I don't get to come here as often as I would like (certainly not as much as I used to come). I was just looking for some information on how Lead Belly strung his old STella 12 - String. I was pretty new to the net, but I used a couple of search engines and encountered quite a few sites. THe Mudcat was the only site that answered my question. My big mistake was beginning to read the other threads. I found there was information I could share and information I could gain.

The 'Cat was a much smaller place then, and you could read all the posts from the last 24 hours pretty easily. It is not so easy now, so I have to pick and choose where before I read nearly everything. I recommend the Mudcat frequently at folkie gatherings and when people ask me a folk-musical question. I am spending the week at Commonground, a camp featuring music and the concept of diversity in our society. The first day I wore a Mudcat button given to me at the last Getaway (I think). The second day, I wore

my Mudcat T-shirt. I didn't "catch" any Mudcatter's, but I was able to spread the word. People who really should know about this place (like Bryan Bowers or Robin Bullock) have never heard of it. Well, they at least know of the Digital Tradition now.

I quickly felt I had made friends here. However, given the horror stories of meeting folks from the net, I was a bit wary of meeting them in person. Fortunately, the Getaway provided a "safe" place to meet for the first time. I can't say I've liked every 'Catter I've met, but there are none I have disliked. I thought Anna was crazy to invite these "strangers" to her house. Well, maybe she was, but I have truly enjoyed here hospitality and the music. In a fit of sheer idiocy, I travelled to Connetticutt to attend a Mudcat party thrown by Barry Finn. By now, I knew I could trust the Mudcatters. I had a wonderful time, met some very charming and interesting pieces and heard two Katrina and Peter Cady songs that are part of my repetoire.

Maxx is another crazy person (crazy about music). He has spent a great deal of time and money to make this place possible. There are a few side benefits for him (he gets to test out new ideas he may be able to use in his work), but the real fact is he loves what happens here. For a young guy, he has shown great wisdom in making some rather difficult decisions that have helped this site through some horrible struggles. If you really like what is happening here and are grateful for the lack of banners, click on "Support the Mudcat." You can be generous with your money as well.

I haven't tasted many sites on the Net, but the few I have have been burdensome ways to communicate with others. The 'Cat in comparison purrs like a dream.

I look forward to more Mudcat meetings and I will continue to show my face in the place from time to time.

With love,

Roger in Baltimore