There have been a number of threads referencing and criticizing some commercialization at the Mudcat. I thought I would post a little bit here about Camsco Music, why I started it, why I post new catalog additions here at the Mudcat and perhaps a little bit about me. Not necessarily in that order.

Actually, I'll start with me. I'm a dyed-in-the wool traditional music fan, singer, sometime performer and occasional researcher. I am now and have been very involved in promoting and preserving folk music activities at Pinewoods Folk Music Club in New York City, the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, the Baltimore Folk Music Society, the National Folk Festival, The American Folklife Center, the Champlain Valley Festival, the Country Dance and Song Society, NEFFA, and more.

I started Camsco Music in 1995 to help promote the proliferation of traditional music - that was the sole goal. I put up notices of new additions to my catalog because I want people to know where they can find songs that they may be looking for and, because people buy these recordings to learn songs from, to help spread and preserve this music. I don't think this music should die. I don't know if I'm helping to keep it alive, there are lots of academic disputes about whether the music should be preserved at all, but I feel very strongly that I have to try.

Many of the Mudcatters are here for the same reason. By talking to one another and sharing information, whether it be about lyrics, tunes, chords, history, or recordings, we are helping the music that we love to survive and, I hope, to thrive. When I was approached by the DT about being part of it and establishing a mutually beneficial arrangement, I embraced the proposal. I'm glad to be able to support the Mudcat and to be able to spread the news about traditional music recordings.

If this all sounds too noble, it is. I don't believe I can stay in business without your support. I believe that what I'm doing is helpful to people and that it doesn't hurt anyone here when I post recording availability. I know you will feel free to bypass my listings if they don't interest you.

Thank you for your attention,
Wally Macnow
Camsco Music