Is Mudcat a friendly site?

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 02:26 PM

Mid all the logic, it still hurts to be called names on a public forum. Most of us have been on the receiving end of it one time or another Louisa. Sorry it is your turn. Just consider the source and move on.

Recently, I have been getting some flak from "GUEST". The latest - "SINSULL is not the brightest button in the box." GUEST is absolutely correct. I am the tarnished antique silver one, the priceless one of a kind, nestled amid all that flashy new brass.

Congratulations on your MA. I too requested and am still looking forward to reading your thesis. Keep in mind my limited mental capabilities - MA in Ancient Languages.
Mary

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 02:22 PM

Because Henry makes a valid point, I will jump in and say this to him.

Henry, please accept my apologies if you think I was saying that anonymous posting makes one a creep. That is not what I meant to say and I am sorry for making it appear so. What I was saying is that flaming/trolling as an anonymous guest is everything that I described. It demonstrates that one is a coward and doesn't want to accept the responsibility for their words and action. This is how the cowardly person operates. They have no regard for this forum for what it means to the rest of us, rather as a place they can damage for their own needs. They have no stake in its survival, as they will just move on to the next. I guess it all boils down to intent, with a heavy dose of emotional instability providing the impetus. At any rate, I hope that you will accept my apologies.

When I use the word "elders" it is only used to denote length of time on the forum. Nothing more. Oddly enough to some, I see Gargoyle as an elder for the same reason. And he certainly wouldn't be considered part of any clique. But no matter how disappointed I get when he resorts to certain tactics, he always id's himself.

Glad you are here, GUEST Henry.

Mick who really is done with this thread now.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 02:05 PM

Being an anonymous poster has NOTHING to do with a person's character. Nor does membership automatically make someone kind and good. There are certainly people of both extremes here, and membership or lack of it is not a factor.

I think the elders or whatever you wish to call them should get off the membership business as being the method to eradicate poor behaviour here. Certainly some of the members are just as guilty when it comes to rudeness. Perhaps they are even more responsible when it comes to the condescension which can make a person feel just as unwelcome.

I am not saying that there are not GUESTS who abuse the site with their sniping and petty comments, but being a guest does not automatically make your post worthless, something to be ignored. There are members' posts which are just as ignorable in my opinion.

Whether I post as GUEST, GUEST,Henry, [member] Henry, or some fanciful name such as Dingleberry would make no difference in what I have to say or what I think about what goes on here.

Having said all that, yes, it can be a friendly place, and that is what you will find most of the time. If you ask a question you are almost certain to meet with an honest attempt to answer your request. I won't mention those who are most likely to spend time and effort to answer your question because I would most certainly leave some out. Those who perform this valuable service for you know who they are, as do most of the people who come here even semi-regularly. They probably do not get enough thanks but that is the nature of serving sometimes.

There are others who may not ordinarily post requested lyrics, chords, or whatever for you, but will take a great amount of time and effort to answer your questions about instruments, theory, available recordings, and such a wide variety of other things as to be nearly mind boggling. The collected knowledge which is imparted to even a casual visitor is freely given, and I doubt that there is another place where you can gather so much hard to find information, and all of it free of charge.

If you need a particular recording or other information, some member [or yes, a non-member, too] is almost certain to tell you exactly where you can find it. Failing that, they may well offer to send you a tape or whatever else you require at their own expense. I could go on and on, but I expect I have already done that.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Dead Horse
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 01:50 PM

Yeah, kill this thread in case McArse of Soditall comes back.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 01:44 PM

Well, I have been pretty thoroughly flamed and harassed, and I'm still here. *G* But I did take some breaks when I needed to, sometimes by announcement and sometimes not... some days the a**holes really can get to you worse than others, eh?

Sometimes internet interaction gets under our skins faster than we are used to from 3D interactions... the medium takes us faster, neurologically, than our learned coping behaviors are set up to handle. Mudcat in particular is very fast, because of its design-- perhaps a hard place to learn one's first lessons about pacing one's internet life. We can start to spin...

When something happens here that one can't seem to let go of-- it just means your buttons have been pushed. Unhook, rethink, play some music... come back if and when that makes sense. See?

Yes, there are a**holes here.... but they are just people who bring that particular variety of baggage to their internet lives, as there are others who bring the type of baggage that takes things too hard from time to time. But even though there ARE people here wo do try to get a rise out of folks, or start trouble, that does not relieve us of our responsibility for ourselves-- and it does not mean we are not fully capable of deciding for ourselves how to think and how to respond internally rather than react externally. It does not mean there is something wrong with the PLACE... nor with you, either.... just that a break may be needed.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 01:21 PM

I am posting to demonstrate to you what I am talking about, Louisa.

