Harmonium Hero

I long for a return to the old days, when, if you so desired, you could go to a folk club and be entertained by a semi-pro resident group, a pro- or semi-pro guest, and some floor singers, who could be either of the aforementioned or complete amateurs....

I suppose we all live in our own little bubbles but that's the folk scene that I know. I hadn't realised that it wasn't like that elsewhere.

I agree with The Snail's comment, but things seem increasingly to be dividing into two camps. Why?

Is there really a problem here? If you want to listen, there are plenty of opportunities, if you want to participate as an amateur there are sessions and clubs where you can do floor spots or,if you're good enough, be the guest. If you want to turn professional, well, I wish you well and, to some extent, envy you. The audiences of listeners, participators and fellow professionals are there. Whether they are there in sufficient numbers to support you is a business decision you have to make for yourself.