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01 Apr 99 - 01:08 PM (#67327) Subject: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max I am sorry to inform you that the Mudcat is closing down. It seems that once BMI gave us a license, ASCAP got mad and turned us in. Actual police came to our office last night and made us turn off our machines. We secretly were prepared for this and moved a server to Reading, PA. However, they are on to that too and will soon shut that down. What we need now is to get out of the USA. What we need is a Windows NT machine with SQL server somewhere outside US jurisdiction. Anyone? Don't fear, we'll find a way... |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:12 PM (#67329) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing THAT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY, MAX! I HOPE this is your sicko idea of an April Fool's joke!!!! Katlaughing, with a faint heart going pit-a-pat, pit-a-pat in 6/8 time! Presto! |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:16 PM (#67331) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max I guess a coincidence. When the cops came I was like "real funny, who's behind this?" but when they put the handcuffs on me in front of my daughter I realized that no friend of mine would think this funny. I am sorry, but if I have to choose between shutting down the Mudcat and jail... Just not sure. If we go down, hold your breath, I have instructions to all the guys to try different things to get us back up. Hang in there, call your congressman and pray. |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:22 PM (#67335) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Alice Max, this is very sad news. I hope you have a copy of all our email adddresses and can contact all of us who have 'signed up' and let us know how we can help in the future, if we are no longer able to access mudcat/dt on the internet. acflynn@mcn.net |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:22 PM (#67336) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: LEJ Max... this is getting scary. I received email from both ASCAP and the FBI, warning me against participating in what they described as "Illegal Internet Activity." What does it mean? WAIT. My wife says someone is on the telephone for me regarding A Mudcat investigation... |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:25 PM (#67338) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Bob Cruise missle just launched against ASCAP HQ. Strictly defensive. |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:25 PM (#67339) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: dwditty How can we make them understand that this community is not about ripping off the establishment, but rather a coming together of hearts and minds in appreciation of a common endeavor. Big Mick, help us organize. DW |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:30 PM (#67341) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal Geeeze! I just get comfy and the Feds close in! Okay, this sounds like a really bad day. I have Guiness, I have my port, and I have my drum. Warn the neighbors, I'm gonna be drunk and singing protest songs all night. If prayers will help, you have mine. Mikal |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:32 PM (#67343) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Roger in Baltimore Max, It isn't even funny. I sit here wondering what would happen if the 'Cat went down. I won't ever see another post from Katlaughing or Catspaw. I won't get another country song lead from Gene. If I want an old camp song, I can't contact Joe. And all the dear friends I have cussed and discussed with: Big Mick, Bseed, LEJ, Barbara, Ferrara, Bill D., Alison and Alan from OZ, Alistair UK, Dick G. and Susan of the DT, Animaterra, Teresa, Alice, Harpgirl, and so many, many more. Would I clean my house again? Would I spend more time with Marge? I don't know. I do know there would be a big hole in my existance. Geez, you know I just came here for some guitar strings. Then I found there was lots here to learn about songs and folk music. Hell, "The Old Dun Cow" is in my repertory now! And I get to pass on to others what I have learned in 36 years of living and loving this music. I get to tell my old stories to someone new. I get to pass on the love to the newcomer who found the 'Cat through some search engine while looking for the lyrics to "Mairzy Doats." So Max, I can't laugh and I don't hear Katlaughing laughing either. Love, Roger in Baltimore |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:43 PM (#67347) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal Sorry, I'm not laughing either. I know a few folks who got squashed in the name of ASCAP. And my statement of getting drunk and singing was real as well. And the offer of prayers was real, too. If it is a joke, fine, I'll still pop the Guiness. I'll call it a celebration. Mikal (P.S. Oh, please....Let it be a joke...) |
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01 Apr 99 - 01:52 PM (#67350) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Max, I am so sorry, really thought and HOPED this was a joke. Is there any way we can help? What do we tell our congresspeople AND IS THERE ANYWAY WE CAN DOWNLOAD OR PRINT OUT EVERYONE'S EMAIL ADDRESS SO THAT WE CAN KEEP IN TOUCH? This would be a real tragedy and leave A BIG BLACK HOLE IN MY LIFE AND MY SANITY, to say nothing of what it might mean to my 82 year old Dad whom I get lyrics for. I am too sad to write any more. Please let us know about the addresses. thanks, katcrying |
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01 Apr 99 - 02:33 PM (#67362) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Anon There has been an unmarked van circling the block for about 30-45 minutes!?
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01 Apr 99 - 02:33 PM (#67363) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: MAG (inactive) Max, are they shutting down the song database AND the discussion forum? Please post where to send $$ for legal fees. Mary Ann |
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01 Apr 99 - 02:53 PM (#67367) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Bert At first I thought this MUST be a joke. But I spoke with Max yesterday afternoon and he was supposed to have left for vacation last night. If he is still there then I guess something must be up. The thing that concerns me is if they shut him down they could confiscate his files and that would include the membership list. Bert. |
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01 Apr 99 - 02:54 PM (#67368) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: bbc I have put up an emergency email list webpage, so that it won't go down when the Mudcat server does. You can get your address added to the list by emailing me your Mudcat Name and email address. The address for the email list is http://www.bestweb.net/~bdcarr/mcat/. I hope this is all an April Fool's joke and none of this is necessary, but, if not, we don't want to lose touch. wishing all good things to us all, bbc |
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01 Apr 99 - 03:14 PM (#67377) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Judy Mainord Malone southson@flash.net Don't do this to me!! Just found your site, loved it and now you're closing. Say it "ain't so". I have tried to add my name to email address, but will not work. So, Gene or Pete, even though I've just found you..would you please do me another favor and add my name and email if you can. Or at least, take note of mine and put it in your address book. Judy M. Malone southson@flash.net Thanks in advance for all!! |
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01 Apr 99 - 03:26 PM (#67380) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: AllisonA(Animaterra) I am just aching to think of losing this cyber community. I still hope it's a joke- and I hope we'll all still seek each other out somehow even if it isn't. I also hope my t-shirt's in the mail- I need it more than ever! We'll all find a way, I'm sure; hang in there, friends. Vive la Mudcat! Take care, all of you- Allison |
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01 Apr 99 - 03:34 PM (#67385) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Just in case, I am busy trying to save all of the important threads people had expressed interest in having in a mudcat book, to my document program, so that they are not lost. katcrying |
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01 Apr 99 - 03:35 PM (#67386) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Just in case, I am busy trying to save all of the important threads people had expressed interest in having in a mudcat book, to my document program, so that they are not lost. katcrying |
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01 Apr 99 - 03:44 PM (#67388) Subject: 16minutes later Max says wait??? From: katlaughing At 1:43 Max posted to the Mudcat commercial thread. What gives, Max? Is this really all a horrible joke? By the sounds of your other, LATER posting IT IS! Yea or Nay!? |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:19 PM (#67391) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: skarpi Dont give up Max, what happend to freedom in the states, I hope this is a 1.april fun. But this is not fun if those men are going to close down the mudcat, what happends if you try to get the mudcat to Canada ? . I hope that everything goes well, If this is a joke I forgive you completely. Arg, Dont do this to me. bless you all, easter greeting from Iceland. skarpi Iceland. |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:25 PM (#67394) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Alice Tomorrow, (the day after April fool's) Max will be saying... ok, all you desperados, put your money where your anxiety was!! We think the plug will be pulled, and then we get all excited about support! Hang in there, Max. |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:28 PM (#67395) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Alice, I hope you are right! Has he done this before!? |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:43 PM (#67397) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: LEJ Kat, Anima, etc. Be assured- MAX IS PULLING YOUR LEG! He is not gonna tell you til tomorrow because he's got to be cracking up over everyone's reaction. I'd bet my left..uh..tennis shoe on it. But wait a minute. There was just something about the arrest of a ...OH MY GOD! They are showing MAX'S ARREST ON CNN!!! |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:52 PM (#67400) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Alice oh, dear, oh, dear, ..... kat! can you hear those handcuffs rattling?? |
