BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 02:20 PM

In times of trouble Mudcat is always here, safe and sound, same as ever, no matter what's going on around you. It brings comfort reading, learning, smiling..

Thank you, Joe for all that you do, and have done in the past..and thank you to Max to for starting Mudcat in the first place. Also, thanks to Bruce for helping to give me my voice back, and to Joe for listening to him. Sometimes a helpful word can make anyone see things in a different light.

Joe, I've been very touched by some of the things you've done over the years...yeah, ok, incensed by others (gentle smile) but heck, it's the kindnesses you've showed me that stand out in my mind.

You rock, kid! ((xx))

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 01:09 PM

Wordpress just introduced a "new" blog design that is all clean and white with lots of roomy space.... hm! Everything old IS new, NOW! Similarly, our parish website looks a lot like the Cat (without of course all of Max's tech bells and whistles), and our diocesan web manager likes it because, to her, it looks so tranquil.

Viva La Pax!

Thanks Joe to trying to help maintain it all these years.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: frogprince
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 09:37 AM

I recently heard a preacher say that he thinks it's inappropriate for a pastor to be referred to as the "shepherd" of his "flock", as only the galilean guy is the "shepherd."; the pastor's role should be that of a "sheepdog".

I wouldn't think of Joe's role here as being too closely analogous to that of a pastor, so it's hard to say whether he's better thought of as a shepherd or a shaggy pooch.

In practice, it appears he's more apt to nip at heels than roast and chew rumps.

Stupid asides aside, thanks, Joe for your part in making this a fun and interesting place to mess around.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 08:20 AM

Joe-

I like the term "Concierge" for describing the work of yourself and your crew of intrepid clones. I wonder if we could come up with an appropriate uniform and tools for this work. Mucking out the Mudcat stables has got to be an interesting but arduous task!

Thanks!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 07:29 AM

I believe the only proper saints are in the Bible, but I agree with Joe that there's a lot to admire in Gandhi: he repatriated, he encouraged his own people back to their own culture and values, he encouraged imperialistic British to repatriate with non-violent non-cooperation; but, of course, if he was a Native American or an Aboriginal Australian, e.g., it would have been nigh on impossible to achieve the same, as they have been so badly out-numbered. Thus, the best now is to respect Land Rights.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 04:53 AM

It's interesting that Lor started this thread about Joe. I've met and played music with both gentlemen and found them similar in demeanour and temperament. Good men, both.

I don't get the chance to drop in much, but always enjoy my stay. As I was reading the opening bars, my colleague in the office starting ranting about the 'new improved' skype program that has been foisted on the world, and it lent resonance to Lor's point; this site is just plain comfy.

All the best
Greg

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 03:14 AM

Ditto from me (and not just in the hope he will not delete more of my posts).
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 02:18 AM

The first post (of 4,912) returned by clicking his name at the above post, using the name "Beer," was 01-Sep-01 - 11:12 PM.

(At the bottom of the listing there's a button to list the posts "oldest first," which is handy for such exotic research.)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 01:06 AM

Beer - if you click on your name Beer at the head of your last post you get a list of everything you've posted under that name.

Go to oldest post to see when you joined

sandra

ps. many thanks to Joe & Max & all who keep this ship afloat

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Janie
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:09 PM

integrity=Joe Offer.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 09:22 PM

I sure do agree with you Fossil in leaving the site just as it is. I would like to know what back room you used to find out when you joined. I did a little looking but can't find it.
I think I joined around 2000/2003 not sure. However, in those years I would say that I had maybe 5 disagreements with Joe. I have more of those (kidding in a way.)in one day with my wife.
Thank you Joe for your unending contribuion in trying to control us blue collar workers, lawyers, politicians.,etc. Oh! and we sensitive musicians.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Fossil
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 08:37 PM

Looking at this thread spurred me into doing a little research in the back rooms of the Mudcat and I find that I have in fact been a member here since some time in the year 2000.

In all that time, like many others, I have found the place to be warm, rewarding, comfy and friendly, with just about enough aggro to keep it from getting boring.

I reckon that's a considerable achievement, so let's promote Max, Joe and all the MudElves to a secure place in the Internet Hall of Fame for making it - and more importantly, keeping it - that way. Please don't ever change the look and feel of it, it's fine as it is.

Well done chaps!

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 08:22 PM

Ditto to all of the comments showing acknowledgement for a job well done !

