From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:16 PM

Paypal sent. If the server thing doesn't work out spend it on booze and hookers.
- Phil

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 12:06 AM

I don't have a lot of extra money right now, but I do have jewellery supplies and it's been years since I have offered a necklace in the auction, so...here's my contribution.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Max
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 12:35 AM

Sorcha does have a valid point. Some organizations do have an open accounting system, and it works for them and does lend them a certain credibility. I just can't do it. If I accepted a fee for membership, you bet your bottom I'd share my expenses with you. But this site is free, you don't have to contribute anything, nobody does. Just like I don't have to keep publishing it. I can turn it off and delete all the files and all the threads any time I want. But I don't. And maybe I don't because I know people care about it, and care about me.

In 1995 when I started mudcat, I wasn't keeping track of the money or time I was spending. It ran for over a year with no digitrad, then another year with no forum. We didn't have much of a membership for another year and two after that.

I never asked for or got contributions and we had no products to sell. I ran a server, paid for bandwidth, paid for software and spent more time on it that many people ever spend on a single project in their entire lives. This is a span of years with nothing. I didn't do it for money, so I kept no records. I just thought it was awesome that some guy in Germany was accessing files on my computer because he likes Leadbelly too.

So, I am sorry Sorch, I cannot report anything for at least 4 years. Though last and this year so far the money has gone to bandwidth, electricity, software, hardware, a solid gold toilet and just a little bit of crack cocaine. This picture is where the mudcat lived for almost exactly 5 years all the way up until the middle of last year. You can tell that I was spending all the money on lavish decorating, furniture and other fine things. This is were I would sit for hours to swap out a hard drive on a crashed server at 3am, add a new feature such as mudchat or settle a dispute between 2 mudcatters that couldn't get along in my forum. A luxurious lifestyle, I know.

Sorcha, I've always liked you, so I'll reword my initial thread for you:

Hi all. A solid 89 hours of uptime. Looks like something went right. Also, I think the supersearch is working and is no longer missing certain periods of time (though I'm not positive about that).

So, down to business. I'm broke, please send money, size 4 diapers, puppy food, canned goods and guitar strings.

Thank you,

Max


PS. I love you all and thanks for the help. For those of you who can't contribute or will not because of the lack of public accounting, I understand 100%. If you doubt me in any way, don't give it a second thought. I still love you, value your opinion and am glad that you are a part of this community. That's another thing that is free on this site... speech.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 01:18 AM

Mudcat Central doesn't look anything special, does it?

Maybe you can use my contribution to tart it up so it looks the really magical thing it is!

keep up the good work, Max & thanks for letting us be part of it tho make sure you spend a bit of time here & there with your family

sandra

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 01:59 AM

Note to self... do paypal this weekend after I get paid.

I am not going to attack Sorcha or take sides here. It is fair enough if someone needs or wishes transparency. It might have been better if Sorcha had PMd concern rather than make it public. But then maybe not.   It is a free speech place. Not my place to judge anyone.

I just want to say Thank you Max. Mudcat and it's denizens makes me laugh and cry. I witness and experience thoughtfulness, silliness, outrage and joy but I never feel despair. I learn amazing stuff about music, people and places. I have met wonderful virtual people and will soon be meeting one new Mudfriend face to face this weekend. I hope to meet more in real life.

I wish my daughter had lived to be a part of the Mudcat City. She would love it here. Though she prabaly would have been one of those stubborn, opinionated, vocal ones that mods would respectfully request to tone it down.   

Anyway, because Andie is not here, sometimes Mudcat is a very needed distraction from my sorrow.

Thank you again and again and again.

Oh and one tip.... please don't spend so much time on us that you miss precious moments with your family.

Tamara

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: open mike
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 02:37 AM

I HOPE THAT MANY OF US WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW
OUR APPRECIATION TO MAX FOR THIS WONDERFUL
LABOR OF LOVE THAT WE ALL BENEFIT FROM.

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY TO BE ALIVE!

I AM SURE THAT SORCHA HAS GAINED MANY FRIENDS
AND WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES FROM THE MUDCATS
SHE HAS MET HERE. I HOPE THAT SHE WILL BE
ABLE TO BE MORE SUPPORTIVE WHEN SHE REMEMBERS
THAT.

HERE'S TO A NEW YEAR OF FRIENDSHIP, MUSIC AND
BOTH SERIOUS AND COMICAL EXCHANGES ON MUDCAT.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Megan L
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:13 AM

Sorcha my dear I still think of you as a friend and I am pretty certain that you meant that as a genuine question. Sometimes however it is best to try and look at what we post through anothers eyes, the results are often suprising.

