Please take a few minutes to complete this sentence: "My online musical community is important to me because..."

#

Response Date

Response Text

1.

2/4/2009 8:11:00 AM

it's a link to like-minded people around the world who all share the same uncommon hobby that I do. It's a killer app for finding the names of tunes, and different versions and variations of a tune.

2.

2/4/2009 8:11:00 AM

It keeps me informed about my world of folk & updates me about that same world and keeps my finger on the community's pulse.

3.

2/4/2009 8:11:00 AM

I don't consider myself

4.

2/4/2009 8:12:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with folk music and the mudcat freinds I have mad eover the years.

5.

2/4/2009 8:20:00 AM

I am a full time musician, so I need to, as well as enjoy, keeping up.

6.

2/4/2009 8:24:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with the World Wide and National folk Music community

7.

2/4/2009 8:25:00 AM

I can get advice, keep up with the gossip, be led to links and sites that I wouldn't otherwise know about and get to meet (in cyberspace) people I wouldn't otherwise meet. Its like reading the newspaper ... sometimes interesting, sometimes not ... but its there when its needed.

8.

2/4/2009 8:36:00 AM

it helps to sustain my offline music/singing activity

9.

2/4/2009 8:37:00 AM

Traditional music and song is a vast subject - no individual can know everything. Questions that might take months of research to get answers can often be answered within hours using a forum. One is also able to reciprocate by answering questions posed by others, so the benefits are mutual. However, (as with any other information obtained via the Internet), it's always wise to make a value judgement as to whether the information provided is actually correct.

10.

2/4/2009 8:39:00 AM

I've found no other community as diverse, experienced, friendly, frustrating, supportive, subversive, knowledgeable or downright nutso as the Mudcat!

11.

2/4/2009 8:40:00 AM

It is good to know that there are other people around the world who share my interest.

12.

2/4/2009 8:47:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with new developments, events and acts; it shares knowledge, which I value both as a consumer and a giver of that knowledge; and it provides an online 'village pump' to talk over the current happenings, or sometimes just metaphorically sit back and watch the traffic.

13.

2/4/2009 8:53:00 AM

I have contact with like-minded people all around the world, I have answers at my fingertips and I have met many interesting people, without leaving home.

14.

2/4/2009 8:54:00 AM

it provides access to a tradition I wouldn't otherwise be able to be involved in.

15.

2/4/2009 8:56:00 AM

(No comment)

16.

2/4/2009 8:57:00 AM

It helps to find out more about Irish music and so enjoy the music more.

17.

2/4/2009 8:58:00 AM

It keeps me in touch with trends, ideas and questions about the music and performance.

18.

2/4/2009 9:02:00 AM

it enables me to access knowledge to which I would otherwise have no access.

19.

2/4/2009 9:05:00 AM

I don't really have a 'physical musical community' to which I belong. Information available here is both far more abundant and accessible than, say, local public libraries. If I belonged to a 'physical musical community' I dare say the information available here would surpass what was available there too.

20.

2/4/2009 9:08:00 AM

I have acquaintances nationwide who share my taste in entertainments, though we are geographically widely scattered we can freely communicate ideas, information and plans, providing support and even arranging physical assistance when we so wish.

21.

2/4/2009 9:11:00 AM

It gives a window on news I might not otherwise pick up, and an opportunity to contribute when questions are asked about my area or field of expertise.

22.

2/4/2009 9:16:00 AM

I have gotten to know a few members fairly well & enjoy their company. The most important aspect of sessioning is social. Same here.

23.

2/4/2009 9:17:00 AM

it gives me a quick indication that what I am doing has both integrity and relevance among people who listen to, enjoy and perform music in traditional and "folk" styles.

24.

2/4/2009 9:18:00 AM

Like many others, i suspect, I like folk melodies, but find myself out of sympathy with what happens in folk clubs. Mudcat allows me to keep in touch with like-minded, and opposite-minded, people on the scene without having to sit through an evening of ordeal by dirge singing each week.

25.

2/4/2009 9:18:00 AM

It has extended my acquaintance around the globe. I feel that, should I wish, I can find like-minded people in some places I may visit.

26.

2/4/2009 9:19:00 AM

It includes me into the folk community.

27.

2/4/2009 9:22:00 AM

It feels like being part of a global folk club

28.

2/4/2009 9:23:00 AM

it gives me access to a breadth of experience (globally) of people who are actively involved in music at a community level. Enough of them are bona fide experts in their fields. Many, of course, indulge in completely unsupportable arguments - but it isn't that difficult to work out who they are.

29.

2/4/2009 9:24:00 AM

it's not important, it's just a mini break from work. though I have made some freinds.

30.

2/4/2009 9:28:00 AM

I know some of the members personally and it helps me keep in touch and find out what they are doing.

31.

2/4/2009 9:29:00 AM

Mudcat - wonderful resource to get help with anything to do with folk music (and sometimes outside it too).

32.

2/4/2009 9:29:00 AM

although I do not regard it as 'my' community, it widens contact with people broadly with interests in the same field.

33.

2/4/2009 9:31:00 AM

being far away from a strong, real community participating in the music, I need to keep in touch with other musicians to learn about the traditions.

34.

2/4/2009 9:37:00 AM

my real musical community consists of the same old people playing the same old tunes at the same old speed to the same old crowds.

35.

2/4/2009 9:40:00 AM

It has some very knowledgeable people there

36.

2/4/2009 9:42:00 AM

It's where I find words to songs or the origins of songs.

37.

2/4/2009 9:48:00 AM

members are so generous with their knowledge and skills and their wit and intelligence (but not always!)

38.

2/4/2009 9:51:00 AM

it fills a gap that isn't covered by tv or radio. I can visit whenever I want.

39.

2/4/2009 9:52:00 AM

they keep me abreast of my hobby

40.

2/4/2009 9:53:00 AM

it makes me feel less isolated as I don't get to visit 'folk' clubs very often due them being few in number in this area and at inconvenient times.

41.

2/4/2009 9:53:00 AM

... of being able to communicate with people who share my (rather specialised) interests but don't live near me, whom I would otherwise never connect with. ... it's a wonderful resource for finding material that you can't get ahold of, asking questions, getting song words, and making new friends. ... it's fun. (Downside: I spend too much time on the internet, at the cost of getting work done!)

42.

2/4/2009 10:04:00 AM

...it gives me an enlarged vision of the world in which I live.

43.

2/4/2009 10:06:00 AM

I can communicate with like minded people, read about and advertise upcoming gigs and events, and gather information on many subjects.

44.

2/4/2009 10:10:00 AM

I found new friends there

45.

2/4/2009 10:11:00 AM

it makes me realise I am not alone in my love of the music and debate about it, and it asks nothing of me in return

46.

2/4/2009 10:12:00 AM

...it has enabled me to discover much more about the thoughts,opinions,abilities,preferences,and musical styles and interpretations,of all nationalities,which is a fantastic facility to be able to enjoy !

47.

2/4/2009 10:13:00 AM

I have made so many good friends from around the world, who I would never otherwise have known.

48.

2/4/2009 10:13:00 AM

it keeps me up to date with events, sessions etc. that I might not hear about otherwise.

49.

2/4/2009 10:13:00 AM

It helps an oldie keep in touch

50.

2/4/2009 10:14:00 AM

it enables me to meet a lot of people I wouldn't otherwise, make friends all over the world, ask questions and find answers, help other people in their musical research...

51.

2/4/2009 10:14:00 AM

...often it's just a matter of asking.

52.

2/4/2009 10:17:00 AM

At my age (61) I find a certain affinity with music people of a similar age group. That is not to say that all Mudcatters are old !

53.

2/4/2009 10:25:00 AM

it allows me to find out what is going on and promote events I am involved with.

54.

2/4/2009 10:27:00 AM

it supports my magical thinking.

55.

2/4/2009 10:29:00 AM

My online musical community is *used by me because: It keeps me up to date on any news concerning the tradition. It gives me an insight into the views and opinions of people on one topic from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, the biggest reason would be: It is a reason for procrastination. - that's why I didn't use "important" above.

56.

2/4/2009 10:30:00 AM

it has broadened my musical outlook and knowledge and given me the courage to interact with people within the musical community.

57.

2/4/2009 10:31:00 AM

it helps me learn and helps make up for the thin local ITM culture in Canberra

58.

