was there something about the mudcatters in Stoney Stratford last weekend that bothered you? I found everybody very friendly and welcoming, and wouldn't like to think of anyone resenting our presence.

(The GUEST issue here at Mudcat is a separate matter with a lot of unpleasant history.)

If you were a member here (very easy to do) I would have raised this with you in a personal message, and I don't particularly want to post my e-mail address on the open forum, but I would like to know what's bothering you.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:15 AM

For the record it's the non-music-related threads started by GUESTS that I try to avoid. That means I may miss out on some interesting threads started by interesting and agreeable people who happen to be GUESTS (normally with handles to their GUESThood)- but too many of those threads turn out bad.

"I play and sing at the various sessions and help to organise local music events." That's music related. And as a guest to Stony Stratford I felt it was good manners to respond to a concern raised by someone who had evidently helped to give me an enjoyable weekend.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:27 AM

non-music-related

Kevin, where did all those bloody hyphens come from?

And you with a wife who teaches English...

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:39 AM

I have no objections to GUESTs - I guested for a much longer time on "The Cat" than I've been a member. I did (like Malcom) give my name (in fact I usually gave my e-mail address) so that I could be held accountable for anything that I said.

The problem with anonymous GUESTS is that you don't know whether your dealing with the same one all the time. I assume (but I might be wrong) that you are the guest who fancies Fibula and is starting to think that "Mort is a bit of a babe" as well. I just happened to see the posting (on the Damp Squib thread) that was very rude about the charms of Mrs Duck and Liz the Squeak (but flattering about Fibula's) before it was (thankfully) removed. Why don't you become a member and put your name to your remarks (I don't even hide behind a "Handle") or give your e-mail address so that anyone else can get in touch with you privately. You never know, the ladies might all be lusting after your manly body and you'll get swamped with offers. Mind you, I don't agree with you about Morticia - I think she's a whole lot of woman ! (Hope "Essex Girl" doesn't see that !)

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:50 AM

Dave,

Fibula is very pretty. Liz and Mrs Duck are both fat and ugly.

Is expressing that opinion so wrong?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:05 AM

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE PREVIOUS POSTING.
I would like us all to see GUEST in his true colours.

Would Liz and Mrs Duck like to respond to this remark, or do you find it pleasing.

Incidently, if Geoff or Manitas would like any help, I'll hold him down while one of you stuffs the neck of his mandola, or what ever it was, (I assume that I have identified GUEST correctly ?) up his..........

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:08 AM

I assume that I have identified GUEST correctly ?

I have to say that is very unlikely

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:26 AM

About as likely as Malc baby paying council tax in Milton Keynes.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:38 AM

Dave,

Please don't go accussing whoever you think I am.

I'm not that person. You don't know me. You have never met me.

Please don't assume anything.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:43 AM

Well it looks like this GUEST is someone who was at Stony Stratford and has been to the Hull area. IT seems to know what was happening at the weekend and what people look like (although there are plenty of pictures posted). GUEST seems to know a lot about people's partners as well so I think it's someone known to us.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:46 AM

Guest-Ring me.john (01482 348448) reverse the charges if you like.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:54 AM

matinas,

you'd never make a Sherlock Holmes...

I was not at Stony Stratford. I have never met any of you.

Jeez...

I do however feel sorry that life has dealt you a fat, ugly woman.

John in Hull,

Why do you want me to 'phone you? Please elucidate.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:56 AM

I would have thought that Dai would know who you were, and I don't think he'd want any "nasty after-tastes" to what was otherwise a successful weekend.

Anyway what do we know about you ?

1. You were around at SS.
2. You can be very pedantic about spelling and grammmatical errors
3. You fancy Fibula (and quite reckon Morticia)
4. You can be very rude at times.
5. You seem to know about Kevin's wife

I don't think it would be very hard to nail you down (literally I hope) from those details.

Calling people "Fat and Ugly" is not the sort of playful banter that I would use - besides the two ladies themselves - how do their spouses feel ? I wouln't like to hear Linda referred to like that - and what Linda mentioned in her song would be nothing compared with what she'd do to you - never get on the wrong side of an "Essex Girl".

