Can we lighten up a little?

Subject: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 09:21 AM

Here's a reprise of something I entered in another thread:

"Here's a vote for everybody being more relaxed about gaffes (maybe because I make so many of 'em.) The forum could be a friendlier, more comfortable place if we live by the convention that people get to do dumb things from time to time without having attention called to it. ... I may start a thread about this. But I'm afraid it may become another bone of contention!"

So, here's the new thread and I hope it becomes the starting point for a fun discussion, rather than a bone of contention.

A Mudcatter e-mailed me and said she hardly ever posts anything any more for fear of being criticized or fussed at for incorrectness. I sure would like it if we could go back to being a little more free-wheeling in our attitudes.

I've been guilty of some pretty snotty-sounding comments in the past myself, so have to remind myself to read and re-read what I've written, to see how it will sound to someone who can't see my expression or hear my tone of voice.

I think, if we want to send someone to the forum search or the DT, a simple statement, in the friendliest, least annoyed-sounding tone possible, would be a lot better in the long run than allowing one's annoyance to show. Those are the biggest problem areas.

The other biggest problem is people who want stuff that isn't really folk music. My spouse is Bill D, who is the purist of purist snobs. But my love of music is more eclectic, and I very much miss the off-the-wall song requests we used to get. One of my happiest Forum moments was when I bought the sheet music of "Poor Little Robin, Walking to Missouri" at a thrift shop, and a couple of weeks later someone asked for it in this Forum. What fun!

Can we leave a little more room for fun along with the scholarship? I hope so.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From:
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 10:25 AM

Thank You,Ferrara... You hit the Nail on the Head....

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Frank Maher
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 10:28 AM

Right On Ferrara!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ritchie
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:13 AM

Ferrara , I also , too , as well agree.

But I think of it more of a Blues forum and 'Blues' people don't get hung up about lyrics or types of music.

Dusty Springfield sadly, died yesterday but through the music she sang whatever it was ,blues ,folk or pop she still lives and that's nice.

Whoops Can we lighten up a little !!!!

love & happiness

Ritchie

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Neil Lowe (inactive)
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:14 AM

"let he who is without sin....."

And forgive me Lord, for I am most definitely a sinner....

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bert
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:27 AM

I'm with you all the way Ferrara.

I'm the worlds worst at terse messages, being an Ex-Limey AND an engineer. So I'll try to be better.

And I LOVE requests for songs that are already in the database. So many times I've been reminded of a song that I had forgotten. And even more times I see songs that I've never heard before, just because they are in DT it doesn't mean that I know them all.

Hands up everyone who knows ALL the 7000 plus songs in DT!!. Other than Dick and Susan that is.

Also it gives us a feel for what people are singing.

So keep sending in those requests.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 12:29 PM

Bert, how can you be an ex-Limey?

Now, you weren't offended by that, I hope? You might read it as a criticism (destructive, constructive), a serious enquiry, a joke - this last might be nearest the mark. I certainly never set out to be rude to anyone, intentionally or otherwise (God's provided amply for that contingency!), and I often restrain myself from responding with the first thing that comes into my head, just in case someone takes it amiss. (It's a shame, 'cos it's usually very funny.) Can I modestly suggest that we do lighten up, and that we take the kindest view of anything that looks like it came from someone who hasn't lightened up?

Does that make sense? Be frank!

Steve

Oh, I've re-read this, and it looks like I'm addressing all my remarks to Bert - I'm not, but to all of us.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 12:52 PM

well met and well taken.

I just got rid of all of my change in all of my pockets. Does feel good to've lightened up. :-) Art

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Pete M
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 03:30 PM

Like Bert, I'm used to writing things formally and as concisely as possible, and find it difficult to break the habit. I must admit I wasn't aware of any less tolerance than usual, there's been the usual point scoring, but I've always taken that as I assume it to be intended, in good fun. I'm sure none of us set out to offend, and whilst I agree with you Ferrara, perhaps we should ask that those reading also apply some tolerance and don't assume the worst. As my favourite saying goes:

"Never ascribe to malice anything that can be explained by incompetance."

