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From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat
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Subject: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Max Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:06 PM Well folks, the time has come. We have begun to dismantle and effectively gut Onstage Media. The economy is just too poor to maintain our overhead. If we're lucky, the first step will also be the last. We're down to 1 ½ elves, and enough space for 10, so we're giving up Mudcat Studio's within the month. Our lovely offices in the dead center of town with the great windows will be no more. The plan is to move a leaner meaner Onstage into my apartment (hopefully temporarily) to lower expenses. We are also trading the 1500Kb T-1 net connection for a much more affordable 762Kb SDLS line, which is half of the bandwidth and a fourth of the cost. What does this mean for Mudcat? Thankfully for you, not much at all. The cut in bandwidth should not be even noticeable. For all the time with the T-1, the Mudcat and all our other sites and clients never took up even half of what we had, so half of what we had should do just fine. Reliability? Not sure. DSL is a bit new, and we're just not sure about it. We're planning a 10-day test before the switchover, so we should be reassured before D Day. We won't be able to simulcast out of the pub downstairs anymore, but then again we only did it once anyway. I was trying to hang in there till after the Getaway, and still may try, so we can simulcast that performance. Otherwise we'll just do a taped delay. Stay Tuned. Mudcat Radio? I suppose we could do it out of my apartment, but then I would have to tell MaryMac where I live. Hmmmm. As mentioned in earlier posts and shows, the weekly broadcast may lose its regularity, but I will continue to do some sort of broadcast here and there. I still want Catters to come visit me and such, so any time one or more of you all come to see me, we'll broadcast. I'm working part time jobs in the evenings now too, so nights off are a more precious to me. But I really enjoy it, so I will continue in some way. Anyhow, for me this is merely another adventure. Don't worry about my mental state, just worry that I'll be able to pay rent on time. This stuff doesn't get to me too bad, it inspires me to head in new directions more than anything else. Lord knows I've been through worse. I'll keep you informed as things develop. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Little Hawk Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:15 PM It's been a tough year all around, Max. My own company has done considerably less than half the business it did last year by this time. It reminds me of the beginning of the 1990's. Let's hope things pick up soon. - LH |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: mike putt Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:19 PM I'm sorry you have to downsize Max but it is global we can se it big time hear in Ireland, good luck for the future |
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Subject: RE: From Max From: Clinton Hammond Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:19 PM Mudcat needs a porn site to generate some $$ flow!!! LOL!!!! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Amergin Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:20 PM You're wrong, Max....it does affect us a great deal....even if the 'Cat weren't involved....some one we respect a great deal is going through some tough times....all I can say is good luck to you....and things will eventually get better.... |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Sorcha Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:21 PM Good Luck, Max, and all the best to you in new ventures. It's a shame the world doesn't realize how talented you are. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: CarolC Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:36 PM Max, I want to take a moment right now to tell you what a profound inspiration you are to me.
I know you'll do amazing and mind blowing things with your new adventure. Carol |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Rich(bodhránai gan ciall) Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:49 PM Max, It sounds to me like, you'll still be giving us a hell of a lot, and you're feeling down about not being able to give quite as much. You'll still be the most generous individual on the 'net and that's nothing to feel guilty about! Thanks for everything. I look forward to continued great times on Mudcat. Periodically waiting a little longer for a thread or a personal message to open, will not be that bad, considering what we'll still have. Hope all your other ventures go well. Rich |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: catspaw49 Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:50 PM Clinton, after all this time and all of your carping and bitching, finally you come up with an idea that worth a damn!!! MAX.......Whatever you need to do and however you need to do it, we'll be here and a constant drain on your finances. I know this is reassuring to you at this time just as the ball crunch will be when that time comes....get a cup. Seriously, it sounds like a good move and will give you a bit of breathing room. I guess I envy some of the people who have stuck it out in one thing forever, but I feel I have lived 4 lifetimes and crammed a lot in by making some moves that were hard at the time. I know you're looking in other directions and I can't help, but I can tell you that it's never a bad thing and often works out for the best. Then maybe again, you'll completely screw the pooch and have to go into hiding in West Virginia. Go do what you want to do man, and don't look back. If you slow down that much, I can give you a swift kick in the ass as I blast your balls, just to give you a little motivation. Good Luck....But you don't need it....you'll do it! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Amos Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:51 PM Raise hell, take names, and KICK BUTTSKI, Maximillian. You have a huge fan club out here. Don't forget that. A |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: JenEllen Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:58 PM Of course we worry about you! You're in our hearts, take care and keep your nose above the waves. ~J |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Gareth Date: 27 Aug 01 - 06:59 PM You did well Max, that is appreciated, worthy of a Red Rugby shirt and a lap around the Cardiff Arms Park. More strength to the future. Gareth |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Mark Clark Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:02 PM Max, I'm sure you know we all understand about the economic environment. My advice is to do whatever you need to set your own situation straight. You don't owe us anything, it is we who are indebted to you. We all feel for you and wish you the best. - Mark |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: GUEST,kendall Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:19 PM All these kudos are great, but, they dont pay the rent. Send the man a donation. I did. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: wysiwyg Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:24 PM We love you, Max. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Susanne (skw) Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:27 PM Max, it's all been said, more or less. I'm grateful to you that you are holding on to the Mudcat when you might employ your talents more gainfully elsewhere. Whatever you do next, I wish you the best of success - selfishly, as the Mudcat is an important part of my life by now, but also, genuinely, because I'm grateful for what you're doing for us and I believe you must be almost a genius having developed the Mudcat in the way you have. All the best, and long live the Mudcat! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: GUEST Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:29 PM "Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. {2} "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. {3} But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, {4} so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Gareth Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:30 PM Donation - Grant in Aid - a good idea. Question - how can us Brits get donations to the Mudcat without being ripped of by the banks ???? Suggestions ???? Gareth. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:33 PM Whew - I saw the heading on this thread and my heart sank. At best I thought it means the Mudcat has been merged with some big organisation that makes money. At worst it's closing down.
