The Mudcat is Closing its Doors

Subject: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Max
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:08 PM

I am sorry to inform you that the Mudcat is closing down. It seems that once BMI gave us a license, ASCAP got mad and turned us in. Actual police came to our office last night and made us turn off our machines. We secretly were prepared for this and moved a server to Reading, PA. However, they are on to that too and will soon shut that down. What we need now is to get out of the USA. What we need is a Windows NT machine with SQL server somewhere outside US jurisdiction. Anyone? Don't fear, we'll find a way...

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:12 PM

THAT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY, MAX! I HOPE this is your sicko idea of an April Fool's joke!!!!

Katlaughing, with a faint heart going pit-a-pat, pit-a-pat in 6/8 time! Presto!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Max
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:16 PM

I guess a coincidence. When the cops came I was like "real funny, who's behind this?" but when they put the handcuffs on me in front of my daughter I realized that no friend of mine would think this funny. I am sorry, but if I have to choose between shutting down the Mudcat and jail... Just not sure. If we go down, hold your breath, I have instructions to all the guys to try different things to get us back up. Hang in there, call your congressman and pray.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:22 PM

Max, this is very sad news. I hope you have a copy of all our email adddresses and can contact all of us who have 'signed up' and let us know how we can help in the future, if we are no longer able to access mudcat/dt on the internet. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: LEJ
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:22 PM

Max... this is getting scary. I received email from both ASCAP and the FBI, warning me against participating in what they described as "Illegal Internet Activity." What does it mean? WAIT. My wife says someone is on the telephone for me regarding A Mudcat investigation...

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Bob
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:25 PM

Cruise missle just launched against ASCAP HQ. Strictly defensive.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: dwditty
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:25 PM

How can we make them understand that this community is not about ripping off the establishment, but rather a coming together of hearts and minds in appreciation of a common endeavor.

Big Mick, help us organize.

DW

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Mikal
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:30 PM

Geeeze! I just get comfy and the Feds close in!

Okay, this sounds like a really bad day. I have Guiness, I have my port, and I have my drum. Warn the neighbors, I'm gonna be drunk and singing protest songs all night.

If prayers will help, you have mine.

Mikal

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:32 PM

Max,

It isn't even funny. I sit here wondering what would happen if the 'Cat went down. I won't ever see another post from Katlaughing or Catspaw. I won't get another country song lead from Gene. If I want an old camp song, I can't contact Joe. And all the dear friends I have cussed and discussed with: Big Mick, Bseed, LEJ, Barbara, Ferrara, Bill D., Alison and Alan from OZ, Alistair UK, Dick G. and Susan of the DT, Animaterra, Teresa, Alice, Harpgirl, and so many, many more.

Would I clean my house again? Would I spend more time with Marge? I don't know. I do know there would be a big hole in my existance. Geez, you know I just came here for some guitar strings. Then I found there was lots here to learn about songs and folk music. Hell, "The Old Dun Cow" is in my repertory now! And I get to pass on to others what I have learned in 36 years of living and loving this music. I get to tell my old stories to someone new. I get to pass on the love to the newcomer who found the 'Cat through some search engine while looking for the lyrics to "Mairzy Doats."

So Max, I can't laugh and I don't hear Katlaughing laughing either.

Love,

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Mikal
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:43 PM

Sorry, I'm not laughing either. I know a few folks who got squashed in the name of ASCAP. And my statement of getting drunk and singing was real as well.

And the offer of prayers was real, too.

If it is a joke, fine, I'll still pop the Guiness. I'll call it a celebration.

Mikal

(P.S. Oh, please....Let it be a joke...)

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 01:52 PM

Max, I am so sorry, really thought and HOPED this was a joke. Is there any way we can help? What do we tell our congresspeople AND

IS THERE ANYWAY WE CAN DOWNLOAD OR PRINT OUT EVERYONE'S EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT WE CAN KEEP IN TOUCH?