Pete M

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bert
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 03:50 PM

Re: Bert, how can you be an ex-Limey?

Well, I'm an American Citizen now, and no, I'm not offended. Although there seems to be a new kind of citizenship now called 'Mudcateer' to which we can all aspire.

I had noticed that several newcomers had been scolded recently for not searching the DT or the threads first and also for not titling their threads 'correctly'

Things had been getting out of hand regarding thread titles. I think what happens is that newcomers don't really know the best way so they copy the easiest way.

If we welcome them with a smile instead of scolding them, they will soon get the hang of things. I know that every one of us welcomes them.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Chet W.
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 07:07 PM

Ferrara, with you all the way. I have pretty much stopped writing to the threads because of the behavior you mention; sadly, because I used to really enjoy the various debates. My theory is (and I learned most of what I know from the Andy Griffith Show) is that everybody's looking for their own safe little Mayberry, and for some of us, that haven takes the form of a particular, sometimes very narrow, genre of music. Having found that Mayberry (may we all find our own), they're ready to defend it and make maybe a bit too much of it in terms of sanctity, to the point of being intolerant or even hurting others' feelings, and we are a sensitive lot, aren't we? I love the variety of music. I love the variety of folk music. I love it when people add their own ideas to the ongoing traditions. I had my fill of what we used to call the "folk Nazis" many years ago (for example, if you didn't sound exactly like a Gid Tanner record from the 20's then get off the stage). God bless us all in our search for harbor; Please let's remember that we're all on the same trip.

Thanks for your comments, Chet W.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Eric_Storm
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 07:19 PM

As one of those poor people with less exposure to folk music, I'm always glad to see people asking for songs that are already in the DT.

I never would have known about a lot of wonderful songs if someone hadn't started a thread. Almost all of the songs I've pulled from the DT have been as a result of someone saying "I love this old song, anyone know the title?"

I say, let them post. After a day or two the thread will drop down the list and out of sight if people don't keep telling the world how sick they are of people asking for songs that are already in the database. I would hope that they wouldn't tell their kids "I'm tired of you bugging me, there are books in the library on how to build a tire swing. Go figure it out yourself").

E.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Brakn
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 07:23 PM

I don't mind threads by people who are looking for anything, whatever it may be. Any kind of music. What I think is grim, is Mudcatters, putting in threads that are nonsense. What do Mudcatters .......?
I want to respond to people that are interested in finding out about songs, whatever genre. I try to be into everthing, and if I'm not, I probably don't understand it.
Mick Bracken

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 07:35 PM

Well folks, my apologies if I offend 'cause I try not to, but it is hard to read a comment without hearing the voice inflection and tell where the person is coming from. I love Mudcat and feel this is a home among friends and I think all of us want to keep having the often deep discussions we do while extending understanding and courtesy to each other.

So all that said...Ferrara dear, do you think you can do something about Bill?

THAT'S A JOKE...JUST A JOKE!!!! But it is an example of how we can offend without hearing the speaker. The *GRIN* and SMILE helps as do the smiley face icons. BUT, so to speak, have you seen the ass icons? I'll have to dig those up. (_!_) a regular ass; (_^o^_) a wise ass: (__!__) a fat ass; (__X__) kiss my fat ass; there's a lot but I'll have to round them up.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: ddw in windsor
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 08:32 PM

Hi Ferrara....

Good thought... I almost backed out of Mudcat after I got a couple of what seemed like terse or chiding replies to things I posted, but I stuck with it an I'm glad I did.

What I'm particularly enjoying -- aside from learning a lot about music -- is the wit and wisdom of what seems like a pretty good bunch of people.

Re: Catspaw's posting above.

