"Ron Olesko and Bill H. are involved daily with all aspects of almost everything answering to the broadest possible concept of 'folk', and I certainly see why they would want a vehicle for helping them do this. Others don't follow some of the newer trends, and get little from the magazine these days."

Thanks Bill D. - I am very proud of that fact. It's actually not the "broadest" concept of folk, but it is following the definition of what makes a tradition and the fact that traditions evolve and new ones are created. That was one of the reasons the magazine was founded back in 1950. If you start to leaf through the letters column over the years, you will see that the discussion that is being carried on here is nothing new.

Frankly, if you take a look at the latest issue you will find the usual columns - Faith Petric's "Folk Process" column is still in there, so is Joe Hickerson's brilliant "Songfinder", and I see Ken Perlman and Dakota Dave Hull are writing columns that teach banjo and guitar respectively. Dan Keding's column for storytellers still shows up too. I also count 7 traditional songs appearing, and most of them aren't your usual suspects. There is a great song from Danny Schmidt, a incredibly poetic songwriter, and an article about Danny from Matt Watroba.   I thought the article on Feufollet was a great introduction to this young band that is carrying on an important tradition, and there are other great articles.

I'm not doing a commercial, I don't get paid. I do write for them from time to time and I'm honored to be part of the tradition. I realize it is not for everyone, but it DOES appeal to many people.

Also, if you take the time to read the note, you will realize that there is significantly more than just a magazine at stake.   All magazines are suffering, but Sing Out! offers a lot more - and their plans should be of interest to every folkie. Their resource center alone is an important factor!

I don't begrudge anyone from having a different opinion, and I encourage letters to the editor or send Mark a suggestion on articles you would like to see. Complaining about your dislikes in a forum like this really doesn't solve anything, except add to the growing chorus of complaint that seems to be building around Mudcat.