Garry - First writing in caps is considered shouting, so. . . relax a bit, o.k.? You are right to be concerned. You need to start off slow and cautious when using any Internet services. If you ave a very "privacy consciousperson, maybe you should consider hanging around the threads a while. They are what is known on other sights as a bulletin board. I guarantee if you read some of the different threads, you will get a feel for the kind of people who hang in Mudcat. In general I find Mudcats to be:

Very intelligent

Well read and with a broad knowledge of music, current events and the world.

funny

definitely fun to talk to either in chat room or on theads

So, read the threads - try "good-bye England's rose", you will get about 2 weeks forback and forth conversation, some about music, some not. Then if you feelready to give it a try, take the plunge. We promise not to show up on your doorstep without calling from the corner first!(Just kidding, we'll call from the rest stopon theInterstate!)