BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'

Subject: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 04:55 PM

When I first joined the 'Mudcat' I was a little niaive to the ways of the beast and of the characters who behave as 'themselves' or who behave as 'other than themselves'. Who are you? why are you here? I used to sign all my posts 'Be Blessed' but was given a hard time over it and changed it to 'Best wishes' subject to general opinion.
What were you initial experiences on the 'Cat'
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:06 PM

An experience with many people who are unable to accept any point of view but their own, facts be dam'ned.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:18 PM

I assume Guest that every single Mudcatter posted or PMd you to let you know that they disagreed, or agreed.
It is dangerous to assume that most people disaagree with you, as usually those that agree don't bother to post.
If you're looking for 100% affirmation of, or agreement with your viewpoint, I'm afraid you are posting on the wrong site, there are too many people on here with strong opinions.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Cobble
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:29 PM

Guest if you joined who are you, if you did'nt go and play with your dolls.

   Cobble.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:33 PM

I waited a bit before venturing into the water. I wanted to see how deep (or shallow) it was.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:40 PM

Mike-

In answer to your question, a friend of mine, Naemansen, lured me to the Mudcat site. I had never used the internet before except for e-mail and searches so an interactive site like this was an entirely new experience to me. I was initially delighted with what I could find out about fragments of songs that cluttered my brain. I soon found out that I could also supply answers to some questions. I did not feel comfortable "chatting" with Mudcatters for several months but gradually got over that.

I've probably grown as a songwriter by starting threads at Mudcat and responding to song challenges.

I've made some wonderful friends here that my wife and I have been able to visit and share music with in different parts of the world.

I also occasionally let off steam in the BS section.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:41 PM

When I first came here I was a Guest but I wasn't a dink.

I got into the creative part of the Cafe. I love the songs, stories, poems and pure addictive pleasures of brilliant people from around the world sharing their words. That's why I still come. I became political for awhile but that really wasn't for me around here. I love to bullshit and have fun, don't like to ruffle feathers to much (except just calling Guest a dink in a round about way)!

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:52 PM

Ah...well, those were very different times. 911 had not yet happened. People were less angry and less paranoid. It's a different world now, and it's gotten a lot meaner.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Cobble
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 05:57 PM

I was directed here by Bill Sables, ok I dont get in a lot but I like it when I do.

                      Cobble.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 06:32 PM

Playing with dolls.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 06:34 PM

When I first joined Mudcat lan' (land)
I was a naive young man
Then I saw what Trolls could do,
So I do what I can

All subjects sore, I ignore
In main the Mudcat's sweet and good
So I've done what I could

When I first joined Mudcat lan'
I was a naive young man
Then I saw a lyric 'quest
I did what I could

For a lyric quest
I'll do my best.
Subjects sore, I'll ignore
In main the Mudcat's sweet and good
So I've done what I could

When I first joined Mudcat lan'
I was a naive young man
Then I saw some 'Flaming Trolls'
Still I did what I could

Flaming Trolls - LOAD OF BALLS!
Lyrics quest, I'll do my best
Subjects sore, I'll ignore
Still the Mudcat's sweet and good,
I've done what I could!!!



CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 07:21 PM

I received a warm welcome in the threads and PMs from many. I received nothing but encouragement in HearMe especially from Jon Freeman, the man with sexiest voice in creation. I am neither angry nor paranoid. And my home is a haven always filled with talented, funny, happy, generous people.

On occasion I have naively opened my heart and my home to a few who didn't deserve either. That has been a small price to pay for the friendships and happy times I have received through Max's little website.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 09:13 PM

Seems like I was born here.

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Peter T.
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 10:03 PM

I bless the day I first joined the Mudcat, one of the best days in my life.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 10:23 PM

Well, I don't exactly rember when it occured but I remember that it wasn't long after I discovered how to turn a pudder' on anmd had somewho tunneled into Tweedsblues... Seems I was havin' a good time there, which I still do, when I brought up one certain Englishman with the initial of EC who palyed blues, as well as rock... Well, this set off a fierce food fight where I seemed to ther the recipient of most of ther food so they fine folks at Tweeds figured that what I needed was a couple weeks in the big city so they tolt me how to get here and bought a Greyhound t5icket, put me on the bus with only my toothbrush and told the driver to not bring me back...