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01 Apr 99 - 04:55 PM (#67401) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: skarpi Hallo again, I hope this is 1. April fools fun. skarpi Iceland. |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:03 PM (#67405) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing well, if it is, at least, it lit a fire under me to start on the thread editing! Arrggghhhhh!!!! So, MAX, you onery coot, you, are ya gonna tell us if the book is okay with you or not!? Katstartingtosteam, close to becoming an Irish woman under full sail, as Big Mick would say!***BG*** I am NOT laughing, yet! |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:08 PM (#67406) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Den If the Mudcat goes so do I, wherever that may be. |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:13 PM (#67408) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: LEJ "...and Max said 'Let the Wild Rumpus begin! ' " |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:22 PM (#67409) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max Bert says your all gonna kill me, but I like Alice's attitude, "put your money where your anxiety was". APRIL FOOLS DAY! Your thinking now that either you knew it was a joke all along or that it was in poor taste. In addition to an old fashioned leg pulling, I wanted to remind you that in all seriousness, we do risk something by keeping the Mudcat alive. The Digitrad has been dropped before and lyric sites get forced to close all the time. Seeing that Dick and I and others risk our legitimate names every day the Mudcat is alive, and with every new artist or lyric we add, not only to the digitrad but also the forum. Why do we do it? Well because of all the money we make off of it... Now that is an April Fools on us, because we spend our money on the Mudcat just as some of you do. Even more than the money we spend on technology and Internet connectivity, we spend our time, with only one regret... that we can't spend all our time on it. I am glad you all feel so strongly about the Cat, it makes it all make sense to me. Anyhow, sorry for the joke. And if the Feds ever did come to get me, I'd be sure to be wearing my Mudcat T-Shirt and get the whole thing on tape. Never believe it again unless there's video to prove it. Viva La Mudcat. |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:25 PM (#67411) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal Either way, the Guiness gets drunk and the drumming starts in about two hours. Hope none of you live in hearing range, my voice isn't that good either, and when the noble brew kicks in, the quality is bound to decay! Mikal |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:34 PM (#67412) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Phew!!! NOT PHUNNY!MAX! But good point! I am, katalmostlaughingnursingherpoor,poor,lonesome heart! |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:37 PM (#67413) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal And I am not gonna claim I knew it was a joke, either. That is the coward's way out. I bought it hook line, sinker and all. But it's as good an excuse as any for a protest song night. Got friends on the way, the ale is ready. However, Max...You don't wanna know what kinds of things will be sung about YOU tonight! Oh, we are gonna be drinking to your come-uppance, and that's a sure thing! (Hey, if I could find his address...Ten drunks armed with instruments and hundreds of years of protest songs. This could be the revenge I desire!) Mikal (the little stick a bodrhan is played with is called a "tipper". Mine is called a nightstick...) |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:40 PM (#67414) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max I am on vacation so your sure not to find me. But I will be attending a Blues Festival in Jacksonville Florida on Saturday. Find me there if you must, I'll be the guy with the Mudcat T-shirt and handcuffs. |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM (#67416) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Ooooo! He's kinky, too?! My, my Max! |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM (#67417) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: bet Boy am I glad this is just an April fools joke!!!!!! bet |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:44 PM (#67418) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Helen Hi guys, I'm reading this on April 2, 8.33am. It's not really funny on April 2, 24 hours after April Fool's. Logic was telling me that the DT could be shut down but not the whole site -after all it's not like International Lyrics Server where the only content of the site is lyrics. But I've still got tears in my eyes because I've gone through the whole set of possible scenarios mentioned above. I think the big message is - donate to Mudcat and do it now, or in cases like mine, as soon as there is money available. The second big message is, big hugs and stuff to all the loyal Mudcat workers like Max, Joe, Susan, Dick - have I left anyone else out? ... but you'll have to wait for the hugging to start until after I **#@$*! kill Max.
Helen |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:45 PM (#67420) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 Alice in Montana: Please keep a watch out for Max. Max: Did the guys that arrested you have tiples with them? Did they give YOU a tiple? If a tiple is offered to you, don't take it! Do not watch Hamsterdance. Clinton and the rest are busy arguing about Yugoslavia giving the CIA a perfect opening to begin a takeover process. Taking away real music and real people is an obvious first step. Plus we have been actively running threads regarding social change, xenophobia, VietNam, and Tim Tams......making for a subversive outfit that needs neutralized. Keep an active watch for suspicious people around where you live. Banj of course has nothing but suspicious people around where he lives. Leej, head north for the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed and help Alice keep an eye out for Max. Rick, it isn't uncommon for the CIA to take circuitous routes so stay alert. If this particular bunch is tiple trained, they may be after your 124th guitar. Maybe you could use a case at the airport as bait. Mick, are you still with us? You are a likely target also being a Union Organizer, Irish, and the Welcome Wagon Hostess at the 'Cat!!!! Art, get the condom thread out of mothballs...we need to look insipid. Sandy, we may need some recording equipment to duplicate tapes. I'm sure Leej has enough to listen in on Max's torture but we need hundreds of duplicate tapes so all can hear. Nothing will inspire people to action faster than someone they respect being given the Hot Lead Enema...Sorry Max...and we must take action!!! Katlaughing, get with Barbara Blessings and crank out some appropriate rhetoric. All of you in OZ and other places need to prepare for houseguests. And Pete in NZ...a LOT OF BOXES...12 or so and all exactly the same size left as part of a shipment of sailing parts for the American challenge for the Cup. Each box bears the nsme snd logo of both Harken and Ronstan...odd at least......These may be tiples!!! Let's get to work pholkies. I have to go get my mother-in-law at the airport and then....uh, sounds like the door so...I KNOW that twangy sound I'm hearing too...Sounds like the "Fuckin' Thing" sorta' and......gotta' GO! I MEAN NOW ... It's a tiple BAND!!!!! Pray for me............ catspaw |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:47 PM (#67421) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal Nah, well just sit on your porch, sing until all hours, and releive ourselves on the petunias until you return. (grin) That way, the neighbors will enact our revenge for us! Wait! Banjer! The Heavy Metal concept! In his absence, we will turn this dite into an indepth disscussion about Rock guitarists! Or better! Kat! You know how to get his email connected to the Rush Limbaugh News-site? Mikal (I cheated, The Guiness is open! Now, where is that drum....) |
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01 Apr 99 - 05:50 PM (#67422) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: bbc You guys who are just getting home from work should have a good laugh. For those of us who have been following this all afternoon & wondering, it hasn't been much fun. Mudcat has been a daily part of my life for more than a year now & I was truly saddened at the thought of its passing, as well as the trouble Max might have been in (Although, I have to say, I wondered a little at his dedication in being willing to leave the country to continue running the 'Cat!). As they say, all's well that ends well, but do remember--the 3rd time the little boy cried wolf, no one came to help. Max, we *do* appreciate you & the 'Cat very much. Susan & Dick, you, too!!! Glad you are ok! bbc
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01 Apr 99 - 05:53 PM (#67424) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 BTW...I had the post written and wasn't about to skip it because "someone" lacked the kahungas to keep it going all night!!! catspaw is not about to waste litter! catspaw |
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01 Apr 99 - 06:08 PM (#67426) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Bob Schwarer Damn! A wasted missle. Well, maybe not. Bob S. |
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01 Apr 99 - 06:23 PM (#67429) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Alice Hey, everyone, go over to the songbook bibliography thread and add your list of songbook and tunebook titles. alice |
