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.