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19 Nov 00 - 02:11 PM (#343503) Subject: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte I feel the Mudcat is small enough of a community that if I wanted to make a significant change around here I could. Meaning, starting 'what I feel' would be a meaningful thread. Yet, in certain environments like the atmosphere around here now, I am not inspired to come up with a meaningful thread. It has made me realized individuals within a community feed off one another. It reminds me of that old saying....'what came first, the chicken or the egg' Little Neo |
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19 Nov 00 - 02:32 PM (#343513) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Rick Fielding Hi Bonnie. It's virtually impossible to start the kind of thread I THINK you mean, without it eventually becoming rife with one liners, contention and simple nastiness......BUT, If you persevere, keep stating (and adding to) your original thought, something worthwhile will emerge. Granted, having ideas and even a point of view can neccesitate a pretty thick skin these days, but if you can keep your sense of humour and laugh at the loonoids, you'll make your point...and maybe even the "changes" you're talkin' about. Rick(Bluegrass "loonoid") |
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19 Nov 00 - 02:42 PM (#343516) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: bbelle Well, Bonnie ... I commend you and hope it works. A few months back, when I was in need of good, positive threads, I started a few, and most ended up in the flamers' pot or turned to shit, so I don't do that anymore. BTW, Rick, my skin has gotten thicker but I refuse to get to the point that it becomes cement and hanging around a site that requires that is not my idea of productive use of my time. I do need, though, to write to the forum about my most recent weekend in Toronto and the Free Times and visiting The 12th Fret and meeting David Wren and walking through the U of T campus on our way to the Matisse Collection Exhibit at the Museum and the rustic old beautiful country inn of Fergus and Elora ... and meeting you and Heather and Bonnie and Tony and Joanne and Peter. I suppose that could be termed a productive thread ... I'll write it and we'll see ... Jenny who thinks most Canadians make the A List of my life |
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19 Nov 00 - 02:42 PM (#343517) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Thanks so much Rick, I understand what you are saying. I would love to start a meaningful thread, and I would even like this thread I just started here to be of value too. I love this community. It means a whole bunch to me. There are valuable threads happening right now, and I would participate in them if I had something to contribute but I don't, so I just read and learn. I use to always start threads, I had much fun doing it too. But I don't do it anymore. I guess I was pondering on this and wondering why I do not create threads anymore. I guess I am asking if others have experience the same feeling? Maybe I am the one with the problem. Maybe I should just start a thread and see where it goes. But for some reason I've lost that creative inspiration I use to have to do so. It was not my intention to start up trouble here and I should have typed BS: before this thread. My apologies. Little Neo
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19 Nov 00 - 02:57 PM (#343525) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos Hey, you haven't even copped any heat yet, Bonnie! Don't apologize yet! Do something bad first! No sense wasting a good apology. I happen to agree that the number of wake up and pay attention inspiring threads has diminished over time. Anyone want to guess why? But the community is till there, and it is probably a cyclical thing. Now that Peter T has restored our favorite detective and LEJ has risen to the bait I'm sure the elan vital will start seeping back into the ol' Cat. Keep on kicking, lass! A |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:25 PM (#343531) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: catspaw49 Geeziz BonAmi.......Ain't no thing...........You think too much! As stated, things are somewhat cyclical and there is the "one man"s meat" factor. Sometimes there are some excellent threads that I don't have the knowledge in or perhaps the enthusiasm for, to participate. I know a lot of folks are fried with the election stuff, but to some, its the height of excitement. In the past two days I've gotten in good and quick info on several music threads. Sometimes the 'Cat will go for days without a music question that I can either answer or dontribute to. Cheer up Kiddo. You never know what will pop up or occur to you. Spaw |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:28 PM (#343533) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Rick Fielding No need for "BS" Bonnie. If you want to try an entertaining little experiment, pick a long thread that you feel has become unecessarily contentious...eliminate the posts that (you feel) contribute nothing to the original intent, and the "oh yah? yer mother wears army boots" posts, from the folks who NEED conflict in order to communicate. You'll be amazed at what you're left with. Quite a few intelligent people, who make their points articulately, and can LAUGH (privately) at the disrupters, rather than rising to the bait. The important thing is you HAVE to trust that others silently see idiocy the same way you do. They're just too smart (or too busy) to keep it going. Rick |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:29 PM (#343534) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos Warning, Bonnie! Warning! ...when Spaw says "You never know what will pop up", be very afraid! There are many meanings within meanings here on the Mudcat! A |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:43 PM (#343541) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Oh, I know I think too much Catspaw, but you think I think to much, did you take a look at Amos posting? Oy! Rick makes tons of sense. It does come down to perception. What I focus on and what I do not. So I will look at it as The Mudcat half full rather than The Mudcat half empty. I'll go look at some of those half full threads now. Thanks guys, Little Me |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:53 PM (#343547) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: catspaw49 I think you think I think I think you think too much. See? This thread is already in the crapper.......and it is all your fault Bonnie. ALL 'BOARD!!!!......The Mudcat Express is boarding on Track 18. Final call. Mudcat Express service now boarding for its non-stop trip to Guilt.....ALL 'BOARD!!!!! Spaw |
