Mudcat exists because a vary small number of people donate a fairly large amount of work and a moderate amount of money to keep it existing. Neither Max nor I (nor the others I've talked to) are trying to beg for donations, but I have continually been amazed at how few of the proposed money-making schemes seem to produce anything in the way of income.

We set up a Mudcat Shop, which offers music at competitive prices---almost no customers. We've had Bron graciously produce a good CD and offer it to Mudcatters for 5 pounds (or 8 bucks in the US), with all proceeds going to Mudcat---virtually no takers.

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I know that if a modest amount of money were coming in regularly, I could take time off from my daily money-grubbing and make DigiTrad considerably bigger and better. I suspect that the same thing goes for Max and Mudcat.

I've also noted that, while it's easy to get lots of discussion, and many suggestions, it doesn';ty seem possible to get any action.

When one considers the vast number of people belonging to, visiting and using Mudcat, and the relatively minuscule amount of money required for happy, healthy operation, this constant struggle for economic survival is depressing, to say the least.