I think there is one thing that differentiates Mudcat from other internet sites dedicated to common interests: Many Mudcatters have met others in person, many are firm friends in real life, attend the same clubs or festivals, and several have even married other Mudcatters! This is true not inly in the UK but also in the US and Australia. Events like the Getaways have even bridged the country and continent distances. And every time a Mudcatter visits another country, resident 'Catters are always ready with hospitality, introductions to events or even arranging gigs and house concerts.

Just as meeting someone puts emailing them on a different plane (much less likely to take offence at something one writes, for example), the same applies here. So you need to factor that in.

The other thing you need to consider is that many of the 'Catters come here not only for the common interest in folk music, but as a social circle, for the companionship and camaraderie, even though much of it is of course just "virtual". The BS section plays an important role there. Just like in any specialist café or bar, much of Mudcat talk is general. And that's fine by me and others, though I am sure it dies frustrate those who would rather all talk concentrated on folk or blues or whatever.

Most of all though you have to allow for the fact that the Mudcat accepts no "tall poppies". Though we have many whose expertise or knowledge or talent in a given area is second to none, this is not the forum for self-aggrandisement or overmuch advertising.