BS: Farewell To Mudcat

Subject: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 08:43 PM

Yep, it's another of those "I'm leaving Mudcat" threads - guess some of us can't resist leaving quietly...

Has Mudcat changed since I joined? - I don't think so, at least not to any significant degree. The place has its ups and downs, maybe occasional very nasty spells but it seems to me to be pretty much a circular pattern and I suspect the same would be true for the balance of music/BS threads over my time here.

Have I changed? Yes, at least in terms of my attitude towards Mudcat. I started here fresh and met friendly people. As with any community, as time goes on, you start to get to know people better and inevitably like some people more and some less for various reasons. I guess to me, I no longer see the "all friendly Mudcatters together (except for the occasional flamer)" as a reality and haven't for some time.

The final point for me comes when I ask "What do I get out of Mudcat?" The answer, sadly, is "little anymore and certainly not enough to compensate for my own frustrations here, and, besides that, any friendships I have made here that mean anything will continue without me being a 'Mudcatter'".

Bye all.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: GUEST,khandu
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 08:51 PM

Jon, I regret to read this. I have always got a lot from reading your responses. I will miss you terribly. Please, check in and let us know how you are.

Grace and Peace be multiplied to you , my friend.

khandu

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 08:56 PM

Take a break Jon, and come on back sometime.

Maybe these cycles we seem to go through are really downward spirals, but so far we always seem to come bobbing to the surface again. (The image I'm reaching for is a maelstrom I suppose.)

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:15 PM

Jon. You may be assured that our friendship will continue whenever you care to chat online, and you have my address. I know how you feel mate, and I agree with you. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From:
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:22 PM

Sorry to hear, Jon!

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: JenEllen
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:29 PM

Your dog and I will both miss you terribly, for your cheating at cards (him) and your knowledge and experience that you willingly share (me) The door is always open.
~Elle

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: dwditty
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:29 PM

Jon,

I consider you a friend and hope you feel the same about me. You have contributed a lot, and I appreciate you. Your efforts have led to many of us meeting up in hearme and paltalk and sharing music with each other. I can't thank you enough for leading me there. Playing music for and listening to folks I have come to know is a real source of joy for me. Thank you. Hope to see you on Paltalk from time to time. I also hope you use your freed up mudcat time to play more music. I especially enjoy your banjo playing.

Of course, I am sorry to see you go. There have been so many who have wandered off since I came here four years ago. Some have just left, some went kicking and screaming, and some, like you, have just had enough. I get great enjoyment from the mudcat still. However, I don't put so much of myself into the mudcat that whatever happens here is going to dramatically alter my life. I mean if someone gets upset by what I say, or if someone says something against me, so be it. Maybe I am fortunate to be able to come here and read posts without taking on the world everytime somebody says something I disagree with. After being here for a time, I think I have a pretty good idea of what folks might be like in 3D. You're a good person Jon. Stick with it.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:30 PM

Jon, please don't burn any bridges behind you. I hope you will check in once in a while to see if the atmosphere has improved. And I hope it does.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: SeanM
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:32 PM

Well, do what you must, enjoy what you will, live how you wish.

Best wishes go with you wherever.

M

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 09:33 PM

You have been a valuable and intergral part of Mudcat. Jon, just as dw said, esp. with the Hearme and Paltalk sessions.

Please consider just taking a break and checking back once in awhile. You will be greatly missed.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:30 PM

Jon, This is sad news. You are one of my favorite people here and were the first to make me welcome. I hope you will take a break and come back after a breather. I also wish you the very best. You deserve it.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: IvanB
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:37 PM

Jon, I was surprised and saddened to open this thread and find that you were its originator. I knew that I had seen less of your presence both here and on Paltalk in the past couple of months but I didn't realize it had come to this point.

I certainly can't fault you for your decision but I join the others who have exhorted you to drop in now and then to visit. Good luck, always, and, should you decide at any point to return please know that my arms will be wide open in welcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Francy
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:40 PM

Hope you will join me and others on Paltalk...I would enjoy your music and company anytime on Toledo Folk Music Group. Thanks for what you've given me so far Jon and hope to join with you musically and folkally any time we can...Always your friend Frank of Toledo (Toledo-3)

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Benjamin
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:41 PM

You know we are all going to miss you. I really enjoyed the Hearme sessions. I never was able to get Paltalk to work.
Thanks for at least saying good bye. Seems that a few people have just kind of dissapeared lately without saying much. Are always welcome back. Thanks for the time you spent here.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: alison
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:46 PM

sorry to hear that Jon... but I can understand...... keep in touch... and I hope I'll see you in Paltalk...

you will be missed here

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From:
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:46 PM

Gidday Jon,

You've just taken the shine off my day

I've been very pleased to know you in here and I hope we run across each other out there.

