I'm a bit late chiming in on this (thanks for posting it, EG – nice job!), but I'm hoping that Mudcat can help us Yank Folkies redeem ourselves a bit...

To start off, anyone who wants more info should check out Martyn's website and click on the "Song Links" link...

Here's a quote from the site (referring to the Brit-Aussie Song Links):
"To get this project off the ground we needed funding, which was not forthcoming from organisations we had hoped would want to support Song Links. My wife Danni came up with the idea of approaching the Folk Community, that is the festivals, folk clubs, interested individuals, or indeed anyone who loved the music and who would want to be part of this project, and we called this the Dan Plan. I have to say that the response, enthusiasm, goodwill, and generosity was absolutely fantastic..."

Martyn was telling me about Song Links 2 recently, and since I'm from the US, he mentioned to me that when he contacted various US folk organizations, the response was "disappointing". As a transplanted Yank, I can tell you that this is a sterling example of British understatement; not only did he not receive a *single* positive response, but only 2-3 people/organizations gave him the courtesy of any response at all. I have to confess it made me feel a bit embarrassed on behalf of US folkies. I know it's tough times in the US, but surely we, too, have the capacity for "enthusiasm, goodwill, and generosity" in support of such a worthwhile (not to mention fascinating!) project. If you or your organization cannot afford to sponsor a track, then perhaps you know of a group/person who can, or maybe 2 or 3 groups can combine forces... if nothing else, please spread the word.

Cheers,

YY