Good insights are being expressed on this thread, and it doesn't matter to me whether they have also been expressed on previous threads. I consider myself to be at liberty to repeat points I've previously made as well.

I particuarly agree with Bart's "return on investment" point. I think that what has happened to country radio (and to rock/pop radio) is the same thing that's happened to businesses nationwide, and is probably happening worldwide as well. Instead of the local diner, we have McDonalds; instead of the local hardware store, we have Home Depot; instead of the general store, we have Wal-Mart. It's all driven by large corporations with a strong focus on broad-based marketing strategies and short-term return on investment. It's not a recipe for innovation or individualism, but I suppose that's where folks like us come in.

[As an aside, I think a similar dynamic is at play in the political arena, which is also driven by broad-based marketing strategies and short-term return on investment. But I suppose that's a topic for another thread.]

I'm not much of an activist, and this is a huge societal trend, so I don't intend to try to fight it directly. I will render unto Wal-Mart what is Wal-Mart's, grudgingly accept the demise of the local hardware store and diner, and generally avoid commercial radio. I will never get rich, nor will most of the musicians I listen to. But I will be happy with what I have, at least until it catches on enough to be co-opted by the big boys.

Doug, that "what is folk?" thing is a great idea for a thread topic. Anyone care to start it up?