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19 Nov 00 - 03:57 PM (#343549) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Mick Lowe I must admit that after the initial buzz on first discovering the mudcat 2/3 years ago, when I tried to contribute something to almost any thread going, I now tend to skip quickly over any with messages in double figures as I reckon questions have been answered or I've nothing worthwhile to add. Perhaps I am also getting cynical in my old age or just internet weary, but I can not help feeling that as of late some threads seem to be posted just for the sake of it. Then again this may just be a reflection of my own personal circumstances making me take a jaundiced view on life as a whole (and that has nothing to do with the election farce on your side of the pond). One thing I do know for certain though, is that the mudcat is one of the best places on this www thing and I like to believe the current trend in postings as I percieve it, is cyclical and we will be inspired anew. Mick |
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19 Nov 00 - 06:35 PM (#343614) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Greyeyes I've only been a Mudcatter for 2 or 3 months, but I do remember that when I first came here there was a succession of threads along the lines of "what's you're favourite ice cream?" Not to mention the infamous "condom" thread resurfacing. I have studiously avoided all threads relating to the US election because a) I'm not interested. b)I don't know anything about it. c)I have nothing interesting to say. When I hear people talking about how The Mudcat isn't what it used to be I find myself thinking "yeah, it used to be much better," then I catch myself and think "Jesus, I've only been here 5 minutes. If it's really not what it used to be it's probably because of the crap I'm posting." It comes as no surprise to me when one of my postings appears to kill a thread, in fact I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often. When a posting of mine elicits a response of any kind I am irrationally pleased. And when something I've said sparks a lively debate I'm overjoyed....come to think of it that's never happened, but I would be if it did. I have never started a thread, so feel the quality of the current selection of threads is not down to me. I am probably as guilty as anyone of posting flippantly to serious threads, but that is just the way some people deal with serious stuff. As to making a significant change around here, go for it. You might succeed, you might fail, whatever the outcome there will no doubt be a healthy debate.
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19 Nov 00 - 07:05 PM (#343632) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: CarolC Hi Bonnie, In the four months or so since I've been here, I've noticed several periods of waxing and waning with regard to worthwhile threads. I do think it's cyclical, just like in the 3D world. Do you ever notice in your 3D life that there are times when most of the people around you seem more bouyant, or interesting, or happy than at other times? And then there are times when everyone seems to be in a bad mood, or just plain bland. I think it's the same in the Mudcat. I've had very good luck with the threads I've started that I wanted to be meaninful. I've been blessed with kind, loving, and thoughtful posts from all kinds of Mudcatters. I've not had a problem with flamers in my threads. Check out the thread called "Coping with holiday phobia" for an example. The people are here, and they have wonderful things to contribute. Sometimes people just need to take a little breather. Good luck and best wishes, Carol |
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19 Nov 00 - 07:24 PM (#343642) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: WyoWoman Hi, lil' Neo, It's just like the rest of life, here in Mudville. Some worthwhile stuff, much of it surrounded by crap. Lots of fun, some of it snuggled right up next to deep seriousness. Good information, useless information, relationships and people just passing through. Personally I think it's improved over the low it had sunk to a few months ago (see "What's your favourite ice cream?" etc. in which some brilliant nimrod was trying to prove to all of us how stupid we are and many were willing to dance to that tune. However, I think the irreverence of the "Have You Ever Done It" thread shows us the proper response to such stupid bait -- turn it back on them and have fun anyway ...). Back when I was going through my dark night of the soul a couple of years ago and dealing with an ugly personal situation, the Mudcat was really my primary social life. Oh, and I was living in Wyoming. Nuff said. just kiddinkNow, I don't post as much just because I don't have time to play. I do get a lot of musical information here and do drop by for a few minutes every day or so. But not hours and hours of chatting like I once did. Maybe I'll want to do that again sometime and maybe I won't. So with the 'Cat in general, it ebbs and flows, and with me personally the same is true... I default to my old hippie motto, "If it feels good, do it..." When it doesn't, for whatever reasons, I don't... ww |
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19 Nov 00 - 08:33 PM (#343695) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow Mudcat's really just a crowded bar with lots of people having different conversations. The threads change and people drop in and out of the room and in and out of the conversations. The names of the threads change, but the same set of topics crop up. One of them being idle banter, which should not be disparaged or discouraged, and nor should civilised, if at times heated, polemical discussion. So long as they don't get in the way of the music and the hunt for songs and so forth, which is why we came to this bar anyway.
