Like some of us here, I've been fascinated by several recent threads focusing on the actions and responsibilities of "guest" posters. I'm posting as a guest at the moment (as I'm allowed to do) with a 'handle' that's suits my current mood and music tastes, and makes communication a little easier. Sometimes it's easier to be candid (tho' still courteous) this way.

Actually these discussions have been for the most part quite civil, even when people make the same points for the umpteenth time. Everyone wants to be understood. That's just human nature, but what I find especially interesting is that some people get VERY annoyed, and start throwing out some pretty scary warnings to those who feel that Mudcat is different than the dozens (hundreds?) of other related sites. They seem to go out of their way to remind us that "we're no different than any of the rest, and should accept flaming, nastiness, and DISINGENUOUS anonymity as part of the price for being on the net". In general they usually go hardest after the people who seem the most trusting of the Mudcat Community.

Well, this little experiment called Mudcat HAS turned into something unique. There IS no precident, not by a long shot. Yes, people reveal a lot. They ask for help in dealing with personal problems, and they GET it. Thirty articulate posts by thirty caring people may well help someone through a crisis better than dealing with a Government buraucracy or high priced therapist. Several threads have focused on people attempting to quit smoking. I'll bet the support they've gotten here is as important as any from the 'real' world.

There are people here who have time and time again gone out of their way to help others. Yes, at times it may seem a bit 'over the top', but I'll take a community spirit like that anytime, and if I occasionally get irritated by an overly trusting nature, or a little too much self-revelation, or even a bit of 'bossiness', well, I'll handle it with minimal complaint.

I completely understand how the people who hate the 'chumminess' here, must feel, but the truth of the matter is that although there are fewer STRICTLY traditional 'experts' here on a regular basis, than in the past, musical questions still get answered. They may not foster as much debate as before, but those concerns CAN be taken to other sites where traditional folk music is the ONLY language spoken. It's also interesting to see that some who've declared their distaste by leaving, simply can't stay away for long. If there's another site on the net that has THAT effect on people I'd like to know what it is.

I've gotten away from my point, which was that I think Mudcat is not only making it's OWN rules (practically on a daily basis) but will probably be seen as an ideal model for groups of people wishing the same kind of 'community feel without the crap'. The designer and the members should be very proud. This place IS different from the rest, and yes, BETTER.

traddles