Mudcat Dependency Syndrome

Subject: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Homeless
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 02:52 PM

When I first got on the 'Cat (only 4 short months ago) I saw many warnings that it could be addictive. Now, as I'm sitting here at work and surreptitiously checking the threads, I realize that "addictive" might be an understatement. Having recently read a thread containing the reactions of people when the 'Cat was down for a weekend I think that I may not be the only person afflicted with this condition.

And so, I propose guidelines for diagnosis of...

(Spaw - you might want to get the bedpans ready - there may be a rush at the NYC this weekend.)

Mudcat Dependency Syndrome

Having an interest in folk and blues music may seem like a healthy and innocuous pastime at first glance, but continued exposure can lead to a dangerous dependency. The following symptoms are indications that you are becoming pathologically dependent on Mudcat:

• Preoccupation with reading posts on Mudcat or with the next opportunity to post on Mudcat.
• Increased tolerance for viewing computer monitors; development of the ability to compute much more than others and still function adequately.
• Mudcatting with such intensity that the next morning brings amnesia about some of the events of the previous day or evening.
• Having a laptop and cellular modem stashed somewhere, in case the "need to Mudcat" suddenly manifests itself.
• Posting much more than planned, or posting much differently than planned.

If you suspect that you are suffering from Mudcat Dependency Syndrome, you can test yourself by answering the following questions:

• Does the thought of Mudcatting sometimes enter your mind when you should be thinking of something else?
• Do you sometimes feel the need to Mudcat at a particular time of day?
• Do you often find that you can Mudcat much more than others and not show the effects?
• Has anyone commented on your ability to Mudcat?
• Have you ever gotten on the Mudcat in the morning?
• Do you Mudcat while at work?
• Have you ever gotten on the Mudcat when you should be working on other things?
• Do you sometimes get on Mudcat even though you cannot afford the time to?
• Do you have a very definite preference to associate with people who are on Mudcat, as opposed to those who are not?
• Have you ever wondered about your increased capacity to post and that you may be somewhat proud of this ability?
• Have you ever had difficulty recalling what you did after last night's Mudcat?
• Do you ever Mudcat to calm your nerves or reduce tension?
• Do you find it difficult to enjoy a party or social gathering if no one there knows what Mudcat is?
• Do you Mudcat to relieve physical discomfort?
• Do you ever get on Mudcat more than you think you should?
• Is your Mudcatting sometimes different than you would like it to be?
• Do the non-Mudcatting members of your family know the names and personalities of many of the Mudcatters?
• Does your social life consist primarily of HearMe?
• Is your house decorated by items on which there is a picture of a fish jumping out of a banjo?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:04 PM

Mudcat? What's that again?

Me and Hardi got to meet a REAL musician this week to PLAY MUSIC together and THANK GOD I bit my lip JUST BEFORE recommending he join this wonderful Mudcat thing..... BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT HIM TO BE TOO BUSY TO PLAY AGAIN!!!!

And I was almost late to MEET Dharmabum yesterday!!!!! For the first time! And WHY???? BECAUSE I WAS DOING ONE MORE PERSONAL MESSAGE AT MUDCAT!

Absolvo me. Thanks... I feel better!

~S~

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: MMario
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:14 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I can stop anytime I want to stop. Sure, my hands begin to shake and my voice goes hoarse when it's been more then a couple of hours since I was "on the 'cat" but hey, y'know, that happens occasionally. It's not like I couldn't STOP if I wanted to stop. Why, just last week I went almost 56 hours without 'catting. that's 3,360 minutes, or 201,600 seconds. My god, I thought I'd never make it! I mean... I didn't think it was that difficult.

and Praise? REAL musicians can MudCat too! (Hmmph!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:18 PM

I actually answered my phone at work today with "Good Afternoon, Mudcat". Needless to say, my caller was confused.

I thought Pepsi addiction was bad but this is horrible. Excuse me now. I have to add to the Men's Mudcat Thread.

SS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: kendall
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:32 PM

other symptoms..increased typing speed, improvement in spelling. fewer phone calls from people I dont like.(one line)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Giac
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:40 PM

The doctor's receptionist calls:

-I've tried all afternoon to call, to remind you
of your appointment. I suppose you were on that Mudcat
thing again.-

Thing!

