When I first got on the 'Cat (only 4 short months ago) I saw many warnings that it could be addictive. Now, as I'm sitting here at work and surreptitiously checking the threads, I realize that "addictive" might be an understatement. Having recently read a thread containing the reactions of people when the 'Cat was down for a weekend I think that I may not be the only person afflicted with this condition.

And so, I propose guidelines for diagnosis of...

(Spaw - you might want to get the bedpans ready - there may be a rush at the NYC this weekend.)

Mudcat Dependency Syndrome

Having an interest in folk and blues music may seem like a healthy and innocuous pastime at first glance, but continued exposure can lead to a dangerous dependency. The following symptoms are indications that you are becoming pathologically dependent on Mudcat:

• Preoccupation with reading posts on Mudcat or with the next opportunity to post on Mudcat.
• Increased tolerance for viewing computer monitors; development of the ability to compute much more than others and still function adequately.
• Mudcatting with such intensity that the next morning brings amnesia about some of the events of the previous day or evening.
• Having a laptop and cellular modem stashed somewhere, in case the "need to Mudcat" suddenly manifests itself.
• Posting much more than planned, or posting much differently than planned.

If you suspect that you are suffering from Mudcat Dependency Syndrome, you can test yourself by answering the following questions:

• Does the thought of Mudcatting sometimes enter your mind when you should be thinking of something else?
• Do you sometimes feel the need to Mudcat at a particular time of day?
• Do you often find that you can Mudcat much more than others and not show the effects?
• Has anyone commented on your ability to Mudcat?
• Have you ever gotten on the Mudcat in the morning?
• Do you Mudcat while at work?
• Have you ever gotten on the Mudcat when you should be working on other things?
• Do you sometimes get on Mudcat even though you cannot afford the time to?
• Do you have a very definite preference to associate with people who are on Mudcat, as opposed to those who are not?
• Have you ever wondered about your increased capacity to post and that you may be somewhat proud of this ability?
• Have you ever had difficulty recalling what you did after last night's Mudcat?
• Do you ever Mudcat to calm your nerves or reduce tension?
• Do you find it difficult to enjoy a party or social gathering if no one there knows what Mudcat is?
• Do you Mudcat to relieve physical discomfort?
• Do you ever get on Mudcat more than you think you should?
• Is your Mudcatting sometimes different than you would like it to be?
• Do the non-Mudcatting members of your family know the names and personalities of many of the Mudcatters?
• Does your social life consist primarily of HearMe?
• Is your house decorated by items on which there is a picture of a fish jumping out of a banjo?