2/4/2009 10:32:00 AM

It is one of the few places where the music I most like - folk, folk-rock and similar - is debated intelligently and in lively fashion. The discussions attract robust disagreements, which I welcome, and sometimes straightforward abuse, in many cases between subscribers with a history of antagonism, but this is a small price to pay for Mudcat's many positive aspects.

59.

2/4/2009 10:33:00 AM

it connects me with other folkies around the world

60.

2/4/2009 10:35:00 AM

..it brings me into contact with a broader spectrum of the folk community.

61.

2/4/2009 10:35:00 AM

It broadens my social and musical horizons.

62.

2/4/2009 10:38:00 AM

It helps me keep in contact with others with the same interests.

63.

2/4/2009 10:42:00 AM

it stops me getting bored at work

64.

2/4/2009 10:43:00 AM

See above. I work from home and don't get out much!

65.

2/4/2009 10:45:00 AM

It is a very rich resource

66.

2/4/2009 10:51:00 AM

it's part of my social life

67.

2/4/2009 10:52:00 AM

it's good to find friends internationally who share musical interests.

68.

2/4/2009 10:53:00 AM

it allows me to connect with musicians all over the world.

69.

2/4/2009 10:54:00 AM

It's a way of keeping up with what's going on in the Irish music scene, plus finding music for tunes I want.

70.

2/4/2009 11:01:00 AM

I can keep in touch with what folkies are up to internationally

71.

2/4/2009 11:02:00 AM

it keeps me in touch while living in an area where its difficult to be as active as I'd like to be in folk music

72.

2/4/2009 11:04:00 AM

it helps me keep up with what is going on in the folk world, and find out what I can support and let others know what they can support, whether this be someone who is going through a hard time, a musical event or a campaign to prevent something or encourage something from happening. It is also a useful place to include warnings about anything that might hurt a member.

73.

2/4/2009 11:09:00 AM

It is not really - but it's such an amiable group of strange people, and the atmosphere is really amiable, unlike any online discussion forums I've known. It's become sort of a subconscious thing that when I get on a computer, I automatically check TheSession.org.

74.

2/4/2009 11:09:00 AM

I can talk with people that listen to the same kind of music as me

75.

2/4/2009 11:10:00 AM

occasionally it's interesting to know other musician's views, and/or respondong to other people's questions or sometimes provocative assertions.

76.

2/4/2009 11:10:00 AM

folk music is a community - being online just makes the parts I interact with bigger..

77.

2/4/2009 11:15:00 AM

I like to connect with people who share my enthusiasms

78.

2/4/2009 11:19:00 AM

I find it a useful resource for tunes and a good place to share thoughts and ideas - even if some of the threads can wind you up the wall!

79.

2/4/2009 11:19:00 AM

of all the answers to the questions thus far.

80.

2/4/2009 11:20:00 AM

It keeps me abreast of current trends, items that are happening in the folk world and a quick way of communicating with people over a specific matter.

81.

2/4/2009 11:25:00 AM

it's a resource of knowledge

82.

2/4/2009 11:26:00 AM

My husband is houseboubnd and I can rarely get out to interact with groups now.

83.

2/4/2009 11:27:00 AM

of the friendly and helful nature of most of the members. Even the stupidest questions are replied to seriously. I also enjoy the banter.

84.

2/4/2009 11:29:00 AM

it adds a new dimension to the study of social history and a new perspective to the response to contemporary social and political issues

85.

2/4/2009 11:30:00 AM

It puts me in contact with people all over the world and to be introduced to ideas/information I would otherwise never be aware of.

86.

2/4/2009 11:33:00 AM

it is

87.

2/4/2009 11:36:00 AM

It provides me with information that helps me become a better musician.

88.

2/4/2009 11:37:00 AM

it not only is a music resource, but has expanded my knowledge and horizons about many ideas and places in the world, challenges me to think, and, because I have had the opportunity to meet a number of 'Catter's face-to-face" has resulted in in caring friendships with a broad range of people from around the world.

89.

2/4/2009 11:38:00 AM

it keeps me up to date with what's happening in the folk world.

90.

2/4/2009 11:46:00 AM

I don't really regard it as important, but it's interesting to note what people are thinking about the music that's a big part of my life.

91.

2/4/2009 11:49:00 AM

As a musician... I find thesession.org a valuable resource for music and knowledge sharing.

92.

2/4/2009 11:50:00 AM

it's such a valuable resource for lyrics/tunes.

93.

2/4/2009 11:53:00 AM

I normally only play music with the same few aquaintances, so usually am only playing the same few tunes.

94.

2/4/2009 11:56:00 AM

Well, actually, it's not important to me at all.

95.

2/4/2009 11:58:00 AM

It isn't particularly important. It's just a compulsion.

96.

2/4/2009 11:58:00 AM

It is a source of information I had not found elsewhere.

97.

2/4/2009 12:03:00 PM

I enjoy trying to help others and also learning from the experiences of others on the board

98.

2/4/2009 12:09:00 PM

I'm a bit isolated from a big session scene and it's nice to get a feel for what is happening "globally"

99.

2/4/2009 12:10:00 PM

"They are an exceedingly eclectic bunch of interesting, intelligent and well informed individuals from whom I am both learning much about my interest, and with whom I am also forging real life friendships.

100.

2/4/2009 12:18:00 PM

It helps me keep abreast of developments in the folk world. When I visited Sydney a few years ago, I spent a delightful couple of evenings on the James Craig in Darling Harbour arranged through Mudcat contacts. I first visited Alcester and Arden (a lovely 'singers' festival) because of a mention on Mudcat. I also get to know where local Mudcatters are going to be, so I can catch up with them (Mudgathers).

101.

2/4/2009 12:20:00 PM

It reinforces my self esteem, in that I can supply information to others and thus support music as a whole.

102.

2/4/2009 12:23:00 PM

It's a great source of musical knowledge as well as a source for tunes.

103.

2/4/2009 12:26:00 PM

....ok its not really important, the musicians I know around me who I interact with are important. I see thesession.org as a bit of craic, lighthearted fun.

104.

2/4/2009 12:33:00 PM

I live in an area where traditional music is very hard to find; the online communtiy helps to fill this gap.

105.

2/4/2009 12:34:00 PM

it is entertaining. COMMENT - "important" is a powerful positive connotative word. A better neutral wording might be: "I participate in an online musical community because..."

106.

2/4/2009 12:34:00 PM

It is a window on people's current views on various topics.

107.

2/4/2009 12:37:00 PM

It helps me keep in touch with individuals, groups, & events both locally & further afield.

108.

2/4/2009 12:37:00 PM

it's Life's University!

109.

2/4/2009 12:40:00 PM

I live in a relatively isolated location with limited local interaction so Mudcat provides me with some of the intellectual stimulation I lack.

110.

2/4/2009 12:41:00 PM

It provides useful background and information on the real world community

111.

2/4/2009 12:41:00 PM

It provides anchorage for my love of folk music

112.

2/4/2009 12:42:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with other people who share my interests and is my main source of tunes and information.

113.

2/4/2009 12:43:00 PM

It takes the sum knowledge of a specialist group & makes it available to all

114.

2/4/2009 12:44:00 PM

I have lots of chums there and it is a useful resource

115.

2/4/2009 12:50:00 PM

It helps me keep in touch with what's going on when and whether people I know are involved. It gives me feedback on music events. It gives me acccess to information about lyrics & tunes.

116.

2/4/2009 12:52:00 PM

it gives my a sense of how my playing is improving and gives me ideas regarding playing technique, especially as there are not too many musicians where I am.

117.

2/4/2009 12:52:00 PM

It's marginally more entertaining than watching lemmings.

118.

2/4/2009 12:58:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with what is going on in my hobby. Its a source of information on lyrics gigs performers and venues, By interacting with others I hope I am helping to keep my hobby going.

119.

2/4/2009 1:00:00 PM

it's family.

120.

2/4/2009 1:01:00 PM

it keeps me up to date on folk news, mostly UK based, and news of folks worldwide

121.

2/4/2009 1:06:00 PM

it has enabled me to meet both virtually and in real life people with similar interests and to find new places to play and interact with people across this country.

122.

2/4/2009 1:09:00 PM

It keeps everybody in touch on a global scale with what is still a quite specialised subject. Also it says a lot about the personalities of the users

123.

2/4/2009 1:13:00 PM

Helps me to find music I might like.

124.

2/4/2009 1:15:00 PM

It is a connection between me and others interested in the same music and related activities

125.

