BS: From Bruce O.

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 04 May 01 - 02:02 PM

I used the wrong tense in my previous post, I should have said "believed", not "believes".

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 04 May 01 - 01:54 PM

Thanks Bert, that is kind of what I wanted to say, and put a lot better than I could have
Its a shame Bruce has gone as I would like him to explain further, at the beginning of this thread he puts forth his factual side while ignoring that darker side he seems to have been venting against people of late - for which he offers no hint of regret

Hope Sorcha is back soon

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 04 May 01 - 01:47 PM

Well I also contribute to the BS but I am sorry to see you go. Regardless as to whether you were Guest# 1 or not, I was quite ditressed to see that Amergin views you as "more of a worthless, lice infested jockstrap than I thought possible" and that Sorcha "would like to see you say something besides "It's on my website, see Scarce Songs file blah blah." - fine treatment for a someone who has contributed so much quality in music related posts.

I am also concerned about the possibility of a faction at least thinking they can control this forum. While I belive sorcha sent the email to you without consulting others, I note that she says "We know that if we "out" you, you could just get another stupid guest name.........".

Why we? One way of reading this is that at least one person believes that she is part of a group with the power to "out" people.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: gnu
Date: 04 May 01 - 01:41 PM

Gee, I feel bad about this. I came here looking for a tune and Bruce helped out GREATLY. I began to read the threads and found a group of people I felt were intelligent, generous, knowledgible.... I'd better stop because this could go on to the end of the dictionary.

I have only been able to help others musically a couple of times. Most of the time, it's banter. So I feel as if I am part of the reason you are leaving, Bruce. That's why I feel bad.

Then again, if I leave instead of you, I won't learn and I won't be able contribute. Nor will a lot of others who are not as talented, knowledgible, generous, etc, etc, etc, as you. Of course, you could consider reading and posting in threads that suit you. But, I assume you have a good reason for leaving, so, best wishes from me. And thanks for your help. I really do appreciate it.

sadgnu

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: Bert
Date: 04 May 01 - 01:17 PM

...This Forum, in my opinion, is now controlled by those who have little interest in traditional songs and ballads...

Well Bruce, this forum started out being about folk and blues. Unfortunately a lot of us are really not that knowledgeable on the subject. We came here because we liked to sing and maybe were looking for lyrics. But we don't all make a study of folk music, so we often don't have too much to say. So we just drop by and chat because we know that most of us here are in the same boat. We'll chat and bullshit around in our individual styles, just keeping in contact until something musical crops up that catches our interest.

The place has become somewhat like a village where you chat with your neighbors about anything and everything. I was pleased to see a week or so ago that you were entering into these discusssions yourself, sharing your particular knowledge and wit about physicists.

Unfortunately some rather pitiful people have taken to anonymous flaming and trolling, which has thrown suspicion on innocent members of our group.

The reason that they were allowed to do this is because no one is controlling this forum. It's free from control. Anyone can post as and when they please and can come and go as they please, so any talk of a controlling group or clique is just nonsense.

That applies to you as well so, come and go as you please, you will be welcome here when you come and missed when you are not here.

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: M.Ted
Date: 04 May 01 - 11:35 AM

The thing I have always appreciated the most is that, unlike others(myself included, on occasion, I am afraid) you *have* just stuck to the facts that are warranted. With you gone, it will be a bit like having a model kit without the assembly diagrams. I hope that in time, you'll feel better about the place-

You have done a great service here, and I, for one, want to thank you for all of the time that you have put in sharing both your knowledge and your resources. You have set a standard for documentation that can't be overstated--A great many people have no idea that much of what we consider "oral/aural" tradition really can be traced back to definite sources--and your work has burst a lot of spurious claims and off-handed generalizations. Most important, it has opened the door on a great trove of text and music that most of us knew little or nothing about.

I must confess that I have spent many happy hours scrolling through your text files, reading, pondering, and singing old songs. Your work with ABC files has been especially helpful, as have your comments on the technical handling of them. I spend a lot of time matching melodies to text!

Of course, I have often looked up the songs you mention in discussions, and very often, I have learned to sing and play it, as well (I have some nice chord/melody arrangements that I have worked out--songs I had never hear performed or on record, but that I knew from your postings and your files--

So thank you, Bruce! I know that I am speaking for a lot of others as well, when I say that your contributions here have really added a lot to my enjoyment and appreciation of music.

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: MMario
Date: 04 May 01 - 10:51 AM

Bruce - though I am probably one of the people that drive you nuts, I am also sorry to see you go. The wealth of information you have presented is invaluable.

On the other hand, if this truly means "Guest, #1" is also gone, I am grateful for your decision.

As with many other situations, there are two sides to the issue.

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 May 01 - 10:49 AM

We seem to have lost another one who can't seem to click Back when the thread isn't what he wanted it to be... Pity, I liked his stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: From Bruce O.
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 May 01 - 10:47 AM

Oh, Bruce, I'm so sorry. There are still (I think) a majority here who truly love the intent of this place and try to keep a positive tone. I'll try to check into your site regularly, but I'm sorry to see you go.

Subject: BS: From Bruce O.
From: GUEST,Bruce O.
Date: 04 May 01 - 10:40 AM

Over nearly 3 1/2 years I've posted 3184 messages here, with factual information about traditional and old songs, and tunes and given many as texts and ABCs of tunes. This is my 3185th (and last) post to the Mudcat Forum.

This Forum, in my opinion, is now controlled by those who have litle interest in traditional songs and ballads, and just want it for a general chat site to display their wit, profundity, and just about everything else.

As noted at the beginning of the homepage on my website, I will attempt to answer any legimate qusetions put to me by email. I don't have all the answers by any means, and I'm certain no one ever will, but I'll be truthful, and go no further than the facts warrant, so you'll get only real history.

Got my reprint of Ord's 'Bothy Ballads' today so I have that, and many better things than this Forum to keep me busy. Goodbye Mudcat.