The way to ensure that the Mudcat continues to be the best thing on the Net, is for us all to make positive contributions to it. It would help if posters knew what some folk WANTED to see rather than all the negative and tedious "I don't want to see' stuff, about what they do not. For all this is unnecessary, if you don't like the subject of a thread, just ignore it and let it die. Even the best or the most popular ones will go in time.

That is only negative stuff I intend to bring in this thread. It would be nice to see lots of positive ideas, and suggestions for NEW thread subjects here and to leave the debate about the idea's suitability and whether it will work, to take place in the thread on that subject. When or even if, someone did think it was a good idea to start one. The purpose of this thread is only to 'spark off' ideas.

The buzzword for this process used to be called 'brainstorming', but that, probably just shows my vintage (IRN BRU 1969)…….. Right! "Let's run this one up the flagpole and see who salutes it" (sorry, that was a quote from on old 'Reggie Perrin show') "Great"… "Super"…."I didn't get where I am today without…."etc.

After the next visit to a live performance and the sooner the better, post a review of it here in a thread. The title could take the form of something like : REVIEW. 'Arthur Itis'. Sydney. 17th April 2000?

Using this format would enable all past threads of this type to be found and easily referred to, from the archives. This would not necessarily have to be in the style of a professional review but just your thoughts. What your expectations were and whether they were met, exceeded or disappointed. Highpoints and low-points of the night, some of the songs performed. That sort of thing.

I for one would find it more interesting, in these days of 'hype', to read a 'word of mouth' account of a concert, from one who paid to see it, than to read a professional one. It would serve many a useful purpose. In the case of a tour, it would give the opportunity for others to see (or not), a later performance, the very same concert may also have been seen by someone else, here? To compare those views, would be valuable too. The world-wide nature of The Mudcat, would also make these contributions valuable.

If this were kept topical and not limited to 'big names', it would also provide opportunities for local and or lesser- known folk to possibly become be better known (or not). Also give or prompt an opportunity for us to see some the 'older' performers, while they are still here.

Using the review as the starting point and basis for a discussion, for in true Mudcat fashion, who knows where discussion on that thread, may eventually lead? I would 'start the ball rolling' on this idea, but it has been a little while since the last concert I saw and the details have faded a little, but I will write about the next one. I may even take a note book?

Your turn to make a suggestion, or better still, you could go ahead and 'just do it', setting the example by starting your thread anyway…………………………. ?