I've posted many times as a guest, offering knowledge, help, expertise, and occasionally political opinion. Quite frankly, the reason I DON'T register as a member is the sanctimonious attitudes of some of the members, which has been proven once again by this thread. Boring, nasty, and hateful. Shame on you.

Another good thread that exposes the true nature of MEMBERS' passive-aggressiveness was the "Seeking Traveling Companion" thread a few weeks ago. I was ready to join Mudcat, then that thread began and the somehow superior "members" of the forum accused the poor poster of everything from bestiality to being a serial killer.

After seeing the shabby reception some members give to GUESTS, I really don't want everyone to know who I am. I still, however, have plenty of valuable stuff for members and guests of this forum. I tend not to insult people unless they are blatantly racist or sexist. I am, however, continually frustrated by posters--members and guests--who treat this forum like it was the most important thing in the world to the degree that some threads degenerate into outright hostility.

As for the threats to mousethief, even anonymous posts can be traced by the appropriate law enforcement agencies, at least to the computer from which they were sent.

Honestly, I've seen more insults from registered members who are threatened that outsiders might be encroaching on "their thing" than I have from most guests, who just want their questions answered or just want to offer info. This is, after all, supposed to be a knowledge base and an informational FORUM, not just a good-old-boys and -girls club.

Finally, many of you know me. We've met at festivals and gigs. If any members really need to know who I am, spend some of the ample time that you clearly have and follow the breadcrumbs from my posts.   I suspect you'll be disappointed, because the main reason I have chosen to remain anonymous is simply to step away from the role of being the person everybody knows at certain festivals and gigs.

If it is absolutely critical to know my name before you take my musical advice, I will email you privately.

I truly hope this is the last thread on this hostile, divisive topic.