Hi Kat! Thanks for starting this thoughtful thread. It is a very timely one for Mudcat, and for me personally. As well you know, I got turned off big time, some months ago, but some very contentious postings. For several weeks I didn't want to, or bother to, tune in. You see, to me, the best of MUDCAT is MUSIC. It's what I truly love. So why would I want to subject myself to angst, nonesense, bullshit, and rudeness, when I really wanted to spend a few moments in the enjoyment of F O L K M U S I C ! So, having said that, I do monitor it often, and I do post occasionally, whenever the thread interests me and I feel I can contribute something worthy. As someone else also mentioned, I'm speechless as to why we feed these stupid guests with their provocative jabs. If I want to pick a fight with someone, it's a lot simpler just to drive onto the freeway and give someone the finger. CHEERS, Bob (learning a new ballad) Nelson