So, selfishly, for me Max's bad news is relatively good news. But it's a shame. There has to be a better way of running an economy than this, the waste of skills and vision and creativity is just ridiculous.
Anyway, thanks for keeping on keeping on, Max. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: kendall Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:33 PM Guest, I have given many a donation in the past without trumpets, (or bodhrans) I'm just trying to tell you all that money makes the mare go. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: SINSULL Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:37 PM Max - a temporary set back. You will be fine. And I thank you for all you have given me. Mary |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: katlaughing Date: 27 Aug 01 - 07:39 PM Good point, Kendall. Max, I am thankful that you've told us what is happening and you know we all wish you the best, but I don't like the "so long it's been good t' know ya" tone of some of these messages!**BG** Sure, we won't "see" or "hear" as much of you, for the moment, but you and Mudcat are still going to be here and that is really important. It IS more important that you do what you need to do and take care of yourself, first. I know from our conversation the other night that Mudcat is right up there in your heart, alongside others near and dear to you. Because of that, I am telling phoaks, we need to put on our thinking caps and help Max figure out a way to actually make a living at doing the Mudcat. I don't mean just through our own fundraising, I mean through grants, catologues of Mudcatters' crafts etc. for sale, whatever, let's start really putting as much into this as Max does and see if we can come up with a way to help him and the Mudcat. If I am totally off-base, please say so, Max. You know you have my love and support and beams of good thoughts coming atcha.:-) luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Sorcha Date: 27 Aug 01 - 08:02 PM Kendall, small problem. Max does accept donations for the Mudcat, but will Max accept donations for Max? Only Max can answer that, but I think I know the answer.....Max' rent is what is at stake here, not the existence of the Cat, is what I understood. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Dani Date: 27 Aug 01 - 08:32 PM I got one word for you all.... cash. Max, I gave up a business of my own not once, but TWICE. Both times it hurt like hell, because the basic business idea was sound, but I could just not manage it myself and be a healthy, happy person. Perfect partners do not exist, and some-time partners work out some-of-the-time. Both decisions were ultimately good for ME, if not the rest of the world. Do what you gotta do, and everything will sort itself out. Dani |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Nancy King Date: 27 Aug 01 - 08:55 PM Geez, Max, sorry to hear about the downsizing, but thanks for letting us know. One of these days the world will recognize your brains and talent and reward you. Thanks for all you do for us. Cheers, Nancy |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Amos Date: 27 Aug 01 - 08:57 PM Brits could try sticking a ten pound note in an envelope and sending it off. I'm sure Barclay's US would exchange it. Or better still, a couple hundred of them. Max: I'll get another "Songs of the Mudcat" CD together and send you the master -- you can keep any dough that comes from it., Love, A. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 27 Aug 01 - 09:04 PM I wish there was some way of having a benefit concert online... |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Charley Noble Date: 27 Aug 01 - 09:15 PM Sounds like a serious thread to me. Looks like more people do need to pitch in, including me. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: AliUK Date: 27 Aug 01 - 09:28 PM Max. The 'Cat is the only forum I've stuck with over the last 4ish years cos it is the only one that's worth it. I know exactly where you're coming from and I wish you all the luck in the world ( says me holding down two jobs at the moment as well). I think maybe a mudcat CD that can be touted around by those what perform profeshunnily may be a good way and through the wonders of the internet and computer techknowledgy we could probably get a boxed set together...anyone up to the task. If everybody chips in a fiver it would be neat. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Mudlark Date: 27 Aug 01 - 09:59 PM Dear Max...I am relatively new to Mudcat but am an old friend to hard times. Thanks for all you have done, all that you are still doing....music has been one of the sustaining pillars of my life and the opportunity you have provided here to discuss it, revel in it, learn more about it is very much appreicated. Good luck to you in the future, whether or not the future includes Mudcat....Thank you. Nancy |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Maryrrf Date: 27 Aug 01 - 10:15 PM Well, some sites have become subscription services. I for one would be willing to subscribe to Mudcat. Would that be a possibility? |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Clinton Hammond Date: 27 Aug 01 - 10:21 PM S'paw... get bent.. I've suggested a porn site for a long time.. that and a page dedicated to banner adds to generate revenue here... There are all kinds of ways to do it... No one has any excuse but foolish pride for not making $$ on the net... Not that there's anything wrong with foolish pride...