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01 Apr 99 - 06:28 PM (#67430) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: LEJ Catspaw, you magnificent bastard! Leave it to you to have a complete contingency plan in place JUST IN CASE this had been a real emergency. Your instruction made perfect sense to me, and, yes, I do intend to talk to a therapist about that. I was in my car and headed for Boulder to get directions to the Neil Young Ctr for the TS when I stopped, went back in the house and read the rest of the thread, thus realizing it was all a clever ruse. I've really got to start reading the entire thread before proceeding. But seriously, we need to thank Max for putting us on our guard. It will be twice as hard for the Tiple-wielding jack-booted thugs from ASCAP to sneak up on us now! And Mikal, Lad! Those Led Zeppelin drum riffs are well known for their wood-splitting tendencies, especially when you throw 5 or 6 Guiness Stouts into the mixture. Best lay in some extra sticks...Regards.LEJ. |
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01 Apr 99 - 06:45 PM (#67434) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Paul G. |
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01 Apr 99 - 06:49 PM (#67435) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Paul G. Oops, sorry...my mind at this time of day is as vacant as my last attempt at a message. Max, I will confess to breaking a sweat, but have been on guard all day. If I can get out to the Blues Fest Saturday I'll look for you. The local radio news this morning announced that in order to relieve some of our traffic congestion in Jacksonville you can only drive across a bridge that matches the color of your car...so be careful while your in my town, or the paisley police will bust you next! Paul G. |
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01 Apr 99 - 07:03 PM (#67440) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: AllisonA(Animaterra) AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I FELL FOR IT!!! I didn't fall for the spider on my shirt, the graffitti on the ceiling, or my shoelace is untied (remember, I work at an elementary school) but I fell for this one big time! Max, may you rot! On second thought, no, you're too valuable- you can stay, But may you have spiders on your shirt, may all of your shoelaces untie, and may you get a permanent crick in your neck looking for graffitti that isn't there- oh, and keep up the good work! Vive la 'Cat! Have fun in Fla! I'm so glad it was a joke! You all have kept me focused on my first love - music of the folks! Take care, Allison |
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01 Apr 99 - 07:15 PM (#67443) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Bob Landry Phew ... My heart palpitations are slowing down. Max, I've seen funnier April Fools jokes. Bob |
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01 Apr 99 - 07:17 PM (#67444) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Brakn Max, I've just had a serious row with my-wife-to-be. We went out tonight, for a change, and while we were enjoying our pints of Guinness, I told her about the Mudcat shutting down, and stressed to her how serious it was. She was well pleased! "At last", she said, "you can get off that feckin' internet"! She is in bed asleep now. Mick Bracken |
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01 Apr 99 - 07:28 PM (#67447) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing I just want to warn you all, look out for symptoms of PMSS, Post-Mudcat-Stress-Syndrome! It may rear its ungly head at any time, but especially when the name of "Max" is seen or heard. Or, at the tinkle of a tiple! The hands may shake, the lips may curl up in a snarl, a tirade of unintentional obscenities may be spewed forth. Cat litter, if nearby, may be flung about in a fit of seemingly righteous rage! By NO means should you approach a person displaying these symptoms! Call the authorities and let them handle it with a tranquilizer gun and proper confinement. Or, if you have a computer handy, it may be possible to subdue the offending party by quickly logging on to something called "the Mudcat", going to the "DT", and click onto any folksong handy. Turn up the volume as loudly as your system is capable of and blast it in their direction. After several verses of any of the listed songs, they may settle down enough to be led docilely(sp?) away. It is important they be kept quiet and sedated. Even a chance tv viewing of something such as MAD MAX may set them off, again, so it's best just to keep them away from all media, except the aforementioned site. It might also be possible, even advisable, to let them have an instrument. As they do not seem to be self-destructive, it should be okay for them to have stringed instruments, but no piano wire, as they seem to have a penchant for wanting to make necklaces of it for someone named Max. Hence the caution concerning the name. If you are unsure of how to proceed, we repeat, CALL THE AUTHORITIES!! Remember PMSS is a REAL and treatable condition. Daily, uninterrupted, and unthreatened access to the "Mudcat" seems to be the only requirement in keeping this ailment under control. Without it, there may be widespread mayhem, spilling over to anyone named Max, and/or the families of those afflicted with this dreaded, but curable condition. Stay tuned for more information and report any sightings or incidents to this thread. Brought to you by the SPMT, Society for the Prevention of Mudcat Termination! This is me talking now. I agree with bbc. It wasn't so funny to those of us who've been frantically downloading for hours! But, then maybe it just means that those of us who were born in 1953 are much more sensitive and accutely effected by such machinations, than the rest of you! Which of course makes us the superior lot! Although, bbc, be careful, it might also mean we are more prone to PMSS! AArrrggghhhh, how they toy with your affections, eh?***so-so grin*** |
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01 Apr 99 - 07:39 PM (#67451) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: skarpi Max, I told you that I would forgive, and I am. In Iceland, Todays news was that Keiko was gone from his home in VestmannIsland, and peoble went down to the dock to check that out , I saw it on the teliv. And Monika Lewinski was in Iceland today, hm is that realy the truth !. Well have nice time in florida, you may send to Iceland some warm winds so we can get the springtime some sooner . bless skarpi Iceland. |
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01 Apr 99 - 08:08 PM (#67452) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Roger in Baltimore Well my logical side said the only warning we would really get would be a notice that the site was no longer in service. My emotional side said, "Well, it could be." I am glad to know it was a joke, albeit somewhat ill considered. This is the first time I've had any negative feelings towards Max. I never fail to wonder at the amount of time Max and his comrades at Onstage and Dick and Susan must put in to make all of this happen. I did send gratitude this month or last in the form of a check. I suspect no one is getting rich out there, but $20 or $50 American dollars (or the equivalent) on an annual basis is probably possible. A few less sets of strings, two less CD's, one or two less songbooks, whatever. If you want to donate, just click on the Support the Mudcat logo and scroll down. All the information is there. I will sleep easier tonight knowing that the Mudcat is a safe a little while longer. I believe we can hold two opposite feelings in our hearts for at least a little bit of time and thats how I am about Max. I love him and I am grateful and in awe for all that he has done and I hate his guts for this dirty little joke. I will forgive in time, I know, its my nature. Roger in Baltimore |
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01 Apr 99 - 08:17 PM (#67455) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Roger in Baltimore Oh yeah, Max, you can't hideout in Florida forever. I'm a former member of the Otto Rank Society (headquartered in Doylestown, PA) so I know where Doylestown is. Roger in Baltimore |
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01 Apr 99 - 08:31 PM (#67459) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Alan of Australia G'day, Well, now that I'm recovering I can say I fell for this too. Of course it's nearly lunchtime on the 2nd April here so how could it be an April fool joke? Felt really bad for a while.
Cheers, |
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01 Apr 99 - 09:02 PM (#67461) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Susan A-R I have just returned from eleven hours of cooking and serving (Dim Sum Sampler, mmmm mmmm, and you should have seen the faces when we told 'em that it was the Scottish sampler, Haggis, mealy puddings, etc.) I was just foggy enough to believe this. WOW am I glad that it's not true. What would I do without all of this vital discussion about tiples, condoms, Bodhrons (I NEVER Know how to spell that) union organizing and SONGS!! Susan |
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01 Apr 99 - 09:29 PM (#67465) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: BK Vive La Mudcat!!! will send some money after tax time... Very Funny.. sort of.... The thought police aren't that close, I think.. & the folk police never could make it.. I think.. Ah, we'll just smack 'em with a tipple if they hassle us.. Anybody know where the last remaining tipples not in Alpha Centauri are hiding?? Gotta go to a jam.. Cheers, BK |
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01 Apr 99 - 09:48 PM (#67471) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Big Mick Max,I hope you are satisfied!!!!!! I read the thread and headed for Mexico again to see if I could drink the rest of the tequila that I missed the last time something affected me this way. You little @$#%^**^%><$#@!!!!, if you ever do that again, I will turn into a drug crazed vet and hunt you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And would some of you wire me some gas money in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico so I can get back home!!!!!!! I smashed all my musical instruments, inhaled 27 fecking pints of Guinness, put on a balaclava, set out to storm the BMI HQ and headed south. Seriously, I figured it for an April Fools joke, but the longer it went on the more I became concerned, and I began to ponder life without our 'Cat. And you know what,..........I didn't like it. It reinforced what we have all come to know. Our lives have been changed by this community, by the friends that we have made, and in my case I can say quite honestly the people that I have come to love even though I have never shaken your hands or met you face to face. We have come to know one another in a very personal way, unfettered by visual images or the constraints of economic circumstance. We have become a family of sorts, with a beautiful patchwork of personalities, talents, and sensitivities. And all united by our love of music, and the events,joys,sorrows and circumstances that spawn it. If, or when this place ceases to exist, it will leave me diminished, yet better for having known it. We, for the most part seem committed to doing something with the book, but it seems to me that we need to have that same king of committment to supporting our beloved Mudcat. We need to put these bright minds to work and find a way to support this place. So Max, you @@$%#^^&***%^$@#@, I must thank you for making me ponder life without this marvelous creation of yours. I want you to know that I sincerely am greatful to you, Dick and Susan. I hope you never doubt that there is a large Irish American musician/labor organizer in Michigan who appreciates your efforts and would walk through fire for you. Big Mick Lane |
