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BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: MMario Date: 23 May 01 - 08:15 AM GOOD Morning!Hope everything finds you well on this lovely Mudcat Morning!
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jande Date: 23 May 01 - 12:50 AM *refresh* |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 22 May 01 - 10:19 PM That'd be the best way for us all to keep it steady adn to remember, Mark, but as I've said before, Max does not have to have a special account for any of us to set up automatic monthly payments to the Mudcat. All you have to do is set it up with your bank. I do my online. In one of my earliest postings, I explained how. Thanks, everyone. So, Max, how are we doing at reaching the goal? kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Mark Clark Date: 22 May 01 - 09:27 PM Here is the PayPal price sheet. PayPal is a great way to transfer money and you can debit your checking account instead of hitting your credit card. Be aware that Max, or any recipient, pays a small charge for the transfer. What would really be great would be to set up an automatic monthly payment from our banks to an account that Max provides. That way the cash flow becomes a little more steady and the only action we have to take would be to shut off the payment someday should that seem appropriate. I'd like that arrangement with the public radio and television stations too. I tend to pledge infrequently just because I can't automate the process. - Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: MMario Date: 22 May 01 - 09:13 PM no - a musical staff - with a mudcat jumping out of the banjo for a clef; and the musical notes climbing the scale as contributions come in...
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 22 May 01 - 09:07 PM "There is a difference in attitude between using a facility for free and actually contributing."
Sure. But sending money is only one way people make a contribution to the Mudcat. It's a very good and useful way, but you do it because you feel you belong here and value it, not because it's an entrance fee or a subscription. Like a collection plate in church.
Maybe we should have one of those charts with a red thermometer or whatever, like they have outside churches that are trying to raise money for a new roof...
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: DougR Date: 22 May 01 - 04:43 PM Yes, Alex, it was. Glad everything is okay though.
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: mousethief Date: 22 May 01 - 04:33 PM "I was confused" referred to why I was being called MS. I didn't read your post, DougR; it was too long. Nothing is stuck. Everything is healthy and fully functional. Thanks everybody for your concern. Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: GUEST,anonymous member Date: 22 May 01 - 03:31 PM I just made a contribution - I do not want to get more influence (otherwise I would make it known to everyone which member made the contribution). The only one who knows who made this contribution is Max (of course he knows who the money came from). I just want to keep this place where I spent many hours each week! |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 22 May 01 - 02:19 PM Oh boy...there goes this thread! **LMAO!!** Alex, let us know you're intact, okay? Sorry, couldn't resist, darlin'!*bg* |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: DougR Date: 22 May 01 - 02:16 PM His finger? If anything got caught, I hope that is what it was. :>) |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 22 May 01 - 01:37 PM DougeRdarlin', it was a fine posting, even for a Republican.**REALLYBG** I think Kendall was correcting himself, when he accidentally shortened Alex's nickname to "MS" instead of "MT." I also think Alex was being general, but ya never know, depends on whether his finger got caught setting the mousetrap this morning or not.**AnotherREALLYBG** kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: DougR Date: 22 May 01 - 01:31 PM Kendall: I don't follow. Were you referring to my post? Alex: What part of my message was confusing? I just read it and, though it is admittedly long, it seems pretty clear to me. DougR |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 22 May 01 - 01:03 PM Graham, good idea. I have a PayPal account. If people wanted to, they could use it and I could send it on to Max. I think you can send money through PayPal without the other party belonging to it, though, can't you? I'll go check. Just checked. As long as you, yourself, have a PayPal account, you can send money to anyone for whom you have an email addy, according to what it says. They just have to click on the link they get in their email. I don't know if they then have to get a PayPal account or not. I think it's a good idea, though and am kicking myslef that I didn't think of it first!:-) Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Grab Date: 22 May 01 - 01:00 PM I notice that you're sticking with "obnoxious" though, Alex, with no objections from anyone... ;-) I may have missed the original thread. Is there a PayPal account to use? Something like that would be a bonus for those of us not in the US, who aren't too keen on posting cash or cheques overseas. Graham. |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: mousethief Date: 22 May 01 - 12:19 PM I was confused. Wordy is probably not the right word. My posts are usually pretty short, compared to some. Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: kendall Date: 22 May 01 - 12:14 PM that should havw read, MT |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: DougR Date: 22 May 01 - 12:12 PM I am one of those who encouraged a pledge drive. Anyone who fairly reviews the many posts encouraging donations would have to agree that no one was pressured to donate. In the U. S., nonprofits could not survive without donations. I'm not aware of practices in other countries or even if nonprofit groups exist in other countries. Periodically, all of us who have been members of this community for some time have read threads about the possible demise of the Mudcat because it did not have a secure funding base. Usually, after such posts, a spirited discussion would ensue about what should be done to ensure the continuance of our community, but nothing was done about it. Max did a wonderful thing when he created this place. But why should we, as community members, expect him to shoulder the financial responsibility for maintaining it forever? There are no "hidden" motivations for launching this pledge drive, and no "hidden" agendas. No one, other than Max, knows who participated, so no one should feel bad if they couldn't send a donation or pledge now. Perhaps next year they can. And I'm sure there WILL be a pledge drive next year too. Why? Because there will still be a need. At one point I suggested to Spaw that the names of donors, not amounts, be posted with the thought that it might encourage others to pledge or donate. He very wisely rejected my suggestion. That is a common practice among other nonprofits here, but upon reflection, I agree that it has no place in this community. Personally, if we have reached our goal for the next twelve months, or WHEN we reach that goal, I would like to see an end to financial discussions, so that we can get back to music or BS or whatever. Sorry for the long post, but after reading the postings to this thread, these thoughts were on my mind. DougR |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: kendall Date: 22 May 01 - 12:12 PM You are not wordy MS! |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: mousethief Date: 22 May 01 - 11:12 AM I like to think I'm visible here, not because I've been here a long time, but because I am wordy and obnoxious. Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 22 May 01 - 11:07 AM refresh |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Mudlark Date: 21 May 01 - 11:37 PM I was very grateful to be made aware of the financial need of Mudcats....I am a newcomer and am so happy to find a group of people interested in the kind of music that makes my heart sing, and once made aware of the need I contributed for the same reason I send as much as i can to NPR, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife, etc.....because they support the things that I love and do not want to be without. Thanks to all who share their (incredibly vast) knowledge, who work tech magic behind the scenes, whatever. This is a great place... Mudlark |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jande Date: 21 May 01 - 09:15 PM ::blush:: (thankyou, 'Cats) ~ Jande |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 21 May 01 - 08:50 PM Beautiful, Jande....one of the most heartfelt postings I've ever read on here. Thank you so much. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: catspaw49 Date: 21 May 01 - 08:21 PM I think I'm in love. I have a couple of busy days going and I'm sorry I didn't read Jande's post earlier. Simply beautiful! And I can but only agree with Mick's comments. It is the essence of Mudcat. Jande, I thank you for your pledge, but even more, much more, I thank you for the sentiment and the real meaning behind it. There have been lots of posts here responding to the original post, but none have stated it better...........this is a community of friends and donations mean far less than spirit. Thank You Jande........... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Big Mick Date: 21 May 01 - 07:49 PM And that, my friends, is why the Mudcat is so great. Jande, you are a pearl of great worth. I can remember, in the early days of my community activism raising the question with regard to who had made the bigger sacrifice on behalf of our city. Did the DeVos/Van Andel families sacrifice anything in their multi-million dollar donations? When contrasted against the sacrifice of young family of four who had to scrimp in order to make a contribution to United Way. Jande's financial contribution, IMHO, is the far greater gift. It was inspired by the need, just like Kendall, for this wonderful place to go on. I really appreciate its true value. Jande, and all like you, this place is better for you being here. Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jande Date: 21 May 01 - 03:34 PM ...I don't want Jande or anyone else to feel pressured into any kind of donation when money is tight... I really appreciate what you are saying here and I endorse it wholeheartedly, but there is one thing I need to explain. If I have given the impression that I feel "pressured" to give to the 'Cat, then I'm sorry! Any pressure I feel about this comes entirely from within! From my heart! I have lived most of my life below pverty level and raised a child from that place and also often felt deprived of some of the "good things" that life seemed to offer to others, but through having "nothing to spare" I learned to use money as a tool to bring me what my heart desired. I am no longer *destitute*, but I am still pretty careful. ;`) As an example... Once I learned a few chords (at the age of twenty-five) I always had a guitar of my own, because I spent money I couldn't afford to spend in order to acquire one. This place is important to me, and to people I care about, so I am "moved in my guts" to contribute, I am proud to contribute, and I am proud that I am in a loving relationship with someone who is generous and also sensitive enough to recognise my need to contribute financially, and who also appreciates this place. No-one is pressuring me but my own need to contribute. It makes me feel very proud to be able to do so, and I hope that someday it will be more. If anyone else feels pressured by these FUNdraising threads, I hope they will wait and look hard at the reason why, because I wouldn't want anyone to grow to resent this place. As for myself, I feel I have already gained enormously by my committment to contribute financially to the 'Cat. Thanks, Lonesome EJ! ~ Jande (Richer than ever...) =`) |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Pseudolus Date: 21 May 01 - 03:06 PM I don't know abuot anyone else but if I support something financially or if there is something that I WOULD support financially if I could, then the stakes go up for me. Mudcat as a whole is a conglomeration of all of the personalities that hang out here. If I feel strongly enough to want to support it financially, wheter I can or not, then I may hang around more, which means that the conglomeration has a little more Frank in it (scary huh?). Before Mudcat becomes a place that looks down on those who can not support financially, it would have to lose a lot of its personality first, and that just ain't gonna happen. Yeah, some of the names around here are more recognizable than others like Max, Spaw, Joe Offer, Bert, Big Mick, Mousethief, Sinsull, kat/katlaughing, WYSIWYG, etc. etc. (big mistake, too many to name!) but that's just cause they've been here a long time. You started a good, thought provoking thread here, the kind that seems to get a lot of attention. I say, get yourself a Mudcat name, keep starting the threads, and let us have a big 'ol welcome to the Cat thread for ya John.....whatdaya say???? Frank |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: kendall Date: 21 May 01 - 03:00 PM I know not what course others may take, but, as for me, GIVE ME MUDCAT OR GIVE ME WITHDRAWAL PAINS! Just as I was able to pay my outrageous income tax, I am also able to contribute to Mudcat. In fact I think if I send something over and above my usual contribution, it may help make up for someone who is not so lucky as I. |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Roger in Sheffield Date: 21 May 01 - 02:13 PM One comment that has repeatedly been made in these discussions, is the importance of not creating an 'us' and 'them' environment, whether by membership or whatever. On another thread I was surprised to find that the instigator of a thread is used by some as to whether it is worthy of a read - us and them? I don't mind who funds this place, I am more concerned that all people are treated with respect I would like to thank the people who answer so promptly the questions that are posted on Mudcat, that is what astounded me when I first found this place. On the funding issue - I used to go to a pub where the landlady promoted music/dancing/poetry even a chess club, it was an amazing and very friendly place. The more I went the more I noticed, noticed that the dancers would use the pub room for free and not even buy one drink; as would the people playing chess, and.... Like that Pub this is an amazing place and I would rather 'donate the price of a few drinks' than see the place go down coz the till is empty and the Publican is disillusioned. I don't want a share in this place and I don't want Jande or anyone else to feel pressured into any kind of donation when money is tight or at any time for that matter. This place wouldn't be anything if it wasn't for all the people who post here and their words and are