Hmm Jihad, wasn't Woody a songwriter?

I've often joked that there are singer-songwriters and there are singer-songwhiners. Songwriters are an important part of the modern tradition.   The whiners need to hear the criticism even more to become songwriters.

The jokes about "folk police" are getting stale. Every genre has critics and fans, maybe folk musicians are just too sensitive. (I guess they should be!!!!) To NOT talk about what we like and dislike is a diservice to those who wish to perpetuate the music. I don't think any of us miss the real point of all this - to ENJOY the music.

Over the past year I have marveled at some incredibly talented songwriters as well as those who are performing traditional music. The future is secure.

I've also heard some really bad music this year. Part of the problem we all face is that technology has advanced to the point where everyone can record a relatively decent quality CD.   When I started doing my radio show in 1980 I would receive a couple of dozen recordings each YEAR. I now receive about a dozen a WEEK.

To get back to the original question, there is no real plague. Everything we see and hear, good and bad, is a sign that the music is loved by more and more people. It is healthy.