Thanks, Jenny, for your opening your heart in this thread. If nothing else, our mention of your parents naming you for Jenny Lind the singer gave me a warm smile. And that led me to thinking of the "Jenny Lind Polka" which was one of my favorite tunes to play on the guitar a while back. So, thanks for that. Of course, this reverie is nice, but somewhat off topic. My apologies to all.

I can't disagree with you that the flamers and other obnoxious folk somewhat diminish this and other public forums. It's a shame, and no mistake about it. But, sometimes I think that bearing the hateful screeds – and thankfully they are in the minority of posts -- is the price we all pay for keeping company and conversation with the intelligent and witty folk who stop in and hang about here.

I've been visiting the Mudcat for almost two years now; trying to post when I have something worthwhile to say and to just read when I don't. And it seems to have a natural ebb and flow about it. People come and go. The posts get interesting and then inane and back again. All in all, I find much to enjoy and not much to get upset about. The flamers make a show, I shake my head in disgust and then the flamers fade out. All in all, I really quite like the place.

Should you cut back on your visits or go away altogether, you'll be missed, certainly. Sensitive, talented folks always are. And, of course if that's your move, the rude, intolerant, uncivil folks will have made yet more inroads to winning the day.

It's a conundrum, for sure. Best of luck in solving it for yourself.

- Sean