deeds are more important than money. |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: dwditty Date: 21 May 01 - 01:28 PM Well, I don't know exactly why Max started this place, but I would venture to guess that it had something to do with wanting to create a place where people could come together to participate in a common interest. I think that probably started out to be a common interest in folk and blues music, but it has certainly grown beyond that. My point is that anyone who has participated in this place is, by definition, a stakeholder. That's all it takes. Participate. Read a thread. Post a lyric. Answer a question. Send some bucks. Whatever. We are all stakeholders. As far as the cookie thing goes, John, I am reminded of a Dennis the Menance cartoon. Joey is saying to Dennis that they should be good so Mrs. Wilson will give the a cookie. Dennis responds, "Mrs. Wilson doesn't give us cookies 'cause we're good, Joey. She gives us cookies 'cause she is good." Max is our Mrs. Wilson. dw |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jande Date: 21 May 01 - 12:42 PM I agree with Kris. I think it was a good idea for Guest,John to start this thread. I for one have become a bit anxious whenever people here comment abut the possibility of Mudcat not being able to continue for financial reasons. I don't like feeling helpless while the things and people I care about disappear. I have a disability that makes it impossible for me to work at a "regular" job, so I have no money of my own. My SO is supporting two households on a single income, so there's not a lot left over. But when I asked him if we could afford a contribution to the 'Cat, we sat down and looked at the finances and decided that we couldn't but we would anyway, because we have always gone directly for what is most important to us and somehow that has worked. it is the community of people here that are Passionately involved with music that we find important here. Personally, I think the way Max runs this place is exceptional! I think that young man must be very proud of what he has created and continues to maintain here. And John... IF anyone was to go on a power trip around here, just how long do you think they'd last? All we'd get out of it would be another great discussion thread like this one, eh? =`) ~ Jande |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: KingBrilliant Date: 21 May 01 - 10:37 AM I think John has a point. The dynamics will change, I can't see how that can be denied. There is a difference in attitude between using a facility for free and actually contributing. The pledge drive is aimed at increasing the percentage of contributers, and so must bring a shift in general attitude of mudcatters. Of course it is a good thing to be aiming to provide financial stability for Mudcat & I don't think anyone could argue that it shouldn't be done, neither is anyone questioning the motives of contributers - but it is perfectly natural to be thinking about the issues and contemplating what that shift might bring. I don't think John is saying that everyone is going to suddenly become a control freak - and I don't think he is feeling an outsider either. I think he is just thinking around the issues & posing some rational questions. Time will tell. Kris |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Big Mick Date: 21 May 01 - 09:35 AM Yep.........agree totally, Bert. But I would flip over to the other side of that coin. If you can afford to, won't you please consider a pledge or a donation. Whether one gives or not, Mudcatters are Mudcatters. This place doesn't exist because people donate, it exists because they come and bring life to the structure Max and Co. have built. Otherwise it is an empty building on the Information Superhighway. It is as my friend, Bert, says. If you are short, don't sweat it. It is not anywhere near as important as your presence here. But please, if you can, won't you consider a pledge of support? Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Bert Date: 21 May 01 - 01:08 AM All of us here at Mudcat are friends. Just friends. Some of us may not be able to contribute anything more that their presence here, because they, like me, are a bit boracic (Boracic lint - Rhyming slang for skint which is the English word for busted or broke). That doesn't mean that they cease to become friends. There will never be any chance of camparison between those who can afford to contribute financally and those whose circumstances don't permit it at this moment. So there's no need to feel at all guilty or inferior if you are a little short of the readies just now. You can contribute by being a Mudcatter and joining in our discussions, no one will know if you haven't been able to send any money. As far as being a Mudcatter is concerned, the prime consideration is that you are here with your friends. I would like to point out that you can support Mudcat by being nice to your friend and being nice and supportive to your neighbors. that's what Mudcat is all about. Your