This would be a real tragedy and leave A BIG BLACK HOLE IN MY LIFE AND MY SANITY, to say nothing of what it might mean to my 82 year old Dad whom I get lyrics for.

I am too sad to write any more. Please let us know about the addresses.

thanks,

katcrying

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Anon
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 02:33 PM

There has been an unmarked van circling the block

for about 30-45 minutes!?

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 02:33 PM

Max, are they shutting down the song database AND the discussion forum? Please post where to send $$ for legal fees.

Mary Ann

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Bert
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 02:53 PM

At first I thought this MUST be a joke. But I spoke with Max yesterday afternoon and he was supposed to have left for vacation last night. If he is still there then I guess something must be up.

The thing that concerns me is if they shut him down they could confiscate his files and that would include the membership list.

Bert.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: bbc
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 02:54 PM

I have put up an emergency email list webpage, so that it won't go down when the Mudcat server does. You can get your address added to the list by emailing me your Mudcat Name and email address. The address for the email list is http://www.bestweb.net/~bdcarr/mcat/. I hope this is all an April Fool's joke and none of this is necessary, but, if not, we don't want to lose touch.

wishing all good things to us all,

bbc

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From:
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 03:14 PM

Don't do this to me!! Just found your site, loved it and now you're closing. Say it "ain't so". I have tried to add my name to email address, but will not work. So, Gene or Pete, even though I've just found you..would you please do me another favor and add my name and email if you can. Or at least, take note of mine and put it in your address book. Judy M. Malone [e-mail] Thanks in advance for all!!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 03:26 PM

I am just aching to think of losing this cyber community. I still hope it's a joke- and I hope we'll all still seek each other out somehow even if it isn't. I also hope my t-shirt's in the mail- I need it more than ever! We'll all find a way, I'm sure; hang in there, friends. Vive la Mudcat! Take care, all of you- Allison

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 03:34 PM

Just in case, I am busy trying to save all of the important threads people had expressed interest in having in a mudcat book, to my document program, so that they are not lost.

katcrying

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 03:35 PM

Just in case, I am busy trying to save all of the important threads people had expressed interest in having in a mudcat book, to my document program, so that they are not lost.

katcrying

Subject: 16minutes later Max says wait???
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 03:44 PM

At 1:43 Max posted to the Mudcat commercial thread. What gives, Max?

Is this really all a horrible joke? By the sounds of your other, LATER posting IT IS!

Yea or Nay!?

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: skarpi
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:19 PM

Dont give up Max, what happend to freedom in the states, I hope this is a 1.april fun. But this is not fun if those men are going to close down the mudcat, what happends if you try to get the mudcat to Canada ? .

I hope that everything goes well, If this is a joke I forgive you completely.

Arg, Dont do this to me.

bless you all, easter greeting from Iceland. skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:25 PM

Tomorrow, (the day after April fool's) Max will be saying... ok, all you desperados, put your money where your anxiety was!! We think the plug will be pulled, and then we get all excited about support! Hang in there, Max.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:28 PM

Alice, I hope you are right! Has he done this before!?

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: LEJ
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:43 PM

Kat, Anima, etc. Be assured- MAX IS PULLING YOUR LEG! He is not gonna tell you til tomorrow because he's got to be cracking up over everyone's reaction. I'd bet my left..uh..tennis shoe on it.

But wait a minute. There was just something about the arrest of a ...OH MY GOD! They are showing MAX'S ARREST ON CNN!!!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:52 PM

oh, dear, oh, dear, ..... kat! can you hear those handcuffs rattling??

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: skarpi
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 04:55 PM

Hallo again, I hope this is 1. April fools fun. skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:03 PM

well, if it is, at least, it lit a fire under me to start on the thread editing! Arrggghhhhh!!!!

So, MAX, you onery coot, you, are ya gonna tell us if the book is okay with you or not!?