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:45 PM

Let us just remember, Joe does all this for free. Would anyone want to pay for someone to do this job perfectly?
I don't always agree with him but, who am I to question? I'm not in charge, he is.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Slag
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 06:59 PM

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"...In a pig's eye, my hat is off to ya Joe! I do appreciate what you do, the assistance you given and undoubtedly all the other many things I have no idea about. You are a big part of what keeps me coming back.

Now some here might take you to task for that last statement of mine....

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 06:01 PM

Yeah, Joe and I have gone round and round a few times but thru it all he has been respectful... Not always right but, hey... I'm not either...

So kudos to Joe for keeping this herd of cats herded... 'Er somethin' like that...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:42 PM

Georgiansilver... mods HAVE screwed up, IMO. It happens. They are human. But, the fact is that the mods at this here Café are the salt of the earth and they have done an amazing job over the YEARS that they have donated their time and efforts. I have voiced my appreciation many times in public and in PMs to mods.... even when I was pissed off... yes, it happens, but seldomly because Joe and his clones do such a great job overall.

I would thank Joe and all the clones again individually but... they know.

PS... Thanks Max for your policies and your support of Joe and the clones.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:40 PM

Max said YEARS ago something like: "It's my job to keep the place running...it's your job to make it work"

(gotta find the exact page...he said it better.)

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:23 PM

Georgiansilver, while perhaps being over the top by a bit, does have a point. While we welcome (private) discussion and negotiation, we do have to make decisions and take actions that cannot possibly satisfy everyone. And we also have to include considerations that we cannot discuss in public. That's why we don't allow public discussion of moderator actions.

But to contradict Georgiansilver, I think we've always operated under the principle that Mudcat belongs to the Mudcat community, even though Max is its actual owner. We try to take all concerns into consideration.

I'm the public contact person - the concierge, if you will. If you'd like to discuss something, contact me and I'll put you in touch with the appropriate person if I can't answer the problem myself.

-Joe-
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:11 PM

I've been collecting 'favourite folks' since I found this world and Max & Joe are up near the top of the list. They're both awesome.   Thanks Guys!

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Ed T
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 05:03 PM

A tip of the old Sou'Wester to Joe Offer and all the other folks dedicated to music and keeping the BS Discussion Forum going,in spite of its middle aged (LOL) contrary members.

Sou"wester

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 03:47 PM

Not sure about way out of line but maybe a bit over the top... no offence intended.. sorry if any was taken.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: C-flat
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 03:36 PM

.....sigh......

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 03:25 PM

I don't know what Guest/999 said to you, Georgiansilver, but in my opinion you are W A Y out of line.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 03:03 PM

Georgiansilver:

I said what I have to say in a message to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: C-flat
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 02:41 PM

You're a classy act, Joe.............

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Gurney
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 02:40 PM

Add my vote to this song of thanks.

If we are going to elevate Joe to sainthood, may I suggest St. Pancras? He has, after all, found his station in life.

On the appearance of Mudcat, I just noticed the bit at the top saying how many readers, writers, and others there are here. Would the others be those zombies that Amos spake of?

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 02:14 PM

Aw, thanks, guys.

But, as Michaelr says, please remember that it's Max who is responsible for the look, feel, and smooth operation of Mudcat. I've heard complaints about the appearance of Mudcat and suggestions that we should look more like other forums, but I think the appearance of Mudcat is very appealing and comfortable.

I've been working on redesigning a website for the women's center where I do volunteer work, and I find that maintaining an appealing appearance is very difficult. I can do the women's center tech stuff (mostly), but I rely on Max and Jeri to tell me if it looks right. It's really hard to make a Website look good on a wide variety of monitor sizes.

I don't like to think of myself and the volunteers as "police," although we do try to keep the peace when necessary. Our primary responsibility is supposed to be to help people out, and to encourage discussion. "Concierge" might be a better term than "cop."

Thanks for the kind words.