Max This month is real difficult but once I see where i am going I will try do my bit through UK catters support. Thank you for what must be a lot of hard work for what is essentially a bunch of strangers benefit.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:20 AM

From Max: (November 14th 08)

I don't have a problem with contibutions, though I would very much like to survive without them. The big picture is to generate money to be able to spend the time on the mudcat. I would like to think that the more time I spend on the mudcat, the better it will be. I also intend to seek grants and maybe even interns, getting the 501(c)3 non-profit status, the whole ball of wax.

I see the foundation too John, a dream of mine, to be sure.

I want the mudcat to be important and relevant not only on the internet, but everywhere.




So Max, get to it!

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Megan L
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:25 AM

Guest go take a very long walk preferably on a very short pier. Peoples lives change and Max's life is going through the spindryer just now. By the way Guests are supposed to post with a consistant name not just the safe little hide behind mask of guest.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: MartinRyan
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:52 AM

Sent, ungrudgingly, if slowly.

Regards

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 05:56 AM

I thought this was 'No strings attached' site Max!

Whadya want Elixirs already?


To some strings, to others rope.

JM

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:44 AM

Mudcat has witnessed miracles before.

Along with the Hudson, and 32nd Street it is a real miricle this place has continued.

Good Lord knows I have been blessed in countless ways through Max's generosity.

A SONG for the TIMES

http://www.mudcat.org/Detail.CFM?messages__Message_ID=75529

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Haruo
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:53 AM

I'll get some to you at some point here. Can I donate in Sorcha's name or will that confuse PayPal?

Haruo

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:55 AM

The bottom line here is, this site belongs to Max. Lox, stock and bagels. It is free to us to enjoy and no one is expected to contribute.
Demanding an accounting is over the top.

Does anyone want to know what I do with the money they give me for my CDs? Ask, I dare you!

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:09 AM

Max works at zero pay, for all of us. What do you THINK he does with the money? Keeps himself and his family alive - so he can go on working at zero pay for all of us.

Just joined UK Friends (I think we should keep that thread near the top for awhile) and will be putting an as-new CD in the auction shortly (Grainne Hambly playing Irish harp).

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:11 AM

Rebalanced checking account. PayPal enroute.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:32 AM

Hi Kendall ... Say, I just wanted to ask you what it is that you REALLY do with your mone ... Oh, on second thought ... ferget I asked! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:55 AM

Max, could I make a couple of suggestions.

Firstly, maybe put the PayPal details at the top of the page, clearly visible..

And secondly, you know that 'Help Support The Mudcat Cafe' thingummyjig on the main Cafe page, which you click and it takes you to the link I've pasted below..well...is there any way you could add it to this page too? It would double up 'reminding' people....Oh, and the link to the UK Amazon site isn't working from my computer, don't know if that's just me or if anyone else is having problems.

How to get to the Paypal Account and the Amazon ones too

I've just sent mine over. First time I've ever done it, but I'll do it as and when I'm able to from now on. It was soooooo easy.

Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and love, in keeping this crazy site going. Look after yourself, and I hope the move and new job soon bring you and your family much happiness.

Lizzie :0) xx

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: jacqui.c
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:55 AM

Doing Paypal as soon as I leave this thread.

I told you at one of the Getaways, Max, that you, through this site, changed my life completely. I will always be in your debt.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:04 AM

Good idea, Lizzie - I generally forget that there is a "Main Cafe" page.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:12 AM

Sent a little somethin'-somethin' along with your 50% cut for the auction item I won last night..

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:35 AM

In the cosmic scheme of things, we're all much richer for Max's work, and we can never repay him for creating this site. I've always wished I could donate more, and have always felt that if there were a PBS kind of fundraiser for annual use (on an honor system) that would be fine with me also. Give what you can, when you can. I linked to Amazon through Mudcat this year to do my holiday shopping, and I do click on Google ads periodically to activate that payment.

The friends made, the people discovered, the support we can offer each other--all of this is priceless. How many of us have responded with lateral support to aid other Mudcatters, not just Mudcat itself? Someone's house burned down, someone's basement flooded, someone's computer died, someone needs a book or a recording, big or small, these have occurred and we've responded in order to keep our friends afloat and in touch with this community.

I use eBay to keep my PayPal account up and running, and I have been recovering from my own catastrophic computer crash and rebuild, so I haven't used it for a while. But with the next sale I'll be sending a portion to Mudcat, and use it as you will. It won't go to waste, however it is used. Max is a national treasure.

SRS

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:39 AM

Max is an international treasure! :0) lol

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:49 AM

Now wait a miute here......This whole "treasure" thing is getting out of hand. Let's remember that NOBODY who went to Penn State and now works for them can ever be a "treasure" of any sort. Additionally, he has never blown up the possum's ass and that alone disqualifies him admission into the TreasureHouse.

Spaw

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 11:08 AM

I h8 PayPal. They didn't think I was me and now I'm caught in virtual red tape. Why can't those jerks make sure it's really you when you sign INto the effing account!!? Assbrains...

