Mudcat has not become boring because of heated and largely misguided controversies. Mudcat BS has become boring because of infinite repetition. Some may enjoy this for sadomasochistic motives or have nothing better to do with their time. Others feel the can "win" by having the last word; this never works. If you have a convincing point to make, make it once. If opposing views follow, reply only if you have news, otherwise keep silent. Readers will know what to make of it; usually the earlier posts get most attention.

The most enjoyable threads are those which attract enough reasonable or funny posts so that trolls and bickerers can be ignored ostentatiously. A particularly attractive and new topic may do the trick, or a thread creator who is an interesting or highly respected person.

For example, the success of a Song Challenge depends on a moderator who inspires creativity and whose appreciation is considered a prize. The following procedure may help finding the right person: members who consider participating make suggestions to Joe privately, by PM or email. As soon as a person has accumulated enough votes, s/he is informed by Joe, again privately so that s/he can refuse. Also, the rules should be changed to suit the new moderator's personality.

My proposal for a Tune Writing Challenge (entries by ABC notation) has not yet found many supporters; I am waiting patiently. The moderator may be determined similarly, with more emphasis on musical competence.