Katstartingtosteam, close to becoming an Irish woman under full sail, as Big Mick would say!***BG*** I am NOT laughing, yet!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Den
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:08 PM

If the Mudcat goes so do I, wherever that may be.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: LEJ
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:13 PM

"...and Max said 'Let the Wild Rumpus begin! ' "

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Max
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:22 PM

Bert says your all gonna kill me, but I like Alice's attitude, "put your money where your anxiety was".

APRIL FOOLS DAY!

Your thinking now that either you knew it was a joke all along or that it was in poor taste.

In addition to an old fashioned leg pulling, I wanted to remind you that in all seriousness, we do risk something by keeping the Mudcat alive. The Digitrad has been dropped before and lyric sites get forced to close all the time. Seeing that Dick and I and others risk our legitimate names every day the Mudcat is alive, and with every new artist or lyric we add, not only to the digitrad but also the forum. Why do we do it? Well because of all the money we make off of it... Now that is an April Fools on us, because we spend our money on the Mudcat just as some of you do. Even more than the money we spend on technology and Internet connectivity, we spend our time, with only one regret... that we can't spend all our time on it. I am glad you all feel so strongly about the Cat, it makes it all make sense to me.

Anyhow, sorry for the joke. And if the Feds ever did come to get me, I'd be sure to be wearing my Mudcat T-Shirt and get the whole thing on tape. Never believe it again unless there's video to prove it. Viva La Mudcat.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Mikal
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:25 PM

Either way, the Guiness gets drunk and the drumming starts in about two hours. Hope none of you live in hearing range, my voice isn't that good either, and when the noble brew kicks in, the quality is bound to decay!

Mikal

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:34 PM

Phew!!! NOT PHUNNY!MAX! But good point!

I am,

katalmostlaughingnursingherpoor,poor,lonesome heart!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Mikal
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:37 PM

And I am not gonna claim I knew it was a joke, either. That is the coward's way out. I bought it hook line, sinker and all.

But it's as good an excuse as any for a protest song night. Got friends on the way, the ale is ready.

However, Max...You don't wanna know what kinds of things will be sung about YOU tonight! Oh, we are gonna be drinking to your come-uppance, and that's a sure thing!

(Hey, if I could find his address...Ten drunks armed with instruments and hundreds of years of protest songs. This could be the revenge I desire!)

Mikal (the little stick a bodrhan is played with is called a "tipper". Mine is called a nightstick...)

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Max
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:40 PM

I am on vacation so your sure not to find me. But I will be attending a Blues Festival in Jacksonville Florida on Saturday. Find me there if you must, I'll be the guy with the Mudcat T-shirt and handcuffs.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM

Ooooo! He's kinky, too?! My, my Max!

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: bet
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM

Boy am I glad this is just an April fools joke!!!!!! bet

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Helen
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM

Hi guys,

I'm reading this on April 2, 8.33am. It's not really funny on April 2, 24 hours after April Fool's. Logic was telling me that the DT could be shut down but not the whole site -after all it's not like International Lyrics Server where the only content of the site is lyrics.

But I've still got tears in my eyes because I've gone through the whole set of possible scenarios mentioned above.

I think the big message is - donate to Mudcat and do it now, or in cases like mine, as soon as there is money available. The second big message is, big hugs and stuff to all the loyal Mudcat workers like Max, Joe, Susan, Dick - have I left anyone else out? ... but you'll have to wait for the hugging to start until after I **#@$*! kill Max.

Don't really mean it Max. As Jonie Mitchell once sang "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's (nearly) gone"

Helen

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:45 PM

Alice in Montana: Please keep a watch out for Max.

Max: Did the guys that arrested you have tiples with them? Did they give YOU a tiple? If a tiple is offered to you, don't take it! Do not watch Hamsterdance.

Clinton and the rest are busy arguing about Yugoslavia giving the CIA a perfect opening to begin a takeover process. Taking away real music and real people is an obvious first step. Plus we have been actively running threads regarding social change, xenophobia, VietNam, and Tim Tams......making for a subversive outfit that needs neutralized.