2/4/2009 1:15:00 PM

the folk music community is very spread out across the world and these forums enable me to keep up with people I know but who live far away and with events in the folk world relatively easily. I also like the learning through sharing aspect that particularly exists on Mudcat, and the ability to find music to join in with wherever you are in the world. (well nearly everywhere).

126.

2/4/2009 1:15:00 PM

It has an excellent database for tunes and keeps me up to date with events and trends in the world of Irish music.

127.

2/4/2009 1:16:00 PM

it connects me with intelligent, often sensitive and caring people. [another completion of that sentence] helps me feel connected to the world.

128.

2/4/2009 1:17:00 PM

I pretty much owe my current home, job, and recreational activities as well as friendships, vacations, etc. to Mudcat. My house is always filled with folkies visiting from across the country and around the world.

129.

2/4/2009 1:18:00 PM

A link to the wider world.

130.

2/4/2009 1:18:00 PM

It provides a one-stop resource of collective information and wisdom that I can't find anywhere else.

131.

2/4/2009 1:21:00 PM

it amuses me and gives me an opportunity to assert my personality, albeit annomynously!

132.

2/4/2009 1:23:00 PM

It's not. I could easily find something else to do.

133.

2/4/2009 1:23:00 PM

I get to know what my friends are doing. This may be a question further. But we make and meet in person folks on Mudcat.

134.

2/4/2009 1:25:00 PM

Impossible to answer as it's a false premise. It's not "my" online community. As a "lurker" I feel no sense of ownership. And it's not "important to me".

135.

2/4/2009 1:27:00 PM

it keeps me informed of local (and national) events; the discussions give me a lot of food for thought and I find them informative and stimulating. I also enjoy the banter!

136.

2/4/2009 1:29:00 PM

it keeps me abreast of news about people and events I am interested in and serves as a reasearch resource for song words, tunes and background information

137.

2/4/2009 1:29:00 PM

"we have common values, and I find kindred spirits there."

138.

2/4/2009 1:32:00 PM

it IS a Community

139.

2/4/2009 1:34:00 PM

music is my life.

140.

2/4/2009 1:38:00 PM

not particularly important - great way to kill time.

141.

2/4/2009 1:41:00 PM

is one of the ways I feel connected

142.

2/4/2009 1:45:00 PM

It expands my opportunity for involvement in folk music

143.

2/4/2009 1:49:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with the people, who care about the music, which I love.

144.

2/4/2009 1:50:00 PM

it prvides me with an additional source of knowledge and an opportunity to possibly help someone else with my information and/or experience.

145.

2/4/2009 1:52:00 PM

I like nice people.

146.

2/4/2009 1:53:00 PM

...I consider the people there friends. They are knowledgeable, intelligent, witty, and care about others.

147.

2/4/2009 1:54:00 PM

there are so many traditional tunes out there that don't appear in printed sources. This community can also highlight styles of playing and versions of tunes via for example Youtube, Ceoltas and other sites wher if you are lucky, you can watch how good musicians tackle difficult sections of tunes.

148.

2/4/2009 2:02:00 PM

(1) it's instantaneous human contact (albeit cyberwise) beyond my immediate community of friends and family, ie, it's instant gratification; (2) I learn things outside of my immediate interests; (3) I learn more about my immediate interests; (4) mutual love and support for emotional issues like death, health, crisis and trauma, indecision etc; (5) it's my nature to care and to be cared for; (6) it helps me make decisions about life issues, love issues, money issues, parenting issues, etc; (7) chiefly I get to chat, discuss, argue about music and use what I learn.

149.

2/4/2009 2:09:00 PM

it makes the whole world seem more accessible.

150.

2/4/2009 2:10:00 PM

It helps me to utilize what I know, learn about new music and traditional music I've not encountered, and learn about musical and non-musical topics of interest through the perspectives of people from different cultures and geographic regions.

151.

2/4/2009 2:11:00 PM

it allows me to track down sheet music for tunes after hearing them in sessions.

152.

2/4/2009 2:20:00 PM

it has expanded my life in many areas.

153.

2/4/2009 2:27:00 PM

It allows me to feel connected to the musical tradition without leaving home.

154.

2/4/2009 2:30:00 PM

you never know enough tunes

155.

2/4/2009 2:32:00 PM

it is the best way for good tips on playing the music to get passed around which aids my playing.

156.

2/4/2009 2:33:00 PM

it's good for a few laughs!

157.

2/4/2009 2:39:00 PM

It increases my knowledge, it keeps me involved.

158.

2/4/2009 2:41:00 PM

I care deeply about traditional music, its performance and its practitioners and I remember the days when others on the Mudcat board shared my passion and valued my input.

159.

2/4/2009 2:46:00 PM

I feel that if keeps me connected when I'm not actively out playing.

160.

2/4/2009 2:52:00 PM

it has helped me develop my repertoire by being a readily accessible repository of tunes.

161.

2/4/2009 2:54:00 PM

1)Members know things I don't know -- why reinvent the wheel? 2) Not everyone loves folk music -- these people do 3) I've met some of the people and it's a good way to keep in touch

162.

2/4/2009 2:56:00 PM

It keeps me up to date on learning new music.

163.

2/4/2009 2:59:00 PM

I feel that I am part of a larger community of people with similar interests. It is a valuable resource when searching for music or recordings.

164.

2/4/2009 2:59:00 PM

It's great craic

165.

2/4/2009 3:00:00 PM

It connects one with like-minded people around the worlde

166.

2/4/2009 3:03:00 PM

it gives me a chance to hear opinions, ideas, thoughts and comments from people in other countries.

167.

2/4/2009 3:08:00 PM

it fills a gap, and provides contacts that I wouldn't otherwise have.

168.

2/4/2009 3:15:00 PM

I learn a lot, and "meet" interesting people. That sums it up, I guess.

169.

2/4/2009 3:17:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with musicians who i can talk to about music.

170.

2/4/2009 3:23:00 PM

It is a learning tool, an opportunity to socialize on-line, a place to make musical contacts, and a way to relax.

171.

2/4/2009 3:25:00 PM

it keeps me informed about things I wouldn't otherwise find out about.

172.

2/4/2009 3:26:00 PM

It's a fantastic resource for folk (and other) music and songs; and I learn a lot.

173.

2/4/2009 3:30:00 PM

it makes me feel part of a community

174.

2/4/2009 3:39:00 PM

they offer help and support. It's made up of alot of my friends and people who have become friends.

175.

2/4/2009 3:41:00 PM

locally our sessions do not provide everything that session. org can.

176.

2/4/2009 3:46:00 PM

of the friendships I've developed there and all of the music I have learned over and may have never known without it.

177.

2/4/2009 3:48:00 PM

my community provides useful information about the music I like to play. It is also entertaining.

178.

2/4/2009 3:50:00 PM

gives me a chance to find tunes and keep up with what is happening in traditional music

179.

2/4/2009 3:53:00 PM

It keeps me connected to the world of folk music, now that I no longer travel to many festivals. Also, I have made many friends through Mudcat.

180.

2/4/2009 3:57:00 PM

I need to be in the loop. It prevents me from feeling totally isolated. It's important that we use any means at all to foster community and preserve our heritage.

181.

2/4/2009 3:58:00 PM

it provides different viewpoints and perspectives about music I'm interested in.

182.

2/4/2009 3:59:00 PM

it has become more than just an online place to visit. I have, through the Mudcat, met many great friends all over both the USA and the UK. I also met my husband via Mudcat. My knowledge and enjoyment of folk music has been greatly enhanced by this site and I have improved as a performer as a result of belonging to the site and mixing with other members.

183.

2/4/2009 4:02:00 PM

you can learn a lot of things. You can occasionally teach someone something. sometimes it's fun. sometimes i'm bored at work and like to think/"talk" about something that interests me. i don't go to thesession.org that often anymore becaus i DONT enjoy the banter there. Many people are critical of thesession.org because of the opinions of the community members and because of the style in which these opinions are expressed.

184.

2/4/2009 4:06:00 PM

it causes me to interact with more people, with much more widely divergent experiences, and viewpoints on many things, compared to my current "offline" experience as a retiree.

185.

2/4/2009 4:07:00 PM

it's helping me to understand the Trad scene.

186.

2/4/2009 4:10:00 PM

I feel I can interact with the members, some of whom have become personal friends.

187.