You quickly hang up and go back on line, vowing to
consult a real doctor next time, one at, um, the NYC.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 03:45 PM

My name is Terri and I suffer from Mudcat Dependency Syndrome..........there, I said it!
I'd suspected it for some time, of course, feverishly typing and cackling into the small hours even with work the following morning, forgetting the names of loved ones, snarling when they wondered too near to my computer and only answering to Morticia ( or the strange derivatives thereof, only used by 'Spaw and others), keeping a picture of Max in my wallet.........Dear Homeless, am I normal?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Homeless
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 04:04 PM

Dear Morticia - that would depend on how you define normal. Based on the postings of other Mudcatters, I would say, "Yes, you are normal." A more fitting question, though, would be "Is this healthy?"

So far I have only worked on guidelines to diagnose this syndrome. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, (two whole days of Mudcat, Hooray!) I will have some guidelines for balancing one's Mudlife with the life that exists outside of Mudcat. (That is, if my real life doesn't intrude on my Mudcat time this weekend.)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Amergin
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 04:27 PM

There's a life outside of Mudcat?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 04:28 PM

Hi! my name is Sorcha, and I am a MudCatter. I even have a BillButton to prove it. I am suffering severe withdrawal pangs, near to DT's after having been camping at the lake since 31 July. Thank god I am home now, and can get to my support group! (What did I do first when I got home? Unload? no Shower? no---pop a brew and check the Cat!! Quick, get a bed ready at the Center!!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: MMario
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 04:35 PM

Sorcha, you aren't hopelessly into MDS - you DID pop a brew first...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: MMario
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 04:38 PM

aaarrrrggggghhhh! I just realized that when i log off it will be SUNDAY NIGHT before I can check the 'cat again.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Homeless
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 05:12 PM

Sorcha - I have a feeling you are in worse shape than either you or MMario realize. That is based on the fact that today is only 7 July and you believe that you have been camping since 31 July. Tho I don't know whether to recommend more camping or more Mudcat...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 05:13 PM

SORCHA,
I would say it's good to have you back but if you've been away since the 31st of July I think you're still at the lake and don't know it. Have another piece of the mushroom Alice!
Must be Mudcat Withdrawal Syndrome.
SS, Rocking and sucking her thunb.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: GUEST,Barfy
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 05:18 PM

'There's a man goin' round, takin' names'

Anybody want to hazard a guess at what his addiction is?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 05:39 PM

Please pass the mushrooms, Alice, and I'll take seconds on the brownies. This could be serious. Actually, I had to re boot the computer, and popped the top while waiting, waiting, waiting. Oh dear, back to the future, again. (shall we try 31 June?)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 06:57 PM

You realise that it is a contagious disease - Morticia gave it to the LFU, who passed it on to the Squeak, who has mentioned it in passing to a couple of other likeminded loonies......

Morty baby, IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:34 PM

Liz, my angel, you know perfectly well that I only introduced the 'cat to you and Micca in order to stop you from indulging in the less wholesome habits which were famed for terrorising the innocent of East London for many a long dark year.
It all starts with just the one innocent posting.." oh yes, I know that song" or " I can't possibly let that statement go by" and before you know it.......I'd suggest a self help group but I can't spare the time from mudcatting :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:36 PM

And what unwholesome habits were those then dear - the ones I also picked up from you??

LTS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:40 PM

One more test....do you find your bladder capacity has improved, as you cannot tear away from the Mudcat to pee? Or, have you install a loo into your computer room or, moved your computer into the loo?**BG**

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:43 PM

I know it is time to get up and go when I ..............

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: rangeroger
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:49 PM

One of the other major symptoms that Morticia alludes to, is the need to addict family, friends, and even total strangers to the Mudcat.It begins by rambling on coherently about the joys of the Mudcat, and suggesting to them that they cannot live cohesively without the Mudcat in their life.
This is done so that the others will be one with us and we will enjoy cognitive resonance in our lives.
How CAN I keep from singing?
rr

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 07:56 PM

Dating back to December of '98 I've only made about 6000 posts so I figure that ain't too bad is it? Is that really addiction? Besides there are side benefits to the place.......

Like Liz had a lot of unsightly chest hair when she first arrived and now its pretty well gone. You know, stuff like that........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: SDShad
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 08:00 PM

Well, I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I got it from Agnes.

Channeling Tom Lehrer,

Shad

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 08:19 PM

Oh no it isn't, Uncle Pat,you could knit sweaters with what's culled from that womans chest :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Amergin
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 08:31 PM

I must have gotten gotten it from a dirty website...like one would get hepatitus from a dirty needle....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Homeless
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 09:06 PM

How ironic Amergin - Mudcat keeps me from going to the dirty websites

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 09:47 PM

...uh Sorcha...there are only 30 days in June. This is getting curiouser and curiouser.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 09:50 PM

No big deal Mary........Sorcha's just fucked up......nothing new.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:13 PM

Kat, I don't bother with expanding my bladder capacity and anal retention is nothing I would like to develop so I just wear Depends incontinent pads. It takes care of the problem.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:41 PM

I haven't been 'catting very long so I can't be addicted yet can I? The test would be to keep from posting to this thread wouldn't it? So I just have to avoid hitting that little submit button.

