Liz, I asked Max the same question. He explained that the main problem is that he is still trying to learn all of the functions of some of the new software. However, (he said, almost parenthetically,)"My dream is to have redundancy." In other words, if the Mudcat had a full fledged backup server, there wouldn't be any down time. As it is, anytime there is a problem, the Mudcat has to be disabled in order to work on it.

My underststanding is that the "redundancy" could be a reality if the Mudcat were more solvent. Max is still working to get the tax thing worked out so that those on this side of the pond can deduct our contributions. This process, itself, is not without expense; i.e. consulting with accountant and a lawyer. Meanwhile, Max's dream is far from becoming a reality.

The current income is barely sufficient to sustain the status quo. The acquisition of the server that replaced the ailing "Shorty" was completely funded by a single donation. (It is difficult to imagine what sort of tin cans and strings Max might be working with now, had this not happened.) There are some few people who actually make use of the Amazon link for their purchases as well as using some of the other links through which the Mudcat receives a small percentage. Sadly, not many of us take advantage of this means of funding the Mudcat. Most of the funding for the Mudcat comes directly through the generous giving of a dismally small number of members.

Now, I will have to say that (to my knowledge) Max, himself, has rarely, if ever, asked for funds. In fact, it is rather difficult to get him to admit that he needs any more than he has. (Most of the years of the Mudcat's existence have seen shortfalls that I suspect were alleviated by money out of Max's own pocket.) It is not hard to imagine that there is always a necessity for some small or even large bits of hardware or else some sort of software to make the Mudcat to run more smoothly. Funding is always an issue.

I know that folkies, almost by definition, generally aren't well-to-do and therefore, aren't usually in the position of being greatly philanthropic. However, even small sums donated from time to time would be a boon to the overall financial picture. In fact, I strongly urge those who will be receiving a tax refund again this year, to consider sending a wee bit of it to the Mudcat.

I know I have rambled a little here; but I hope I have said what needs to be said. Please help to fund the Mudcat.

I'll step down from the soapbox now.