The Goal of Folk Music Organisations, it seems to me, is to keep people out of their little domains. At least the unintended consequence of defining "who we are" - when a folk organisation is established, is to define "who we will exclude." It makes for warm and cozy feelings for the "blessed" and often their shared euphoria over the frustrations of the excluded - but it means the talent, skill and artistry of the oustiders will go unnoticed by the insiders.

I must admit, my first thought when I hear a new acqaintence is a member of a folk club is, "too bad."