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01 Apr 99 - 10:20 PM (#67474) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: steve in ottawa A ***huge*** sigh of relief, but still concerned for the future. Time. US$20,000+ per annum for equipment and bandwidth. Risking punitive legal sanctions from a society that denies the value of any service that does not increase GNP. Thank-you, Max. |
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01 Apr 99 - 10:22 PM (#67475) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mikal Okay, we just now getting to the Woody G. We have exhausted our memories of Scots and Irish songs of protest, so the Americans will have to do for now. The neighbors knocked twice, gave up and joined in! My wife has decided to play fiddle this one last time! My drum hand is sore, so I used the excuse of all good drummers, (The Head Is Drying Out....I have an artificial on this drum!) to take a break and check in. Oh, and we located a really big van...So where is Max' house, and how fragile are the flowers out front? (Snicker) All I have to do is keep from yelling "Road trip" and I won't wake up in mexico! Well, if nothing else, this has proven to be a great excuse for a sing along at Mikal's place! Mikal P.S. The Led Zepplin drum riffs can really damage the place, by the way. Try playing "Four Sticks" at full volume. You can hear the trees die! Then again, they don't look too well outside right now... |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:13 PM (#67482) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Barry Finn Big Mick save your breath. I've already booked a flight to Fla. For myself & 10 of deadlest, nightcrawling, swampsucking, razorslicing, good-for-nutting, low-down, death defying field mice to sniff out Max, I've got them trained to shit on his shoes. I can't go yet though, I'm recovering from recent heart failure due to falling as the biggest April Fool. I can't believe I sent in my address. Hope your having a good chuckle Max, my children are mourning my stay in the the intensive unit & promise me that when they're of age they'll hunt you down tie & gag you & force upon you music of the Back Street Boys & the Spice Girls. Barry |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:15 PM (#67483) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Frank in the Swamps. Yup, the "governer" upstairs told me this was a joke, but the rest of me wasn't buying it, so...... Max, now I know you have a sense of humour, I trust you'll get a little chuckle out the package I'm sending you, after all, the least you can do after a joke like that is launder my trousers! Frank i.t.s. |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:22 PM (#67485) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Art Thieme Is there life after Mudcat?? Sure there is!! Where? See below! http://elvispelvis.com/fullerup.htm ...when we have shuffled off this mortal coil... Art |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:23 PM (#67486) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: i personally think it was hilarious...arresting for a folk song site?? No way...:o) |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:49 PM (#67488) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: SailormomRita (inactive) Well this is all very interesting. As a recently joined member I am amused to say the least and as I check the forum everyday I felt a little thump as I read that it was closing. A site I have frequented due to my interest in Yip Harburg's work has actually been closed down due to confiscation of files by police! So I was primed to believe. I checked in with my e-mail address and discovered a new list site thanks to Alice...so it's not without merit to have been fooled. I do look forward to hearing you jokers banter and so I will join in with a hearty thanksgiving that it is just an April Fool's bit. Cheers Rita |
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01 Apr 99 - 11:54 PM (#67489) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Dani No... nobody I know's ever been arrested for singing folk music ;) Good grief, Max~! Here I was thinking that I'd gone the day without being fooled! It's 11:46. You got me. I hope you sleep well. |
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02 Apr 99 - 12:19 AM (#67492) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Barbara Boy am I glad I was out of town until just now, and the only April Fool joke I've had to deal with (so far) involved double sided tape and the toilet seat... Blessings, Barbara (who is loading up her squirt gun to go kid hunting) |
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02 Apr 99 - 12:50 AM (#67495) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: bseed(charleskratz) I'm ashamed to admit that I was worried at first--I didn't stop to consider that that's not the way it would happen: copyright violation is a civil not criminal violation, so a process server would have delivered to Max and Dick and Susan subpoenas, perhaps accompanied by an injunction ordering they shut down the DB immediately under threat of contempt of court. They'd be ordered to keep it closed until it was purged of all except music for which they could establish a prima facie case that it was unchallenged public domain. The forum would also have to be expunged of anything which may have any, however doubtful, claim of authorship by any publisher or performer. Then, holders of copyrights of anything that has been transmitted to or from the Mudcat would start filing claims against Max, Dick, Susan, and all of us who have submitted such material, asking for real and punitive damages...the plaintiffs, having vastly greater resources than all of us put together would win any trial and the appeals courts would uphold the verdicts and Max, Dick, Susan, and John and Jane Does numbers one through five thousand would find our paychecks garnisheed and our instruments taken for public auction, our homes alread mortgaged to the hilt to pay our lawyers through the first stages of the proceeding (the funds would have run out long before the trial began). The ACLU would be unable to take up the Mudcat's cause, already being involved in the case on behalf of some songwriters too poor to have their property rights protected by the big firms... --seed |
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02 Apr 99 - 12:52 AM (#67496) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: alison Hi, Well I admit I thought it was a hoax.. looking at the date...... but then you started all that about being handcuffed in front of you kid............. and I started to worry..... I was just about to phone alan and see how we could get you smuggled into Oz....... looks like I don't have to now.. not the funniest April fools joke I've ever seen.... but it sure worked well..... Slainte alison |
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02 Apr 99 - 01:36 AM (#67505) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Night Owl I am SOOOOOOOO glad that I worked all day today, and didn't see any of this until I got home tonight....(after the CONFESSION)! BSeed--is "hot lead enemas" considered an act of violence??????? Even if we sing while we administer it??????? |
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02 Apr 99 - 01:49 AM (#67507) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Craig Hey! I just ordered a T-shirt. I don't want it showing up with a great big slash across it within a circle and the words NO MUDCAT in red blazened on top of it. I'll pay my dues, I promise. It's in the mail. Yeah, that's the ticket. |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:23 AM (#67512) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: McMusic You had me sweating, Max! I was about to propose to all 'Catters that we rebel against the music establishment altogether--ASCAP< BMI, and the record companies. Say, I wonder how they'd handle it if any and all performers and/or singer songwriters decided to act as though the BIG FOLK didn't even exist! Ya know what I mean? Just say screw 'em, and do whatever you do as a complete independent. I wonder if between us and the Gen Xers(not really fond of that tag; it's kind of unfair to them), who are buying less and less now, we couldn't have them all crapping on their balance sheets! |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:27 AM (#67514) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Mark Cohen It's still April Fool's Day here in Hawaii, and this was certainly the most effective joke I've seen since Harper's Magazine in 1970 wrote about a bill in Congress to turn all golf courses into public parks (sponsored by Congressman A. F. Day, of course). You should have seen the letters that one generated! Thank you, Max, for helping an old Philly boy now in the middle of the Pacific keep in touch with the music I love, and hats off for a leg well pulled. I'm sending a donation with my next click. And the FBI is welcome to any of my songs. |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:33 AM (#67516) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Ted from Australia Just logged on, Max you BASTARD you bloody near killed me, It is 2 April here 5.30 pmso the April fool idea did not click for quite a few heartsopping moments.
