Mudcat Profiles

Subject: Profiles
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:40 PM

Can anyone give me a good reason why , if you wish to join the rest
of us in the forum , and often in the Chat , so few members ever do a
profile ? So often I come across some one in the forum or the Chat
who I would like to know more about , without going through all the who what where stuff in the chat.

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: GUEST,Profileless
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:57 PM

Freedom of choice.

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 01:00 PM

I'm not entirely sure why, but I have an aversion toward putting a profile about myself in the profile page. Something about tooting my own horn maybe. But my posting history is extensive, so if people want to find out things about me, it's not all that terribly difficult to do. All they have to do is look in my posting history for thread titles that ask questions about members and seeing what I have to say there.

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 01:01 PM

I suspect laziness is a major factor...

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: bbc
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 02:07 PM

Profiles are completely optional, but they are a nice way to get a sense of who a person is. Content is completely up to the person supplying it; horn-tooting or not is up to you!

imho,

bbc

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 02:34 PM

"Freedom of choice" isn't any kind of explanation, because the question is why do people choose not to post profiles.

I suspect it is as Carol C suggested, to do with a feeling that it's tooting your horn, which I don't think is necessarily so, but it can feel like that.

However something that a lot more people do is post a photo - but a whole lot more don't, and I think that's a shame, because it's fun to have a ganders at someone you are involved with in a discussion, or an argument.

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM

Here's what I think happened.

Mudcat Profiles started long before it became standard practice in web boards to have a profile you could get by clicking the members' name in their posts. Nowadays in most boards, the profile is a form you fill out when you join, and then you can choose to make it open or closed. Our equivalent to this was that you could click a memberna,e and get all their old posts-- you'd get the peson in their own words, not a short form filled out. Very few people had profiles here at Mudcat, and even by the time I joined, late in MudDev, most of the profiles were from the perfroming pro's among the membership.

So I think that at Mudcat, profiles served a different purpose than they do now on boards-- such as putting up the ICQ ID that was needed then for Mudcattish chats, but also (IMO more important) making a a place to talk about (promote) your music. Remember, at its inception Mudcat was on the cutting edge, but now we have universal webmania. When the Cat started there were a lot of folks with no idea how to use a PC for more than the most basic purposes. It was handy that professional musicians among Catters could make a profile and give the URL to it, in their PR, if they had not yet developed a website.

Nowadays people are much more sophisticated about developing their own web content, and it's easy to get and build your own free site. If you want a "profile" now, as they have been at Mudcat, you can just assume anyone looking for info on you will Google you up in short order.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: GUEST,An English Patriot
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM

I didn't know they had profiles on here. HOw do you find them and how do you create them?

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 02:59 PM

Go to the 'Quick Links' drop down and click Member Photos and Info... etc.

#8-)

Sal

Subject: RE: Profiles
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 03:09 PM

I heard that some members have been stalked and had their profile removed.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 03:40 PM

one need to compose a profile that does not reveal sensitive info, if one is worried. I am not...with a little work, anyone could drive right to my front door.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 03:40 PM

Gosh, Lead... maybe they're just bashful....

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Matt_R
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 03:49 PM

Don't feel bad...mine hasn't been updated in like 4 years.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 04:12 PM

But we still love ya Matt.

~S~

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Celtaddict
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 05:55 PM

In my case, CarolC, Clinton, and Susan are all right, and Jerry too.
I am not a musician, just a fan, of the sort my family refers to as an "active appreciator." A good number of profiles seem to be musician referral sources; some have more than I want to know of biography. But I also rather like the idea that I can check to see what other messages a member has posted, and have formed pretty clear ideas of quite a few members from their postings. I feel a little silly posting a profile but I also rather like the idea that I am not anonymous, as anyone on the same threads may have an idea of me as I do of them, but that my location, gender, day job, and such are just not relevant to what interests me or what I wish to say.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Amergin
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 06:03 PM

possibly we don't have anything worthwhile to put in there. or possibly we just don't care.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 06:52 PM

Privacy. If you want to know more about me, ask...or read the threads.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 06:57 PM

But how about tbe photos? (You can still be as private as you like, if that really matters - wear a disguise, for example...)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 07:07 PM

Yes, my pic is there. And what people don't know about me they make up anyway,

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Barb'ry
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 07:36 PM

Put mine up recently but have to admit to feeling a little foolish....I think I sound like a right prat!! Not putting a photo up tho - no one would talk to me then!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 07:41 PM