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 11:10 AM

Tell us how you really feel about PayPal, Jeri. . .

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 11:31 AM

No, seriously, if they fix this, they're OK. It's the waiting. If they can mess things up that fast, you'd think they could mess them DOWN as quickly.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 11:46 AM

You think Paypal can mess it up? Try Facebook!

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: twag
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 01:56 PM

I could see the point of an accounting if membership funds or fees were levied. But this incredible site is as free as the air we breathe--to the vast majority of us who don't maintain the machines it runs on and keep it virus and rootkit and lawsuit free. No ads, no banners, nothing but a tidy yet sprawling database, paired in verbose synergy with an untidy and exhaustive forum knowledgebase.

In the unlikely--it seems to me--event that Max and the Mudcat Team are in fact getting rich on the sporadic, ad hoc donations that we supply...would that a bad thing considering what we're getting in return?

I'm in for $50 for the move. I've been a Digitrad drone for far too long. While I don't blovulate regularly in the forums, I always mean to do…and would just hate it if the 'Cat dried up and blew away for lack of support before I got around to it.

Thank you, Max et al, for all you do.   And thank you Sorcha for annoying me enough to make me finally get up off my wallet. But perhaps that was your intent all along…you cunning minx?

=tew=

P.S. I also tried to set up a recurring PayPal donation on a monthly basis, but it appears that kind of subscription has to be set up on the vendor's side. If you'd like to offer that as an option somewhere on the site, Max, it might provide you with a steady enough income stream to have a cushion for pop-up expenses like the server move. Still voluntary. The amount could vary from person to person. No pressure, just convenience for those who'd like to support on a regular basis.

P.P.S and thanks for mentioning this over Beers yesterday, Dave!

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 02:08 PM

Recurring billing costs the merchant big time. And the headaches when someone opts out without properly warning Max.

Check cleared. My donation goes tonight.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Neil D
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 02:40 PM

Max,
Found this site by accident, and it's been the best thing I've ever found on-line. Made great friends, got wonderful support from people all over. I have learned so much about various artists from this site that I probably wouldn't learned anywhere else. I would never even have heard of Planxty, and now they are my favorite band, after Bruce:) So here is our money, no strings attached, use it however you see fit. Hopefully I will be back to work soon and can send more. Good luck with the move. Say hi to Joe Pa.

                                          Neil and Christina Devore

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:08 PM

The Mudcat team, such as it is, is rapidly rising up to the poverty level.






And loving it!

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:08 PM

twag, if you bank online, it's easy enough to set up a recurring payment through your bank's bill pay service. It's what I do for public radio. It makes it easy and convenient and they have that set amount, from so many of us, to depend on each month. I've done it before for Mudcat, too.:-)

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 04:18 PM

Hi Max! Good on ya for all you do to keep us connected! Modest contribution on the way from me, via Paypal.

Nancy

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: GUEST,Sorcha
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 06:51 PM

I am posting to say thank you to all those who have PM'd me with a bit of support. You know who you are. I WILL check my PMs once in a while; otherwise I'm logged out for a while.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:25 PM

Even a blind hog will find an acorn sometimes.

Max knows who contributes and who just complains.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: GUEST,Sorcha
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 07:46 PM

Kendall, I think I've done a bit more than complain.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:34 PM

I am gobsmacked by those comments from one who has used this place as an outlet for years. I do not like the implication nor do I like the tone. Max has never once attempted to coerce, cheat, or make claims. In his own time, for nothing more than the love of music, he created a site that became so much more than just a surf in site. Folks, including that poster, found a community of caring people, an invaluable musical resource, a forum where the great and not so great issues of the day were discussed, and when the 3D visits happened, new friends. Rarely the day has gone by that she herself has not been here. She needs to get the hell off that high horse. Because I have had a bit more ability to travel than some, I witnessed the radio shows, and I have seen the newlywed young man with the servers beside his bed. He could barely afford rent, but he kept the site going. Rick and I used to marvel at the reasons. We knew that Max did this, even when it was a pain in the ass and a strain on his life, because he knew it was important to people. He did it because he knew there were folks for whom this was their connection with the larger world. He did it because amazing musical facts, like the Spancil Hill thread, were a signal of the vast potential. He sacrificed a lot of his own time so some woman out west could make good enough friends in Great Britain to have a place to play and stay when she went there. Max, on the other hand, hasn't had the money to go there. But he kept this place open and will continue to because he loves it, and you, more than you know.

Max, my younger friend, I am going to chastise you now. Don't you ever again answer, or lend dignity to such people with a response. Not an answer, not a smart ass comment, nothing. Virtually every soul that uses this place, and for whom it is a very important part of our lives and careers, already knows that there is no credibility in those comments. With what you have done, and with the way you are thought of by virtually all of us, it is beneath you to respond.