2/4/2009 4:12:00 PM

I learn things about which I've been ignorant: I also enjoy seeing how people have different perceptions & opinions about music and the folk scene. Sometimes I even enjoy the bitchiness which is occasionally on display!!

188.

2/4/2009 4:14:00 PM

it puts me in touch with a huge body of accumulated knowledge and experience, and with some incredibly dedicated scholars and musicians.

189.

2/4/2009 4:14:00 PM

...it affords me a link to musical and other information and permits friendly communication among friends with similar interests and musical tastes.The banter and good-natured camaraderie are delightful.

190.

2/4/2009 4:25:00 PM

I have met many friends in person and enjoy their company online and off. It also provides opportunities for me as a working musician

191.

2/4/2009 4:26:00 PM

it gives me an indication of the type of people who have the same interests as me.

192.

2/4/2009 4:27:00 PM

It allows me to keep in touch with the many friends I have made over the past 10 years.

193.

2/4/2009 4:27:00 PM

It provides a connection to those who share my love of the music and a way to share thoughts and ideas with people I may never see.

194.

2/4/2009 4:27:00 PM

it's an excellent way to keep in touch with people I may meet in the real world, and it's a good source of knowledge and anti-knowledge.

195.

2/4/2009 4:30:00 PM

It helps me to tell other people whats happening and encourage

196.

2/4/2009 4:35:00 PM

it gives me company and a chance to help others make music. The Mudcat is also one of those rare places where people are interested in discussing language for its own sake.

197.

2/4/2009 4:38:00 PM

it enriches and enlarges my world.

198.

2/4/2009 4:43:00 PM

It links me with like-minded folks

199.

2/4/2009 4:43:00 PM

It allows me access to speak with other musicians of the same mind and find good tunes that they recommend, and tell about my own musical ventures

200.

2/4/2009 4:46:00 PM

I am now living very far from Ireland.

201.

2/4/2009 5:02:00 PM

The most important single thing is that there is some wonderful and carefully researched inormation about the history of specific folk songs - Tam Lin, Reynardine, Pretty Peggy of Derby spring to mind, but there are many others The disproof of the alleged "folk" status of "Fields of Athenrae" was masterly. Secondly it is a very convenient way to organise and monitor local and national folk music events.

202.

2/4/2009 5:12:00 PM

session is a great resource - absolute gem Mudcat is occur for more up to date 'local' detail

203.

2/4/2009 5:12:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with people all around the world who share a passion for Irish traditional music.

204.

2/4/2009 5:20:00 PM

it allows me to find new musical experiences.

205.

2/4/2009 5:23:00 PM

I can find information and viewpoints there I won't find anywhere else.

206.

2/4/2009 5:23:00 PM

It lets me keep in touch with people who share my passion for the music.

207.

2/4/2009 5:25:00 PM

I am not always able to get to folk clubs and festivals so the online musical community helps to keep me in touch with events and people.

208.

2/4/2009 5:25:00 PM

Folk music is not as 'popular' as it once was, and Mudcat concentrates knowledgeable people in one place. Also, by its very nature, folk music is topical and wide-ranging in subject matter and we get VERY intelligent folks commenting on issues.

209.

2/4/2009 5:30:00 PM

it gives me the chance to know what people might be playing in other parts of the world, and enables me to play it too

210.

2/4/2009 5:31:00 PM

it's a great resource

211.

2/4/2009 5:51:00 PM

it makes me laugh to see so much pomposity and blown up egos....which is not because it`s about folk music but because it`s online

212.

2/4/2009 6:05:00 PM

I like being aware of things happening with Irish music all over the world, and it's an easy way to do that.

213.

2/4/2009 6:08:00 PM

I get to see what other people think (even if it is rubbish)

214.

2/4/2009 6:09:00 PM

It has given me tunes for words I knew and words for tunes I knew. Plus supplying an ongoing supply of new/interesting information on the same. ie I had the words for "When all men sing" for about 9 months before I met Johnny Collins who had the song on one of his CD's, so I got the tune. On a susequent trip to England, with a Mudcat member who I had conversed with online, I met Scowie, who wrote the words and ended up singing the song a few days later in a sing around near Preston, I did get the OK from him first. He (Scowie) said to me later "Everyone here knows the song but you are the first one to sing it here"

215.

2/4/2009 6:17:00 PM

I find out what people are doing and thinking in other parts of the world.

216.

2/4/2009 6:35:00 PM

It's a great source of information, with many experts who are happy to share their knowledge.

217.

2/4/2009 6:38:00 PM

... it fills so many needs so elegantly and is so flexible that it can do just about anything anyone needs.

218.

2/4/2009 6:39:00 PM

it provides me with information

219.

2/4/2009 6:54:00 PM

i can air my views and comments, i can also give real information on gypsy ways

220.

2/4/2009 6:55:00 PM

it's a great source of information on the music that I like.

221.

2/4/2009 6:55:00 PM

my real-life community is severely limiyed with regard to folk music

222.

2/4/2009 6:56:00 PM

...of the knowledge & experience(s) of the folks there. It's a wealth of historic & anecdotal information, presented with a sincere sense of sharing, caring & community spirit.

223.

2/4/2009 7:05:00 PM

It enables me to maintain contact with people i know and to keep up to date with news, events, etc

224.

2/4/2009 7:06:00 PM

Through discussions I learn the members and begin to care about them. Members open my eyes to aspects of myself I had/have not seen. I have become more analytical / critical about what I "think" and "believe." I learn!

225.

2/4/2009 7:07:00 PM

I get information from people who shre my interests.

226.

2/4/2009 7:16:00 PM

it is an opportunity to share information about the music I love

227.

2/4/2009 7:17:00 PM

it helps me and I can help others.

228.

2/4/2009 7:17:00 PM

It enables me to keep in touch with my local folk community, as well as national & international folk.

229.

2/4/2009 7:20:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with what is going on in the world of Irish traditional music in areas that I don't have access to otherwise.

230.

2/4/2009 7:22:00 PM

It puts me in touch with like minded people. No matter how obscure some aspect of my musical interest might be, I'm likely to find someone else who's interested. It's been a great resource for information about lyrics, artists, concerts, sessions, at home and when travelling. Also helpful for technology issues such as advice on what type of digital recorder to buy or how to fix an iPod problem, etc.

231.

2/4/2009 7:28:00 PM

It reminds me of the international dimension of ITM and serves to keep me up to date.

232.

2/4/2009 7:31:00 PM

it serves as a central database for sharing tunes with (real) session members, and has a wealth of up-to-date information on recordings/sessions/events/news.

233.

2/4/2009 7:46:00 PM

I like it.

234.

2/4/2009 7:48:00 PM

my family and friend don't share my type of music

235.

2/4/2009 8:00:00 PM

I love good music, but unlike music, I could live well without the community. :-)

236.

2/4/2009 8:12:00 PM

I don't know many people near me who are interested in this specific type of music.

237.

2/4/2009 8:14:00 PM

I enjoy discussing my hobby with others around the world, and the Session site is an excellent source of information and music.

238.

2/4/2009 8:16:00 PM

it is a collection of caring, committed, quirky and interesting people speaking a common language--music--in a variety of dialects, all living in a small village that spans the world, and wonder of wonders, I live there too!

239.

2/4/2009 8:16:00 PM

I contantly learning new things from people I respect and like

240.

2/4/2009 8:19:00 PM

as a newcomer to the performance of folk music it is useful to read other people's opinions and to get guidance from them.

241.

2/4/2009 8:23:00 PM

I learn things both musical and non-musical by coming to the Mudcat. I am a listener not a musician and I have learned a great deal about music on Mudcat. The discussions often (even when staying on topic) expand to cover quite a large swath of information.

242.

2/4/2009 8:27:00 PM

It provides a quick reference source for the sheet music or ABC's that we are constantly learning in our local session.

243.

2/4/2009 8:28:00 PM

it broadens the variety of my musical interactions while staying in my town.

244.

2/4/2009 8:33:00 PM

it provides information and news specifically related to the music that i enjoy. equally there is a wealth of learning to be had from different posters

245.

2/4/2009 8:38:00 PM

its inspiring to listen to other enthusiasts talk about my hobby

246.

2/4/2009 8:41:00 PM

it passes a few minutes on my internet rambles

247.

2/4/2009 8:46:00 PM

I enjoy reading discussions on the music I love playing. I learn stuff, find new tunes, find new musicians to listen to and sometime get annoyed when people mess things up. I have a sort of hate-love relationship to online communities - they are great because it's so easy to find and use them, but they are also a pain in the *ss since they're so easy to find and use... A lot of the stuff going on can be quite irrelevant.

