MAB, thanks for the welcome back. I have to admit I never really left, I read along but didn't bother to post. I have to admit also that I have noticed a decline in participation and I think that is a real shame. Of course there has been a flood of new members loading their song on the open mic; but they don't seem to care about participating in the Forums and Threads on the site, just getting their music out there.
Oddly enough, I'm listening to my library of songs you and I have co-written over the years, on my Windows Media player. I hate to think the newer members will ignore the learning opportunities you and others have offered on this site.
It follows along with your mention of how the internet will allow everyone to get their music out there; which can be a good thing; but the music it'self will suffer because so many will focus only on their music and not improve because they will not listen nor learn.
Also; I have to mention the relationships that will soon be lost. They include the recent group of Ramp members that took the time to meet together at the most recent Bash hosted by Sid Chiggers (Steve Oxford) in Nashville just recently; or the trip Philboy, The Kid, and I, are about to take to meet up with you and enjoy some shows in Nashville during July, to include your Birthday Party and the Broken Spoke reunion at the Maxwell house the night after.
Oh Well, times do change; not always for the best; but it's best we accept them.
Hey MAB, great line up you have put together while we will be in town. I'm looking forward to spending time with all of you and especially being in town to hear The Kid apologize to the Old Dog when he realizes we were "NOT" in Tootsie's on his first trip to Nashville a few years ago.
OD