I must admit that you're doing a good job of supporting the "Ban Guests Lobby".

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:03 AM

Dave Bryant,

Pray tell me how you know that I was around SS (I assume that means Stony Stratford) ?

I have never been there in my life. I haven't ever met any of you either.

Yes, I do fancy Fib, ands yes, I don't like fat women.

It's a personal thang

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:05 AM

btw, who was the fat, ugly woman with plats and a pooh bear Tshirt?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,diff guest
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:08 AM

I doubt he was at SS -
The info he/she is dropping is available online
And as to fat & ugly - the two don't go irretrievably together. Fat maybe - ugly?... definitely not.
Anyway - ugly is in the eye of the beholder, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:12 AM

Malcolm, you'll no doubt have a clear idea now of the kind of guest we all like and the unwelcome kind. I hope there weren't any of the latter in evidence at the weekend (I know I stayed sober enough to behave myself).

Stony is a lovely place, and full of talent; and since I only live in Great Linford, I'll keep coming back as long as you'll have me. And you'll be welcome here too.

Steve

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:17 AM

Dave,

Yes, I'd very much like to go to bed with Morticia.

She is gorgeous.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:29 AM

As I've said before, it is never possible to tell how many different GUESTs are posting at a time, but the GUEST that I am referring to has revealed quite a lot. I assume that GUEST has met Fibula, Liz, Mrs Duck, and Morticia, McGrath etc. It seems certain that the GUEST who made the "Fat and Ugly" remarks in this thread was the same one as who made the deleted one to which I referred. The fact that the "Mort is a bit of a babe" only appeared after SS, seems to indicate that he had only recently discovered that fact.

While I'm willing to admit that I'm responding to trolling, which I normally avoid, I am fairly sure that our GUEST is none other than the one who has posted very frequently on the SS threads. If he hasn't been to SS or met any of the personnel - why is showing so much interest in the Threads ?

Perhaps he does it as a substitute for a normal sex life !

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:42 AM

I assume that GUEST has met Fibula, Liz, Mrs Duck, and Morticia, McGrath etc.

Wrong

I would however like to meet Fib and Terri in the future.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:46 AM

Dave-He is obviously a stupid shit, that hasn't figured out how to use a telephone yet.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 08:49 AM

Dimwit John tells me I'm a stupid shit

Pots, kettles and black come to mind...

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 09:05 AM

As far as I'm cocerned, at least one of the GUESTs, was at SS, and posted both of the "Fat and Ugly" entries. Any other GUESTs posting are complicit in the offense and therefore should shoulder as much of the blame - perhaps more, because if they don't know any of the concerned, then they are just stirring up trouble.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 09:11 AM

Dave, there's a question for you in the Simon and Patrick thread.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 09:23 AM

As far as I'm cocerned, at least one of the GUESTs, was at SS

Dave,

Be as concerned as you like. Truly, I wasn't at SS.

Please don't start getting suspicious or blaming someone for something that they haven't done.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Zipster
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 10:08 AM

You don't get it do you. YOU'RE PLAYING THEIR GAME. Everytime you respond to trolls you are making matters worse, not just for you but for everyone on the forum. I came onto this thread because I thought UK catters had done something good and meaningful at SS and I find arguing amongst yourselves and name-calling. RISE ABOVE IT.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 10:56 AM

I'm not blaming anyone for going to SS - I'm sorry for all of you who missed it !

I'm only pointing a finger at the GUEST who posted the "Fat and Ugly" entry (or entries), but if other GUESTs want to help muddy the water, then I'll include the as well. As has been pointed out, Beauty is in the mind of the beholder. If you think that the posting is justified, then be willing to confront the ladies concerned (or preferably their husbands) and tell them TO THEIR FACES. They might want, quite justifiably, to do something to your face. If you have to remain anonymous, then I can only conclude that you are both spiteful and cowardly - and that points to an ugliness of mind and character - much worse than that of body.

If you have never met either of the ladies, then that makes things even worse - judging people on what you have merely picked up from other people's observation indicates that you can't even find out facts for yourself.