Good one tho, best since the "Great digital clockface exchange programme"
(Changing to digital tine 10 hour days 100 min hours 100 second minuits , Write down the make model and serial number of your clocks and your local Post Office will issue a replacement clockface. Regards and forgiveness, Ted |
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02 Apr 99 - 03:45 AM (#67521) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 Dear Max, Well it's now a little after three here in the eastern time zone where we both reside and you are vacationing. This is post 74 or so to this thread and many of them have been AFTER you "owned up" to the joke. Many are having a good laugh and are out after your buns!!! Personally your buns only interest me as a repository for the "Hot Lead Enema," a line I shamelessly stole from the great 20th century philosopher, Lenny Bruce. I'm sure some of them have something similar in mind...BUT FOR DIFFERENT REASONS!!!! Max my boy, we need to talk about using the old "stones" to prolong a joke...Granted, it's a fine line, but if you could have held on a few or five or six more hours...Max, you could have had a hundred posts and probably some cash in hand. You had some nice touches, just a little refinement with a few more, perhaps culminating in a half hour shut down...wow, first place would be yours. Granted my dear friend katlaughing would have been catatonic, so to speak, but I think I could have helped her through it, along with Leej and Mick and others. Now look here...The next time you want to pull one off, call me because you were within a gnat's ass of brilliance. But we know you're a nice guy...and you are...and all of us deeply appreciate your efforts. Ah hell, how can I be mad at you? The nasty, dirty, cruel jokes are only in the province of mangy old Toms like myself. Enjoy J'ville and the music...You did a fine job...and maintained your good guy stature. catspaw |
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02 Apr 99 - 05:37 AM (#67525) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Banjer I agree with what Catspaw said, I also greatly appreciate the devotion, time, and efforts on our behalf in keeping this wonderful site up and running. The hours of pleasure and enjoyment and education that have been derived from here unmeasureable. HOWEVER!! I did spend the better part of yesterday evening at our local malls, rounding up and recruiting as many Paw and Cletus look alikes as could be found. Reg, Reg, and Reg look alikes were also sought and many found. I also found several folks wearing black suits and a small gold button on the lapel carrying what appeared to be tiple cases. I have comprised a small army leaving here today bound for Jacksonville. They are armed with a picture of MAX and have instructions to take no prisoners, but to take MAX alive at any cost. Provided this meandering gaggle of half-wits can keep heading north, by north east for the six hour trip to J'ville we should have MAX in custody by Saturday AM at the latest. Then OUR fun will begin!! There have been many suggestions, all of them good ones, ranging from something as mild as HOT LEAD ENEMAS to really painful and sadistic ones such as being hogtied and forced to listen to Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls, (I think if such misfortune was to befall me I would prefer the hot lead). Sorry Max, that we have to resort to such measures, but it is VERY well deserved. |
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02 Apr 99 - 06:02 AM (#67527) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Ferrara Hmm... Max, when you get to the Getaway, there's going to be angry yellowjackets in your sleeping bag and wet salamanders in your shoes ... not to mention the little surprises the kitchen staff are going to slip into your food! -- But keep up the good work, we may relent and let you have more than one meal a day. I was lucky to get into this mess when there were already at least 30 posts. I read the first four, then decided it was stupid to have a heart attack about something that had about a 1% probability of being true. So I went to visit my 84-year-old aunt (really!) and never did read most of the really scary stuff, and still it was so scary all my muscles tightened up. Skarpi, I liked your post the best: "If this is a joke I forgive you completely." You must be a very nice person. None of the rest of us are going to forgive him until hell freezes over. Love, Rita F |
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02 Apr 99 - 06:48 AM (#67532) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Frank in the swamps Ferrara, thank you for drawing attention to skarpi's kindhearted response to such a cruel joke. Skarpi, thank you for leading by example. Max, thank skarpi. Frank in the bloody, bloody swamps. |
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02 Apr 99 - 12:27 PM (#67589) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Rex Rideout I read this a day late and my blood ran cold. I was suckered in from stem to stern.I'm sure releaved to hear that the handcuffing bit was all made up too. No one especially Max should go through something like that. I'm cooled down now after reading the other posts. Still, I have an old tiple hanging on the wall downstairs. I might just slap some strings on it and tune it up. Rex |
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02 Apr 99 - 12:48 PM (#67596) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max Catspaw, funny, I had all those things planned. Pantleg (one of my Onstage guys) was going to funny up some photos of me getting arrested and perhaps some audio of a scuffle, Mike (another one of the Onstage Boys) was going to take the site down for an hour or so, replaced by an official looking FBI warning page announcing the active search for specific mudcat posters. I had much more planned, but thank my mother for thinking this was cruel. She probably would have let me go until I started thinking this a perfect fundraiser. She questioned the ethics while I pondered our debt. Anyhow all, I am very sorry for the scare. Some of you are genuinely angry at me and that bothers me. I will get to the Getaway this year and you will all have a chance to get me back there. And if anyone can make it to the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville tomorrow, surprise me with your best. I can take a joke. |
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02 Apr 99 - 01:10 PM (#67603) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 I want to congratulate you on your scheming and planning, although as I think about it, I AM saddened that someone of your years would join us mangy old Toms. But...WELCOME!!! We get together each night about 1:30AM to scratch,lick,and howl. See you there. catspaw |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:07 PM (#67622) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Max, It's not that we can't take a joke, it's that some of us are people of action and as such, took action, to the point of getting our Congresspersons' phone numbers and readying our pens for vitriolic rhetoric about the loss of something which means so much in our lives. I do look before I leap, but if it is someone I trust, I guess I get caught leaping ill-advisedly, sometimes. I am glad your mother didn't let you do the other stuff, for my congresspersons, conservative and stupid as they are, would DEFINITELY have heard from me. And, my finger was ..this close to dailing ASCAP, as my brother is a member and I would have given them hell. Now I am glad I didn't call them, as it may have set off some alarm bells! I used to laugh about people who spent so much time chatting on the Internet; I thought they were pathetic and needed to get a life. Well, the shoe is on the other foot and I do not feel pathetic and I have a life, but the Mudcat is a big part of it, now, and I don't like the idea of being without it and the wonderful friends I've made here. I do appreciate the long hours, money, etc. that you all put in. I tell everyone I know about it. I am excited about the new things you are doing. I asked once before if you ever thought about setting up a direct doantion thing, where people could have a certain amount automatically deducted from their checking account every month to help support the 'Cat. It does NOT have to non-profit. This is how I pay my car insurance and IPS. I wold be happy to do this every month for the cat, like I used to do for NPR before they went mainstream, top 40 trash. So, how 'bout it Max? call me a spoil sport if you want, but a good share of my time is spent as an advocate and PR person for underdog causes, so...yesterday I was ready and willing to put all of that experience to the forefront to help out. Next April 1st, as some others have suggested, I'll abstain for a day. katlaughing |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:18 PM (#67625) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 Damn, but I do love you kat....PASSION! catspaw |
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02 Apr 99 - 02:47 PM (#67629) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Lonesome EJ As Lonesome E.J.'s wife I must add my five cents worth to the Max's Mayhem. Max, how could you? You certainly got all the attention you could possibly want. Now you know how much we'all love ya'll. But, enough already on the closing situation. What about this blues thing in Florida? I have been in love with the blues since I was 17, a long, long time!! Real blues, that is. Charley Patton, Memphis Minnie, Butterbeans and Susie and many more. I am a mere interloper in 'cat world but would love to start a blues thread. |
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02 Apr 99 - 03:03 PM (#67633) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Catspaw: thank you....you know the feeling is mutual! kat |
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04 Apr 99 - 12:30 PM (#68066) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Peter T. I don't think anyone should feel ashamed for being worried or about having their best instincts manipulated. Just because you keep a community (And this is a community) going doesn't mean you don't have responsibilities to it, in fact you have more. I think the joke was despicable. Using yourself as a victim -- including your daughter -- is not at all funny. It was both in poor taste and a betrayal of the people who come to this site. I think Max (of whom I have great respect for all the work he has done, and of whom I have written a poem or two in my time) owes people more of an apology than the one he gave. I don't say it was unforgiveable, but it is unforgiven by at least this participant. It is beneath contempt. Yours, Peter T. |
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04 Apr 99 - 12:43 PM (#68068) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: dwditty For my part, I bit and bit hard (started the Emergency email thread). While the thought of losing the Cat was very distutbing, it made for a thrilling several hours - watching and waiting to see the outcome. I do not begrudge you, Max. For my part, it was a wake up call to let me know how important the Cat has become to me. In fact, thanks for the sharp blow to my cheek. I needed that. DW |
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04 Apr 99 - 02:05 PM (#68079) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Banjer Thanks again from me also MAX, this almost rivals Orson Welles' War of the Worlds radio broadcast....I, as Catspaw said also, am impressed with such an endeavor. Being cynical by nature, in the back of my mind I kept waiting for the APRIL FOOL to hit. Had this been for real it would certainly have taken a lot out of my daily routine. Thanks again for a wonderful board and a job well done for the 1st day of April. |
