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From Max: Mudcat Update
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: kendall Date: 28 Nov 08 - 09:32 AM I like the split. Leave it be. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 28 Nov 08 - 09:30 AM Despite the correct observation that it's possible right now to eliminate the separation of "regular" and BS, or just not have BS show up, and the suggestion that that would make the tripartite separation more usable, I disagree. Many, many of us--even regular, longtime Mudcatters--still don't even know how to do a blue clicky! The addition of yet another control to learn would be another confusing factor for many here. As to other sites that have multiple sections, I really dislike those things, for the very reason mentioned by McGrath of Harlow. I say stay with the present two-part separation, with the present ability to meld them, for those who want to do so. Dave Oesterreich |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: jacqui.c Date: 28 Nov 08 - 09:00 AM Conversely, it is possible to have above and below the line mixed in together, as I do, if that suits an individual better. That way you wouldn't miss anything while those who want to check specifically on events would be able to find them more easily. BB - check your entry in the Membership link at the top of the page. You may have filtered out the BS section there. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Nov 08 - 08:05 AM Splitting the forum does have drawbacks - virtually all other online forums I've ever seen have gone down that road, and one of the many things that makes the Mudcat so much better is that we haven't. It may seem tidier all split up, and it can be convenient, but there's a price to pay - I'm reminded of the way libraries these days tend to split up fiction into arbitrary sections like Crime, and Romance and you miss stuff you'd have liked because it's somewhere you never look. I think there is more to be said for doing it a different way, with consistent use of heading prefixes. Maybe with an extra prefix for the kind of ephemeral "people and events" stuff Geoff was talking about there. Perhaps P&E or Eph. Used along with a regional marker such as UK or NZ. That way, by judicious use of the "filter" box and the "filter out" box up the top of the threads, and people could sort things out for themselves. When they chose they could set up a screen where all the P&E threads are absent, or just the UK ones - or the other way round, when that's what they wanted. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: BB Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:31 AM Oh, no, don't split it any more, please! I don't even know what's happened to the BS section - it doesn't appear on my page at all, although it used to. But I am interested in what's going on where, and if I lost that, I wouldn't know where to find it. I'm not terribly computer literate, and I really have only the basics on Mudcat and wouldn't know where to find anything else. Please think of us simpletons and don't complicate it further! And Max, I'm very grateful for all you and others do - keep up the good work! Barbara |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: kendall Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:28 AM McGrath, my computer can be set either for American or British spellings. Just because letters are free doesn't mean you have to use them! LOL (A little humour) see? I just got a red line under humour. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Geoff the Duck Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:21 AM By the way, Spaw! Is this where I am supposed to say something banal pointless and numerical? How about going Roman? CCC Quacvk! GtD. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Geoff the Duck Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:18 AM I've been arguing the case for a mid-section for a long while now. Somewhere for the ephemeral but important stuff. The launch of a new CD, gig lists, meeting up with other 'catters when on holiday or at festivals. Radio or television programmes about to be broadcast. A place for the "Blatant Self-Publication" threads (Where are Punch the Horse and Sorcha Dorcha performing these days?). Possibly the place for births, deaths and funerals. Much of the information in such threads is directly relevant for a very short time frame. Notification of a concert might hit the forum a month in advance or just the day before, when a member sees the local newspaper. Once the gig has been discussed, the thread becomes mostly irrelevant. A radio show guest may not be listed until the programme is actually underway - we often get "Listen NOW" threads when someone folkie appears unexpectedly on (UK) BBC radio. Even with short term online archives - the "listen again", where available, is only there for a few more days. Perhaps such threads should be marked "Read Only" after a specified delay appropriate to the type of event. On important thing would be that such threads ARE NOT BS... It ought to be permissible for a non-member to start an information thread, they may be telling us something we would be interested in. All in all, as highlighted by katlaughing and McGrath, a "people and events" section would serve two useful functions. Firstly, it would keep similar threads together in one place, and as such make it easy to highlight information which might be only relevant for a few days. Secondly, it would stop such threads cluttering up the top section, and make it easier to scan through and answer the requests for lyrics, tunes and serious discussions about instruments or computer problems. Whenever I have suggested the idea in the past, the response has tended to be "we get by okay without a third section", but personally, I think that it would enhance the forum. Quack! Geoff. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:39 PM Kevin - You been taking 'Pedant' pills ? |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:09 PM In a Mudcat that stretches round the planet the word "yesterday" is always liable to be ambiguous anyway. