I do understand your point of view and that no offence was intended. None was taken - I was just pointing out that there were a few other considerations.

We have many things that divide and exclude us in the real world. Race, gender race, religion and age are a few of these. Online these things only threaten to divide us if we allow them to, by specifing them - for no one would be aware of them unless we write and do this.

Why don't you just assume that all contributors to the forum are under 25 and how do you know that they are not? For most of us would be unlikely to write and correct this - if only we were - 25 again.

Music to me is one way that - whatever our differences - we can all unite and speak the same language. The various attempts we make to encourage younger folk are well-intended but these schemes do have to set an age limit. This can prove be counter-productive - especially for those borderline cases like our poor Cod Fiddler here - who has to feel guilty and over -the hill at 26 - if they are lucky enough to be able to be squeezed in to events that should officially exclude them.

The other downside to the Folkworks youngsters - in my experience in sessions with some of them - is that they tend to play (often the sets they rehearse) as a group and this can prevent others from joining in - which after is the main point of such informal gatherings. This could lead to a possible and quite artificial division on the grounds of age.

I feel that this would be especially sad - as every session I have ever attended (and there are many) - far from excluding younger players - will always bend over backwards to encourage their participation.