I was going to add this to the "Mudcat Oldtimers" thread, but then I thought no, be bold, be daring, and start a new one.

Being neither an Old- nor a Newtimer to Mudcat, I don't feel qualified to add to the Oldtimers' debate. As an Inbetweentimer, I see Mudcat as a virtual reality folk club. In the best folk clubs, you will find the serious purists, the people who are simply there for a good night out and a laugh, and all sorts inbetween, with everyone feeling welcome. Maybe all of us have been each of these kinds of people at various times and in various places and have enjoyed (or at least tolerated !) each others' company.

Now, at the risk of being ex-cattinated, enter the Chorus of Mudcat Old, New and Inbetweentimers, apologising profusely to Lionel Bart:

FINGS AIN'T WOT THEY USED TO BE

Them kids wiv no decorum
'Ave changed our folky forum
And fings ain't wot they used to be

They're ere just for a natter
They're not our kind o' Catter
O, fings ain't wot they used to be

Them blokes are so coarse, punchin' that 'orse
They make us steam and cuss
It used to be fine, til we 'ad 9
Wot 'ave they done for us ? I ask yer

Still we're not going to pack
So take us to Hull and back
We're glad fings ain't wot they used to
Fings ain't wot they used to
Fings ain't wot they used to be !!


Cheers all !
- jeanie