That is a tue story, friends...

..except I had my secret weapon: a teenager who showed me how to escape from Mudville and go back to Tweeds... Well, seems I've been escpaing from Mudville ever since but the Tweezerins just round me up and send me back here every time???

Heck, you'd think they send me somewhere else where I might not find my way back but, hey, no one ever said that blues folks invented rockets 'er nuthin'....

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Bert
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 11:37 PM

I was looking for a song. And Bert is my real name.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: John O'L
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 11:51 PM

I was looking for a key signature. And John is mine.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Alba
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 11:57 PM

I was looking for...what was I looking for again???...why am I here??
and what is my real name!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: michaelr
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 12:02 AM

Sing vaguely to the tune of "Will the Circle be Unbroken":

I was googling. For some lyrics. Wound up here and. Was amazed. I joined up and. Shot my mouth off. Was cut down to size. By a clone!

Stuck around and. Found more lyrics. Asked for more and. Posted some. Posted chord charts. Asked more questions. Got answers and. Got wisecracks.

I got smarter. Got involved. Started threads and. Was amazed. By the knowledge. Of the collective. Lots of scholars. Lots of love.

Broke a promise (Don't ever argue. About religion. Or politics.) Don't regret it. Venting's good here. There's some assholes. I'd ignore them. All the time. If I only could.

When I first. Joined the Mudcat. No idea. What it's all about. Five years later. It's been rocky. Not a place. I'd do without.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: The Shambles
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 02:00 AM

I was surprised and possibly a bit disapointed to find that I and everyone else were welcomed to contribute and that doing anything that might inhibit others from also joining in was not encouraged.

That I was not subjected to public judgement and speculation about the possible state of my mental health, what my motives may be, or subject to bullying and obscene name-calling if my view was not the same as an accepted one and told to go away if I did not like this.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: MBSLynne
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 02:01 AM

I came in as a guest to start with and found some interesting discussion, a lot of enjoyable humour and some nice, and like-minded people, so I joined. I made loads of really good friends, which is still the single best thing about Mudcat. I'm amazed by the number of people who would go out of the way to help you, despite never having actually met you. There is, and always has been, a lot of love and friendship here. Unfortunately, in recent times (and I don't know why this seems to have got worse) there seem to be more examples of people joining threads with the single purpose of causing upset. Even light and humourous threads are subject to this when they weren't in my early days here. I've stepped back a lot from Mudcat now because of the unpleasantness, but I guess I'll never leave altogether...still many more friends here than the other sort

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Purple Foxx
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 02:13 AM

It's only 5 weeks since I joined having found the site by way of a link on the entertaining & highly informative Folk file a folkie's dictionary site.
I am finding the current "for sale folk song collector" thread very entertaining & the "Ancient Egyptian music where is it" thread very intriguing.
It's still very early days for me but so far so good.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Mr Red
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 06:44 AM

A light went on

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 07:16 AM

I was looking for Fanin St by Leadbelly - still can't play the bloody thing.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: kendall
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:19 AM

I was led here by "Jets" around 8 years ago, and one of my first posts was to ask a question. Spaw jumped all over me 'cause it had been asked before. Well, I thought, how the hell was I to know that?

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Den
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:45 AM

I don't remember why or how I came here, way back when. I'm glad I did however. I don't participate in as many threads anymore but I still think that the Mudcat is an extremely valuable resource with some great and not so great contributors. For the most part people seem to be fairly civil to one and other and its a lot like life in the real world, some folks are helpful others are rude and some poor folks just seem to need attention.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:45 AM

When I first got here, one could hang in the chat room and get involved in all sorts of stuff, including the incomparable "Blue Moon" night, when we all started sing harmony ot songs of that period... At least I think the others were singing, I know I was, but we were only all typing...

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:57 AM

I was directed to Mudcat by Keith A of Hertford back in 2002. I enjoyed it from the start and still do. It has changed my life completely - I am now married to a mudcatter and living on a different continent. My involvement in folk music has expanded to become a major part of my life.

I've been subject to abuse by a couple of 'Catters but reckon that is the price to pay for the friendship of so many more good and intelligent people.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 09:58 AM

Ah yes, Robin, I remember the "Blue Moon" night. That had to be just about the best night I've spent in the chat room. What fun!