I actually pity you.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 11:32 AM

Well --- THERE'S a nice can of worms! Thank you all (members and GUESTS)for illustrating the problem so succintly. I'm with Zipster --- ignore the cretins and you take away their oxygen. Just to set the record straight from my point of view I have only ever posted using my own name and never hidden behind a handle or attacked anyone else through the Mudcat. I do live in Stony (as Dai will testify), and I'm puzzled as to the point Skipjack K8 is trying to make with the snide comment about Council Tax. Is he/she/it alleging that I don't live here or that I don't pay Council Tax? Either way he/she/it is wrong.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 11:45 AM

It apologises. It saw the same allegory as the ruined session thread, it saw information from the mudcat and public domain used, added two and two together, and saw a wonderful recipe for stirring up the basinful of bile this has become.

Allow me a few points, though. Firstly, Dai hasn't fallen over himself to recognise you here. Secondly, you imply a rather larger number of mudcatters and pubs spilling over than seems to be the actual case. Thirdly, you imply a lunatic fringe was in attendance, of which I find no evidence in the messages of the Mudcatters that enjoyed the gathering.

When your membership name is made known to me, I will make fulsome redress in a personal message to you, Guest Malcolm, but until then I refuse to be another monkey dancing on the troll-line.

Skipjack K8

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 11:51 AM

I hereby recognise Malcolm, a good friend, and an excellent musician. Shortly, incidentally, to become a very close neighbour when I move house.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 12:10 PM

Thank you Dai for falling over yourself (err... about that very close neighbour bit...)Thank you Skipjack for the sort-of-apology. I sort-of-apologise if it appeared that I was accusing some Mudcatters of behaving improperly. I wasn't -- I was making the point that if some of them had been there was no reason to tar everyone with same brush. The same brush that members don't tar all GUESTS with. As for the numbers, I don't know --- Dai probably has a better idea, but there was certainly a lot more folkie activity than usual (which is quite a bit anyway) It helped having Bill Jones appearing at The Songloft on Friday night.Maybe there were GUEST guests in Stony last week pulling faces behind members backs and muttering obscenities under their breath! Anyway it should have been clear in my first posting that as far as I was concerned you're all welcome here anytime. If nothing else last weekend I discoverd that there is a Great Scheme to the universe --- the Bovril's with the gravy and the Marmite's with the jam!

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 12:25 PM

Malcom, if you always enter your name when you post, then you are obviously not guilty - my abject apologies if I thought you were. Incidently were you the singer with the mandola or what ever it was ?


Now GUEST(s) - If you are the same one who has been telling the world all about your passion for Fibula in the run up to Stony and entered the post that was deleted, and later decided that you fancied Morticia as well and then re-stated the contents of the deleted one in the posting further back in this thread, then you are the one I have been referring to. In which case I am not "getting suspicious or blaming someone for something that they haven't done". Any other GUESTs who've got involved have got themselves to blame for standing in front of the targets on a shooting range with no range dicipline enforcement.

Zipster, I'm well aware that I'm "PLAYING THEIR GAME" as you put it - at least it keeps the silly buggers from screwing up another thread and it did draw a certain GUEST into the open with the rude comments that got deleted the first time. Perhaps I've been Trolling a Troll.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 12:51 PM

Dave

When I spoke of

"getting suspicious or blaming someone for something that they haven't done"

it was when you were starting to accuse one of the Stony attendees of writing these obnoxious posts.

I didn't want anyone wrongly blamed. That's what I meant.

By the way:

at least it keeps the silly buggers from screwing up another thread isn't true. Better off ignoring me. I (might) go away then.

GUEST

P.S. Fib really is something of a babe, don't you think?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 12:54 PM

No probs Dave,

No mandola (or whatever it was) but I was to be seen harmonising with my beloved at the Song Loft on Friday and in The Vaults on Sunday. Sadly I was out of town for the Saturday night, but happily I was elsewhere being paid for making music!

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 01:12 PM

Skipjack,

The lunatic fringe certainly was in attendance at SS! You've met a lot of 'em, you should know them by now!

