The flexibility and freedoms allowed by the existence of the open "Guest" handle are part of the workings of this unusual community; and although it can be an avenue for abuse by some, I think we can survive that okay with the constant use of intelligent discrimination as to when someone is trolling or worse, and when not.

It is very clear to me that any charges of cliquiness on the Mudcat are projections. Anyone with wit and a lot of time on his hands could climb in here and become an old-timer in a matter of weeks just by posting enough intelligent, informed, or humorous stuff (or all three!) in the right places.

Any playground has its whiners, its wannabe bullies, its critics who do not do, and its shy onlookers who are full of wondrous observations but are too nervous to speak, as well as the loudmouths. I think I learned that in fourth grade, Mrs Brererton, if memory serves! :>)>p>A