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04 Apr 99 - 02:12 PM (#68081) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Peter T.: well-said and thank you for your posting. I AM grateful it was just a joke and I don't feel ashamed at all. And, still really glad his mom stopped the rest of it. I wonder at what might have happened if he'd posted the fake FBI screen. katlaughing, who would still like to know about the funding sugegstion......Max? |
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04 Apr 99 - 03:25 PM (#68095) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Barbara Now that a few days have passed and my heart rate is stabilized, I just want to say, Max, you low lying piece of shit, that was a ****ing filthy thing to do, especially since so many of us worry when you fall offline periodically anyway. I bought it completely. If you had ponied up the FBI screen, however, it probably would have started to dawn on me I was being had, so maybe the moral (!?) is if you are going to pull of a really rotten practical joke, follow through with it. So. I love cooking up practical jokes to play on others, I'm not so good at ones played on me since I hate to be tricked. I like to think I'm too clever to get caught. So, points to your side, and I'll send you some money when I get through being pissed off. Blessings, Barbara |
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04 Apr 99 - 04:35 PM (#68101) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Shula Max: I don't know if this will matter much, since you seem to have stirred attention for the need to support The Mudcat, but my wife was pretty ill after she read this thread. She had just recently felt well enough to start posting again, and was so happy to be back at her only cyber-pub. Then comes this prank. First she was severely alarmed by the ruse and then heartsick at the deception. And I mean that last adjective literally. Wasn't there a less traumatic way you could have solicited funds? Akiba |
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04 Apr 99 - 09:26 PM (#68134) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: TonyK I, too, was totally taken in and immediately zipped over to the emergency e-mail site. I thought it strange that only 16 people had visited the site, but I was in emergency mode and missed the clue. I hope I don't have the distinction of being the last one on the e-mail list. It's good to see how close this community is. Often times you don't know who your friends are until the chips are down. For me, the opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. TonyK |
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04 Apr 99 - 09:50 PM (#68140) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Joe Offer Well, Max had already posted his sheepish confession by the time I saw this thread. Nonetheless, I was a bit worried until I got to the confession. It did get me thinking about what my life would be like without the 'Cat. It would leave a big hole, I think. The initial message sounded pretty credible. Then somebody posted a message, wondering if it were an April Fool's joke. Max's second note, denying it was a joke, made the whole thing quite believable. After all, music sites are dropping like flies these days. My other favorite sources of lyrics (other than Cowpie) are all gone - International Lyrics Server, Rabid Squirrel's Jazz Archive, and Musicals.net. I think the alt.music.lyrics newsgroup hasn't been affected yet, so there's still one good source of lyrics for us to refer people to. Anyhow, Max, consider yourself to be in the doghouse - but we still like you. -Joe Offer- |
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04 Apr 99 - 10:02 PM (#68142) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Art Thieme Say folks, I never for an instant thought this was serious. I had come in here on 4/1 looking for just that kind of thing. But Max, I guess it takes a jokester to know one. And God knows I've been taken seriously a hundred times here when I was actually joking. Rarely used to happen on stage. Wonder why? Guess there I couldn't keep a straight face. (I knew a gay guy who couldn't keep that either.) Art |
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04 Apr 99 - 10:17 PM (#68146) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Joe Offer Well, Art, I think a lot of the nuances of human communication get lost here - that's why it's harder for people to catch onto jokes, or why they tend to take offense at minor things. Many of the aspects of communication are missing here, so people tend to fill in the blanks with their own preconceptions. it could be that our preconceptions tend to be negative, and that may be why people on the Internet seem to take a negative view of things that can be viewed in various ways. Because of that, we have to bend over backwards to be positive in what we say here. You know, kind of like talking to your kids, or maybe to your ex-wife. Well, maybe not THAT... -Joe Offer- |
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04 Apr 99 - 11:18 PM (#68164) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 I gotta' disagree with you Joe...although you are right about the many facets of communication that are missing. Art is quite correct in saying it takes one to know one. And I believe that certain nuances are transmitted here in cyberspace to the point of knowing at least the general demeanor of a person. I was frankly surprised that the 'Cat was up that day at all. I apologize to all for not showing more sensitivity. I was typing my first post on this thread when Max said it was a joke. So I came back and called him a wimp for not pursuing it further. I love this place as much as most of you and I'd be devastated without it. I had NO IDEA that so many would take this as such a vile thing for Max to do. AND FOR THAT ... I HUMBLY AND TRULY APOLOGIZE. I should have been more sensitive when I saw how upset people were, but it's not in my makeup to NOT try to chide them out of a funk first ... Again all of you have my sincerest apology. Art and I and some others look like vultures at the waterhole, but never think we don't care. Perhaps because I see daily a side of this country that is so appalling and dismal, people who know me only a little believe me to be the genial buffoon. Those who know me well, and they are few, understand that my often bizarre sense of humor, and music, are the ONLY things that smother the anger; and I'm intensely angry all the time. Sorry Max and sorry to all my fellow catters once again. catspaw PS--Before you say it Art, yeah you thought I had a bizarre sense of music!
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04 Apr 99 - 11:38 PM (#68175) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing Catspaw, I don't really think you are the one who needs to be apologising. And, in fact I don't think Max needs to anymore. What I do think he needs to do is let us know, esp. Shula, that he now truly understands how important this community is to so many of us. I could really relate to what Shula's husband posted. I am an empath and take things to heart so easily, so it really was devastating for a few hours to think that we would all be lost to one another. Joe, I have to disagree, also. In the short time I've been on here, I feel I can "read" the postings of Mudcatters pretty well, and most of the time know whether to take them seriously or not. I guess because Max isn't on here that often and not in the capacity that we all usually are, that some of us we unable to "read" him, but I just don't feel that about the rest of you. I think, in fact, that is what makes this such a fine community. And, I DID joke about it earlier in this thread, so I know I haven't lost my sense of humour and fun. I took it at face value, was in a state of shock for about an hour and then went into action, as noted earlier, as a consequence I spent over six hours saving files, etc. As I said before, I am glad I did. Have already started editing the music therapy thread, but didn't need the shock of this to motivate me! Isn't "practical joke" an oxymoron? Again, if Max is really serious about fundraising, I wish he would answer my question about direct payments from our checking/savings accounts. Agreeing to disagree, katlaughing |
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04 Apr 99 - 11:52 PM (#68182) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: bbc I agree w/ so much of what kat said (must be that 1953 birth year!). Although Max is very involved in Mudcat himself, he evidently didn't realize the depth of the emotional connection many of us feel. Mudcat has become an important part of my daily life & I was devastated at the thought of losing it. I really *do* envy those of you who were at work that day & read about it after the fact. Those of us who lived through that afternoon were not very happy ducks. Even so, I have 2 things to say. First, although I still feel a little shell-shocked & wary & feel the "joke" lasted too long, I forgive you, Max, & will happily continue to support & appreciate your work. Second, I'm proud of the positive spirit of unity shown by the Mudcat folks. It was not a bad thing for us all to realize what we mean to each other. Here's to many more years of fun & information-sharing! best to all, bbc |
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05 Apr 99 - 03:31 AM (#68203) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Shula Dear Max, While I'm none the worse for wear, it was, indeed, a trifle inauspicious for awhile. Fortunately for me, (and to hear my fellah talk, for you as well), I didn't see this thread until Saturday night, after the first three days of Passover, and by then the jig was up. Unfortunately, I had already pitched a capital tizzy by the time I had read far enough to know you were having us on. Where does one put the adrenaline when it isn't wanted after all? I, for one, have had all the excitement I can digest, so please, Max, take pity on those of delicate constitution, and ponder the words of my favourite-sign-of-all-time: "You are responsible for your wake." (That is, if you don't wish to attend mine, any time soon.) Yours, in times to come, most Warily, Shula P. S. Max, Akiba asks me to tell "thet young fellah up tuh th' Mu-ud-cay-et, he bes' be a'mindiniz mannuz heah-aftuh, an' git a'holt on hissef, 'cuz," it wouldn't be seemly for one "landsman" to have to say of another, "But CH'AWnuh, he jes' a'NEE-EE-DID killin' sump'um AW-ful!!!" P.P.S. How come, when Akiba reset the cookie to his instead of mine, the message posted under my name? |
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05 Apr 99 - 10:18 AM (#68257) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Willie-O Jeez, I stay away for a week and look at all the fireworks I miss. (Got preoccupied for awhile with maple syrup making (3.5 gallons so far from 60 taps) and started driving cab part-time (see "below minimum wage"). Art Thieme isn't serious all the time? Gosh, I thought he just lives in his own peculiar universe. Max feel free to ship the Cat up to Canada where our intellectual freedoms are so confused nobody would bother you. Be prepared to be met at the airport by a marching band composed of Ovation tiples and charangos (scratch that armadillo hide and you'll find aircraft plastic), Cthulhu nose flutes and ten-dollar Chinese accordions. You'll spot them by the large amount of empty space surrounding them. Bill |
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05 Apr 99 - 11:39 AM (#68265) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: AlistairUK OK my two penny'th. I have been away for a few days, and in that time was itching, literally itching to get my hands on a comp to see what was happening ( the place i was staying at doesn't even have running water let alone electricity and ports to plug in a laptop. I didn't realise how much this community meant to me. So when I came on this morning I had a lot of catching up to do. When i saw the title of the thread I was not, and I reapet, not taken in by young master Max's shennanigans. But like most of you that came in after the fact, it done got me to finking a wee bit about the 'Cat and it's inhabitants. I was truly shocked at the thought that Shula may have had a relapse because of the prank, and really think that Max needs a gentle cuff round the ear for that :o), though I'm sure he is going to feel sufficiently contrite and guilt ridden for some time (yeah roast over hot coals yah dingbat :o) ) And I have never even spoken to Shula, never in a thread nor nuffink. So, you is all may bruddahs and sistahs and I wooden't like to lose any of youse finks ever. |