-Joe-

...oh, and my favorite saints are Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 01:37 PM

Guest 999 you state........>>>>>>>I agree with InOBU regarding some of his post. However, I do NOT place the moderators above criticism. When they screw up, they deserve the same raking over the coals the rest of us would get. IMO and fwiw.<<<<<<<
Well in my opinion people are 'allowed' to use this site..... they are allowed to voice opinions..... but it's not their site..... What gives you the right to suggest that the moderators have screwed up??? If you don't like the way the site is run then negotiation is the most obvious way or you could go somewhere else!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: alanabit
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 01:05 PM

A thumbs up to Joe and all the other moderators. I have not agreed with everything they have ever said or done, but they have always had their reasons and they have always done their best to be fair and tolerant as far as possible. Joe is certainly a benign presence around here and nobody who never picks a quarrel with him ever needs to get into one. Thanks Joe!

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: michaelr
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:57 PM

When facebook and other like on line environments change format, they force you out of the familier...

Mudcat however, remains, a comfy place, where the four walls don't change... a few things may be added here or there, but it is the same old dust covered tavern we all love and to which we return... drop in... etc.

Give credit where it is due! Joe Offer is certainly the benign Mudcat chief of police. But the format, and any changes or lack thereof are down to Max.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:50 PM

"...a heck of a good musician..."

It comes from hanging around ME and stealing my material and tonal tricks...

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: olddude
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:24 PM

and the guy is a heck of a good musician also ...

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:17 PM

In southern Michigan there is a St. Joseph County. Maybe Joe Offer is his own St.Joe?

(Nah. Doesn't make sense.)

Take a bow, Joe O- this place wouldn't be the same without you.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:14 PM

Most importantly, the guy`s got class.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 12:01 PM

He has the patience of a Saint.... (I dunno which one...maybe he has a favorite- :>)

from wikianswers:
Which saint is the patron saint of patience?
There is no particular saint of patience.
        Is there a patron saint for patience?
St. Monica
        Patron saint for patience?
There is no particular saint assigned as the patron saint of patience. So, while there in no official patron, you can choose your own personal saint. Most saints exhibited some form of patience....

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Deckman
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:49 AM

I'd like to add something here. Beyond Joes obvious and dedicated work, he packs an incredible amount of knowledge. I have used him many times, as recently as last night, to get me some basic education and help steer me toward good research. Joe is a treasure. Thanks Joe ... bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:38 AM

So where is the tribute? When Ceasar got a tribute, it wasn't in the form of words.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:32 AM

Joe Offer is a colossus; he has donated years of his life to keeping this place running, handling the margins, dealing with the flamers, the zombies, the Emos and the psychos in order that the rest of us can have a decent cyberparlor in which to discuss everything under the sun. He has also done hundreds and hundredso of hours of volunteer work in support of the DT and the music threads, indexing, adding, and researching.

He deserves a great deal of thanks, and so do his volunteer "clones", for all he has done to keep the place ticking over.

Compared to what he has contributed to the Cat, the rare occasions when he has whupped me up 'longside the haid for various offenses are trivial bumps and chaff.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: EBarnacle
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 11:21 AM

...and he is willing to discuss things with you, not just dictate decisions.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 10:41 AM

Yup! And when members disagree with Joe, he gets his share of hot coals. Mudcat still goes on. Posters come and go. Max stays behind the scenes for the most part. I think InOBU has got it. That Mudcat continues is a credit to Max, Joe and the myriad clones who manage the place.
Well done, guys.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 10:15 AM

`I have maintained always that Mudcat is what it is... don't complain about the site or the moderators....`


I agree with InOBU regarding some of his post. However, I do NOT place the moderators above criticism. When they screw up, they deserve the same raking over the coals the rest of us would get. IMO and fwiw.

Subject: RE: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 10:09 AM

Good post OnOBU. I have maintained always that Mudcat is what it is... don't complain about the site or the moderators.... If anyone doesn't like it or aspects of it that is their problem... not the problem of the moderators.... They do a generally thankless job in trying to keep a balance and as you say the place is comfortable. I have learnt much here and met many lovely people.. ( and a few... well... not so lovely)... Long may it remain much as it is.

Subject: BS: Small tribute to Joe Offer...
From: InOBU
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 09:49 AM

Well... not at all bull... Just a thought. While noticing how and why I did not like Facebook changing my page format, I at once found myself museing about mudcat (there is a song title, eh?)

When facebook and other like on line environments change format, they force you out of the familier...

Mudcat however, remains, a comfy place, where the four walls don't change... a few things may be added here or there, but it is the same old dust covered tavern we all love and to which we return... drop in... etc.

Some chuck stuff at ya Joe... but time is the test

Thanks, ya mench
Lorcan