Inside Jokes are an excellent way of keeping outsiders outside. They're clique behavior.

I'm sorry you feel that way Melissa. Many of us have been visiting the Mudcat for a lot of years and have got to know each other in cyber space and, quite often, in real life.

Friendships have developed over that time and, as is the case in any social situation, there will be occassions when a newcomer to the group feels that they are slightly out of it. What do you do in those situations, Melissa? You cannot expect everyone in any group you join to avoid anything that goes farther back then you within the group.

If you feel there's an in joke that you don't understand ask someone about it or just relax back and accept that, as in the real world, there will always be stuff that goes over your head. I've been visiting thos board for about seven years now and there is still some history that I'm not aware of.

Of course, you could go back and start reading all the threads that have gone onto the 'Cat since it started - then you would be as well informed as anybody here.