Shambles,

I agree with you that music is what probably drew most of the people who frequent Mudcat here in the first place. And folk music is the overwhelmingly most important pursuit in my life. However, there are other aspects to that life, and if I and other people who feel similarly want to use these electronic premises to express other aspects of my/our/their life, who's to say I/we/they shouldn't? Would you deny yourself the pleasure of, say Rick Fielding's insight into Christianity's influence on folk music because he posts the occasional attaboy for someone's accomplishments?

And even if I did agree with you (at least I think this is what you're looking for) that we should, as much as possible, limit ourselves to discussions of music, who's going to be the arbiter of what is appropriate and what isn't? I found the Music In Your Town thread had some pretty good discussion of music and it's relation to environment. But I'm not sure it would fit anyone else's view of a music thread.

And please be sure that when I use "we" or "ourselves" I'm not referring to any subset of the posters here, but to "we" as in all of those with whom I join in enjoying the Mudcat.

I don't know. Maybe I'm particularly dense, but I just don't have a good grasp on where your ferver for this subject comes from. I'm going to make the assumption that it stems from a desire to see the Mudcat be the best it can. But, I'm also reading some real intolerance that I find disheartening coming from someone who in other instances has so much good to say. Nonetheless...

Best regards,
- Sean