Perhaps we could say that whilst the actual creation of folk music is often not very fun at all, folk music should be 'fun' from an aesthetic point of view. I can take the original post in that sense personally, I feel a great many musicians are more interested in making political points or trying to live up to some self image of preserving their culture than making music for people to enjoy. It's a shame as the music is often enjoyable despite this.

I admit I occasionally find myself wondering why the hell I put myself through the hassle I sometimes get. Basically I do find it fun, but it does take hard work as well. Practicing songs and tunes, learning words, etc., travelling a long way to do gigs for little or no money (allowing for expenses), on a Saturday night, when the weather's bad, sometimes to an audience that doesn't seem to want to listen anyway...

But if you enjoy doing something, I guess you enjoy even the hard work aspects. The occasional pat on the back or appreciative response from audiences makes it all worthwhile. And I know I can walk away from it any time, but I also know I don't want to because I'd miss it.