friend, Bert. |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Sorcha Date: 20 May 01 - 10:52 PM Hear, Hear, Big Mick! I know of several people who will NOT post to any Fund Drive thread but send money to Max. I will not name names, but they are out there, believe me. They all feel like it it Private Information, and some of it is not exactly small change either. Bottom Line: If you value this site, do something, OR send something, either cash or auction. You certainly don't have to post any notice or contribution amount. |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Big Mick Date: 20 May 01 - 10:23 PM You will find that most of the people that are giving already feel like stakeholders. They are the people that have always made this place feel like a village, with all that is good and all that is bad about that. Some have been here a long time, some fairly recent. But all of them are critical, BY THEIR PRESENCE, to this place. The pledging of the dollars is really only done to maintain this place, so we don't lose that which we value. For myself, I feel no more or no less of a sense of ownership than I did before. I have always tried to support Mudcat in various ways. Your concern is legitimate, John, human nature being what it is. I cannot speak for the others, but for myself, you will never hear mention of the contributions in the context of some sort of enhance ownership. My money is given out of a sense of obligation to those that have given us this wonderful place. Nothing more. And I will be the first to chastise anyone who would attempt to turn it into anything else. It is, for me, a fair price to pay for that which I value. Nothing more. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: RichM Date: 20 May 01 - 09:48 PM Well, I have contributed to a number of causes that I happen to like or agree with....like Mudcat, and the Salvation Army! But I don't feel that I have any more (or less) influence with either because I contributed--...I just want to keep both of 'em going.
The longer I am here, the more I see that Mudcat has a combination of happy circumstances that make it work: Rich McCarthy
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jon Freeman Date: 20 May 01 - 09:40 PM DaveO's first post that is. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Sorcha Date: 20 May 01 - 09:37 PM I can't add anything more, but it looks like I am actually with the majority this time. I don't want any control, and would turn down an Edit button if offered one! |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Jon Freeman Date: 20 May 01 - 09:31 PM Please forgive me makeing a "me too" post but I would like to voice an opinion and DaveO has said it all for me. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Banjer Date: 20 May 01 - 08:55 PM Pledge DRIVE? What the hell good is pledge DRIVE? IF ya gotta do something make it a pledge walk or a run or even a bicycle ride...what good you gonna get out of a DRIVE? (certainly no excercise!) Only gonna cost extra gas! Don't need no stinking DRIVE, just send Max some money!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Morticia Date: 20 May 01 - 07:14 PM I can get round Skiff with a snog, or a really bad joke or a quick Lonnie Donnegan impression....I know my quarry.Still have the last batch of used nose flutes though and my tiple is still strung as though no-one has ever played it......damn, will have to think again! |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: catspaw49 Date: 20 May 01 - 06:25 PM Sorry Morty, but the NYCFTTS is already free to all 'Catters. You may get some perks from Skiff if you empty some bedpans for him, but I'm afraid the perks are pretty well limited to new Tiple strings and first choice on the latest batch of used Nose Flutes. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Morticia Date: 20 May 01 - 06:21 PM Oh hell, you mean my money isn't going to let me dictate policy, torture and maim flamers OR turn every thread into a discussion on cats and chocolate??? Will it at least let me reserve a bed in the NYCFTTS from time to time? |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: katlaughing Date: 20 May 01 - 06:07 PM Same here, Carol. I've been giving, either through the auction, or by sending in money ever since I joined three years ago. Let me ask you this, John: do you listen to NPR? Do you donate a few bucks to them or PBS on a consistent basis? Do you feel you could exert more influence than any other individual contributor because of what you give, or more influence than people who choose not to donate money, but may give in other ways? If we don't do this, would you prefer a once every couple of months thread about how the Mudcat may not be here because of funding woes? Everyone who contributes their time, money, knowledge, shoulder to cry on, who have opened their hearts and homes to others who visit here, has a stake in the Mudcat continuing and an equal voice. The separation is your mind, alone. I am sure sorry you feel that way. It would be wonderful if you would get a cookie and get just a taste of what you may be missing, in being able to trace your favourite threads, add to our wonderful Links page with your favourite music-related sites, getting to know some of us on a more personal level through PM's etc. kat