First off, Louisa, you are a part of the inner clique already. I am very happy that you are.

Now, let us examine this last person's post. this cretin thinks folks are really dumb and easily manipulated. S/he starts with a moniker designed to get a rise. Cute. Won't work. I always chuckle at those that are so insecure about themselves that they call anyone else with an opinion contrary to theirs a "know it all". Saves them from having to exercise their inadequate intellect.

Next these mentally and emotionally challenged folks, deserving of pity and little else, will attempt to convince you that words mean something other than what they plainly mean. I got to this "person" so badly that they felt the need to defend themselves. Good. Shoe on the other foot. How's it fit?

So this was a nice try by this emotionally challenged flamer/troll. Ignore them, Louisa, as I am going to. I hope you will accept that what I am really saying in this thread is that you are a great Mudcatter and should NEVER consider leaving us because of a pathetic individual that continually tries to get his/her kicks by manipulating others. It is the only validation they get. A shame really. I wish their lives so far had provided them more self worth.

This is my last post in this thread.

Mick

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: GUEST,McFart of Knowitall
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 01:06 PM

Louisa,

If you are as stupid as Big Mick implies, let me summarize his post for you.

Big Mick cannot believe that someone as stupid as you graduated from iniversity, let alone got into grad school. Big Mick would like you to ignore the flames. Presumably, including his.

You're right, Mudcat can be an unfriendly site. But you'll never get the Mudcat inner clique elite (what Big Mick calls the "elders") to admit it.

McFart of knowitall

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:56 PM

Louisa, I say this to you from the perspective of an elder in these parts. The context should be taken as a scolding, given in a caring way. I am doing it because I care about having you here. You are good for the village that Max has created and many of us love dearly.

Ready? Why would a person with enough on the ball to have completed a Bachelor's AND to go on to study for a Masters, AND complete a thesis, be so silly as to feed these bottom dwelling slugs? You are smart enough to understand the psychology here, and conversly are to be chastised for feeling sorry for yourself, hence giving this cretin what s/he craves. In case you don't get it, IGNORE - IGNORE - IGNORE. You are respected among your peers here, and the opinions of those emotionally damaged carcasses who need to make others feel angry and upset so they can feel good about themselves are not relevant. Neither do they merit any response from the rest of us beyond telling them to take their meds, grab a cold coke, sit in the corner with a smile on their faces, and shut the feck up. Got it? Generally, if someone won't adopt a handle or ID themselves, they are not worthy of your time.

Chastising over. I, for one, enjoy having you here. I enjoy your posts, and find that the place is better for your presence. Don't ever let these 'roids get to you.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:37 PM

Clearly anyone posting as GUEST (with no added monicker of any sort) wishes to be regarded as a sort of mayfly, making one single post and then vanishing away, rather than as someone who is interested in any kind of continuing discussion, or whose opinion needs to be treated as significant. Never assume that GUEST is the same as GUEST let alone GUEST.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From:
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:32 PM

Louisa, I am sorry that you have had problems with the anonymous "Guest" types. Hopefully you can ignore them, and not worry about their opinions.

I too would like to read your thesis. My e-mail is above if you would like to contact me. I assume you are using a word processor of some form. Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:20 PM

We all have our BAD days, it's just that this person Guest,seems to have one every day. Just ignore it, post your MA on Folk revivals if you can stand the critisism that it will inevitably bring. Even though you laboured long and hard it will not be everyone's cup of tea. You can however totally ignore the straight "guests" opinion as they have no merit. I am really a member, I just end up posting from work at lunchtime (yeah I know it's a Saturday, first time in about 4 years that I couldn't get out of it) but I always use my mudcat name. Look forward to reading your work. JohnB

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:19 PM

Louisa, the fact that this is an open site means just about anyone can come in here and post anything. All the helpful and friendly people you've met here can't do a thing about the bad stuff, other than ignore it.

I suspect the insults and criticisms without any substance come from people who are somewhat desparate that others notice they exist. The anti-whatever nature of their posts may make them feel like an individual, as if disagreement automatically makes them more important.

Just look at the criticism. If there's no content, and it's just something like "that's a dumb idea," you may be dealing with someone just looking for attention - maybe even someone's lonely child who got on the family computer and found a new way to write graffiti. They aren't talking "to" people; they're talking "at" people. Is there anything to indicate it's not a pissed-off-at-the-world kid?