McGrath, I love the idea of posting a photo in a disguise! (Yours, however, is quite distinguished looking in whiskers that definitely look real.) We went on a cruise once, and the ship's photographer is always there taking those coming-aboard shots, and there was an entire family group, a dozen or so from preschooler to grandparents, who all put on those Groucho glasses with eyebrows, nose, and mustache attached. Great! Maybe I shall post a photo of my hands.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: bbc
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 08:17 PM

ok, folks, my son suggested them when we started the member pages. It was a way to put up more information, conveniently, if people wanted to. I remember encouraging some of our members who made their living from the music to put up a profile to get more visibility, link to their websites, get bookings, etc. That's not the only reason, though. Some people just like to share more of themselves than others. All of the parts of the member pages were intended to help people get to know each other & stay in touch. Originally, they were on a different website than the Mudcat server, so that if it went down, we'd still have those resources. Times change. If any part is not needed, it can be eliminated or not added to. However, if you *do* have information up--profile or email--it would be nice to make sure it's current.

imho,

bbc

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 08:21 PM

This reminds me I might need to update mine...

:-)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 08:37 PM

Thanks bbc I was just about to link to this post as I was unhappy with Susan's version of events.

If I remember rightly, from there, eventualy you packed in but it was still some time from then before MC developed what one could call theire own profile system?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 09:18 PM

Hey, it's not a "version," it's just an observation of how it seemed to be used, at the time I wandered in here, and a possible explanation of why it's not used more by people joining later, and why it differs from how boards do profiles now when you join.

~S~

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 09:38 PM

OK Susan, accepted. I have no answer to this but my own opinion is that there are many factors, all of which have probably been suggested above.

1. Laziness. I would be tempted to suggest that this is compounded at Mudcat by a system which at least last time I looked at it requires info sent to someone else to do the job. I know it would be a further off putting factor for me but with what little evidence I have at folkinfo and the annexe, it does not appear to be a major one.

2. Although I agree with those who suggest that people can post anything (within reason) I suspect some may think they are "trumpet blowing".

3. And I think the most important: People have differing opinions over what they feel is thier personal security/safety on the Internet. I'm one of the breed that would give full name, address and tel no on the Internet but I can fully accept that others may not wish to...

Jon

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: bbc
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 09:39 PM

Thanks, Jon. I didn't remember exactly, just generally, what the intention had been.

best to you always,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 09:57 PM

The MudCat prophiles....have served as touchstone-alchemist's-dream for some twisted souls on the other-side of the net.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 10:04 PM

oh and a 4th,

I think some people simply don't want to be that personal.

Jon

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Mark Clark
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 10:09 PM

After several years of membership, I finally asked Jeff to add a profile for me a while back and I admit I felt a little foolish about doing it. I wanted to think that our give and take here on the forum was sufficient to give observant regulars as much information as anyone needed.

But I slowly came to realize that I often checked pictures and profiles to help clairify who is participating in a discussion and perhaps gain some additional insight into peoples' backgrounds and points of view. As I became aware of my use of the profiles I started to think that others might be using them in the same way and perhaps I wasn't being fair with them by withholding my own information.

There is still a long list of frequent participants I'd love to see profiles on. Not because I need to validate their posts but because they seem so interesting, I'd like to know more about them.

Here's to hoping more people add profiles.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From:
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 10:13 PM

I don't think I ever did one.

Can't remember why, but I think it's more along CarolC's thoughts. I do, like Jon, not worry about people knowing my e-mail or where I live. It's easy to find me in the 411s.

I can't conceive why anyone would do so, but if a Mudcatter was coming this way, I certainly don't mind having them call on me to "put a face to the name".

I have met Mudcatters, RR for one came for a visit to Halifax a few years ago. HAven't heard from him much the last couple of years though. Hope Rich is still doing well out in the prairie lands.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Tinker
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 11:14 PM

If you spend enough time teaching your kids not to post personal information on line,some of that caution seems to rub off. In fact when I went to my first Getaway my then 13 year old daughter gave me a lecture. " So you're going off into the woods,to someplace you've never been, to meet a bunch of people you've only met on line... Real smart Mom.. At least break down and buy a cell phone.." I bought the phone, but I went to Getaway.

Kathy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 03:52 AM

I agree with Kevin about photos, although I had put a profile up for some time, I finally succumbed last year & put some photos up because I found the feature useful for "Mudcat meets" and felt I ought to reciprocate.