Good luck, my friend

Jack

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:47 PM

Jon ~~~ I am truly saddened by the news that you are pulling stakes. There are few enough of us four string banjo pickers around Mudcat or anywhere else these days. It was always a real treat when you were running the show on Paltalk. Keep pick'en.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Amos
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:01 PM

Jon,

I can only echo the many heartfelt remarks and regrets. May I suggest you check in every now and then and see if your interests are better served than you thought? This really is a music forum, BS notwithstanding. And you are musical kith and kin here. For my part, Mudcat like home is a place where when you go there, they are glad you're there and they cannot turn you away.

So either come back soon, or cancel the whole decision and just lurk for a bit.

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:36 PM

Jon, I'll PM you how much your voice on HearMe and PalTalk have meant to me. I understand.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:57 PM

Jon,

Please look up and read what I wrote once here about leaving Chicago.

Mudcat is a lot like Chicago.

love,

~A Chicagoan

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: bobbi
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 11:59 PM

Jon.... Wait! Come back, come back! I'm brand new here and haven't gotten to know you yet! What's wrong with this site? These people? (some of them) Don't leave! Where's Paltalk? How do I get there? Help!

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: alison
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:10 AM

bobbi... you have to download paltalk......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Amergin
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:10 AM

take care, mate...you're one of my favourites...

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:15 AM

Jon .... I've been away for awhile ... and this is very upsetting! You've always been there, and your opinions have always been valuable! I understand what you're saying and I want you to know that you will be missed. Please come back when you're ready.

LL

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: blt
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:34 AM

Jon, I'm sorry to hear that you're cutting ties to Mudcat. As a new (relatively) member here, I've been fairly quiet but attentive to various threads, and your comments have always struck me as thoughtful and worth reading. I hope you will drift this way again, from time to time.

blt

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:37 AM

This is very sad news to me Jon. I'm going to miss you. You're a good man.

Take care, and good luck with your life.

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:30 AM

It's been a real pleasure, mate.

Ernie

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:40 AM

Well, Jon, you are going to make me break one of my rules. Usually when someone leaves, I just say goodbye. This is because I have seen a number of folks do it just to get attention or to try and prove a point. But that is not you. I sincerely wish good things for you, and have come to value you as a friend, and as a steadying influence here. I wish for you peace, and I hope you understand how deeply some of us feel about you. Come back if you feel you can, but whether you do or not, please add me to your list of people that will remain your friend regardless of whether or not you are a Mudcatter. In fact, whether you are here or not, you will always be a Mudcatter. We are poorer for you leaving.

And should you ever visit Michigan, please contact me. You have a place to stay.

Mick Lane

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Hawker
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 02:24 AM

Bye Jon, You'll be missed.
Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: nutty
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 02:30 AM

I second everything that has already been said and add my thanks for all the help and support so patiently given --- particularly regarding Paltalk -----

GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Wolfgang
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:09 AM

Farewell Jon, but I dearly hope that I can say one day 'what a joy to see you back'

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:24 AM

Jon, try and get to the Jug sometime soon, you will be welcomed - there may be a new landlord in the not too distant future - we don't know if that will change things!
You will be missed on the mudcat! Best of luck!
Geoff and Jane.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:38 AM

Jon, don't underestimate the benefits Mudcatters have gained from your technical computer advice and banjo expertise. I respect your decision, I hope it signals that some of the personal problems you've shared with us have now gone away, if so, I hope the Mudcat has helped rather than hindered. All best wishes for the future, with or without the Mudcat.
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: BlueJay
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:43 AM

Jon, as someome who posts infrequently, but is still usually watching, I'd like to say goodbye. While you and I have philosophically different viewpoints on some issues, I have never considered that to be a hinderance. I have philosophical differences with many of my good friends in "the real world".

Your technical expertise, which has aided me at times (without acknowledgement from me, I am shamed to say), will be sorely missed at the Mudcat. You have had a positive influence on many more folks than you know.

You don't have to quit, you know. You can do as I do: pick and choose and post when you want. Every three months or once a year. Your input is needed here. This is a great community. If you are ever in Colorado, you are welcome as a guest in my home, by virtue of your postings.
But please check back. At least lurk. You have not responded to this thread, so I asssume your decision is final. But I'm hoping your curiosity will eventually get the best of you. you have so much to offer to so many people. Thank you, Jon, no matter the outcome. BlueJay

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 04:05 AM

Jon-I dont really now what to say, try not to leave, you are one of the best ones here.If you come to Hull get in contact and I will show you the local folk clubs.john

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: GUEST,Patrish
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 04:42 AM

Jon, please keep in contact with me - I will PM you with my e-mail address.

