No Patty, I don't think it is a dumb idea - your explanation makes sense. Credibility to MAJOR broadcasters and advertisers is certainly something that would be of value. I often wonder how big of an industry "folk" music really is. I just think it is a tough number to figure out for the reasons I mentioned early.

The biggest question is - what is folk?   Would Bob Dylan's latest CD be included in the numbers? Willie Nelson? Ralph Stanley? Emmy Lou Harris? I've seen these artists included in "folk" catagories. Just as the FOLK-DJ list opened up questions as to the appropriateness of the selections, I think any list would have the same issues. No group would every completely agree with the criteria.

Every few years I notice one of the New York papers or magazines doing a story on the "new" folk revival.   It seems like there is always one around the corner, or we are in the middle of one. Frankly I've been listening and playing the same kinds of music for over 23 years. It changes - new names and styles evolve into the scene.

A number of radio programs were mentioned here but we are all different. In my opinion, top ten lists are fun to read and fun to discuss, but they are meaningless. If you have to listen to an opinion, it might as well be your own.

There are some great ways to promote folk music to new audiences, but personally I don't think a top ten list is one of them.

Ron