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05 Apr 99 - 07:07 PM (#68337) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max Man, what would happen if I really did close the Mudcat. I mean it is MY site. I created it for nothing, I lose money on it all the time, put myself in harms way with all the copyright bullshit, not to mention the individuals who don't like what I am doing, and the IRS. If I just lost interest, or ran into some hard times and shut down the Mudcat, I would be looking over my shoulder all the time for some crazed Mudcatter looking for revenge. These strong feelings at first made me realize the importance of this service that I provide, but now it makes me wonder why I bother. To be honest, I'd rather be a member of this site than run it. I realize now that the least I have to worry about is the copyright bullshit and IRS, it's the emense responsibility I have to all of you. I now apparently have to be careful what I say and do on MY OWN SITE. To all those who I offended with this prank, I am sorry, but take a joke will ya, it was April 1st and you're just pissed you were the fool. |
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05 Apr 99 - 08:00 PM (#68345) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Joe Offer Aw, Max - just remember how much we like you. We really do. I do wish you had more time to stick around and chew the rag with us. You're not only the Benevolent Provider of this wonderful site - you're fun to have around. -Joe Offer- |
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05 Apr 99 - 08:28 PM (#68351) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Pete M Well I suppose there are some advantages to being 12 hours ahead of the rest of you. What with that and the Easter weekend, I've only just caught up and missed all the fun. I agree with everyone about the serious loss to us all the closure of the 'Cat would represent, but come on guys, did you actually read Max's posts? I know a lot of you are not well versed in computers but a hot standby for the 'Cat with a 100% effective re-direction of all traffic by the ISP and no break in service? About as likely as Clinton keeping his trousers on. Secondly, if Max really thought this was likely, would he duplicate the system within US jurisdiction? And to cap it all, he then typed in a supplementary message while hundcuffed! Now if Max had gone ahead with the remainder of the plan, it would have been much more scary. Its been done before though Max in rather more serious circumstances. Transmision by the black propoganda station Soldatensender Calais was ended by it being supposedly "shut down" by the Gestapo complete with appropriate shouting, gun fire etc. The only problem was that the taped "incident" was transmitted twice!! Anyway, as everyone has said, I think it has made us all realise just how important the 'Cat is to us, and that we should not take your contribution in time and money lightly. So seriously Max, a back up plan to distribute the 'Cat outside the US is not a daft idea. I can't offer 24hr access to my server currently, but I would be happy to discuss any way that I could add to the resilience of the site. Pete M PS catspaw, I've alerted the the appropriate people to the possibility that you lot may be installing a secret keel based on tiple technology to your America's cup boat. As for the FBI/CIA/ASCAP infiltration, all US citizens entering NZ will be required to answer two simple questions: "When did you last see your Tiple?" and "When do you wear gum boots?" Any unsatisfactory answers will result in them being dressed in ram skins and put into a paddock with 3,000,000 sex crazed ewes! |
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05 Apr 99 - 09:37 PM (#68356) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: LEJ Max...you are doing a great job with this. Reactions to your Practical Joke break down into 3 groups: 1. Jokers and foolers like me, Catspaw, Alice and Bob who were hoping for this kinda joke from somebody and were willing to play along. 2. More sincere and sensitive phoaks like Katlaughing and Animaterra who were taken in not because of naivete, but because they were so afraid of losing something they value. 3. Folks like Roger and Peter T who got pissed off because you were seriously worrying group 2 I look at Mudcat as a party with great music and great conversation. It's also a lot of laughs, and I got a laugh out of this thread. But everybody needs to know that Max is putting on the party - and if you are having fun, you better thank the host. And Max, promise me one thing... you'll do another April Fools Joke next year! LEJ |
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05 Apr 99 - 09:51 PM (#68360) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Barbara Shaw Wow. Some folks are laying an awful lot of guilt on Max and an awful load of responsibility. Maybe we should all look at our dependence on the Mudcat community and consider whether or not we need to get more of a life. Max is not responsible for the rest of his life for keeping this site up permanently to amuse and entertain and inform us. It's great that he does, but not his life. Whether or not he loses money or makes millions on the mudcat, whether or not he was joking on April 1 or sounding off or whatever, it is our responsibility not to depend on the mudcat for our well-being. The idea that we should demand his continued responsibility and accountability is troublesome to me. I enjoy the forum as much as anyone and run to the computer whenever I get a few minutes to browse, post whenever something stirs me enough and thoroughly enjoy reading some of the threads. Also, some of them are boring and uninformative and unfunny and uncompelling. Sometimes, the rest of my life waits because I'm too busy reading the mudcat to pick up my guitar, or too busy reading the mudcat to balance my checkbook or too busy reading the mudcat to do anything else. This is not Max's fault either. He created the monster, but I have to deal with it personally. There have been threads identifying other discussion forums. There have been threads sharing e-mail addresses with mudcatters. There would be ways to get in touch with mudcat people and there are undoubtedly other people outside the mudcat who have compatible ideas and interests. I hope I haven't offended anyone, but I really think we need to lighten up (another thread) and leave the idea of entitlement and guilt out of the mudcat. Enjoy it while it lasts. |
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05 Apr 99 - 10:25 PM (#68366) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Big Mick You know, I erased a start of a post to this message just before Max posted his. I wish now that I had posted it. It started ENOUGHT ALREADY!!!!!!!!! Max is not responsible for our health, our well being or our financial state. He is the person responsible for giving us this wonderful community. And for that we are in his debt. But it is a huge drain. I put a posting in this thread that was supposed to be taken tongue in cheek. It was supposed to make you chuckle and think about how much we love this site and how we are going to have to deal with supporting it. Max, I indicated to you in my post that I would do anything to help, and I will. I and many others here are fully aware of the tremendous drain this site puts on you and your family. You have created a wonderful thing. It is my sincere hope that you someday realize the fruits of your labor. And the rest of you, lighten up. It was a joke and the man is entitled. Mick |
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05 Apr 99 - 10:32 PM (#68368) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Roger in Baltimore Thanks, Barbara, you said it more firmly and more concisely than I could have. There is no reason to think that this site go on forever, for much of the energy comes from one person, or more precisely, a few people. Let me digress a moment. I volunteer at a weekly folk coffeehouse twice a month. It was started by two women who didn't want to keep travelling to DC to hear good folk music. Eventually, the two split up (one woman was running another weekly venue as well). The remaining woman realized that the coffeehouse was not going to be something she could do forever. With wisdom, she divided up the tasks that needed to be done and slowly began farming them out to individuals (I became a host/emcee). Eventually, the place could run without her and now it effectively does, she is just one of a cadre of volunteers and she is not in charge. A constant worry is how to replenish volunteers. I say all of this to reinforce what Barbara says. The 'Cat runs on Max's good graces, finances, and legal responsibility. One way we can all help is to send a few bucks his way. I plan to continue to do this. I encourage the rest of you to do so. I suspect what little I send may be more important emotionally to Max than it is financially. In some way his position is pretty isolating. Max, I suspect we have encountered an age difference. Many of us are old enough to be your parent. Some of us, although that old, may be stuck at your age (right Catspaw?). As people get older, emotional ties can become more important. I have forgiven you, which is more important for me than for you. I always knew no harm was intended. I know you already sacrifice more than most of us would lose. Thanks. Roger in Baltimore |
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05 Apr 99 - 10:38 PM (#68369) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Max Sorry for the previous post, I had my panties in a bunch. I want to say too that this was not a ploy for money or gratitude. Sometimes I feel like the host of a party, so much responsibility that I fail to enjoy the party. Truth is, I really have no right to complain. For the most part, I get out of the Mudcat exactly what I want. I learn from all of you, I find friends and people like me and that like the things that I do. I enjoy taking your suggestions and critisisms, and even the long hours that go along with them. Perhaps I will play another joke next year, but certainly not about the Mudcat going away. I can surely say that the Mudcat's existence is about as solid as could be. We have consulted lawyers, and get permissions and licenses to publish all the things we do, we are non-profit and are not making money off of others' hard work. We are an educational resource, and it would be a grand injustice to shut us down. For now, my other company Onstage, needs all the same technology that the Mudcat does, so the expenses are managable and intertwined. As long as Onstage is OK, so shall be the Mudcat. If anything ever happens to Onstage, worste case scenario is that we need a raise some funds to host the Mudcat. The Mudcat gets about 2.5 million hits (about 80,000 unique visitors) per month, more than ever anticipated, which does require more computational power than we may have at any given time. Again, worst case scenarios are temporary outages or slow service. We do the best we can with what we have and can afford. If these things bother you, either go away or make a contribution or buy a t-shirt or some cd's and books, and we'll buy a new server or better software etc. We are not suffering here. If you can find a better way to spend your money locally please do. If you can take your kids out for ice-cream instead, please do. Perhaps from now on, no one is allowed to complain or criticise or suggest unless accompanied by a contribution or sale. If no money ever comes in, the Mudcat and Digitrad will still be here. I want more though, I want to always be able to make it better and bigger and faster and more reliable. I would like to see Dick doing it full time too. And it's as simple as that. So lets take the edge off the situation and put an end to this thread. No more posts here. Lets talk about better things like FOLK. Thanks everybody. |
