I for one hope the mudcat never changes. Its just like a local pub. I can drop in any time and even though i'm not a regular(ie,a member) i've gotten to 'know 'quite a few of the patrons and what to expect from them. If at any time the topic bores me or becomes too heated or too technical i quietly slip along to the next group/thread. If i feel angry or insulted i have the option to reply in reasoned tones or with a withering(hopefully) repost, or i can retire from the field so to speak. Sure not many regulars will bother to respond to my contribution but thats not why i'm here anyway. Like others have said above, i'm fascinated by ideas and opinions, the more the better, and i'm almost certain that if i have a genuine query i'll get an answer - i've seen the mudcat in action!