I'd rather have the cash myself! ;-) |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: katlaughing Date: 27 Aug 01 - 11:04 PM Good idea, Maryff, I would certainly be willing to pay a subscription fee, too. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: GUEST,chip2447 Date: 27 Aug 01 - 11:35 PM Max, luck to you and thanks for everything... |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: GutBucketeer Date: 27 Aug 01 - 11:37 PM Max: The Mudcat has transformed me from a basement want-to-be, to a musician (at least I now say that I play and sing when asked). I'm sure it has had more meaningful and deeper impact on many many others. For us all... Thanks. I've done a little. Wish I could have done more. My Dad always says whatever choice you make it's the right one, by definition. So I'm sure you'll do great in whatever comes along and where ever your'e adventure takes you. JAB P.S. See you at the Getaway. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: WyoWoman Date: 28 Aug 01 - 12:57 AM Welp, Max, as a recent refugee and survivor of the downturn in the eeeeconomy, I can say up close and personal how much it bites to have forces beyond your control shut down a really cool thing you're trying to do. HowEVer ... my losing the writing for online companies opened up the possibility of the job I have presently, which is a dream come true. So:
This will morph into something better -- it just might take a little while. I think the porn website has possibilities. Start with Catspaw ... Wait. You have to get nekkid for porn, right? Eeeeeeewwwww. Nivver mind .... ww |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Escamillo Date: 28 Aug 01 - 12:57 AM Please count me for a voluntary subscription fee. Un abrazo - Andrés |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: DougR Date: 28 Aug 01 - 01:32 AM Thanks for letting us know, Max, and good luck to you! DougR |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Llanfair Date: 28 Aug 01 - 03:10 AM I have every confidence in you, Max. You are a remarkably skilled and resourceful man, and will bounce back. Cheers, Bron. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 28 Aug 01 - 04:44 AM Maybe people could buy a t shirt, I've got one they are really nice.john |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Linda Kelly Date: 28 Aug 01 - 04:55 AM Just come back from a festival, the reason I enjoyed it so much was the presence of fellow Catter's. You may think you've created a website Max, but you've created a lot more than that. All the best |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Ringer Date: 28 Aug 01 - 05:07 AM Max: we're all indebted to you more than we can say. Thanks, good luck and (selfishly) keep up the good work. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 28 Aug 01 - 05:12 AM Sotry to hear about the downsizing, Max, I hope it is only a blip and that you'll soon bounce back up. As everyone has said, you've created a marvelous resource here but it is less important than your own career. Best wishes. RtS (You got the right to sing the blues) |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: gnu Date: 28 Aug 01 - 05:15 AM I know what your talking about. My house is up for sale so I can hang in another year and hope things turn around. And there is a property glut on because many others are in the same boat. Every street in town has at least a couple of houses or business properties for sale. I hope your regrouping works well for you. I admire the Mudcat and it's operating principles, which is to say, I admire you. Thanks. If there's any money in the kitty after I regroup, I'll send another donation. g |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: dwditty Date: 28 Aug 01 - 06:03 AM I appreciate you. dw |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: kendall Date: 28 Aug 01 - 06:36 AM Max is too proud to ask for donations, so, let's just force it on him. Look, it doesn't matter what he does with it! I dont care if he uses it to get his cat spayed! it's all expenses that he faces, and, in order to keep the Mudcat going, he must find a way to meet those expenses. Think about what the mudcat means to you, then, decide what to do. This year has been tough for everyone. (Well, except maybe me, I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it) Seriously folks, Max has done so much for us, now it's our turn. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: Wolfgang Date: 28 Aug 01 - 06:59 AM Thanks so far and good luck for the future. Wolfgang |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Aug 01 - 07:57 AM . As everyone has said, you've created a marvelous resource here but it is less important than your own career.
I know what you mean Roger the skiffler. But I think that undervalues what Max has achieved here. It's a bit like saying to an artist "don't worry about the paintings - they aren't as important as your career as a teacher/entrepreneur/bankd manager".
Max has got to look after himself, and he shouldn't feel weighed down by feeling he's got the responsibility to carry the Mudcat. But what he has given us here is important. And in terms of what it could be, it's still only beginning. |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: SharonA Date: 28 Aug 01 - 08:53 AM Gee whiz, Max, just 'cause I wouldn't give you my guitar... (eh, ya couldn't've gotten that much for it!!) Just kidding, of course. Hang in there, and know that we all care and are pullin' for you. Maybe in about 3 years, when Dubbya is ousted, the economy will get turned around by someone who actually knows what (s)he's doing. Let me add my voice to the chorus singing your high praises for all you've done for Mudcat and for us musicians/songwriters/singers/listeners; man, you are one dedicated dude. Hooray for Max! |
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Subject: RE: From Max: Possible Future of The Mudcat From: JedMarum Date: 28 Aug 01 - 09:19 AM It sounds like you'll be successful at downsizing 'painlessly' for Mudcatters, and we very much appreciate your skill and efforts. I wish you the very best in the downsizing project. Thanks for all you do to provide us this wonderful forum and website. |
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