So you join the people who are talking about what you wnat to talk about, and it's no skin off your nose if other people are talking about something else across the room. Or even if what seems to you extraneous posts get thrown into your conversation.
The day after a big match there are probably going to be a lot of people arguing about it, especially when the decision is still in doubt and theres's a replay, but so what. The structure of the Mudcat is such that even if there are a whole mass of extra threads, everything stays in place for the same length of time. If you use the find facility and "trace" and so forth, it's easy enough to keep up with the topics you want to keep up with and ignore the ones you don't..
I very rarely start threads myself - maybe that makes me a bit parasitic. But then I don't find I start conversations much either in the face to face world, I tend to join in them. |
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19 Nov 00 - 08:55 PM (#343711) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos Well, McGrath, with your lights firmly ensconced under your bushel...if you WERE to start some threads, what might they be about, then? Anything you fancied.... A |
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19 Nov 00 - 09:50 PM (#343739) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow Bushels catch fire that way don't they?
About the only thread I can remember starting was one about cheese... And a couple chasing songs maybe.
If thefre's anything I'm burning to unburden myself of my feelings and opinions, someone always seems to have started a thread about it anyway. Or there's one that's in the archives that can be revived, whiocyh (assuming it isn't inconveniently long) seems a better way of starting things up again, and makes it more likely that it won't just be going round in the same circle.
But getting back to what Little Neo said at the start - "starting 'what I feel' would be a meaningful thread." Would that be "what I'm fee" about something in particular - or "how I'm feeling" in general? Or am I misunderstanding what you mean? (Only too likely - I can be very obtuse at times.)
Because most threads that aren't about chasing a song, or just people larking about are essentially threads starting "this is what I feel about X Y or Z" . As for chicken and eggs - if you ever get to see the movie Chicken Run (which I recommend) wait till the very end of the end credits for an intriguing discussion on this very point between two rats. But by then we were about the only people left in the cinema, because most people don't wait till the end of the end credits...(And, in the context of the Mudcat, there are lots of unhatched eggs lying around waiting to be warmed in to life.) |
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19 Nov 00 - 10:00 PM (#343745) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos LOL! Dunno about Chicken Run, McGrath, but I love odd ducks! A |
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19 Nov 00 - 10:01 PM (#343746) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow This is a better link for Chicken nRun and Walllace and Gromit and so forth. |
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20 Nov 00 - 12:00 AM (#343777) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: mkebenn LOL, if it's not what it used to be, it's because of the crap I'm posying... you rule, Greyeyes...MB |
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20 Nov 00 - 12:34 AM (#343787) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: CarolC McGrath of Harlow, Your "cheese" thread was a gem. Maybe you should start more threads. Carol P.S. I liked Chicken Run, too, but I like Wallace and Gromit better. |
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20 Nov 00 - 07:06 AM (#343857) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Thanks for all your support here guys, I get the picture Bunch of compansion good folks you all are putting up with my moods. Your so right WyoWoman, about the ebbs and flows around here. Kind of reminds me of my menstrual cycle. I've got plenty of ebbs and flows in my cyclical moods there so why should I expect The Mudcat to be any different. McGrath, starting 'what I feel' would be a meaningful thread is a personal feeling of what 'I think' would be a meaningful contribution to The Mudcat. That is quite subjective and would be very different for each person. So I think I'll go do that now.....start a line of my personal designer threads. How about I call them 'Meaningful Postings by Neo' I think I'll start one now in the banjo boutique. Little Neo
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20 Nov 00 - 07:47 AM (#343867) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow Perhaps we could have threads like "I'm feeling pissed off, come here if you want to grumble"; "I'm feeling really happy, come here if you feel the same"; "I'm drunk right now, and I want to exchange drunk-talk". Might be quite fun. Might be dreadful. Might be both at the same time, like most things in this life...