Keep an active watch for suspicious people around where you live. Banj of course has nothing but suspicious people around where he lives. Leej, head north for the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed and help Alice keep an eye out for Max. Rick, it isn't uncommon for the CIA to take circuitous routes so stay alert. If this particular bunch is tiple trained, they may be after your 124th guitar. Maybe you could use a case at the airport as bait. Mick, are you still with us? You are a likely target also being a Union Organizer, Irish, and the Welcome Wagon Hostess at the 'Cat!!!! Art, get the condom thread out of mothballs...we need to look insipid. Sandy, we may need some recording equipment to duplicate tapes. I'm sure Leej has enough to listen in on Max's torture but we need hundreds of duplicate tapes so all can hear. Nothing will inspire people to action faster than someone they respect being given the Hot Lead Enema...Sorry Max...and we must take action!!! Katlaughing, get with Barbara Blessings and crank out some appropriate rhetoric.

All of you in OZ and other places need to prepare for houseguests. And Pete in NZ...a LOT OF BOXES...12 or so and all exactly the same size left as part of a shipment of sailing parts for the American challenge for the Cup. Each box bears the nsme snd logo of both Harken and Ronstan...odd at least......These may be tiples!!!

Let's get to work pholkies. I have to go get my mother-in-law at the airport and then....uh, sounds like the door so...I KNOW that twangy sound I'm hearing too...Sounds like the "Fuckin' Thing" sorta' and......gotta' GO! I MEAN NOW ... It's a tiple BAND!!!!! Pray for me............

catspaw

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Mikal
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:47 PM

Nah, well just sit on your porch, sing until all hours, and releive ourselves on the petunias until you return. (grin)

That way, the neighbors will enact our revenge for us!

Wait! Banjer! The Heavy Metal concept! In his absence, we will turn this dite into an indepth disscussion about Rock guitarists!

Or better! Kat! You know how to get his email connected to the Rush Limbaugh News-site?

Mikal (I cheated, The Guiness is open! Now, where is that drum....)

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: bbc
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:50 PM

You guys who are just getting home from work should have a good laugh. For those of us who have been following this all afternoon & wondering, it hasn't been much fun. Mudcat has been a daily part of my life for more than a year now & I was truly saddened at the thought of its passing, as well as the trouble Max might have been in (Although, I have to say, I wondered a little at his dedication in being willing to leave the country to continue running the 'Cat!). As they say, all's well that ends well, but do remember--the 3rd time the little boy cried wolf, no one came to help. Max, we *do* appreciate you & the 'Cat very much. Susan & Dick, you, too!!! Glad you are ok!

bbc

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 05:53 PM

BTW...I had the post written and wasn't about to skip it because "someone" lacked the kahungas to keep it going all night!!! catspaw is not about to waste litter!

catspaw

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Bob Schwarer
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 06:08 PM

Damn! A wasted missle. Well, maybe not. Bob S.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 06:23 PM

Hey, everyone, go over to the songbook bibliography thread and add your list of songbook and tunebook titles.

alice

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: LEJ
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 06:28 PM

Catspaw, you magnificent bastard! Leave it to you to have a complete contingency plan in place JUST IN CASE this had been a real emergency. Your instruction made perfect sense to me, and, yes, I do intend to talk to a therapist about that. I was in my car and headed for Boulder to get directions to the Neil Young Ctr for the TS when I stopped, went back in the house and read the rest of the thread, thus realizing it was all a clever ruse. I've really got to start reading the entire thread before proceeding.

But seriously, we need to thank Max for putting us on our guard. It will be twice as hard for the Tiple-wielding jack-booted thugs from ASCAP to sneak up on us now!