I usually like Fridays, but not today. I am really sorry that you are leaving and if I could think of the right thing to say then I would say it

Remember how well we danced together, and talked together, remember I am still here.

love
Patrish xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Llanfair
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 05:03 AM

Farewell, Jon. You know where to find me if you want to get in touch.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: okthen
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 05:44 AM

I echo all the above, please lurkawhile, or atleast send us a card ar christmas.

cheers

bill

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 06:36 AM

I don't know what to say to you Jon which is why I haven't posted til now..........and I still don't. I have enjoyed your presence and the talks we've had. I guess there is this kind of angst I feel about this.

On the one hand, I understand and hope you'll come back sometime, although your decision saddens me. On the other hand, I have also gotten the sense lately that your 3-D life may be going off into better places and for that I am happy....and I hope I'm right. There is a time and place for all things and for now, Mudcat may be holding back some of the things that are progressing in 3-D and has become a hassle rather than a pleasure or whatever.

Go and do and enjoy and perhaps sometime the 'Cat will fit in again.......and for better reasons. You know you are always in my thoughts and I hope to still meet you sometime and also see you back here if the time should be right.

Good Luck Jon...

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: bill\sables
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 06:42 AM

Jon, it is sad to see you go. During the time you have been here you have added a hell of a lot of good things to mudcat. Do please visit us soon and remember if you want to go to the Getaway Sam and I are flying out on 18th October and would appreciate your company on the flight. Good luck in your future ventures.
Bill

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 07:21 AM

Gee. I've only been around here for a half year, but I've seen you contribute so much. You will be missed.

Drink lots of cold water and walk slow.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 07:57 AM

Just read through this - and I'm really pleased it hasn't drifted off into people griping about Mudcat politics and so forth, but stayed with us being appreciative of someone who's been good to have around.

Here's a link to song of mine in Áine's Mudcat Songbook which seems appropriate, written a couple of years back To Old Friend 'What-His-Name'"

(Mudcat is a lot like Chicago says Susan - would that be Chicago 1929?)

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: MudGuard
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 08:22 AM

Dear Jon, please come back!

You will be missed!

MudGuard (Andy)

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: MudGuard
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 08:26 AM

Uuuups, hit the return key too early!

Without you in Mudcat, how should I find such beautiful places like the Great Orme?

MudGuard

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: MMario
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 09:00 AM

Best Wishes Jon..this is our loss. You know how to get in touch if you want - and I'd always be pleased to hear from you.

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 09:10 AM

Jon, I see two things in this. The negative part is that you say you are leaving. That is truly a shame for you have been an important part of this place for a long time.

The positive part is that you are not leaving angry. You say you are not getting anything out of the 'Cat and feel you need to leave. I agree that you should take a break. Enjoy the wind in your face and let the computer rest.

I do this occasionally. I find there is little going on at the 'Cat that really grabs me. I shift into lurker mode and just make the occasional post. Then, for some reason, I catch fire again and jump back in.

Whatever you do, live well, live long, and be happy.

Brett

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 09:42 AM

Well, if you'll still be in uk.music.folk, at least some of us will continue to benefit from your on-line presence!

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Mark Clark
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 10:08 AM

Jon, I hate to see you go but that's just because I'll miss your input. "A man's got to do what a man's got to do." I can understand.

Mudcat doesn't need to be a personal identity or a total commitment. Like the rest of the world, it doesn't always live up to its potential. Still, a bunch of us would like to hear from you from time to time if it wouldn't violate your own conscience.

Take care,

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Farewell To Mudcat
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 10:16 AM

.............there are so few words....you have been one of the voices of reason and sanity I could depend on.

Come see me some day....

Subject: Letters from PY (edited version)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:30 PM

Kevin-- no, this:

Subject: RE: Help: Illinois/Chicago Songs
From: WYSIWYG
Date: 24-Jan-01 - 03:31 PM

Sigh....... homesick, again.

At the Barbarossa folk club, many latenight conversations between pros and reg'lars turned upon the concept that people talked about leaving Chicago, and sometimes did.... couldn't WAIT to leave that GODDAMN PLACE, they'd say.... and sometimes did.... but... they always came back.

You could really think you had left... and sometimes did... but you knew, in those conversations, that it didn't matter who was talking or being talked about... who had left or just come back... it was accepted with some degree of bitter acknowledgement that one would, inevitably, be back.

You'd wish the one announcing impending departure all the best, say goodbyes sounding like forever, and then grin a twisted grin. That LOOK would pass between youse two, because... everyone knows Denial is just a river in Egypt.

The wind drives the place into your blood, and the tides of the lake pull from far, far away. Living in Chicago-- it's the booze in your hand as well as the 12-step program you have to maintain to live.

So when you are gone from it--whether you were "from" there or had just BECOME "from" there--it was home, and the scent and touch of being there can come over you of a sudden. You ain't left at all.

You're stuck with it! Cuz like it or not, you just gotta love Chicago!

~Susan