As soon as folk performing becomes monetized, it falls under the category of professional entertainment or show business. I see that as being unhealthy in many ways. I have no argument with anyone who wants to be a professional entertainer singing folk songs or otherwise. But this is not the tradition of folk music which is reflective of a culture that stands apart from show business.

The professional folksinger is a contradiction and may be an oxymoron depending on the old what is folk music discussion. It could be in some cases argued that the two roles overlap since much of what we know of folk music emanates from popular entertainment. This discussion is relevant because a lot of traditional folk music has either been eclipsed or ignored by those in the music business. In America, it's part of our musical imperialism. But there is a body of tradition that doesn't come under the classification of popular entertainment and exists independently. This is what we might call "folk art" which sounds elitist but doesn't purport to be anything approaching classical music which is maintained for the concert stage. There are traditional singers and instrumentalists who evolve independently of the market place. They should not only be not ignored but relegated to a level of respect and enjoyed for what they bring to the table.