When I first got a computer near the end of 2002, my friend Sandra in Sydney nagged me to go and check out Mudcat, so I did. Well I dived in head first - music, BS and all, and didn't take long to join. I just loved it, and more than 3 years later, I'm still waiting for the novelty to wear off - it hasn't yet.

In fact, in some ways I enjoy it even more now, because I've had the chance to meet some 'catters from the other side of the world, in person. We've entertained Charley Noble, Judy B and Naemanson at one of our Earlwood barbeques, then Crane Driver and Sussex Carole, and we've met El Greko and Vanessa (and we're about to meet them again), and Bill and Lorna Sables.

Then there are so many people that I feel I know although I haven't met them. It's funny, but when you finally meet someone you have known online on Mudcat, it's sorta like catching up with old friends. There are a number here that I know I would feel that way about - ones I would love to meet one day, especially the santas and santees I've had.

There are some that I am in awe of, like Amos, Rapaire, SRS. Rustic Rebel, MMario etc - the people who keep the MOAB sparkling. I've read every single post on that thread since it started, and although I've occasionally posted to it, I feel that one has to come up with a higher standard of BS to post to it, so mostly I just lurk. Many of the people who contribute to the story threads are amazing too.

Then there are the ones I think of as "characters", such as Martin Gibson and Shambles. To me they are all just part of the "rich tapestry" that is Mudcat. They don't upset me - nobody here upsets me. Quite frankly, I find most of the "dramas" here entertaining. If they weren't, I'd just leave the thread alone.

Generally I don't like to get caught up in the political threads, and find the long cut-and-pastes pretty boring, to be honest. I like the threads with clever plays on words, and if a music thread comes along that I feel I can add to, I'll join in.

Sometimes when I realise I've spent too long sitting at the computer, I'll go outside and do some gardening, but I'd be lying if I said that Mudcat wasn't important to me. If I'm away doing something else, I don't miss it, but when I'm home, I like to spend at least part of the day on here. When it's down, I do feel that something is missing.

I know some people here have complained that Mudcat is not as good as it was in the "good old days", but I think of it as something organic, which inevitably keeps changing and evolving. That means it's alive and well, in my opinion, and I think there's plenty of life in the old girl yet. Long may she live and prosper!

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Alba
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 10:21 AM

My serious reply to the question is:

Where I live is pretty isolated and therefore there are not many people that I have anything in common with, thought, humour or Music wise when I get Home from my Travels.
A good Friend, who is a Poet and Writer and Member, Pinetop Slim, told me about the Mudcat after I got a computer in my Home.

I didn't post for quite some time, I was so amazed at the Digi-Trad section and the knowledge in the Music threads.
The BS section was hilarious as well as thought provoking and caring at that time.
I eventually took the plunge and joined. Naemanson helped steer my course with some words of wisdom, for what was at the time to me, an unknown world:) ( until the Mudcat a Computer was something I used outside the Home for more serious purposes
I am forever grateful to Pinetop Slim for adding the link to the Mudcat in his email that Day and to Brett for his guidance.
Some Members and I have forged Friendships that will last for a lifetime and some other Members I consider to be my Friends even though we haven't actually spoken or met.........yet:).....The Getaway will hopefully sort that out this Year, as will a few trips I am in the process of planning to the my native turf and other places in the not to distant future.

I have been hurt by the abuse of the friendship I gave to one member which unfortunately has made me less open than I was, say a year ago, but such is life in the cyber and real world so you live and learn. Learn, heal and move on.
As Jacqui put it so well I will use her comment if she doen't mind "I've been subject to abuse by a couple of 'Catters but reckon that is the price to pay for the friendship of so many more good and intelligent people"

I agree with that comment completely.

Viva la Mudcat!
Best of Wishes,
Judi

**I used to say Love and Light and Brightest Blessings, I save that sign off now and only use it sometimes but be assured my best wishes are just as sincere:)**

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: The Shambles
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 01:23 PM

Proposal for members only posting of BS

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 01:26 PM

When I first got here, there were streaming audio shows with chat rooms, Hearme Sessions and jams and all kinds of great fun...

Now, mostly all we have is Shambles and his idiocy

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Becca72
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 01:38 PM

I've only been here a week or two and was told by my father (Kendall) that I should check it out. In doing so, I found some very funny and entertaining posts, some very intelligent arguments and some bullshit...but it's all good and I hope to stick around awhile and get more involved. And Sins...Gordon Bok has the sexiest voice in all creation, darling!

