Well here I am checking in after not bothering for many months. I would say the atmosphere here is still much more congenial than 95% of web forums of whatever type.

I'm kind of amazed that there are allegedly five times as many US-originated postings as UK-based ones. That's not the picture one gets from the lists of current threads... really though it's the "interesting" factor that is lacking. How many times can one debate 'what is real folk music?' and agree that McArthur Park is, or isn't the 'worst song ever'--(no wait, it's really "havin my baby" by my fellow Ottawan Paul Anka--that is decidedly the Canadian consensus fwiw)--and argue whether music stands onstage are unprofessional (they totally blow, but we use em anyway due to failing memories).

I do cherish the many real-life friendships I've made or reconnected here. On balance, well done Mudcat! Thanks Max!