(I prefer Wallace and Gromit, and most people I know do as well. I believe that now they've cracked Hollywood, after the necessary compromises, and come up with a success, the next one will be more in the W & G tradition. But Chicken Run is pretty good - not far off being truly cracking.) |
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20 Nov 00 - 12:41 PM (#344019) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: GUEST The trouble with life is, you're halfway through it before you realize it's a do-it-yourself thing. -- Anonymous A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity. -- Robert Frost All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher. -- Anonymous See the ridiculous in everything. -- Robert Smith The Cure |
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20 Nov 00 - 12:53 PM (#344028) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: mousethief Little Neo, it sounds like you're saying "my creative juices are at an ebb and it's YOUR FAULT, fellow Mudcatters!" I hope I'm just reading you wrong here.
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20 Nov 00 - 12:57 PM (#344032) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: MMario The other thing about "inspiring threads" - you can't always tell what is going to be an "inspiring" thread or post to someone else. A case in point: I answered a routine request for lyrics roughly a year or so ago. I answered it, didn't think much more about it. Then last June I went to Old Songs - and much to my surprise found out that the casual post I had made was for another Mudcatter an event that they considered important. you could have knocked me over with a feather! |
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20 Nov 00 - 01:09 PM (#344040) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Alex, I can understand why you would interpret my thoughts that way but it wasn't my intentions. I was just pondering on how I was feeling about it all and asking others if they have felt the same. I am usually too busy blaming myself to have much room left to be blaming others for my problems. Little Neo |
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20 Nov 00 - 01:16 PM (#344046) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Kim C My Good News thread last week went pretty well - although it's languished now at 77 posts and I was hoping we could outdo some of the silly election stuff that went to over 100. Oh well. My thoughts and creativity ebb and flow like everyone else's. Don't sweat it. :) KFC |
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20 Nov 00 - 01:49 PM (#344075) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Greyeyes Cracking cheese thread McGrath of Harlow. |
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20 Nov 00 - 02:01 PM (#344086) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow Some people want to talk about good news, some want to talk about bad news, or the weather, or sport, or cheese or flowers or silly elections. Some of us like to talk about most of those from time to time. Live and let live is a good principle generally. |
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20 Nov 00 - 08:26 PM (#344234) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos Well the good news is, that like any alcoholic, we CAN QUIT ANYTIME WE WANT being glumass inertia ridden, same ol' slow, indecisive, introspective UNENTERTAINING FARTS!!! ANYTIME WE WANT!!! If we decided to we could. I am SURE of that, yes sir. No reason to just yet of course.... |
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20 Nov 00 - 11:13 PM (#344276) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: katlaughing Bonnie, you are doing just fine, THIS is an interesting thread and I find myself at one of those "ebb-points," too, although I'd thought it had more to do with the move than the Mudcat. BUT, ya know we are at the Dark of the Moon, so while there may not be much of interest which is apparent, it is a good time to start something, so go for that banjo boutique thread! When I told my son about my cats doing the TFTD threads this week, he told me he would begin to worry about me when I began telling him that my cats and I absolutley know what we are talking about and ARE sane!**BG** luvyakat |
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21 Nov 00 - 01:40 AM (#344309) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Amos BONNIE! CAN'T YOU COME UP WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN THIS??? I know you can! You're holding out on us, aren't you!!! C'mon -- give with the inspiration, girl! Give!!! Ya can't fool me!!! Go)(*()*)(*mnit, IMAGINE something!!! Wassa madda you??!! THINK of something! Sheeeeesh! Love :>), A |
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21 Nov 00 - 07:44 AM (#344390) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Okay, okay guys I'll go think of something. The creative pressure is killing me. To bring forth something of value into The Mudcat world for fear it may not be a meaninful contribution takes great courage and fortitude. I think I'll start a thread about 'How Amos Made Me Do It' Little Neo who thinks you guys are the best
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21 Nov 00 - 10:38 AM (#344509) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Jim the Bart Hey Neo! Don't push the river. Relax and have a great Thanksgiving. Bart (who thinks you're pretty great also too) |
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21 Nov 00 - 10:44 AM (#344515) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: mousethief It's funny, but there are some artists (I mean musical artists) whose work makes me go "mmmmmm" and want to snuggle down into the couch with a cup of mulled wine. And others make me want to grab a piece of paper and a pen and write songs. (Still others, of course, make me want to lose my lunch, or kick the radio, or grab a piece of paper and a pen and write to the FCC.) Obviously, Little Neo, you need to find sources of inspiration that make you want to be creative, if you want to be creative. Or you could go with the flow, as the Laughing Katster suggests, and ride out the dark of the moon peacefully. Recipes for mulled wine can be found online (clicky).