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: catspaw49 Date: 20 May 01 - 05:58 PM Well shoot..........That was REALLY well stated Dave! That is exactly the point and the way it is.......I'm going to bookmark that post and if it's OK with you, whenever this subject comes up again, I'm going to use parts of it........Just really well done! Thanks. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 20 May 01 - 05:41 PM It's a lot like what I found at my church. As long as all I did was attend on Sunday, I didn't have anything at stake, and I really didn't know people, so I didn't even attend all that often. When someone talked me into serving on a committee I made more acquaintances, and felt more at home, attended more often, and felt I had a stake in the joint. The same thing happens here. We don't have committee assignments, but taking the painless (and free) step of registering as a member, and contributing posts in various threads that interest you, and when possible posting songs that aren't already in the DT or additional verses to those already there--these things make YOU an "insider", a "clique member", if you will, just as it has for 'Spaw, for me, for hundreds--maybe thousands?--of others. Then, when you have proprietary sense about Mudcat, you too may want to contribute monetarily, but it's not necessary at all. You may WANT to. The one thing is, it doesn't buy any more voting power than anyone else has. Dave Oesterreich |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: catspaw49 Date: 20 May 01 - 05:24 PM Kinda' the "Mudcat Clique" thing huh? There isn't one although there are some of us who are around here a lot more than some others so we know each other a bit better......But at the same time we are also the ones most likely to first address a newcomer and find their lyrics or whatever. Find a time when what Spaw said dictated the direction Max Spiegel was taking. Guest John (get a cookie man, there's really nothing to fear here), I CAN show you instances when guests and infrequent posters have carried much weight with Max and influenced what was going on with Mudcat in general. Nobody has more say here than anyone else and if you think otherwise, I know I'll not convince you I'm right. Some of us have been here a longer time or are exceptionally active but when it comes to dictating policy..........don't happen. Are there flame wars and trolling and all that? Yeah...it's the net and it happens. Get yourself a membership and join in.....with or without money. The whole idea here is to be sure access to the 'Cat is ALWAYS FREE.....and preferably without the pop-ups and all of that. Several have mentioned it, but an awful lot of the ones who are pledging here are ones who kick in some bucks a good bit anyhow! I'm just trying to lock them up to a regular thing...myself too. If YOU somehow feel you have less voice because you haven't pledged, than I think you have a self-esteem problem. I don't see you as any less and I've tried to answer you as best I can. There are a lot of other ways to contribute........log in some songs NOT in the DT, help Mario with the tunefinding and transcriptions, answer some lyrics requests........or just join in on the research stuff or the BS on subjects you enjoy. Or go get a kid and introduce them to folk music. Hang in there with us John.......It's a helluva' place. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: PLEDGE DRIVE - A comment From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 20 May 01 - 05:00 PM I can see the possibility of what you are projecting. However, how is Mudcat to be funded? To my mind, there are three alternatives: 1. Pledge drive, with the admitted possible disadvantage you point out. 2. "Going commercial", with banner ads and the like (if Max should be able to get that advertising), which certainly doesn't appeal to me, and which would certainly, to my mind, change the character of this place. And 3. To get a grant from some foundatation, say, that subsidizes nonprofit public-interest functions. This would, I suppose, be ideal, and I've heard that some effort has been made in this direction. How realistic this is, I don't know. Such a grant, if obtained, would presumably be good for a year, two years--some relatively short time. Then the question comes up again, and it's possible the grantor would not renew and we'd the same problem back again. In the meantime, the problem is a present one. The commercial alternative, if successfully adopted, would make a permanent change in Mudcat. The grant approach, if one can be obtained, is a stopgap which must be renewed. The only alternative available NOW is the pledge drive. Q.E.D. Dave Oesterreich
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