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06 Apr 99 - 12:31 AM (#68406) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Shula Dear Max, Blame the intensity of the reaction, if you must, on the sort of critters drawn to this particular watering hole. Once a radical, always a radical. Best not rile some varmints. Personally, I have decided to consider the episode instructive. It was a pretty fair "air-raid drill." Pete M. has a point. The Mudcat really *should* have plans for damage control in the event of hostile action. And maybe it's time to consider that you have created something so fine and unique that, like Galatea, it has taken on a life of its own. Why not enable your beloved "baby" to "outlive" you, by planning for its future in the event of the loss of its "parent?" What loving and responsible "parent" would do otherwise? ********************* Once, in my callow youth, I did something disgraceful on April Fool's Day. In a monumentally adolescent lapse of judgement, I plotted with a schoolmate that he should pretend to have a diabetic crisis, and I should "inform" our teacher. We anticipated the pleasure of greeting our plump and prissy English instructor, on her red-faced return from a marathon run to the cafeteria for orange juice, with the cry of "April Fools!" We expected her to be annoyed, non-plussed, and embarrassed; she was all those things, and more, but not until much later. At the time, she simply sat down and wept with relief that one of her pupils was not really dying. We were too young to anticipate how deeply such a thing would affect her. We didn't know this silly old biddy had feelings, she was just a *teacher* after all, and a relentlessly strict and demanding one at that. But the revelation that she had any sort of human emotion was not the shocker. It was that she loved us with all her antimacassared old heart. It can be fearful to glimpse the truth. And burdensome. It is unwise to think of automotive fatality statistics while driving. And who would marry or procreate these days, going by the odds? To know that one is sincerely and greatly loved is, indeed, fearful and burdensome -- and highly unsettling. It changes things, makes us painfully self-conscious. Which is why the grown-ups so rarely let us see how much we mean to them. You have discovered, quite unintentionally, how much *you* mean to a goodly number of folk whom you have only known here in what you believed was a small way. We will get over our dismay -- most already have. The question remaining is: will you be able to forgive us for betraying the depth of our affection? Fondly, Shula |
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06 Apr 99 - 12:39 AM (#68411) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Shula Dear Max, So sorry. Would have been glad to leave you the last word, to which you are surely entitled. Was composing the foregoing all evening, and sent it thinking LEJ's was the last post. Please forgive my failure to re-check the thread before posting. Shula |
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06 Apr 99 - 03:34 AM (#68432) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: The Shambles Thank you Max. (To the sound of 'The Last Post' playing quitely in the distance). |
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06 Apr 99 - 08:00 AM (#68459) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Sam Pirt Ha, Ha, Ha, FUNNY. NOT!!!!!!!! Bye, Sam |
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06 Apr 99 - 11:41 AM (#68489) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: I was just going to shut up, but Shula's response, as usual so clear and right, set me off again. The phrase from King Lear -- "As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods, they kill us for their sport" -- is relevant. Because, as Joe says, the Web is such a strange, neutralizing and yet powerful place, any community group that is set up is going on faith that it is not run by the wanton boys who seem to run everything on the Web. This space is continually being threatened from the outside, not just by authority, but by people who are just drifting by, spraying graffitti, and so on. Just like other places we know. What has been heartening about this site is that -- thanks to Max, Dick, and Susan -- it stumbled on a way to bring the classic storytelling, chatting, and folk banter onto the Web, bringing tradition along. It has been even nicer that people have started to get to know each other off the site, preparing for Mudstock 99, 200, wandering along after Joe and Rick, and so on. There is so little of this on the Web (and not much of it elsewhere). That is why what Max did made me so angry -- this was an internal assault on the whole thing from the sustainer of the whole thing. As if it were one more wanton game, which could be fooled around with, and undermined without anyone being much better off or worse off. I think people who say that we should not be taking this site or its growing community seriously (the get-a-life brigade) are missing the point. This is part of life, and it has its seriousness and its good jokes too (thank goodness). What is raised by what happened is not (contrary to some respondents) "Now I can see how much this site needs protecting," but "Why should I care, why should I put myself on the line to help, since the person who runs it thinks it is all optional." That is what it says, like a lot of wantonness out there. That's why I think it was so damaging -- we will all survive the FBI, but we cannot survive our loss of trust in each other, however fragilely earned. Perhaps it is true, perhaps it is stupid to be sucked into thinking this is just one more Web site in a world of manipulation, but I don't want to believe that, and I don't think Max believes it either. It was just one of those dumb things people do, but it still makes me mad. Yours, Peter T. |
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06 Apr 99 - 01:12 PM (#68509) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: dick greenhaus A thought: If the estimated 80,000 unique visitors we get every month would find it in their hearts to kick in a buck a year, a) Max would have his expenses covered, with something left over, and b) I could afford to devote a substantial chunk of my time on the Digital Tradition database.
Both Max and I would be very happy if all Mudcat cost us was a buck a year.
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06 Apr 99 - 05:45 PM (#68601) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: The Shambles Brief reprise of the Thread Name Game. The Mudcat is closing it's doors/Waiting for the Federals |
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01 Apr 05 - 11:19 AM (#1449087) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: catspaw49 For those of you who weren't around back in these days, THIS was the classic April Fool's Joke. It was also a lot more as well. If you read it, you find that perhaps for the first time, Max begins to understand just how important this site has become to many of it's members and frankly it scared the lad a bit. But at the same time I think here is the first place he also began to really see and accept that he no longer had a website, he had a real community forming. Just a month later the entire membership came together behind another event and the realization of true formed friendships and a real world community took a strong hold here which still remains among many of us today. Remember that this was long before "gatherings" of members that are so common now. Pretty much we knew each other through cyberspace only, but as events unfolded around the first of May, it became apparent to most that this was a real place and not just a cyber-site. This thread was the first part of that turning point for Mudcat and it came completely together when we realized just how close we had become a month later. So this is not just a classic joke, but a significant part of Mudcat history. Hope you enjoy(ed) the read. Spaw |
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01 Apr 05 - 12:24 PM (#1449151) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: katlaughing THANKS, Spawdarlin' for refreshing this!! |
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01 Apr 05 - 12:38 PM (#1449167) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Charley Noble Spaw- Thanks for refreshing this one. I was oblivious to Mudcat at the time. Lord knows what I was doing with my life back then. Cheerily, Charley Noble, a figment of Mudcat |
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01 Apr 05 - 12:54 PM (#1449192) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: GUEST,MMario I wonder what the stats are now - they were 2.5 million hits a month /80,000 unique hits per month in 1999. six years later? Joe? Jeff? Max? |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:57 PM (#1449340) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Azizi I have to say I read the title of this thread and got an "Oh, No!" sinking sensation in my stomach. Then I remembered it was April Fool's day.. Okay, you fooled me that time. Now that I know that Max isn't announcing that he's closing Mudcat, I can relax and read the comments that have been posted here. Long live Mudcat!! Azizi |
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01 Apr 05 - 05:55 PM (#1449513) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Little Hawk Well, I am relieved that my demise and Mudcat's did not coincide, as folks might have attached some special significance to that. I don't want to be responsible for all that. I am just glad that no one decided to run an Obit for William Shatner today. The mind can only take so much. |
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01 Apr 05 - 09:30 PM (#1449695) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: GUEST,Jaze Not funny, Max, but you rule. And thanks for all you do. And especially thanks for this incredible site. Amazing how important it's become for so many people. You should be very proud of what you've accomplished. From the bottom of my heart, I do thank you. James |
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01 Apr 05 - 10:38 PM (#1449719) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Swave N. Deboner Max, I just about choked on my brew when I saw this thread title. Nearly panicked until I saw the date it was started. I'd survive without the Mudcat, but life would be waaaay more boring. Seriously, I appreciate your perseverance, determination, and dedication to keep this site going. It has truly become a phenomenon. I get hours of enjoyment reading the threads and posts from so many bright personalities, many of whom I truly admire (not that they have the slightest clue when I'm here most of the time, and probably don't give a rat's patoot.) And thanks goes to the clones, too. Please keep the Mudcat home fires burning. Scott Sincerely, Scott, AKA Swave N. Deboner |
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02 Apr 05 - 01:01 AM (#1449776) Subject: RE: The Mudcat is Closing its Doors From: Big Mick Good pull, Patterson! Perfect timing. You been keepin' on the meds? Significant event, eh? I would say so. Anyway, great job. Now get back and lay on the couch before I have to talk to the partners of Lane, Patterson, Fielding and Swan, Layabouts at Large and for hire, about expelling your ass for excessive productive behaviour. I love ya,bro. Mick |