"fortheringay were folk-rock and more younger people have moblie phones than my generation..."

What planet are you on???

Do you seriously think that young people are more likely to vote for thirty year old folk-rock than thirty year old Martin Carthy?

The programme had a text vote because people like you complain that it nevers takes your views into account. OK - a text vote is hardly full blown democracy on the subject, but its an attempt to involve people at least. I would imagine John Leonard only allowed it through exasperation at people who have no concept of the constraints and circumstances Smooth Ops are under with that radio show.