I like the idea of an annual or semi annual fundraising drive. I have contributed small amounts irregularly and certainly not often enough, but people forget if they are not reminded. I think the idea of setting a goal amount (and it should be an ample amount, there's no reason why Max should have to reach into his own pocket or worry about where the money is coming from in order to pay the electricity) and then donating, auctioning, or doing whatever creative thing we can think of to reach that goal amount, is the way to go. Personally I would have no objection to a subscription. I belong to another forum for which I pay $15.00 per year and it is well worth it. Mudcat is worth it too. That would really be the fairest way to do it, but I don't think Max is in favor of it so the fundraising drive will work.

For the record I feel that posters (members or guests) who are disruptive, hateful, vulgar, or who are obviously trolling and/or flaming (I won't mention any names) should simply be banned - their IP address blocked or their threads deleted. I belong to other forums who really are quite permissive but there is a line that posters just aren't allowed to cross - and those forums run much more smoothly and are still interesting and stimulating.   Lately there has been so much senseless nastiness on Mudcat that it just hasn't been enjoyable.

I like the international mix on Mudcat, by the way. And I don't mind people posting about their events. It lets me know what's going on in the folk music world and has prompted me to pull up websites and investigate performers I might not have heard of otherwise. So in that sense it has broadened my musical listening horizons.

I'm glad that you posted, Max. Thank you (and your helpers) for all that you do. Mudcat has brought so much knowledge and enjoyment to me and to many others. I'm thinking now of the Mudcatters I have met up with at the Getaway and at Loughstock. That would never have happened without Mudcat so let's keep it going strong.