I feel that the 'folk scene' is so desperate to have young musicians involved that discrimination goes out of the window as soon as 'young' is mentioned. This is not to say that young performers are all bad it's just that we concentrate on the wrong aspects (ie the young bit). In our desire to 'welcome' new singers/musicians,and doing it without due consideration, we are often doing them a serious disservice by promoting them beyond their actual/potential abilities. Surely it would be better in the long run to consider them objectively and be honest with them-help them where we can but BE HONEST. It would seem to be worse for young performers to be raised so high and then have people 'turn' on them as is happening to some extent in this thread. I am all for a revitalising of the 'folk scene' so long as it is done thoughtfully and considerately. I do like the idea of 'good' young performers (they do help to bring down the average age of 'folkies' if nothing else) and I hope to see more 'young' performers- but lets help them with honesty.