Good heavens...I've been lurking and posting fairly regularly, albeit mostly cookielessly, and I had no idea about all this contentiousness. I guess I don't open the right threads!

I'm an infrequent contributor of $$--usually in response to a request, or in the purchase of Mudcat CDs, Camsco CDs, or tee shirts. If I can get my paypal password, I'll make a contribution via that today. Otherwise, a check will be on it's way.

It seems that since I've been here, the nature and behavior of the mudcat community goes in cycles. I like the 'cat the way it is, in terms of its organization. BS goes where the BS goes...music sticks together at the top of the heap. I didn't know that JoeO and Clones were so controversial--they have helped me a couple of times edit problems I'd submitted before I looked, so I think they're more useful than problematic.

I've attributed the UK/US balance shift to a much more lively folk/traditional community in the UK, and I've actually benefitted greatly from being exposed to such a vitally interested group of people.

Of all the sites I visit, this is the only one that still doesn't require a user to register before posting. There used to be lots of "open" forums (fora?), but they all seem to require registration now, and I suspect it's because of the issues the mudcat is experiencing.

In any case, the mudcat is an invaluable resource and has introduced me to a wonderful community of very cool people all over the world. I may sound a bit like Pollyanna here, but quite frankly, nothing is perfect: the mudcat's assets far outweigh any hassles I've experienced.

Just my $0.02, fwiw.

Max, it's a still a beautiful thing!

V