Alex |
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21 Nov 00 - 05:17 PM (#344750) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Greyeyes "Artists who make me go Mmmmm." On Sunday night Dave The Ancient Mariner sang a song on the Paltalk song-circle which made me feel like Baloo the Bear scratching his back against a tree. Bliss-like ecstasy. You had to be there. |
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21 Nov 00 - 06:28 PM (#344790) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: catspaw49 Yeah Peter....The Waylon Heron showed up here two weeks ago and asked if he could stay awhile til things got a bit slower for you. Plus I think he finds the weather better here. Spaw |
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21 Nov 00 - 09:36 PM (#344885) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: GUEST,Marion Here's a suggestion for those who have been here a while: Look back at your posting history (by clicking on your name where it appears at the beginning of one of your posts). Go back a year or whatever and find a thread that you found fascinating when it was current, or that you've learned something important about since then, or that you've adopted the advice from and can give a report on it... Then refresh it. I'm going to go try this now. Marion |
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22 Nov 00 - 06:30 AM (#345010) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Bonnie, your threads ARE inspiring. Your accounts of taking up an instrument in the prime of life (if you will forgive the lack of gallantry) and progressing so well, have given me the fantasy (no, 'Spaw, not the knee socks!)that when I retire in about 3 years time I can knuckle down and learn to play something other than kazoo and pianola (and not just become a couch potato spending all day with my book and record collection as Herself fears!). RtS |
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22 Nov 00 - 08:06 AM (#345023) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: Little Neophyte Thank you Roger for such kind thoughts. Taking up the banjo in the 'blooming' prime of my life has been amazing! First time I have allowed myself to truly do something for me. This passed 1 1/2 years has been quite challenging. Chipping away at everything that I tend to get caught up in that is actually meaningless activities for me. As I chip away at stuff I don't want to do, I find more time for the music. Then there is my personal battle of sabotaging my own success. What is wrong with us? We can be our own worst enemies sometimes. I find the key for me is allowing myself to feel like a baby in diapers learning about the world. Letting myself make tons of mistakes and being bold with my curiosity and wonder. The music folks have been very kind to me. If it weren't for those people like Rick Fielding and others who have held my hand and lead me along the way, I don't think I could have come this far. Bonnie |
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22 Nov 00 - 08:09 AM (#345024) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: catspaw49 Hmmmmm.........Diapers AND white socks..............hhmmmmmmmm................... Spaw |
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22 Nov 00 - 08:49 AM (#345050) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: LR Mole I think CarolC has a good piece of it: sometimes friends seem less interesting but it's probably one's OWN energy at low ebb. Spaw, I ain't getting on the Guilt Express. Raised RC so that's my home country anyway. No desire to return any more than absolutely necessary. And as for the Cat now being what it used to be, well, I'm not either. But here we are. |
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22 Nov 00 - 09:27 AM (#345069) Subject: RE: Creating Inspiring Threads vs Inertia From: McGrath of Harlow I remember some of the first posts I ever read here were people going on about how the Mudcat was a shadow of what it used to be. Later going back into the archives I found people saying the same things during what later posters had indicated were the golden olden days which come no more.
Now I see people saying the same stuff about the very same times the Mudcat was having when I first came visiting.
The more things change the more they stay the same. There are good times and bad times, and your good times are someone else's bad times. Your terrible threads are somebody else's classics. And the other way round.
The Mudcat is what we make it, day by day, thread by thread, post by post. All in all, it is pretty good, and we can keep it that way and make sure that as it changes, which is something we can never avoid, it gets better rather than worse.
And I suggest that rather than run round in circles too much about this kind of thing, we all have a look at this thread and put our thinking caps on about how to make sure we still have a Mudcat.
(And that banjo thread you set off is the kind of thing we need Neo.)
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