Blowzabella. I think Guest Ian is only joining the 'pro organiser' lobby like you are putting the pro artist point. It is unfortunately these polarized opinions that are driving a wedge between artists and organisers. Neither is more important than the other and like I said before the people that realy matter are the audience. Artists and promotors alike should be working towards getting people into folk clubs. It is only that that will ensure the continued sucess of folk music and give a good working infrastructure for professional artists to earn a living wage.

A converse question to your last one could be "Such an un-attractive lifestyle - what's on earth is making you do it????" Rhetorical of course. The woes of being an organiser have also been well documented but I do it all the same. Why? Because I am a folk music fan, without talent enough to be a professional artist, but still want to do my bit!

How about everyone stop being so defensive and get together to figure out how we can all benefit?

Cheers

D.