Welcome Dave Swan. You'll be happy here - I can tell. Open your case, clear your throat, and don't worry about those honking noises. I've honked so many times I'm thinking of re-naming myself "Canada Goose!"
Custom and protocol seem to change depending on the situation. If you say something totally stupid, just apologize in your next posting. We all get carried away at times 'cause we're an opiniated group - even when just discussing songs.
I see the "mudcat" as very similar to "Lord of the Flies" with all kinds of roles being filled (it seems neccessary to keep a community balanced) but in the evenings we can still gather around the campfire and sing our little hearts out.
rick