248.

2/4/2009 9:01:00 PM

I feel they are more authentic than the actual session I attend. They give a different perspective, and challenge me to try to do new things. I don't talk much because I don't feel qualified, but I do learn from the advice others offer.

249.

2/4/2009 9:09:00 PM

it is a great resource for song lyrics and allows me to converse with people with similar interests.

250.

2/4/2009 9:11:00 PM

it keeeps me in touch with a larger world

251.

2/4/2009 9:17:00 PM

it expands my knowledge of traditional Irish Music

252.

2/4/2009 9:21:00 PM

of the reasons given in 7. It connects with sessions in different places, it is a source of (often poorly notated but nevertheless helpful) tunes. And sometimes the joking around is fun.

253.

2/4/2009 9:41:00 PM

It's an easily accessible and vast source of knowledge

254.

2/4/2009 9:41:00 PM

it helps me find local people interested in the music wherever I travel. And helps me learn about new recordings or artists I otherwise might not have discovered.

255.

2/4/2009 9:47:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with a group with interests similar to mine.

256.

2/4/2009 9:51:00 PM

I've learned a lot, found words to songs, had questions answered, answered other people's questions. And it's nice to be connected with like-mined people in other parts of my country (USA) and other countries.

257.

2/4/2009 9:58:00 PM

I discovered as I met people at sessions in my town that a big part of traditional music is the people and the stories that go with the tunes. The website allows me to expand the number of knowledgeable people I can learn from.

258.

2/4/2009 10:01:00 PM

keeps me from being insular

259.

2/4/2009 10:06:00 PM

of the ability to access answers to musical questions easily, and also get tips or information about issues not previously considered.

260.

2/4/2009 10:12:00 PM

its a way of sharing info and background which helps to ground the playing side

261.

2/4/2009 10:16:00 PM

Neither Mudcat nor the Session is very important to me. I do not feel like a true "member" of either community. The Session is a good source of tune/melody information, Mudcat is a good source of lyrics.

262.

2/4/2009 10:19:00 PM

it enriches my life and provides me with a resource base I couldn't equal in the small town where I live.

263.

2/4/2009 10:20:00 PM

It links me with the ideas and knowledge of people around the world with similar musical interests.

264.

2/4/2009 10:22:00 PM

There's not a lot around me where I live, particularly the craic between the members from Ireland that allows swearing, pisstaking and general mayhem.

265.

2/4/2009 10:24:00 PM

I am in contact with many people who share certain of my musical interests; I don't have nearly so many real-life friends with much interest in or knowledge of folk music.

266.

2/4/2009 10:31:00 PM

I love Irish traditional music

267.

2/4/2009 10:39:00 PM

It has now become a habit I would miss

268.

2/4/2009 10:40:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with the scene with minimum effort and gives me insights I might never otherwise come across

269.

2/4/2009 10:52:00 PM

It is a link to a "minority sport"

270.

2/4/2009 10:53:00 PM

it's an extension of my real-life musical community.

271.

2/4/2009 11:17:00 PM

it enables me to communicate with an expanding circle of friendly and helpful fellow-musos across the world.

272.

2/4/2009 11:22:00 PM

Contact with people who enjoy the same music as me. Help with problems re music and playing.

273.

2/4/2009 11:23:00 PM

Folk music used to form a major part of my life and mudcat helps maintain the links I used to have.

274.

2/4/2009 11:29:00 PM

It is my main contact with the world of Irish/scottish music. It has helped me make informed choices about buying instruments, CDs. I have learned lots of new tunes. Great links to other related and useful sites and to good youtube videos. It has kept me inspired to pursue my music seriously.

275.

2/4/2009 11:30:00 PM

it aids me in every facet of my musical life, and ultimately with how I view the world at large. I am a more complete performer for the knowledge I have gained, the techniques I have picked up, for the world view that one gets from interacting with folks from virtually every continent, ethnicity, and culture, and from the friends and contacts I have made.

276.

2/4/2009 11:49:00 PM

I enjoy learning about traditional folk music (and music "in the tradition") and sharing favorite songs and artists with others in the community.

277.

2/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

It helps me to stay in touch with developments in traditional music

278.

2/5/2009 12:05:00 AM

I feel part of it.

279.

2/5/2009 12:11:00 AM

It allows me to interact with people when whenever I want or need to engage with others who share my interests.

280.

2/5/2009 12:12:00 AM

in addition to the responses in question #7 I feel that my online community also offers good advice on proper technique and focus which will hopefully contribute to helping me become a better musician.

281.

2/5/2009 12:12:00 AM

I know I'm not the only one listening to/playing this "old, weird music"

282.

2/5/2009 12:18:00 AM

It's the best source of information on the folk world

283.

2/5/2009 12:24:00 AM

See above

284.

2/5/2009 12:30:00 AM

Mudcat is a large database of information and I have developed a connection to some of the people there since joining in 1997.

285.

2/5/2009 12:38:00 AM

I don't care about the fictitious cyber "community". I have one in real life. I use the forums maily for information gathering.

286.

2/5/2009 12:40:00 AM

it has expanded my horizons about Irish music. It has connected me with many like-minded people It provides a great information resource

287.

2/5/2009 12:59:00 AM

It's a good resource.

288.

2/5/2009 1:02:00 AM

it is full of people weird enough to put up with me.

289.

2/5/2009 1:29:00 AM

it provides a forum for like-minded people to share fellowship and their knowledge.

290.

2/5/2009 1:37:00 AM

I am a distance from any decent players so it's good to hear other players views and ideas.Most of it is nonsense, but the odd truth will be squeezed out occasionally.

291.

2/5/2009 1:49:00 AM

it keeps me connected (and helps make new connections) with trad musos all over the world

292.

2/5/2009 1:49:00 AM

It helps me meet fellow musicians, and it allows me to share in folk music research.

293.

2/5/2009 1:51:00 AM

I do not have a lot of local resources for Trad. The folks @TheSession know more than I can ever learn, and are quite clever as well.

294.

2/5/2009 1:54:00 AM

It has representatives from much further afield than I could otherwise interact with. There is a wealth of knowledge and a willingness to share that knowledge.

295.

2/5/2009 2:02:00 AM

Well... it isn't very important to me and becomes less so as time goes by. There are better sites for tunes, as well.

296.

2/5/2009 2:13:00 AM

I have developed many very good friends there--and a few enemies. Such is life.

297.

2/5/2009 2:13:00 AM

It keeps me in touch with people with a similar interest in what is basically a fringe music. I also like hearing peoples opinions regarding festivals, CD's, live acts etc.

298.

2/5/2009 2:15:00 AM

it lets me know that there are other people out there interested in what I'm interested in.

299.

2/5/2009 2:21:00 AM

It allows an international overview of the state of the folk music community.

300.

2/5/2009 2:21:00 AM

it keeps me informed with what is going on tad music wise. But it is not important to me

301.

2/5/2009 2:22:00 AM

it provides a good resource of music and recordings.

302.

2/5/2009 2:24:00 AM

it helps provide a forum for traditional music - a rare resource and a meaningful community.

303.

2/5/2009 2:28:00 AM

it is much like an extended family. I can travel anywhere in the country and find people who already know me, and already have some sense for my abilities as a musician.

304.

2/5/2009 2:29:00 AM

I'm living in a city with not a lot of culture/musicians, and it's nice to feel like a part of something bigger, which the music is. It's a community filled with information and support, as well.

305.

2/5/2009 2:30:00 AM

there aren't many people near where I live who play the music, so online communities are valuable resources."

306.

2/5/2009 2:41:00 AM

it points me to things I might otherwise have missed.

307.

2/5/2009 2:48:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with a British folk community that it is geographically inconvenient for me to be part of, except on rare occasions. I don't think I'd read it if the same kind of information were provided, but primarily about American or Canadian folk music. It is the largely British focus (despite being hosted in America) that really attracts me.

308.

2/5/2009 3:37:00 AM

...without it I would feel e-naked. Seriously, being in the antipodes and not being much of a social butterfly these days it keeps me in touch and amused - and at times slightly bemused.

309.

2/5/2009 4:14:00 AM

I am connected to other trad musicians from all over the world

310.

2/5/2009 4:18:00 AM

... I find ideas and resources for improving my own playing and get in touch with the larger community.