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:00 PM

Well I got home this evening at 17:15 hours, and this is the first thread I opened. WHAT A LOAD OF SHITE!!! There would appear to be more culture in a pot of yoghurt, than in 99% of this thread.
DAVE. Just ignore the plonkers.
Luckily I've now looked at the other thread, and the photo's, more sense and brotherly love there.
"Try being nice to one onother!"......Giok

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:07 PM

Agreed, Giok

I am responsible for much of the shit. I'm sorry.

It does however take 2 (or more) to have an arguement. Mind you, I'm probably guilty of picking it.

Don't worry. As soon as Max instigates the 'changes' I won't be able to post anymore, and you'll all live in peace forever more.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:11 PM

btw, Giok, it's photos not photo's

Plurals never have an apostrope

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:46 PM

Dave - GUEST wasn't at SS, if he was he would have seen that Morticia is not exactly the sylph-like figure she once was.... It isn't the first time he's posted about her.... but his first was so distressing it got wiped early on.

And he can't spell plaits, so the pedantic behaviour about other people's spelling is strange.

LTS

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:58 PM

Liz,

That's a bit bitchy about Morticia, don't you think?

I've seen the pictures, and I think that she's very attractive.

I didn't write plaits because that wasn't the word I wished to use.

I wrote plats meaning "plaits of hair"

Try looking in a dictionary, eh?

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 04:58 PM

Is expressing that opinion so wrong?
When you do so anonymously, yes! Your opinion of my or Liz's or anyone else's physical qualities is not really of any interest to any of us and to be honest (ever heard of that word?) I would be too polite (or is it disinterested) to comment on what I thought of you even if you were known to me (I rather hope you're not I'm choosy about the company I keep!!)

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Diva
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:47 PM

Dear Guest I do not know who you are...only that you are SO "obviously" troubled with issues of size and should we ever meet I would take great delight and pleasure in serenading you along with a group of the more comely maidens in a sprited and lively rendition of "16 stones" Whadya think girls....is he man enough??????

Diva

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 06:53 PM

Thank you Diva,

Unfortunaty, I'm a mouse with a unusually small penis

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:12 PM

Funny how fat Liz accuses me of bad spelling.

When I point out that my spelling is actually correct, she doesn't reply.

Strange.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Tone d' F
Date: 12 Feb 02 - 07:36 PM

Strange GUEST because you post like a very large penis.

The fact you post anonymously, lets us know you havn't the guts to do it under your own name.

I suggest we bin this thread, if you don't post to it he has nothing to respond to

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 03:26 AM

And, as I've pointed out before, since photo's is a perfectly legitimate abbreviation of photographs. Not that I'm pedantic about grammar: there are more important things in the world to worry about.

Steve

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: nutty
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 03:51 AM

Given what Max is attempting to do - I don't think this thread (from supposed 'Friends of Mudcat') is serving any purpose. Please let it die.

Regards Hazel
PS. I'm only posting now because the thread has already been ressurected .... I've been hoping that it would quietly fall off the bottom of the page.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,diff guest
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 05:21 AM

arguing about weight, attractiveness and grammar on a folk & blues website seems to be rather missing the point. one of the strengths of the genre is that none of the above are usually an issue.
btw - how was the music at SS??

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 07:52 AM

I agree - I was trying to find out what I could about such a rude (and pedantic) guest. After his admission that he is a small rodent, perhaps we should get a proper cat on this site. He also obviously doesn't get the right "spam" - there seem to be lots of "Penis Enlargement" sites.

The music at SS was fun - see the After SS thread

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: GUEST,diff guest
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 01:25 PM

Sylph or no sylph, according to the photos Morty's still got that 'it' factor. Oozes it.

Subject: RE: Stony Stratford Guests
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Feb 02 - 02:31 PM

I was going to ignore this thread, but since several people I hoped would do likewise haven't, may I please ask that it is now dropped? Guest, you have suceeded in making me feel very uncomfortable and since I hope that was not your intention, please stop.Everyone else, please show some respect for the people who's names are being bandied about here and don't encourage this any further.