Thanx for a good chuckle.

ddw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 09:15 PM

Ferrara ... Thank you. To all the rest ... I was the person who emailed Ferrara with my concerns about the tone of the Mudcat Forum. I didn't even visit the site for quite a while and since have simply "lurked." This site has a lot of mature people who are a wealth of information regarding traditional music. I've "heard" a tremendous amount of "heart" coming through these threads, but in the last few months, the tone of the forum turned cold and unforgiving. I want to communicate with individuals who have heart and intelligence and humor, not individuals who are sarcastic and unforgiving. I was attacked in front of my house in early December and haven't felt safe anywhere since, so I would like to tune into this site and feel some semblance of safeness. This certainly is a wordy tome and perhaps, as my mother used to say, I'm just talkin' to hear my brains rattle! Enough said ... peace to all ... jenny

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 09:52 PM

I understand and empathise with you, Jenny, on feeling safe. Three years ago, in the middle of the night, when I was driving my daughter to the hospital emergency room, someone came up fast, in their car, behind me, on a dark and lonely road and shot a gun across the back of my car, then roared on past us. I was terrified to drive alone, at night, for over a year after that. I hope you do find the serenity of feeling safe, again, in your home and here at the Mudcat.

I found the Mudcat in January, the same month my mother passed away, my dog tried to eat the cat, and my older dog had to be put down. Despite my sometimes thin-skin and the temper which gave me the nickname of "Irish" when I was younger, I do not think I could've kept my sanity were it not for the regulars on here who wrote such kind notes of concern and care during those tough times. So many times, when I couldn't sleep, I'd find myself chuckling or even crying while visiting with new-found friends who asked nothing of me except a good listen.

Yes, I've taken offense at terse replies and I'm sure I've given offense, but, as I said in a thread nobody has posted to, "If M'Catters Ruled the world" (can't get it right all of the time, eh?***grin*** no offense taken), I have found the regulars and visitors all to be generally tolerant, well-spoken, and delightfully eclectic in their opinions about almost anything. I find it delightful to come to a site where one might have to use their brain and a dictionary from time to time, as opposed to some of the chat sites I've checked out, where a running conversation consists of "duh"; "no way"; "yes, way!"; and "duh!".

If I've offended anyone, please, accept my apologies. I hope the regulars keep up with the pithy, witty, ripostes and the incredible amount of information about music and other matters of digression. I forward a lot of them to my 82 yr. old dad, who has decided Mudcatters are a "fine bunch of people"; no small compliment, that, coming from him.

Welcome to anyone seeking info on a song, name in the thread title, or no, but please keep up the friendly banter!

Sincerely and Without Malice Aforethought,

Katlaughing, P.S. Catspaw: how do you sign a "nice ass"?:')))

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 09:52 PM

Communication is such a tricky thing. Sometimes we say something to be funny and people hear it as sarcastic or insensitive. We all probably watch the threads where we've posted something to see if anyone has posted a reaction, hopefully positive. Sometimes the worst response is no response at all.

Just rambling here, but I wanted to say something to sympathize with Jenny and don't know what to say. It takes a lot of strength to be unafraid, especially after something bad has happened.

But on the lighter side, even some of the anal-retentive responses from those few whose lives seem to depend on such details are really amusing. Take them lightly. Assume humor.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: mountain tyme
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 10:11 PM

Thanks for the insite Ferrara. I hadn't noticed! Thought all the Mudcat folks were a blast. Never noticed any (!) tight ass coments. I expected some of the less practiced singers were (_._) flat ass but so what, it's a start. Noticed a little exasperation from time to time but never a (_*_) sore ass. Have sat up late nights to enjoy the banter and made me a (_zzz_) tired ass. I just love when 49 cats is a (_o^^o_) wise ass. And then there's Joe O who always has a good answer, he must be a (_E=3Dmc2_) smart ass. Sounds like a pretty well balanced comunity. Just plain folks I spect!