311.

2/5/2009 4:26:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with musical issues

312.

2/5/2009 5:13:00 AM

it is a place where like minded trad musicians from across the globe can share opinions and thoughts

313.

2/5/2009 5:14:00 AM

i like to know i am not the only folk nut out there,,,

314.

2/5/2009 6:11:00 AM

I live far from the centers of Irish music. This is a way to connect to people playing the music.

315.

2/5/2009 6:18:00 AM

I enjoy the interaction with other people interested in folk music and learning from others.

316.

2/5/2009 6:51:00 AM

It is a great source for otherwise hard to find songs.

317.

2/5/2009 7:00:00 AM

it is an international community. It makes me feel that I'm a citizen of the world. I barely take part in my national web community.

318.

2/5/2009 7:00:00 AM

I get a sense that there is a lot of interest still in Irish music and that it is global. It has a motivational effect on me. I sometimes feel that I know so little about Irish music but reading posts reaffirms that I do know something. I like to encourage where possible anyone interested in Irish music as I get so much enjoyment out of it and would like share that enjoyment and so will answer queries or discussion. Also I have received encouragement.

319.

2/5/2009 7:17:00 AM

It provides me with information about a range of topics within the broad folk music area, as well as discussion of non-music topics.

320.

2/5/2009 7:36:00 AM

it's a big resource for tunes - including info about them plus a lot of good advice from experienced players

321.

2/5/2009 7:43:00 AM

I learn something, can contribute to discussions and its better than the TV!

322.

2/5/2009 7:49:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with a musical form and tradition that I am geographically separated from. It has also become a community of friends and acquaintances that are important to me, music aside.

323.

2/5/2009 7:57:00 AM

it is a great observational opportunity.

324.

2/5/2009 8:30:00 AM

It is a resource for getting answers to questions I may have

325.

2/5/2009 9:12:00 AM

it's just that, a community. It means I can hook up with like-minded people when I'm away from home.

326.

2/5/2009 10:18:00 AM

My interest in traditionsl music is firthered.

327.

2/5/2009 10:42:00 AM

it brings up many interesting facets that are often new to me, has given me many insights into improved playing and understanding of the music I love. Has helped me no end in finding new places, new people and new friends.

328.

2/5/2009 11:34:00 AM

it helps me to keep in touch with what the community thinks about music

329.

2/5/2009 12:02:00 PM

of the quantity of informations and opinions we can share on it.

330.

2/5/2009 12:05:00 PM

some of the mebers appear to share my sense of humour and I like being able to find the type of music I enjoy playing.

331.

2/5/2009 12:12:00 PM

it has interesting comments on traditional music, great tunes and keeps the music alive in a virtual format, although theres nothing like playing.

332.

2/5/2009 12:16:00 PM

i need the help!

333.

2/5/2009 12:25:00 PM

I live in a remote area and I like to keep in touch with other people who appreciate both English and Irish traditional music.

334.

2/5/2009 12:30:00 PM

It shows that 'Folk' music is music of the people. The use of this site by so many people keeps the traditions alive for me.

335.

2/5/2009 12:47:00 PM

it shows what a wide church folk is.

336.

2/5/2009 1:16:00 PM

there is limited means to be in almost daily physical contact with musicians in a specialist genre such as Irish traditional music. This is a reasonable substitute for what would have been available in Ireland that is at the base of a rich tradition based on aural and oral means rather then the noted or written. The online musical community is therefore most important because it is part of the framework to learn what can't be taught (if you know what I mean).

337.

2/5/2009 1:21:00 PM

it provides a service and a forum

338.

2/5/2009 1:50:00 PM

I have made friends throughout the country - and some from other countries - whom I never would have met otherwise, and I know that whenever I go to a folkclub or festival I will meet many of these people and make friends with other 'catters.

339.

2/5/2009 2:01:00 PM

it allows me to interact with others around the world who share my interests.

340.

2/5/2009 2:21:00 PM

see 7 (above)

341.

2/5/2009 2:22:00 PM

it's good to talk to other people with same interests.

342.

2/5/2009 2:46:00 PM

it's there. It wouldn't be a big hole in my life if it didn't exist.

343.

2/5/2009 2:51:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with the music at a time when my job and my location limit that sourt of engagement.

344.

2/5/2009 3:03:00 PM

it gives me a chance to learn from other musicians.

345.

2/5/2009 3:31:00 PM

it gives me a link with like minded people across the world which opens up new ideas and opportunities, not only about music but about many other topics as well.

346.

2/5/2009 3:54:00 PM

I feel like I'm sharing my views, talent, knowledge and playing abilities with people all over the globe.

347.

2/5/2009 4:45:00 PM

It is not important to me. It's only a minor diversion.

348.

2/5/2009 5:26:00 PM

It helps me keep up with whats happening

349.

2/5/2009 5:37:00 PM

information about events,people, songs, a bit of politics thrown in

350.

2/5/2009 5:54:00 PM

I consider many there to be real friends although I have not met most face to face. The ability to interact with folk legends like Jim McLean, Pat Cooksy, Frank Hamilton, and Kendal Morse is fantastic. If I in turn can help someone that makes my day as well!

351.

2/5/2009 6:39:00 PM

There is a large number of very knowledgeable members of various backgrounds who share their information with others.

352.

2/5/2009 6:54:00 PM

i have made so many real life friends there

353.

2/5/2009 7:08:00 PM

...it helps me become a more knowledgeable musician.

354.

2/5/2009 7:35:00 PM

I don't have many friends in my daily life who are also interested in Irish traditional music, and it's nice to see how many people feel the same way about this music. It's also a great way of collecting tunes.

355.

2/5/2009 7:47:00 PM

it has increased my knowledge,enabled mr to share my knowledge, and given me many friendships both in print and eventually in person.

356.

2/5/2009 8:18:00 PM

I live in an area where the real (off-line) traditional musical community is relatively small and scattered, so thesession.org is a convenient way to gather information, stories, news, and so forth.

357.

2/5/2009 9:03:00 PM

I suppose it's just a feeling of contributing/belonging/sharing with others an interest I have. Sometimes it's just the fun arising from some of the 'funny' threads. It is a good place to get leads on tunes and performances.

358.

2/5/2009 9:19:00 PM

keeps me in touch with the music I love around the world

359.

2/5/2009 9:56:00 PM

it lets me know whats happening and whats on as regards music days festivals etc

360.

2/5/2009 10:01:00 PM

It expands my knowledge and puts me in touch with people with a similar interest in what is essentially a closed loop of afficionados.

361.

2/5/2009 11:08:00 PM

great source for music and knowledge

362.

2/6/2009 12:06:00 AM

it's an extension of my real-life musical community

363.

2/6/2009 12:12:00 AM

in the relative isolation of enjoying this kind of music it's good to know there are others with the same interests who are happy to share and pool their experience.

364.

2/6/2009 12:15:00 AM

It's interesting to read others opinions and also to find information that I might not otherwise have.

365.

2/6/2009 12:18:00 AM

It makes it easy to find out what is going on wherever I travel to in the world.

366.

2/6/2009 12:32:00 AM

It's wider than that. If you're a musician everybody thinks you have a session everytime you get together. Not so. Musicians are physically and mentally active, with interesting ideas outside of music too

367.

2/6/2009 1:18:00 AM

it expands my understanding of Irish Trad session culture and its fascinating nuances.

368.

2/6/2009 2:23:00 AM

I am an on-line archivist and require multiple resources for historic, geographic, and even political information relative to songs of the Canadian province of Newfoundland Labrador. I find the Session does not fulfill this requirement, but I cannot find a way to close my membership there.

369.

2/6/2009 2:46:00 AM

they are people who share my interests and are mainly honest, caring, and entertaining.

370.

2/6/2009 2:54:00 AM

Most of the people I know outside of this community are not interested in folk music.

371.

2/6/2009 3:09:00 AM

the folk music scene in my current area is somewhat sparse and the OMC keeps me in touch with what is happening in other parts of the world, particularly the USA and the UK.

372.

2/6/2009 3:12:00 AM

music is my living and the chance to gain or pass on musical information, experience and wisdom is of significant value to me.

373.

2/6/2009 3:18:00 AM

i identify myself with like minded or at least people with similar tastes and if i couldnt look in (even if i dont always contribute) i would feel i was missing out,

374.

2/6/2009 4:04:00 AM

I feel that I am getting to "meet" people who have the same musical interests as I have

375.