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 01:44 PM

From my perspective, the Mudcat is very much the same as it was when I first joined in July of 2000, except that it seems to be much bigger, and the music has been separated from the BS.

I came here for music, and I got what I came for and a whole lot more.

I was treated in many different ways by various different people when I first joined, and that has been the nature of my experience here all along. And I've met (in person) and made friends with dozens of people I would never have met otherwise.

No complaints from me.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Beer
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 03:20 PM

Stumbled on the Cat by accident. Must have been about 6 months before I posted a thread or became a member. Have met some great people and hope to meet more.
I am disappointed how some members and guest attack each other. I sometime think that if the "B.S." section was dropped completely the Cat would be better of. Having said this I know what some are thinking or going to say, "Let the jerk stay in the above threads then". That is a good answer and that's what I'll probably do after the hockey season (Hockey Thread)is over.
Beer

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Helen
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 03:23 PM

My first post, after lurking for a couple of months, was a request to identify a song, which someone in a session I went to was trying to find.

Chorus: Let us go to the valley by the ocean 27-May-97 - 10:35 AM

I posted the request and was rewarded very quickly with the answer (The Dutchman) and with lots of friendly conversations and I've been posting and not lurking ever since. Yes, there have been a couple of people who have really annoyed me, but on the whole it is a wonderful community, and there are trolls in real-life communities too.

I was very socially isolated when I first joined because I was in a job which required driving for up to 10 hours there and back for a one day training session or a half day or even 1 hour meeting. I hardly had enough waking time to talk socially to myself let alone to other real people at that stage and finding Mudcat was the salvation of my sanity, I think.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 04:03 PM

I am so glad I started this thread. No flaming...no trolling...just honest and down to earth truth. Don't you just love this.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Beer
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 04:56 PM

I agree Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 04:58 PM

Thank you Phil.....

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Beer
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 05:03 PM

If you mean me! I'm not Phil.......

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 05:06 PM

OOps....show of hands here. Best wishes, Mike.,

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Amos
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 07:07 PM

I, too, wandered in to find the words of a lost song, and was quickly swept up in the Olympian diatribes and punfests flying between Spaw, Rick, Art, MMario, MBO, Jen, AIne, Helen, Peter, and a number of other very funny people. Then I caught caught up in the Gaelic Goddess' Song Challenges and the rest is history.

A

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 08:52 PM

I heard about it from some friend, visited as a Guest for a few days, got labelled a "troll" by some sorehead (and I didn't even know what it meant, being relatively innocent in the cyberworld!), and became a member just so that I could get treated with some respect.

Then, in a weak moment, I revealed that I worship William Shatner. That was pretty well the end of getting any respect around here, membership or no membership. ;-P

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 09:08 PM

You HAVE to get 'On Line' so we can send you E-Mails I was told . OK !
So now you're 'on line' , have you looked at Mudcat ? from the same people . Had a look , posted a couple or so times as Guest , then joined ! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ! Chat rooms , Mud gathers , The Getaway ,
I honestly dont know what I would do without The Cat - Except get back to practicing the music ! Max Rules !!!

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 09:08 PM

Aw, LH, we loves ya anyway!

Seriously though, Little Hawk is one of the people whose posts I always read. He always seems to cut to the heart of the matter in serious discussions, and there is a lot of wisdom there, particularly in relation to matters of life, religion etc.

Now when it comes to Bill Shatner, that's another thing entirely......... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 09:17 PM

Bill Shatner is hard to understand. He's deep. Unfathomable. Yet approachable. Enigmatic. Yet possessed of the "common touch". He's large. Yet self-effacing. That's the way it is with true genius.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 09:34 PM

I have met and played ,music with so many great people because of Mudcat . I can never thank everyone enough ,most especialy Max.. I think I did a search on Robert Johnson and there was a link ."whats a mudcat I thought ?? . What ever typing and spelling I am doing is because of talking to people here .Everyone has been very pacient with me on that front ... My daughter had just gotten sick .Lets see .... She was 6 and a bit and she is now 15 and still in remition !! So thats a bit of time ago . I have made freinds from Yorkshire to Berkley and behond from here. My third cd was dedicated to my mudcat friends .I called it "Out and About" because of all the playing i was doing while traveling. All the best to all here .. Guy

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Willie-O
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 10:18 PM

All good Mudcat energy to yer daughter, Guy. (All together now).