OOOPS!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:55 PM

Homeless,

Mudcat Dependency Syndrome, better known as Mudcat Addiction, has been seriously studied over the years. Please refer to the following citations for more informaiton, including some recovery suggestions.

Help I tink I'm an addict July 1997

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=2327#9139

Mudcat Addiction August 1999

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=13243#107936

Mudcat Addiction December 1998

Includes a 12 step program of recovery

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=8219#50674

Mudcat DT's December 1999

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=16235#151623

'cat addiction - BS June 1999

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=11750#89625

How many hours do you Mudcat? January 1999

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=8514#53639

Musicolism - take the test! February 2000 (includes the MDT = Music Dependency Self Test Test)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18023#176541

Justifying Multiple Guitars (a related topic about GAS, Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, an understudied precursor to much Mudcat Addiction) March 2000

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=19548#200402

How hooked are you? (a related topic about playing an instrument) January 2000

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=16804#159847

Test Your Mudcat IQ (a self-test. In the second version, Catspaw mistakenly thinks I married Marge, as if that could ever happen)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=12870#103505

You Know You've Been Mcattin' Too Long When ... March 1999 (includes another self-test) Apparently you know you're addicted when you find yourself taking bunches of self-tests

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=9727#64189

BS: You Love Your Computer More Than Me! March 2000 (describing an obvious symptom of addiction)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=19703#202119

BS: Do any of you sleep? March 2000 (yet another symptom)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18844#189571

The Nature of the Mudcat Beastie... March 2000 (More symptoms, March 2000 seems like a defining month)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18792#188328

BS: Neil Young Center February 2000 (more on treatment)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18792#188328

BS: Addiction December 1999 (exploring the concept of "cross addiction")

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=16245#151072

BS: And Another Thing I Wish They Told Me December 1999 (blaming others, another symptom)

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=15912#145183

There may be other related threads, but this should serve as a starting point for you. The first step in treating addiction is for the addict to "self-diagnose". The purpose of some of these threads is to define this process in words and music.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 11:59 PM

At least you finally got around to marrying the girl RiB. You're kinda' slow, but its OK when the outcome is as good as that.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Homeless
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:10 AM

Roger - you just get married and yet you spend enough time on the Mudcat to get all these threads? Have you taken the tests in any of them? Or is it that you refer back to them so frequently that you keep the list handy?

I guess I should have done a bit more research before I started this thread (tho I did say that I'd read quite a few warnings when I first found the 'Cat. Most of those warnings were in some of the threads listed above.)

Well, I won't be making a list of recovery steps since that work has been done already. Good. Now I'll have more time to read the threads. Thanx for the URLs.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Night Owl
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:13 AM

Thanks for that list RiB....frightening...I remember the threads....should your list be included in the FAQ permathread....you think???

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:21 AM

Night Owl, maybe there should just be a big warning sign at the top of the FAQ permathread like they have on packages of cigarettes.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:25 AM

Like what BonnAmi?

"Usage of the Mudcat Cafe can lead to problems in pregnancy."

How exactly would that help?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:48 AM

Worser and worser; I don't think there is any excuse this time, except "I have been on vacation......and I think it was last Friday that I left. I left my brain at this place called Mudcat for thorough deep cleaning,and they lost it." 30 days hath Sept, April, June and November............." duh........it's a B****e* day, friends.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: GUEST,Marymac
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:07 AM

Spaw,

Specifically, night-time usage of the mudcat, as well as usage in all of one's spare time, can definitely lead to difficulties in BECOMING pregnant, and other marital and family difficulties.

It can also lead to difficulties in forming relationships that might potentially LEAD to marriage or other long-term relationships. (Such as, person stays on Mudcat, instead of researching singles' sites; or, person ties up their phone line on Mudcat, and can't receive any calls from friends or would-be suitors.)

HELP!!!

