"It seems a prerequisite of the potential bully that they need to ascertain the status of the one they disagree with prior to engaging."

Tim, I assume you don't play music for a living? Trust me, it's not the prerequisite of the potential bully to know who they are talking to. It's the prerequisite any human being to know with whom they are talking, not least the working musician, who is totally at the mercy of people who make bookings and write reviews.

For example, I had assumed from Joan's posts here in the past that she had a very low opinion of me indeed, and also assumed that meant she'd be very unlikely to book me.

That didn't stopped me engaging with her before or since, or, for that matter continuing to approach her for gigs. But because I did know that Ruth Archer was in fact Joan Crump I was able to make an informed decision and proceed accordingly.

That's not always possible under the Mudcat system.

If everyone was always reasonable at all times, of course we should all be prepared to engage whenever necessary. But there are some people here who are neither reasonable nor fair (I'm NOT talking about Joan now ok?!), and who drive even the most level-headed and decent individual to distraction.

I just feel we should have 'have the honour of knowing' what we risk when we do decide to engage. That's not bullying. That's just common decency.

Tom