I remember I found Mudcat while looking up the Digital Tradition, which had been moved to Max's servers. Don't remember why.

Was quickly caught up in the confluence of musical community and brilliant co-operative creative writing projects. (the latter of which you don't see much anymore--anyone got a thread index, I can't remember any of them individually...like the one about hot-rodding.) Made some great real-world connections with people like the sadly missed Rick Fielding, Big Mick Lane, and my homies Marion, Charmion and Edmund. (You gotta go on the Internet to meet fellow folkies from your hometown...how weird is that?) Every time I went to a gathering, I met more folks I wanted to keep in my life. Concluded that Mudcat is a manifestation of a real, not a virtual, community. (Assholes included, for better or worse) It's an important resource for all of us, sometimes a lifeline and a great credit to Max, Pene, Joe and the others who have worked so hard to keep it alive.

W-O

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Alba
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 10:31 PM

Willie here is a : clicky thing
to a list of Mudcat stories provided by Katlaughing and the stories all in Alphabetical order no less. Talk about helpful, above and beyond is that Katlaughing one.... *grin*

Best Wishes
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: number 6
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 11:31 PM

I came acroos the Mudcat while looking for some info on Elmore james. Never did initial 'Guest' bit ... I joined and jumped right in. For a cyber site, there honesty.

For a music site I'm a bit disappointed in the exchange of artists people appreciate ... especially lacking in new folkies (or whatever) that are emerging on the scene. Just thought I'd throw that in.

I agree with Jenny's statment ... "To me they are all just part of the "rich tapestry" that is Mudcat. They don't upset me - nobody here upsets me. Quite frankly, I find most of the "dramas" here entertaining. If they weren't, I'd just leave the thread alone."

The Mudcat I find is not only an ok resource for info, but a great place to 'mind flush' from the stress of everyday life. Someways I see it as a middle age bunch of folks sitting in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. That I enjoy.

I have also made some good friends here.

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: number 6
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 11:33 PM

Oooops, I meant .... For a cyber site, there appears to be more honesty displayed form the catters .... well, as honest as there can be in a cyber site.

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 02:16 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Non posting of judgements week.
From: number 6 - PM
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 04:46 PM

It is a nice sky out there ... then why are we sitting in here reading this continuious thread of verbal monotony?

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 02:32 AM

Play fair, Sham. In that thread, as you know, sIx was trying to defuse the tension.

Like many another I was a regular user of the Digitrad and was upset when it disappeared. Eventually a friend told me that it had popped up on a place called 'The Mudcat' and gave me the address.

Took me quite awhile to enter the Forum page but after that I was quickly hooked and lurked. It wasn't until the Y2K flapdoodle that I posted- someone asked everybody to report in, including "Alaska and Hawaii".

I love this place.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 06:48 AM

mudatters are mostly bigots who can't tolerate others opinions. Have a look at the theads with strong debatable issues, it usually ends with expletives. Sad but true, mudcat is hardly the bastion of intellectualism.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: kendall
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 07:53 AM

Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. None are carved in stone.

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Janie
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 08:41 AM

Dani kept pestering me to go to something called "the Getaway" that she had been attending for a few years--something about an on-line folkie community and some Trad. Association in DC. I didn't own a computer when she first started talking about it and didn't know what she meant by "on-line community." Sounded risky to me!

    She finally talked me into going to a Getaway-2002 I think. I lassoed my sister Annie into going also. The Getaway was the most empowering thing musically in which I had ever participated. After meeting so many FSGW and Mudcat folks, I came home and signed up! The people on Mudcat continue to empower and encourage me to explore my vocal limits and abilities, teach me about many issues, musically and otherwise, and offer the opportunity to get to know people from all over the globe.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 10:26 AM

Found a link on Dick Gaughan's page and here I am, I've met so many nice people, and enjoyed so many good threads.
Nice easy going site, although I find it a bit too forgiving at times.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: fat B****rd
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 11:45 AM

Came looking for some Leadbelly info and just hung around ever since. Exchanged tapes/cds with a few people and generally enjoyed myself.
PS Anybody know anything of Matthew Edwards ?