Marymac

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: BlueJay
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:15 AM

I just discovered there is actually an internet outside of the Mudcat Cafe. Stumbled upon it. At first glance, it appears there are several news sites, and various arts and entertainment sites. Several of these seem to be devoted to teens. I think it's good to provide wholesome diversions for the youth of the world. Though I'm not sure how they're supposed to get a credit card. Maybe I'll check it out if I ever get done checking these threads.
I'm not addicted to the Mudcat. I recently went camping, as Sorcha did. I only thought of the Mudcat occasionally, such as walking by the river, (mud), scanning the hills for mountain lions, (cat), and looking at the tent, (threads). And the dog chain, (links).
Also, I have never actually hidden The Mudcat! Only the shortcut. Better go now, my wife'll be home any time. Oops, here she is. Hi honey, how'd the girls do at gymnastics? How do you like that. She didn't even read it. Just glanced at the computer and went to bed.
Now, what were we talking about? BlueJay

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:32 AM

Less than 8 hours ago, I was sitting here, posting. I had to stop due to bladder incapacity (must stop this naughty drinking foreign alcohol stuff with the office gang) I doze off for a few hours (very uncomfortable on the loo - don't do it.... you wake up with two dead legs and a big ring round your tushe) and this thread has expanded to here!

I have never had a hairy chest, that is a cat sitting on me. My friend - let's call her Aunty Wainwright - she'll know who she is - has a book about knitting things from dog hair. She has never had cause to use it in conjunction with me....

And I had trouble living cohesively beforehand - it is even worse now!!

LTS

(but I do get to say things about my other 'friends' without them being in range - by the time we get together she's forgotten them because she hasn't twigged on to taking a print out yet, hee heee heeeee!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:35 AM

Oh bugger.

Might have to log on from hospital next time.....

Err..... gulp..... sorry?

LTS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:55 AM

THERE ONCE WAS A MUSICIAN; A FOLKIE

WHO TOOK UP RELIGION,.. NO JOKIE!

THOUGH ONCE HE DID SING

NOW HIS PHONE DOESN'T RING

'CAUSE HE WORSHIPS ONLINE KARAOKE __________________________________________________________

THERE ONCE WAS A TRADITIONAL SINGER

A WILD AND WELL REHERSED SWINGER

SHE LOGGED ON ONE DAY

AND SHES STILL THERE THEY SAY

WHILE ONLY HER MEMORY LINGERS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 08:05 AM

I realized as I spent 45 minutes searching all those threads that I was succumbing to my addiction again. Hey, I could have read all of them all of the way through and taken longer. I also pride myself on logging off after posting instead of waiting for Catspaw and Homeless to post. They certainly were prompt.

In Marge's defense, I am spending a week at Commonground on the Hill, a week long submersion in folk music and art. Some may wonder why I got married and then took a week's vacation without Marge. It is to her everlasting credit that Marge is not one of the wonderers.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:46 PM

When my little girl sings:

"Father, dear father, come home with me now!
The clock in the steeple strikes two!

I know I'm in trouble

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 04:51 PM

My God, that's Mudcat telepathy for you. I just turned to the DT to get a link to Father dear father, and I came back, and there was Dave's post.

But you don't need to change a word - except maybe make it come "home from the Cat" . It's frightening...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Psaltry Psue
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 12:06 AM

When reading the postings at work don't giggle. People give you weird looks.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 05:08 AM

People always give we funny looks when I giggle, how do you think I got the handle.....?

LTS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:26 PM

I thought it was the sound you make every week when they wax off your chest hair..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Gervase
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:22 PM

Believe me, Liz saying she giggles is a bit like Tarzan saying he, well, does whatever Tarzan does to make that extraordinary noise like a chap probably would if ever he had to go through childbirth.
I've seen a whole marquee disintegrate under the influence of Liz's laugh. Bottle it and there'd be no need for Prozac. Earplug sales would soar, though! But yes, this place is addditive. Why the hell am I sitting here alone in an office in the middle of London at dusk when I'm supposed to be working on a presentation? Because I keep darting the mouse up to that bloody bookmark, that's why. I swear it's got a mind of its own.
Get thee behind me Santa...
(Sodding dyslexia - always made for awkward moments in Selfridge's Christmas Grotto)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: bflat
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 08:18 PM

This place is additive because for me it is so alive with humor, artistic representation, compassion, pure fun and friendship.

I used to play my guitar now I read threads. I'm a sick puppy.

bflat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 04:22 AM

Just because the Mudcat Cafe is my home page doesn't mean I'm addicted to it. Today I went three hours straight without even thinking about the Mudcat. That proves I'm not addicted to it. If you're still not convinced, I plan to actually go to sleep tonight before 2:00 a.m. and get four hours of sleep before I check my personal messages.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Dependency Syndrome
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 07:56 PM

Oh, Gervase, you say the nicest things!! And they are all TRUE!! I've brought theatres to a standstill just by enjoying myself..... (hoot hoot, there goes my trumpet...)

It's probably just as well you can't hear me now..... and it isn't the chest hair. I shave.

LTS