2/6/2009 4:07:00 AM

it helps me to learn tunes & songs so I can better participate in sessions with my friends in the real world. Reading the comments can also give some insight into the origins of tunes/songs which may be useful if you have to present them in a performance (or lead to embarrassment!!), and the discussion (sometimes heated!) and banter are always good for a laugh!!

376.

2/6/2009 7:07:00 AM

It is an invaluable musical resource, with some very knowledgable people.

377.

2/6/2009 9:32:00 AM

...it's an easily accessed source of tunes, musical expertise, salacious and up-to-date gossip, crap jokes and very entertaining slagging.

378.

2/6/2009 1:50:00 PM

I am relatively new to playing ITM (2-3 years) The discussions are useful to give background advice about sessions and the Tunes section is a useful shortcut to learning the tunes

379.

2/6/2009 3:36:00 PM

it allows me to share my love for acoustic music, particularly acoustic blues. As a result, I have made quite a few friendships with people that even spill into the 3D world.

380.

2/6/2009 3:44:00 PM

it reminds me I am better off elsewhere, but I kind of enjoy watching the car crash.

381.

2/6/2009 4:12:00 PM

it gives me access to information I would not otherwise have access to locally.

382.

2/6/2009 4:40:00 PM

It is interesting and good crack (usually)

383.

2/6/2009 4:52:00 PM

it provides very useful links to other musicians/singers from whom I learn much about the world of music

384.

2/6/2009 4:59:00 PM

...although I am in touch with my local musical community, it helps me keep in touch with what's going on in the rest of the world. It also introduces me to music and performers that I might not be aware of otherwise.

385.

2/6/2009 5:24:00 PM

News, Views

386.

2/6/2009 5:25:00 PM

It keeps me up to date with what's on in the Folk world. Also gives me words for songs I wish to sing.

387.

2/6/2009 5:30:00 PM

it makes me happy

388.

2/6/2009 5:33:00 PM

It supports me in both my slowly growing musical ability and in times of difficulty;as well as, connects me with an amazing international community.

389.

2/6/2009 6:04:00 PM

it isn't important to me. actual sessions are important, the internet mearly helps me to find new ones.

390.

2/6/2009 6:41:00 PM

it serves as a connection to the world of folk music, which I love.

391.

2/6/2009 6:55:00 PM

I like the depth and breadth of knowledge shown by a lot of the posters, and feel that, through their postings over the years, some have become friends I would like to meet face to face one day.

392.

2/6/2009 7:39:00 PM

It gives me a chance to hobnob with the greats, and to feel like I'm contributing to the future of the past and the good of humanity. And it frequently provides me with texts or tunes I'd be hankering after.

393.

2/6/2009 9:09:00 PM

helps me keep track of events and news

394.

2/6/2009 10:20:00 PM

I live in an area where there is very little folk and traditional music.

395.

2/6/2009 11:06:00 PM

I live in a remote area and have few like-minded people around me.

396.

2/7/2009 12:07:00 AM

it has been a link to like minded musicians which has opened up opportunities for travel and long term friendships.

397.

2/7/2009 1:46:00 AM

where I live there is almost a complete absence of folk music or folkies.

398.

2/7/2009 4:41:00 AM

. . . it's rare to find a like-minded group of eccentrics."

399.

2/7/2009 9:20:00 AM

it helps me get in touch with clued-up and helpful people who can help me play and understand the music better.

400.

2/7/2009 9:41:00 AM

it keeps me up to date with what is happening around the world with regard to folk music, it's trend and phenomina.

401.

2/7/2009 2:01:00 PM

It helps delve further into the great mystery that is folksong, especially in seeking out origins and pushing our knowledge further back into the unknown past.

402.

2/7/2009 3:42:00 PM

great resource for tunes and discussions

403.

2/7/2009 4:23:00 PM

It's where I can share information and opinions with some of the most important exponents of folk music of our age.

404.

2/8/2009 3:31:00 AM

It is a reliable source of knowledge and experience of Irish Traditional music.

405.

2/8/2009 4:40:00 AM

It provides a place to exchange words to songs, and to research the history of some songs (e.g. the first line of McColl's "Dirty Old Town" is strongly debated)

406.

2/8/2009 6:02:00 AM

It enables me to "meet" other people with similar musical interests.

407.

2/8/2009 6:30:00 AM

I am glad it exists, but not an active participant

408.

2/8/2009 8:59:00 AM

It supplies information quickly and (usually) correctly

409.

2/8/2009 9:13:00 AM

It's a useful information resource.

410.

2/8/2009 9:23:00 AM

I can rely on it for information and humour.

411.

2/8/2009 9:50:00 AM

it helps to preserve traditional music while simultaneously allowing it to change. Both aspects are crucial if folk music - according to my personal definition of it, of course! - is to thrive. Online communities are able to do this in ways more conventional communities can't because they can be viable with a very small number of interested parties, and the fact the world-wide access makes this relatively easy to achieve.

412.

2/8/2009 10:19:00 AM

I get information

413.

2/8/2009 1:58:00 PM

It is not important, just of interest.

414.

2/8/2009 4:41:00 PM

I enjoy the banter, but don't take the comments too seriously!

415.

2/8/2009 6:59:00 PM

I enjoy the discussions on various aspects of the tunes, the tradition, and the instruments. Both communities are great resources for tune historical research.

416.

2/8/2009 7:08:00 PM

it enables me to keep up with what is going on nationally, it's also a tremendous resource for information on all matters folklore including events such as festivals, general information etc.

417.

2/8/2009 8:01:00 PM

i am a developing musician, starting late in life (53), and find communities such as Mudcat to be wonderful as a resource - if it wasn't available i would need to spend years in libraries researching for the novel and unusual. Also from a sustainability point of view, it is better to spend time on line than have to travel 1000's of klms at great expense to gain a constantly expanding knowledge.

418.

2/8/2009 8:42:00 PM

... it keeps me learning and growing as a musician, and maintains relationships with friends I would otherwise lose touch with.

419.

2/8/2009 9:11:00 PM

I hope it helps with profile.

420.

2/8/2009 9:13:00 PM

it gives me access to other people (from other cities and countries) opinions and perceptions of the music and players

421.

2/8/2009 9:31:00 PM

it's not important

422.

2/8/2009 9:54:00 PM

In this regard (Mudcat) it is an international link for folk music enthusiasts and folklore researchers.

423.

2/8/2009 10:31:00 PM

it gives me information on local musical events and has allowed me to meet musicians and others of like minded interests, both locally and national/internationaly.

424.

2/9/2009 3:15:00 AM

I amisolated by my physical location (REMOVED) from other musicians who like the same kind of music I do, and by my profession (Catholic Priest who cannot get to concerts on Saturday night because I have to celebrate mass on Sundays). Mudcat enables me to keep in contact with old friends in the Washington DC area, where I lived for many years, and made much music there.

425.

2/9/2009 3:56:00 AM

I'm reassured that I'm not alone in mjy love for this music.

426.

2/9/2009 1:40:00 PM

it is a source of news and information that is not available anywhere else.

427.

2/9/2009 3:03:00 PM

it keeps me updated on what's happening on the 'scene'. It exposes me to opinions and viewpoints I might otherwise not be aware of.

428.

2/9/2009 9:55:00 PM

it's nice to know others are battling with some of the problems I have and to exchange tips and anecdotes with them.

429.

2/9/2009 11:33:00 PM

I have no physical community of people sharing my particular interest in folk songs, and Mudcat allows me to share my interest and learn from others.

430.

2/10/2009 12:00:00 AM

database of tunes and albums. Frankly, I think the community (as represented by the discussion board) is pretty inane. But the tunes database is very nice.

431.

2/10/2009 12:02:00 AM

I make friends, it keeps me informed.

432.

2/10/2009 12:07:00 AM

it gives me confidence, as a beginner, that progress can be made!

433.

2/10/2009 12:17:00 AM

it connects me with others who are interested in traditional music.

434.

2/10/2009 12:22:00 AM

music is a large part of my daily life and I enjoy learning as much as possible about my addiction. It is nice to know things such as the history behind some of the songs, different styles of playing, and what the community members are doing. It also helps to make the time fly by during the long winter months.

435.

2/10/2009 12:29:00 AM

there are limited sites that have the cumulative knowledge re folk music of Mudcatters

436.

2/10/2009 12:48:00 AM

We keep traditional music alive. We exchange tunes without profit, just for the love of the music. We make sure this music will never die or get lost.

