I've been participating in both Mudcat and the Beeb message boards since about December now. Both have had some interesting, useful and helpful things, both have been afflicted with personal criticism. Comments that if said face to face in a bar would result in a brawl are as equally unwelcome on the net as in a bar, they are both public places. I like to enjoy my pint, a chat which might even be controversial and a laugh without worrying about furniture flying or a broken bottle against my throat; the cyber equivalent can be just as hurtful. This thread has had some constructive stuff, some unfriendly stuff and has also had the effect of turning off the young on who the future of our music, song and dance depend. I'll continue to use both places, but some won't. Shame on us all.

Peter Standing