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Elizabeth
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 10:47 PM

Thanks Ferrara, it was to my gaffe that you started this thread and as a brand new Mudcatter I really appreciate your kind words. As a refugee from banal chat rooms I find the Mudcat forum a treasure trove of interesting stuff and fascinating people. In response to your comments about purists, my belief is that the "contemporary" folk of people like Mary Black, Luka Bloom etc. will be the trad of the future!! So viva la difference!!! Cheers all, Elizabeth :-)

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:19 PM

Thanks for the kind words ... as I told a friend "the physical trauma will heal; the emotional may never" but I'm working on it and humor is wonderful medicine. BTW, has anyone besides me seen Bob Dole's ED commercials? I sleep with my tv on and was awakened one morning last week to the sound of Bob Dole's dissertation on ED ... and I've been shaking my head every since. Is nothing sacred? Does that make him a sad (_ * _) or bad (_*_)? jenny

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: gargoyle
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:41 PM

This Little LIGHT

of Mine

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: BK
Date: 04 Mar 99 - 11:52 PM

From my perspective this place is generally great. I'm sure anybody - certainly me - can be less generous on occasion than we ought to be, but overall, I don't see near the hostile ego-tripping put-downs that I've encountered elsewhere in cyberspace. In fact the general tone of friendliness & amazing erudition is pretty fantastic!

Having said that, I'm sure the situation w/regard to naming threads & using the database could be better, and sometimes better handled, but over-all it's OK. Are there "dumb" threads? I suppose so, from a given perspective.. but you don't have to read much of one - or respond. I just think it's pretty mellow.

I also think that if Jenny can talk abt what happenned to her here, even if not in possibly traumatic detail, it's a good sign abt the health of the Mudcat.

Jenny: don't let the scum gt you down.

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 12:02 AM

No Jenny, it doesn't. But it made me feel like the biggest dumb ass...(__?__)...on the planet for getting suckered into that stupid commercial. At first I'm thinking it's about courage...OK, no..courage in facing cancer, oh,yeah, I see, no,no...it's prostate cancer...sure, that's a big topic now,no...I got it ...it's about ED...WHAT?...SAY WHAT? For chrissakes Bob, be happy to be alive!!!!!!!! A close friend just had a really close call with prostate cancer and I can assure you he isn't too worried about erections! My best friend died of cancer on November 1 and hadn't had sex in three years and I can assure everyone including old Bob that neither he nor his wife cared a farthing.

Besides, there are some things the human mind is not meant to absorb or comprehend...and one of these is Bob Dole with an erection! Or Nancy Reagan having an orgasm. Or Tipper Gore having a BM. Simply too much.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Pete M
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 12:38 AM

I'd just like to clear up a couple of points. Several people have mentioned directly or by implication, the "Folk Police", as if there was a move to keep the 'Cat "pure". I know Bill and I amongst others have a fairly stringent definition of what is "folk", but I don't recall anyone, and certainly not either of us, trying to limit discussions to songs which fall within that definition.

On the point of including songs which would not be in anyone's definition of folk, Bill and I both expressed concern earlier this year in the "Future of Mudcat" thread, but that was; and I think we made it clear; over a concern for the implementation of the system, ie the hardware, software and network being overwhelmed beyond Max's resources to maintain it if the site became known as a general resource for all such requests; not an attempt to censure.

If I think something could be misconstrued I try and include an emoticon or parenthetical comment, but I suppose it is inevitable that at times we all get grumpy and are less polite than we should be so once again Sorry patrdon (Anyone else remember "The Navy Lark"?) if anyone is or has been offended by anything I've said.

Pete M

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 03:40 AM

Well, as Oscar Wilde once said, Folk is not what other people sing, Folk is what one sings oneself.

Pete, start a new thread on the Navy Lark; there must be a lot of poor deprived people in America who have never heard it.