437.

2/10/2009 1:05:00 AM

it keeps me updated with the crack

438.

2/10/2009 1:08:00 AM

it saves time in locating answers.

439.

2/10/2009 1:18:00 AM

I like to know that other people take this kind of music seriously and when i have questions, I can throw them out there.

440.

2/10/2009 2:09:00 AM

It helps keep me abreast of happenings in the trad music world

441.

2/10/2009 4:21:00 AM

It's a source for tunes I want to learn.

442.

2/10/2009 5:12:00 AM

There is no local musical community here.

443.

2/10/2009 5:14:00 AM

I'm afraid I'm between two minds whether I will keep a shoe in or leave for good!

444.

2/10/2009 8:43:00 AM

It keeps me motivated and I enjoy the feeling of fellowship

445.

2/10/2009 9:27:00 AM

it 's a window on a world that shows love, compassion and provides help, inspiration and information. It's full of friends I don't yet know - but ones I believe I can trust. It's the ONLY site I've joined. No pressure - loads of love if you need it and a theraputic chance to vent thoughts.

446.

2/10/2009 9:29:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with the ITM community

447.

2/10/2009 9:42:00 AM

it keeps me in touch with people who are not part of a commercial genre, but who are a genuine community keeping (and continually changing, which is the same thing, to me) a tradition.

448.

2/10/2009 9:48:00 AM

It gives me a connection to the worldwide community of Irish music - which is not easy for me to get where I live.

449.

2/10/2009 9:58:00 AM

it establishes a bond with fellow-travellers, particularly outside of Ireland, while also being informative and sometimes entertaining.

450.

2/10/2009 10:12:00 AM

it is a good educational resource tool and it is entertaining.

451.

2/10/2009 10:14:00 AM

it is an invaluable way of getting information about events etc

452.

2/10/2009 10:35:00 AM

it's a very convenient resource; but describing it as "important" to me is overstating the case.

453.

2/10/2009 10:44:00 AM

There is a wealth of new tunes and great resources to help me learn them

454.

2/10/2009 11:20:00 AM

At the Mudcat Cafe I can meet the nicest kind of people, who care and share, making a human community which I can visit at any hour of the day or night. I like the jokes, I learn from (some of) the discussions, and when I've posted something I believe to be a worthy contribution (that is, something useful to others) I feel I am part of something wonderful, human, but new under the sun. I know of no other community where people connect at such a fundamental level, as humans rather than technology users or club members, without ever meeting in the flesh. (Of course, some Mudcatters actually get to meet in person, but that appears to be optional.) Once I found something online that felt like this, sort of. It was a medical help forum with a patient, kind doctor who gave useful replies quite a few times a day to online questions from parents of small children. Parents also advised fellow parents. People behaved in kind and responsible ways, and the sense of caring for others as human beings, and support at all hours of the day or night, was like that at the Mudcat. The sense of getting and giving useful help was even stronger there, because we were dealing with our children's health, but the scope of the communication was narrow so when my child grew older and more robust I stopped going there. I return to the Mudcat because I usually feel I receive more than I give (psychically? I don't know if I'm talking about energy or information). It's like a potluck. But I stopped returning to the medical forum because when my need diminished, I no longer felt I was getting my time and effort's worth. I didn't have the time to spare. I don't necessarily have the time to spare that I spend on the Mudcat, but I enjoy my time there so much that sometimes I go anyway, and dang the consequences! This may be an addictive behaviour pattern, but the only physical result is loss of sleep and expenditure of electricity, which compares favourably with other vices! Costs in family stresses are harder to measure, but as I mentioned, I also feel benefit from the time spent. Sorry if I'm wordy and incoherent. I get that way in the middle of the night. You seemed to be asking for a quick answer, not a polished one. Hope this helps you.

455.

2/10/2009 11:21:00 AM

it serves as a great referance.

456.

2/10/2009 11:31:00 AM

It's a great resource which improves my playing.

457.

2/10/2009 11:33:00 AM

it's an extremely useful resource for information on songs and tunes

458.

2/10/2009 1:36:00 PM

it helps me understand more about music and ultimately helps me improve as a performer

459.

2/10/2009 2:44:00 PM

it has increased my knowledge about music and many other subjects and has given me friends and contacts all over the world.

460.

2/10/2009 4:57:00 PM

it helps me procrastinate, and I occasionally get news I wouldn't have otherwise (performances, events, news about well-known musicians, death notices, etc.)

461.

2/10/2009 7:33:00 PM

it allows me to communicate with likeminded people and keep in touch with friends in the uk folk commnity

462.

2/10/2009 9:46:00 PM

See the 'other' answer to Q7. I can also let people know about events, and pose questions. It's the best place I know to get answers.

463.

2/10/2009 11:56:00 PM

I have folk song research as my main hobby.

464.

2/11/2009 12:32:00 AM

it gives me access to resources that are broader than any that I could find with simply my own research, including occasional interaction with performers that I admire.

465.

2/11/2009 12:58:00 AM

it teaches me what I can't learn nearby about the music that I love, and keeps me in touch with people who share my interests

466.

2/11/2009 1:04:00 AM

of the friends I've made here at Mudcat.

467.

2/11/2009 1:33:00 AM

I am an expatriate, so I don't meet my friends often face-to face. Also I am interested in finding out about branches of these musics in my expat locality - eg visitors, tours etc.

468.

2/11/2009 12:31:00 PM

interesting people, common interest in genres

469.

2/11/2009 12:44:00 PM

it helps me keep intouch with what is happening elsewhere.

470.

2/11/2009 4:55:00 PM

it keeps me up to date with what's happening in the folk world

471.

2/11/2009 9:27:00 PM

it keeps me informed about what is happening with musical friends and family.

472.

2/11/2009 11:39:00 PM

it keeps me in touch with some of the best friends I've ever made, even if I have never met many of them in person.

473.

2/12/2009 12:02:00 PM

there are very few days when I don't learn something new, or fresh, about the music we all love.

474.

2/12/2009 12:54:00 PM

it helps me stay in touch with the music, and also with people who I know in real life, but don't live near anymore.

475.

2/12/2009 2:44:00 PM

I'm interested in what other people who are interested in this music are doing.

476.

2/12/2009 3:51:00 PM

it widens my horizons.

477.

2/12/2009 4:18:00 PM

it enables me to keep up with the English folk scene now I have moved abroad (to Scotland)

478.

2/12/2009 5:38:00 PM

it helps me keep in touch with what could be called reality. At least the reality of the current folk scene. Because of work and moving to a different part of the country (UK) I lost touch with my music for a couple of years. These sites brought me back into the scene by letting me know what was happening in my (new) area.

479.

2/12/2009 6:11:00 PM

I love the knowledge gained by reading other peoples posts. I love the history behind the music. I am here more for the history of the music than I am for the music itself.

480.

2/12/2009 6:41:00 PM

it helps me feel connected, especially when I am in locations that do not include this folk music.

481.

2/12/2009 7:52:00 PM

it keeps me connected with others who share the same interests.

482.

2/13/2009 1:32:00 AM

it provides me with a wealth of information about tunes, instruments and their care and maintenance, session etiquette, as well as providing playing tips and the occasional light relief - all in one place.

483.

2/13/2009 3:34:00 AM

we discuss subjects that are dear to my heart and which are rarely discussed elsewhere.

484.

2/13/2009 3:22:00 PM

it is my main artistic involvement and it helps to keep me in touch with others who are doing the same sort of research as i am.

485.

2/13/2009 3:44:00 PM

There are very few print equivalents for content and none for speed of response.

486.

2/13/2009 5:45:00 PM

I like to keep in touch with people I might not always get the chance to see.

487.

2/13/2009 6:02:00 PM

I get to talk to folks who are into some of the same things I'm into.

488.

2/14/2009 12:02:00 AM

it provides a channel for communicating with folks with whom I have a common interest in folk music.

489.

2/14/2009 9:50:00 AM

gives me an enormously wide view of the folk music world - past and present. Keeps me up to date on what's happening locally/world-wide.

490.

2/14/2009 11:30:00 AM

It keeps me in touch with old friends, including some I'd lost touch with as well as being a useful resource in a variety of ways

491.

2/25/2009 6:37:00 PM

I enjoy learning new tunes that would otherwise ber difficult to find. Tunes are presented in easy to understand formats and played in an easy to follow manner