I will be sending you a sizable amount on the first of the month. Don't you dare bother telling me what you spend it on. If you have any sense at all, you will take that magnificent woman of yours, those kids, and that beagle, and go for dinner and a movie and put what is left over on your electric bill. Or use it to get drunk, or as a down payment on a Martin. I don't care except for one thing. Know that it comes with my gratitude for all that you have done.

With love and best wishes,

Mick

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:38 PM

I dunno' Mick.......While I agree, its like I said above......He may want to save it for the kids' college fund so they can go to Ohio State or some decent school....................

Spaw

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:40 PM

I haven't got much money to spare right now, Max, but tell you what - why don't you keep all of whatever money has come in from the items I've auctioned on the Mudcat, instead of sending me my share, and I'll find some more items to add to the auction real soon.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Max
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:43 PM

Mick, am I allowed to respond to spaw?

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 08:50 PM

Don't encourage him, Max.

Paypal payment sent today.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:33 PM

Max, only if you tell him you are sending them to Notre Dame......

I'll get me cap.

Mick

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:35 PM

Chat isn't working. I don't know if that was discussed, and I rarely go there, but it says I'm not logged in and there is a blank screen when the warning message clears up.

Max, you could save yourself some money by moving to Texas. If you work at UT Arlington you can send your kids to school for half price. If you got a job at TCU (Texas Christian U) I think they could go free. Then you can use those donations for something else.

;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Max
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:36 PM

Well spaw, One day I sat down and I compared Ohio State and Penn State in every conceivable category from sports and academics to the quality of drinking water. I did this to formulate an indefensible argument to use to engage you here on mudcat once and for all. The problem was, that I found out that day that Ohio State is quite an institution. In fact, I found out that Ohio State was better than Penn State. I spent hours rechecking my information, retabulating the statistics, I even tried to skew the numbers, but nothing worked. I cried myself to sleep that night, curled up in a ball.

When I woke up the next morning, I made the decision to go to work at Penn State, because, surely, with my help, we could one day raise our status to surpass Ohio State as the best and greatest state college in America. I figured that all they were missing is me. And jees, with all the nice things folks are saying about me in this thread, how can you deny it?

It wasn't but a few weeks later that I was offered, and accepted, a position with Penn State. I shall start in the marketing department and work my way to the top, excelling at every step.

And Spaw, I have an 18 year old daughter currently attending Penn State. As an employee, I save 75% on her tuition. The only drawback to it all is all the paperwork as to what I am going to do with the money that I'm saving.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:42 PM

Shit..... the whole damn thread just went to hell. Strap in folks, here it comes.

Mick

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Janie
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 09:50 PM

In the FWIW department, if Max doesn't have a problem with Sorcha asking for what she wants, I don't know that the rest of us have cause to complain or pile up on her.

As it happened, I was able to send a little money to Max regarding this request, but I am some one who is perennially struggling and have donated almost nothing to the care and feeding of Mudcat. I don't care about fiscal accountability regarding this site, but if some one does, that is OK. They are free to not make a contribution for that reason. I'd venture to say, whether she has contributed financially or not, that Sorch has contributed more musically to the site than I certainly have. Amos has noted her valuable contributions of time to the CD's.

If Sorcha's tone was normally all sweetness and light, and the tone she has struck on this thread radically different from her typical posts, I might be inclined to interpret what she has asked or demanded differently. But Sorcha is often irascible. She wants fiscal accountability. It is clear that most of us don't need it, and she ain't a'gonna get it. If she or others are not comfortable making contributions because of that lack of accountability, that is OK too.

Give it a rest. Max doesn't need us to defend him.

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 10:18 PM

Max, I am really proud of you and although your school came out second I do see your point regarding the savings. Going to work for them was an excellent idea as the place has nowhere to go but up and you can make them look good. And look on the bright side, it could be worse. You could live in Ann Arbor.

I notice that you did not compare either the quality of beer or the size of tailgate parties but as you know, all the Big Ten schools are about equal in these departments. Although we may all catch flak about whether the Big Ten teams are the equal of other conferences, there is no doubt that when it comes to tailgating and beer drinking, we will not be beaten.

Now as far as what to do with all the paperwork documenting the savings, I think you need to send all of that stuff to Sorch as she always seems interested in that kind of thing.............


Spaw

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 01:11 AM

Saved 75 percent of the cost at Penn State? Hmmm. Too bad we sold the family homestead there in Salladasburg. . .

Subject: RE: From Max: Mudcat Update - Jan 20, 2009
From: robomatic
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 01:23 AM

You heard from me today, Max. Mudcat has been a great 'natural' resource and source of much opportunity to bloviate. Best of luck and be healthy

robbot