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Kaleea
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 02:04 PM

A buddy told me about the Mudcat. I wandered in, looked at a few threads, & came back. Several other Music pals began to talk about finding lyrics here. Finally, one day, I saw a question which remained unanswered & the egghead in me nagged that I should answer the person's question. Then I kept coming back. Funny thing is, later on I mentioned the Mudcat to the music buddy who told me about it said Mudwhat?

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: autolycus
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 04:34 PM

I found Mudcat via google when sorting out 2 songs with similar name. Then got intrigued by the 3 minute egg thread, which was the funniest thing I'd read in years. I was hooked.

Decided to try my luck with some BS threads as a GUEST, thought I got a bit ignored, so ploughed on, joined. Found the idea irresistable, and that the intelligence,imagination, erudition, funniness, helpfulness and originality easily made up for the ignorance, insults and insensitivity.(which are, in ant case curiously entertaining. No names, no packdrill)

Was very grateful for Azizi, WYSIWYG, Peace, Rapaire, the Villan and others easing me in. Oh, and Joe.

Now, if you'll forgive me (or even if not).........

with heartfelt thanks

Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: lady penelope
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 05:04 PM

Was nagged by Micca to join. Eventually, when he stopped nagging, I did.

This place truly is what I would call a 'folk community'. And it isn't just about the music end (which is truly formidable) but everything else as well.

Folk music isn't just about folk music it's about all life and how we partake of it. And that's what we got here. The unusual spread of ages and backgrounds here, gives us a breadth and depth of experience and knowledge you'd be hard put to find elsewhere.

So we get a few people who are socially inept or downright ornary. That's life. If I wanted 'happy, happy, joy, joy' I'd go blag my doctor for prozac........

Yer stuck wiv me..... :0)

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 07:31 PM

gee...having 'joined' before there was membership, (late Oct. '96) all I saw was a few questions about music, with Dick G. doing a lot of the answering.

(and if I remember correctly, MY first post was in response to a non-folk question..*wry grin*....consistency is a virtue, isn't it?)

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: Deckman
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 09:55 PM

My connection with MC started just about january first of 2001. Long time friend (50 years) Don Firth had been telling me about MC for probably 6 months. I finally gave in and started reading the threads. After a couple of very timid comments, I started the "Tales Of Walt Robertson" thread on Feb the first. That became a REAL happening. I received such support and encouragement from mudcatters around the world that I quickly became hooked. My current participation depends upon my work sheduale (immense) and my degree of disgust for the tenor of some postings. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: coldjam
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 10:36 PM

I stumbled in looking for song lyrics...checked out a few hilarious threads and was hooked.This was my first ever chat experience. I don't get on as much as I'd like to.I've hopefully learned how not to get sucked into convos that turn ugly & hopefully how to type my contributions in a way that doesn't make me sound like a rectal orafice. I've really enjoyed getting to know some of the regulars-fun and smart and helpful! I really look forward to one day getting to a get together of catters.I only hope my liver is up to it!

Subject: RE: BS: When I first joined the 'Mudcat'
From: robomatic
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 10:55 PM

I think I dipped into the Mudcat several times before submerging. Originally an incredible source of folk and filk lyrics, and I put to rest some of my questions as to what the rogue was goin' over before he said "Stand and deliver" to Captain Farrell. Also an incredibly in-depth discussion of the words to an old Alaska standard "30.06 On The Wall" aka "30 US On The Wall". Every time I tried to contribute some little known folk saying I found someone had been before, knew it better (piled higher 'n deeper)or knew where to find it.

......then . . .

someone (possibly a troll, I did not know what a troll was) started a "Happy Birthday Israel" thread, and someone else, most defintely a troll, heaped abuse upon the idea.

. . . and I was hooked through the heart!

So I have ended by posting way more to the BS section than to the music section, though I have read deeply of both. I have really been drawn to the breadth of discussion here and the rambunctious ways of many of the 'catters. I have enjoyed striving for decorum, and I have reveled in letting fly.

I hope that everyone will believe me when I say that I may occasionally regard some as opponents on Mudcat, but not enemies.

I have experienced real in-the-flesh hospitality from other MudCatters and hope to be able to return the favor.

I have learned from EVERYONE here, and that makes me grateful.