Steve "left hand down a bit" Parkes

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 08:39 AM

Well, I've been reading all this with much interest but haven't stuck in my 2cents worth because you guys are saying it all. But I have to report to catspaw49 that Bill read this thread before I did. When he read what you wrote about him, he laughed so hard we could hear him three rooms away.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Allan C.
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 09:19 AM

As someone else mentioned, it is easy to jot off a line or two without recognizing how it might be perceived by someone who can't see the expression on your face or hear your intended tone of voice. There is at least one other discussion group in which I have participated which has implemented a sort of stopgap for this and many other posting problems.

On the site I have used extensively the opportunity is given the posting party (Wow - Posting Party - Sounds like a fun thing!) to actually see the post as it would actually appear. This allows the opportunity to re-read the post for content, meaning, expression, punctuation, etc. as well as a chance to check to see if there are any HTML glitches. By the way, at the bottom of each posting box is a separate box in which one can paste a web address which might be pertinent to the discussion. No need for a bunch of HTML lingo there. Just cut and paste the address!

I think such things would be great additions to the 'Cat. It would make for a very easy and non-threatening way of referring people to the DT and possibly have the added effect of helping us to be an even friendlier and more helpful place to visit.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bud
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 11:09 AM

I've always found things very friendly in here. Some of the best fights I've had have been with my brothers. I would consider it to be the sincerest form of flattery that some of you might care enough to fight about the intention of one of my messages.

Having said that, "You're all a bunch of freaks"

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 01:43 PM

Oh, yeah, Bud? Well, I would refer everyone to read the lyrics to "I don't want to play in your yard" Box 105, Item 77 in the Lester Levy Collection in the "links" from Mudcat. Maybe we should adopt it as the official Mudcat song!

Is that "freak" as in something that happened by accident or, as in you mean we are all eccentric, oddities, or mentally twisted, as my Thesaurus states? OR, perhaps you meant as Shakespeare wrote, "Great wits are sure to madness near allied".

Or, should we post this, for unkowing souls to ponder before they enter, "O, that way madness lies; let me shun it."

NO OFFENSE INTENDED or NOI could become code for us all. kat

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Reta
Date: 05 Mar 99 - 10:15 PM

Thank you Ferrara! God bless.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 06 Mar 99 - 08:25 AM

Kat, I loved the NOI suggestion!

Also, as an ex-programmer, I don't go around frivolously suggesting that anyone reprogram any code that's up and running. But if a set of rules for naming threads was shown at the top of the "Create a New Thread" page, it might eliminate the source of a lot of road rage on Mudcat's stretch of the information superhighway.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 03:41 AM

Those of you who aren't familiar with "The Fast Show" on BBC tv won't know about the character who says things like, "you know, you've got a really big nose! No offence intended ...". I think it's funny - it takes a lot to upset me - but don't forget that if something is offensive, saying it's not intended won't actually make it better!

Steve "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" Parkes

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From:
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 05:58 AM

<,kidding>, You have to be tollerant of others' faults. Mine is that perfect and loveable in every way exccept for the one fault. In my case being snotty and offensive. Well, maybe I have a spelling challenge too. <,/kidding>,

Seriously, I think the tendency of people in this forum to be snotty and self-righteous about what is folk is on the wane.

I have to admit that in the last eight weeks I have been less active than usual, so I might be missing something. Jenny, what was your bad experience?

Murray

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From:
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 05:59 AM

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 06:19 AM

Aarrgh, You sensitive types are always getting on us oafs, do you really think we like being the source of everybodies hurt feelings? Do you think we like eating off of tin plates cuz nobody trusts us near the china? You act like it's our fault we have long legs, take long strides, and swing our fists in wide arcs inadvertantly knocking things (and folks) about. It's about time you stopped picking on us oafs. Obtuse, thick skinned dolts have feelings too (somewhere), so STOP PICKING ON US!

