RichM, you can do that sort of private thing on Yahoo. I have a small one set up, by invitation. You can choose to send out an email to each member with one message, likewise when one of them posts, etc. It's easy to set up. If I remember they call it a "chat" or "forum"...you choose who gets to see it or if you want it to be open to the public.

Mary, I've been pretty happy with Tripod/Lycos, too, but do check with your Internet Service Provider. I know we have free webspace with ours. You pay for it, might as well use it. If you just want something to show prospective gig contacts, you can put up a blurb with sound files at www.iuma.com (link should be to my brother's page).

There's some good stuff on html at the Mudcat...don't forget we have practice threads every once in awhile.

kat