I avoided reading this thead till now because I thought I knew what I'd find. My mistake. I'm with Gervaise and the countess 100% (and BOY would you be surprised if you knew who I am Diane!)

All the points above about community, inclusivity, having a go, learning your craft etc are totally valid - and I'm very used to smiling and nodding through some very ornery performances (guests soon become skilful at this if they want to survive) up and down the land, and I can even get pleasure from doing so by applying the criteria mentioned above - but the point remains:

F*lk's like a religion: once you're inside it all makes sense and it's all worthwhile. But the pool of insiders is dwindling. To the rest of the world we're strange people who make a horrid noise.

And if we don't do something to break down the walls we've cast up around us, to build bridges to other traditions, to encourage the few talented youngsters who do share our passion, and above all to demonstate to the rest of the population the pure quality that's our true cultural heritage, this music will die with us and the revival will have been for nothing.