Frank in the stormy, stormy swamps.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 08:03 AM

You guys are weird (NOI)

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 01:07 PM

Ferrara ... I just pointed out to Bert on another thread that we are not all young but fortunately we can be immature! Youth is truly wasted on the young when they act maturely...What fun is that??? On yet another thread, with my thanks to "A Celtic Harper," I found the perfect test site! Why not try it out on Bill? If he doesn't react well, you may have to consider canning the dolt. So turn your speakers on and go to the IMMATURITY TEST SITE

Best of luck with Bill.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 02:50 PM

whoa! That site left me grinning.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Barbara
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 07:10 PM

Hi crew, Ferrara; the immaturity test site was lifted, I think, from this location:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/4157/update.html
where you can also find out about all them amazing little critturs and that dang tune that is so hard to get rid of (give you a clue, Roger Miller's partly to blame).
And thanks for a reminder we needed, Rita.
Speak in haste, repent at length.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 07:51 PM

Actually, I have found this group to be among the most civilized, intelligent and tasteful that I have as yet encountered in the this theoretical world known as cyberspace...except maybe for Art that curmudgeonly ghost-magnet..and possibly Gargoyle with his light-hearted approach to group sexual assault...oh,yeah, and maybe Catspaw with those x-rated satirical re-writes of otherwise wholesome show tunes...and Fielding with his little Jukebox sabotaging inclinations...Oh Yeah, and Joe Offer with his "One more crack outta you and its off to the Christian Deer Agony Web Site" comments...ALMOST forgot Wolfgang (Hell) and his " Bitte taken your little 'Need Lyrics to' thread und schuff it"...not to neglect Frank, who comes stumbling out of the swamp every few hours to make a big mess on our nice clean carpet...and Mr Vulva-plough Bruce O...and ...OK!I admit it! Lonesome EJ can be a bit of a pain,too!Well I for one do hereby promise to LIGHTEN UP a LITTLE! At least for a half an hour til I can think of something else that will get on everybody's nerves......LEJ

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 08 Mar 99 - 08:22 PM

I don't know...I'd never have thought i was too mature, but the Hampster (sic) Dance didn't get me up and boppin', so I guess there's no hope for me. Of course, the fact that I couldn't hear the music may have had something to do with it. --seed

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Mar 99 - 09:29 PM

Hey folks,

Seems that, quite often lately, whenever I try to crack a tongue-in-cheek joke, even when I put a ;-) at the end, someone feels I'm gorin' their ox. Sorry 'bout that. Did not mean harm to anyone. I do realize I'm a bit out of step with modern pop folk thought. So be it. We all are what we are. Just try to remember that, as I've mentioned in these threads before, 30% of the people are against everything all the time...

Art

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 09 Mar 99 - 09:55 PM

Art, you are a diamond in the rough. Don't change a thing! And the same to Gargoil, Joe, Sandy, Catspaw, Bruce,Wolfgang, Rick and Frank. You guys are the spice in this here kettle of gumbo and don't ya forget it.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Mar 99 - 10:46 PM

Listen here, Thieme. I got a little seniority in these here precincts, and I am telling you this. I love you dearly, but if you change one damn thing about your approach to the 'Cat, the MS will be the last of your worry's. You are part of the turf that this place is built on, and I would advise those that have a problem with your style to do a forum search using your name. That way they will get an education as to what we are about, and what a valuable asset you are. If they still don't get it, they won't be around long anyway.

All the best,

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Mar 99 - 11:24 PM

Hey what is this Art???? Geez, when I first came to Mudcat, I looked through a lot of old threads and your bad puns and humor were one of the reasons I loved this place...'cause the bad puns are an essential part of Art, as is the unbelievable knowledge and experience housed in your brain. The times we've traded insults and the times when you've recognized my opinion have been real highlights...I mean like I'm freakin' honored. Everyone around this place values your opinions and many of us are envious of the life you've led. The lightening up is not directed at you by any means...more like at me. I always wanted to be Groucho Marx or George S Kaufman. And my mind now works in strange ways...ie: thread title says "songs that moved me" and the first thing in my mind is "Prune Juice" done to the tune of "Wild Thing"...I apologized for it, but the other day someone asked what comes after the first 2 lines of "Here Comes Peter Cottontail"---I responded, NAUSEA!!!

