I'm sure going to miss Bruce around here.

I've been singing and playing traditional and folk material nearly as long as anyone here (40+ years) and one thing that has impressed me over the years is that those who share my interest tend to be an eclectic bunch with a huge variety of interests and a great store of knowledge on many subjects. At 3D world hootenanies and guitar pulls, convrsation has often drifted away from music for a time even though we are all sitting with instruments at the ready. Folk musicians are just that way, they are thinking about a huge variety of things all at the same time and don't see a need to make special rules about what can be discussed in any particular setting. That's always been okay with me because I enjoy the digressions as well. I guess I'm a gregarious sort of person.

I probably don't even open the majority of the threads here. Not because I don't think exchanging nonsense would be fun but, like Sandy, I just don't have the time to spend. There seem to be some music threads on a continuing basis and although I would like to see a few more there are enough to keep me occupied most days. The thing that I hate to see is the bickering and expression of hatred that pops up from time to time. In my experience, that sort of anamosity is rare among the folk crowd. I assume it comes from hangers-on who are only looking to stir up trouble.

I guess until the human species is perfected, I'll continue to hang out here in the hope that others of a like mind will stay too.

Thanks to everyone who, like Bruce, helps to make this an interesting place.

      - Mark