Time and again I see messages on forums from "newbies" who have found music via people like Seth and want to know more. He and others have also inspired people to start playing too. Irrespective of the collective or disparate styles, these new icons of folk ought to be applauded for encouraging new audiences. The Beeb, Smooth Ops and the panel of experts owe it to these new kids on the folk block and the performers who have inspired it all, to get it right - even more so as peoples reputations and livelihoods rest on these awards. There is no shame in having a tradition and an emerging body of new work. Both are valid, both have examples of songs we treasure and some we would prefer to forget and there is no shame in knowing, wanting to know and wanting to preserve the distinction too. It is a broad church and I love it.

OK Seth is getting a hard time from saddos like me. He has become an unfortunate kicking boy in the silly posturing by notables, sycophants and know it alls.

Sorry Seth.