No Art, I've always looked forward to your posts. Mudcat is filled with very literate and knowledgeable folks who freely share their opinions. None of us want to offend but I have never read anything of yours which could be considered offensive, SO.........Take Mick's threat to heart. Thanks to Mudcat a lot of us know where you live and will show up and tickle the crap/piss out of you while reading a litany of bad jokes and horrendous puns.

I'd send 'Paw and Cletus, but Clete seems to have blown a few neurons since he saw the Immaturity test on this thread and hasn't turned it off in two days.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Mar 99 - 12:27 AM

Art,

We need you! A little Art "for art's sake" is just what gives the delightful twist to our times here at the Mudcat and even, our day!

Newcomers need to observe, study, and then be bold, like the rest of us!
(I am reminded of my first board meeting at Planned Parenthood, here, in the land of ultra-conservatism, where every fiftieth sagebrush has a Republican (US-type) hidden behind it, if they haven't burned it off or plowed it under!

Anyway, there I sat, fresh from ten yrs in the hotbed of liberalism: Northampton, MA and other pasts East, mouthing off about the darn Republicans and their anti-choice rhetoric, when all of a sudden this very cultured woman across from me says she's a Republican, as are most of them seated there! Boy, I learned to observe and assess really fast after that. Now I don't make judgement calls or snap judgments without being sure of who I'm talking about, and me an op/ed writer and all!)

After all, if it weren't for those of you who've always been here and the rest of us who've learned, there wouldn't be a Mudcat for anyone to come to, or if there was, it would be a mere, quavering and cringing ghost shadow of the one we all know and love.

I meant every word I said before and I really don't think we all need to become a bunch of sniveling apologists!(NOT that you have ever sounded like that, either!)

NOI!

Anyway, I say this is the way it is, get over it. We will try to be as clear as possible in our intent and include a few ***grins*** while we're at it, but what we do here is damn good fun and I wouldn't have it any other way! Hey, even the Virginian didn't shoot Trampas, when he, the Virginian, warned him to "Smile when you call me that!" I'M SMILING!!!

Love you all!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Pete M
Date: 10 Mar 99 - 01:13 AM

Whilst art should not seek to offend, that which offends no one is not art (nor Art).

Pete M

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Mar 99 - 08:19 AM

Well then, CONDOM, CONDOM, CONDOM, CONDOM, CONDEMN, CONDESCEND, CONDOR!!! And another thing, RUBBER!

Katey, what is this NOI thing? Are you, like me, Jewish and meant to say "OI"?

We finally got moved in a bad snow & all is well. We had wonderful help from at least 20 Jehovah's Witnesses and our son Christopher with 3 trucks in a seemingly endless line of boxed musical items & books & even something to sleep on. (Carol's a Jehovah's Witness; yep, we agree to disagree as long as nobody tries (too hard) to convert me.) Had a fine pizza party at the end of it. New digs are smaller but better & more accessible. As I age & change, life is a bit like that---better & more accessible..

Thanks to all the Mudcatters too. We DO TRULY get by with a ton o' help from our friends!! Mick, it is an amazing game/community we are in. But where is Harpgirl? I miss her lately.

Love to you all,

Art

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Mar 99 - 09:13 AM

Art,

Oi, vey! Is not what I meant, sorry. In an earlier posting to this thread, I wrote perhaps we should use that acronym for shorthand when we mean no offense, as in No Offense Intended - NOI.

Glad to hear you got moved okay. Oh, and in case any one missed it in an earlier thread...if ya' want CONDOMS, in matchbook covers, imprinted with your band name, I think the vendor is still in business!

kat