RtS
(The face made for radio...)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 06:33 AM

I've looked through them and thought about it but I haven't figured out how to do it yet???? And yes, I've looked at FAQs but gave up.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: bbc
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 06:53 AM

Robyn,

Just go to the member info section & click on the link to personal message or email to Jeff. You just write up what you want to submit & he will take care of it. If there are questions, I'm sure he'll get back to you.

bbc

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,Chuck
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:12 AM

it has also served as a e-mail addressbook for WYSIWYG's version of 'spreading the word'

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 03:53 AM

" I've looked at FAQs but gave up."

Ya... The FAQs here tend to be like that...   Ya gotta already know how to do what it is ya wanna learn how to do...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:29 AM

Both Linda and I keep meaning to, but we still haven't got a photo that we're happy with - and with my looks we probably never will.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Burke
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:46 PM

I don't know why I haven't. I'll get to it sometime.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: fogie
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:51 PM

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             xxxxxxxxxxxMMMx
             xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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             xxxxxxxxx xxx
             xxxxxxxxx

This is a very amateur profile of myself

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: PoppaGator
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 01:32 PM

Shortly after joining up, I found myself looking up other people's profiles and photos, and therefore felt it was only fair to post something of my own.

I haven't looked back for some time, but I'm guessing that my profile doesn't tell you much beyond my age (relatively advanced) and locale (New Orleans). I was somewhat more forthcoming in my contributions to the photo section, since I have a decent collection of digital images of myself participating in various interesting cultural/musical activities.

If I were a working musician, I would definitely not hesitate to supply more info. However, at this point in my life, I'm more of an "active appreciator," like CeltAddict describes himself above. I spent several years of my wayward youth trying hard to make it as a performer, with ultimately inadequate results.

Today, I enjoy occasional opportunities to sing onstage, I've picked up the guitar and begun to relearn how to pick after years of inactivity (and after discovering a workable treatment for the arthritis that had stopped me from playing earlier). But, reading and writing about musicianship in this forum has been largely an exercise in fantasy (or, at least, nostalgia) for me. On the other, I have tried to assure that the profile (as far as it goes) and the photos are true-to-life.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,Midchuck downstairs
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:03 PM

Fogie has the idea.

My profile is pretty much that of a slightly underinflated balloon.

There is a picture of me in the pictures section under bigchuck. It's actually of all three Woodchucks. Senior Woodchucks, as it were.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: PoppaGator
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 03:02 PM

Wait just a minute, there -- I stand corrected! I never *did* post a profile, just a set of pictures. I suppose I'll have to correct that, sooner or later.

I'll have to think about this. There are other forums/groups elsewhere on the internet where I have put up very minimal self-descriptions; here at Mudcat, where I wasn't required to fill in a profile form, I was glad to pass on the opportunity to volunteer a profile.

If I'm going to do this, it'll have to be good -- all or nothing at all, that's my motto. (Well, sometimes.) Don't expect to see anything from me on the profile page until after the holidays, though -- much too busy with (among other things) my seasonal second job playing Santa Claus at the mall.

In the meantime, you can always check out the photo section for more than you ever wanted to know about me.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 04:16 PM

I've been involved in legal action that has carried on for a number of years(and will probably carry on for a few more)--I don't want some Private Investigator to download my picture, profile, or my musical or other opinions and present them to the judge as proof that I am a total flake because I like folk music--

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 04:18 PM

which doesn't preclude you adopting a stable psuedonym - so that we can communicate more easily. It is very difficult "talking" with a faceless, voiceless, unseen person - who can be imitated by any passing stranger.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Sam L
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 09:09 PM

I eventually got around to posting a photo after I bought a scanner and hired a guy who looks kind of like me to pose. I'm slow to learn how to do anything with a computer.

As for profile, I talk about myself enough anyway on everything I post to. On top of that, I'm a boring person, trying pathetically hard to invent a funny and interesting persona. Maybe a profile incognito... hm. Now I'm getting interested.

The photos are kind of interesting because it seems to me that folkies age better than musicians in other styles. Not that anyone has AGED--but why is it that with SOME sorts of musicians the men turn into bitter hard-nut types of buttholes, and the women into bereaved-looking icicles? Or am I crazy? Folkies seem to look different.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Sam L
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 09:13 PM

One other thing--why aren't there more naked photos? I appreciate the three, but a few more would be nice. I'd do it, but the guy wanted more money.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 09:28 PM

Damn You Fred!

Now I have to look at ALL the profiles...

Robin

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 09:37 PM

hahhahah

Subject: RE: Mudcat Profiles
From: pdq
Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:22 PM

Fred...a blues musician once said "you have to play who you are"...