But thinking about this about further Sophocleese, perhaps refreshing this thread, and drawing particular attention once again to guest message of 13 Aug 11:09 a.m., might move someone beyond square one.

I'm referring specifically to the behavior of certain Mudcat regulars in threads where the outer ring Mudcat contributors are trying to hold a decent conversation about the music, when the provocations (flame baiting and trolling) begins, then is met with complaints from complaints by the ones being deliberately provoked, and then the collective Mudcat inner circle flaming on the target begins.

The case of the Folk Alliance vs. NAACP thread is a classic example of this. katlaughing started in with the "anonymous guest" provocations (ever so sweetly and politely, no?) almost as soon as an anonymous guest appeared in the thread.

Several other dysfunctional member types turned up the heat, until the entire thread was hijacked by those who will post provocations of every anonymous guest poster they encounter, despite the fact Max, the site owner, both allows and supports anonymous guest users on this site. In other words, the dysfunctional members haven't a legitimate leg to stand on for this kind of flame baiting and trolling, but they do it nonetheless. When their taunts and provocations are met with frustration and anger by the anonymous guest, they flame away and all hope of a engaging in civil dialog is lost.

But I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate catspaw's participation in the Folk Alliance vs. NAACP thread. I see he is doing his utmost to keep on-topic. I consider that an improvement, and hope others might be able to follow the example being set.

Kind regards.