As to whether or not you hang around, I guess it comes down to which things have more importance for you: the helpful advice, friends and potential friends, or the graffiti-writers. Hopefully, the "good guys" will win.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:14 PM

yeah pinkfiddle! I would like to read your thesis too! How can I get access to it? It sounds to me like a good subject. Did you say what your MA will be in? I mean; Anthropology, or Sociology, Musicology? (sp) or other?

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 12:10 PM

You will get the occasional flamers & trollers in ANY unmoderated forum. Mudcat doen't seem to attract as many as other places I have visited... Overall it is very friendly here.

Jon

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:58 AM

Louisa,

Please don't be discouraged by Mudassholes, they are the clear minority who abuse their privileges. I for one would LOVE (hey, I shouted that!) to read your thesis.

I know it's no consolation, but for a considerable time I was personally flamed (I had posted my email addy here) because I stated a religious opinion, signed my posts with "Peace", liked guitar threads, and had somehow made someone feel abused by having a well considered opposing view. I outlasted the flamer and I haven't changed my modus operandi.

See you around?

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:57 AM

Chin up Pinky!!
To paraphrase an old saw about teachers. Those who can do, and those who can't criticise. My motto is if it feels good do it, and let the rest go hang, anyway you die if you worry, and you die if you don't worry.
SO WHY WORRY?.
Failte.....Jock

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:55 AM

Ah well, there are two (well probably more, actually) two things which you should keep in mind: some people are jerks. and two, "Illegitimi non carborundum".

I'd like to see the negative response you speak of. I'm willing to bet there is at least one spelling error. I am also certain that there are numerous syntax errors as well.

and I endorse Gareth's statement.

Consider the fact that this was an anonymous guest not a regular Mud Catter!

God bless

CB

just for the record I think that I'll "out" myself (even though it isn't necessary) I think the "moniker" device can be intimidating to some people:

Coyote Breath is Tom Meisenheimer 802 Maupin Ave. New Haven Missouri 63068 1(573) 237-3548 [e-mail] or [e-mail]

and anyone who wants to spend the nickle is certainly free to contact me in any fashion they wish to use and my door is always open, fire is in the stove, beer in the fridge, Bratwurst on the grill and no dust on the banjo

CB

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Crane Driver
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:50 AM

'Course its a friendly site, Pinkie. Just because some mannerless git of an outsider comes in and makes an a****le of him/her self doesn't mean we're all like that, right? Try not to let it get you down. Guest has probably just run out of dried frog pills.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Willa
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:47 AM

Yes, Pinkfiddle, on the whole it is a friendly site, but as in 'real life' there are a few (generally Anon)who enjoy upsetting others. Bear that in mind, and please continue to post. Let me make clear that I have no objection to anyone posting as a guest, even anonymously; I did that myself to begin with.

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:44 AM

Hi Pink.......I saw the thread you mention and I wondered what that was all about then. Truthfully, look at the responses you got before and I think you'll agree it's nice and friendly place. Sadly, we have become large enough to attract the occasional flamer or troller and you seem to have caught the attention of one of them.

Ignore it. It's the only thing to do. BTW, do you want to reset your cookie? Try it by going to membership at the top and follow the instructions for reset cookie. If you have a problem we can help and you can also post a message in the help forum.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:43 AM

Well, Louisa, consider the kind of person who would need to remain anonymous and who would attack people in a personal way for silly crap that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Is that really someone to whom you want to pay much attention?

Mudcat is just like the rest of the world. There are angels and there are demons and there's a vast array in varying degrees in between. As with the rest of the world, you get to decide which conversations and people you want to empower and which you want to ignore.

Me? I say ta heck with the buttheads and let's play nice and have fun. Sometimes "Guest" forgets to take his meds or just needs to eat more bran flakes. We try not to have that spoil our good time.

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: Gareth
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:40 AM

Respectfully suggest that Anon is a A~~~~~e who is incapable of producing a thesis himself - and who should be treated with contempt.

Gareth

Subject: Is Mudcat a friendly site?
From: GUEST,pinkfiddle lost cookie
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 11:35 AM

Hi

I'm really disappointed that I've found myself wanting to post this. At the moment I don't really feel as though I want to continue posting on this forum.

Earlier this year I posted some questions in relation to my MA on folk revivals that I was working on, and many of you were able to help out. Some of you have also asked to read it. I am getting my results on this piece of work in a few days and in the New Year I am hoping to put it online.

However, while most people I have chatted with on Mudcat have been friendly I seem to have become the subject of attack from an anonymous guest who has criticised me, my typing errors and my MA (a piece of work he has never seen). It is the criticism of my MA that has upset me the most. I worked extremely hard on this piece of work - I did my MA in a year and it was a very intense experience that I took on a few months after losing my father.

Louisa