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Leadfingers Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:07 PM OK , I KNOW its Thanksgiving , and I dont expect Max to ignore The Family , but did Wednesday mean Yesterday or next week ?? An update WOULD be appreciated . |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 27 Nov 08 - 07:56 PM I think a separate section for gigs and festivals, separate from the music/tech/obits section, might make sense - but not limited to the UK. It might be that at present it would be mostly UK gigs and festivals, but that's another matter entirely. It'd be the place for us to look if we were off on a foreign trip, for example. But I think that, whatever happens, it's only good sense and good manners to make a point of giving an indication of where something is happening in the thread title. In fact I think it'd be fair to have elves make a practice of putting that in, if it hasn't been done by the person starting the thread. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: katlaughing Date: 26 Nov 08 - 11:04 PM I think it would be nice if there were a "What's new at Camsco Records" permathread or even page where Dick could keep us posted on the latest additions to his catalogue, or even one shared by Camsco and Folk Legacy. I like that we have the amazon links and all, but Dick & Susan and Sandy & Caroline deserve any and all support we can give them and I think that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. I also second a suggestion I *think* I remember reading for a third section for UK gigs, fests, etc. I love having Brits be a big part of Mudcat, but there are days when one looks at the music threads and it looks like a UK-only site. NO offence to anyone, just noting what I see and hear from others. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Zen Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:46 AM How about an RSS feed? I monitor new content on about 30 websites using these already. Is that feasible as a development at sometime in the future? Zen |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 26 Nov 08 - 02:47 AM The Annexe is a site for Mudcat members to post on non-music topics, tho anyone can read the threads. Join up & be part of a great site. sandra |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 25 Nov 08 - 02:16 PM Thanks Joe. I thought there probably was a way to find the permathreads in a hurry. Every time I think the Mudcat needs something it seems to turn out it's already got it. I gather "Annex" is American spelling - but if anyone is looking for the Annexe on Google it's better to spell it the English way, "Annexe". And I agree, it's a good place to visit anytime. Tends to be quieter and politer than the Cat can be, which is sometimes what you want. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: wysiwyg Date: 25 Nov 08 - 12:35 PM It's fun auctioning Joe and, now, Spaw. In fact I think this Auction process is exactly the place to organize the $5 fine for whining. Wanna troll, post compulsively, have a little fun with another member-- we can just do it there and pay the freight. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Geoff the Duck Date: 25 Nov 08 - 08:36 AM The Annexe is a useful emergency refuge when Mudcat is out of action. As said above, it is worth visiting even when Mudcat is running smoothly. I believe the Annexe officially belongs to Pip although Jon maintains the technical stuff. Jon also runs his own site www.folkinfo.org, which is also worth a visit. Jon has a number of projects for his site. One is collections of tunes in ABC format. Another is a song database with detailed information about printed sources or how/where collected. A useful utility is an online conversion of ABC format tunes which allows you to transpose to a new key, and also to produce sheet music and MIDI files. Quack! GtD. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Joe G Date: 25 Nov 08 - 08:04 AM Thanks for all the hard work Max and others - really appreciated! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: VirginiaTam Date: 25 Nov 08 - 07:59 AM Annex link now sent to my home address and I will save as a favorite. Thank you Max, Joe, wives, neighbors and all others who work so hard to keep the forum afloat in the sea of techincal difficulty. I will stay away from chat and will likely just look not post (after this) until we get the all clear. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 25 Nov 08 - 01:12 AM more thanks to Max & family & neighbors! McGrath said - The Annexe is always a handy place to head over to when the Cat goes down. I say it's a good place to visit any time! & as not all Mudcatters are on Facebook, it's also a Good Thing the Annex is available - thanks Jon & Pip. sandra |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: katlaughing Date: 24 Nov 08 - 10:26 PM Sorry, Maggie, I realised that after I posted last.:-) |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Fergie Date: 24 Nov 08 - 09:03 PM Ah your the man Max. Thanks Fergus |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: curmudgeon Date: 24 Nov 08 - 09:02 PM The Annexe is here |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Mark Ross Date: 24 Nov 08 - 08:54 PM How do I get to the Annex? Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 24 Nov 08 - 08:36 PM Facebook (for those on it) has a 'Mudcat cafe' group - when Mudcat problems surface, usually a comment is made there. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: MartinRyan Date: 24 Nov 08 - 07:29 PM Well done, Max! Them's well-trained neighbours you have as server-sitters. We have to make do with folks who'll mind the dog! Regards |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Nov 08 - 07:18 PM I wasn't able to get back to the thread to open those links, Kat, but I'll take a look and make bookmarks now. And if I post anything significant like lyrics I'll keep a backup. I was in the Mudcat group on Facebook but it was way too busy so I dropped it (nothing personal!). SRS |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 24 Nov 08 - 07:13 PM The Annexe is always a handy place to head over to when the Cat goes down. .................. I think it'd be handy if there was an easy way to flag up all the permathreads. Maybe there already is and I haven't worked it out - but if so it maybe needs to be better signposted.
-Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Max Date: 24 Nov 08 - 06:58 PM Oh, avoid using the chat till I get things back to 100%. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Beer Date: 24 Nov 08 - 06:58 PM Best of luck Max. Beer (adrien) |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: katlaughing Date: 24 Nov 08 - 06:48 PM SRS, I put a link in my previous posting, plus you can always find it by googling "Mudcat Annexe." Welcome back, Mudcat!!!! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Max Date: 24 Nov 08 - 06:46 PM OK folks, here's the deal. We have a hard drive failing and I can't fix it until next Wednesday. I've done what I can to get us limping till I get back, get a new hard drive, install the new hard drive, load the OS, load the software and copy the data. Until then, we may be somewhat unreliable. I made a backup as of an hour ago, so the existing data is secure. However, I cannot guarantee the data between now and next Wednesday, but I'll do what I can. I have an optimistic outlook that we'll be just fine. Thanks for you patience and thanks to my neighbor and my wife for trying to help me over the phone and for the trips to the house to reboot the server. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Nov 08 - 05:31 PM I don't remember that URL. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 24 Nov 08 - 05:29 PM thanks Max & neighbors! & moderators & clones, too. At fist I thought it was my ISP (as it was one long absence when I could get other sites but not Mudcat!!) until someone posted on The Annex. Seems like folks do have a life, cos once upon a time EVERYONE would have gone immediately to Jon's site & started comparing withdrawal symptoms. sandra |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: BusyBee Paul Date: 24 Nov 08 - 05:24 PM Those of us on this side of the pond have missed you too! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM GASP!!!! Coming up for air! I've been in Mudcat withdrawal! Let's not do that again any time soon! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: John MacKenzie Date: 24 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM Yaaaayyyy JM |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Nov 08 - 07:30 PM Good hunting, if that's where you are! Sounds like you have good neighbors! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Max Date: 23 Nov 08 - 07:27 PM We're having some problems that include me being 250 miles away from the server. I've sent my neighbor over twice already to reboot and I am doing what I can to figure out what's happening. If we go down again, the next reboot probably won't be till Monday evening. Hang in there, I'm doing everything I can. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Joe Offer Date: 23 Nov 08 - 07:18 PM I sent a text message to Max, and he said we'd be down for 18 hours, or until about noon Monday (Eastern Standard Time, US). Two minutes later, Mudcat was up - but maybe it won't stay up. Whatever the case, it's time for my Sunday afternoon nap. It's been a busy day - I had to dress as St. Nicholas for a thing at church, and tell legends. The kids liked it, and I love storytelling. -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: katlaughing Date: 23 Nov 08 - 04:24 PM Some of us are not members of facebook and so could not post there anyway. Used to be folks would wonder over to Jon Freeman's site, the Annexe, which he started just for those times when Mudcat was down. I think his mom, Pip, runs it now, but it's still available by clicking HERE. To reach ANY of the Support Mudcat Links, including Amazon, you may also click on the fish jumping out of the banjo logo and it will take you to THIS PAGE.:-) annamill, there are lots of youtube threads, one of which is of Mudcatters, HERE. There is also a moderated Youtube Folk Music Videos Permathread. Careful with that one. Rog and I started clicking on links one night and it was four hours later before we came up for air!!:-) |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Jeri Date: 23 Nov 08 - 02:55 PM What's wrong with hunting on a Sunday? I came back from buying food earlier and a guy was hooking up a deer (a dead one, thank goodness) to hoist on the scale at the corner store. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Charley Noble Date: 23 Nov 08 - 02:33 PM Hope Max wasn't hunting on a Sunday! Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Jeri Date: 23 Nov 08 - 01:20 PM About all a moderator can do is tell you we've paged Max. He may have been tweaking things or he may have been out trying to kill something. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 Nov 08 - 01:13 PM It is rough when it happens on a Sunday because our diligent moderators may actually have a life on the weekend and not know there is a problem. It might be useful when Mudcat is having server probs that a moderator post a message on the Facebook group. At least we know someone is dealing with it. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 Nov 08 - 01:06 PM i know.... i been going through serious withdrawal all day. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: curmudgeon Date: 23 Nov 08 - 01:04 PM So, what has Mudcat been doing for the past six hours? |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 23 Nov 08 - 05:48 AM D'OH!!! Didn't scroll down far enough... Thanks! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 Nov 08 - 05:18 AM I found them on the mudcat home (front)page. When you click it takes you to Amazon but you can still see mudcat in the URL. I believe you can also go strait to Amazon and search for mudcat there. Once in, proceed with your shopping. Should work. Good luck. |
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