Skipy - A while back Mudcat became very unstable and it became almost impossible to stay in mudchat long enough to have a conversation with anyone. Often Mudcat disapeared completely due to crashes with the old system. When Max sorted out the big upgrade most of these problems disappeared and Mudchat is now working well. Unfortunately, when the system was having problems people got fed up with being unable to chat.
Some people who used to be regulars in Mudchat appear to have just stopped using it and do not seem to apppear at all. Others have made arrangements to chat elsewhere. As Jon says, at one time he set up a chat room which was visited by a lot of Mudchat regulars on days when Mudcat was down. There were some problems on that chat room as it was possible for someone to use the name of another mudcatter and go in the room pretending to be someone they were not.
I know of one other chat room which has been set up for mudcatters, but certain Mudchat regulars were not wanted, so it was by Invitation Only.
Unfortunately, now that Mudchat is stable, many people who used to be there have not returned. Perhaps because their "friends" are not there or because the room is empty, so they do not open it up.
Certain individuals still do open the room in hope that others will come in (Known as "Gallowing" - hanging around on your own). They are usually looking at other web stuff, so don't expect an immediate response, they will be back shortly.
Quack!
GtD.