And Mikal, Lad! Those Led Zeppelin drum riffs are well known for their wood-splitting tendencies, especially when you throw 5 or 6 Guiness Stouts into the mixture. Best lay in some extra sticks...Regards.LEJ.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Paul G.
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 06:45 PM

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Paul G.
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 06:49 PM

Oops, sorry...my mind at this time of day is as vacant as my last attempt at a message. Max, I will confess to breaking a sweat, but have been on guard all day. If I can get out to the Blues Fest Saturday I'll look for you. The local radio news this morning announced that in order to relieve some of our traffic congestion in Jacksonville you can only drive across a bridge that matches the color of your car...so be careful while your in my town, or the paisley police will bust you next!

Paul G.

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 07:03 PM

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I FELL FOR IT!!! I didn't fall for the spider on my shirt, the graffitti on the ceiling, or my shoelace is untied (remember, I work at an elementary school) but I fell for this one big time! Max, may you rot! On second thought, no, you're too valuable- you can stay, But may you have spiders on your shirt, may all of your shoelaces untie, and may you get a permanent crick in your neck looking for graffitti that isn't there- oh, and keep up the good work! Vive la 'Cat! Have fun in Fla!
I'm so glad it was a joke! You all have kept me focused on my first love - music of the folks!
Take care, Allison

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Bob Landry
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 07:15 PM

Phew ... My heart palpitations are slowing down. Max, I've seen funnier April Fools jokes.

Bob

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: Brakn
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 07:17 PM

Max, I've just had a serious row with my-wife-to-be. We went out tonight, for a change, and while we were enjoying our pints of Guinness, I told her about the Mudcat shutting down, and stressed to her how serious it was. She was well pleased! "At last", she said, "you can get off that feckin' internet"! She is in bed asleep now.

Mick Bracken

Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 99 - 07:28 PM

I just want to warn you all, look out for symptoms of PMSS, Post-Mudcat-Stress-Syndrome! It may rear its ungly head at any time, but especially when the name of "Max" is seen or heard. Or, at the tinkle of a tiple!

The hands may shake, the lips may curl up in a snarl, a tirade of unintentional obscenities may be spewed forth. Cat litter, if nearby, may be flung about in a fit of seemingly righteous rage!

By NO means should you approach a person displaying these symptoms! Call the authorities and let them handle it with a tranquilizer gun and proper confinement.

Or, if you have a computer handy, it may be possible to subdue the offending party by quickly logging on to something called "the Mudcat", going to the "DT", and click onto any folksong handy. Turn up the volume as loudly as your system is capable of and blast it in their direction. After several verses of any of the listed songs, they may settle down enough to be led docilely(sp?) away.

It is important they be kept quiet and sedated. Even a chance tv viewing of something such as MAD MAX may set them off, again, so it's best just to keep them away from all media, except the aforementioned site.

It might also be possible, even advisable, to let them have an instrument. As they do not seem to be self-destructive, it should be okay for them to have stringed instruments, but no piano wire, as they seem to have a penchant for wanting to make necklaces of it for someone named Max. Hence the caution concerning the name.

If you are unsure of how to proceed, we repeat, CALL THE AUTHORITIES!!

Remember PMSS is a REAL and treatable condition. Daily, uninterrupted, and unthreatened access to the "Mudcat" seems to be the only requirement in keeping this ailment under control. Without it, there may be widespread mayhem, spilling over to anyone named Max, and/or the families of those afflicted with this dreaded, but curable condition.

Stay tuned for more information and report any sightings or incidents to this thread.

Brought to you by the SPMT, Society for the Prevention of Mudcat Termination!

This is me talking now. I agree with bbc. It wasn't so funny to those of us who've been frantically downloading for hours! But, then maybe it just means that those of us who were born in 1953 are much more sensitive and accutely effected by such machinations, than the rest of you! Which of course makes us the superior lot! Although, bbc, be careful, it might also mean we are more prone to PMSS! AArrrggghhhh, how they toy with your affections, eh?***so-so grin***