On the contrary. The folk industry is hugely competitive, with an increasing number of artists chasing a dwindling number of gigs. It's also very conservative, with a majority of consumers (including bookers - who tend to be hyper-cautious) being uninterested in acts they do not already know well.

Any agent will confirm that a nomination makes a massive difference when it comes to gig-getting, gig promotion, CD sales and all those other unpleasant necessities demanded of those of us who wish to make a living as a folk musician.

But quite apart from that I suspect most people would agree that the BBC should abide by the basic principles of fairness and transparency that we expect from other public bodies.

It may be the folk awards are in fact fair (I'm actually fairly confident that they are, barring a few minor issues born of slack thinking rather than corruption) - but they are not transparent.

There are precious few ways to open up a debate on the matter and perhaps bring pressure for change.

Madcat is one of the very few places where such a discussion can begin. And there is debate here every year because a lot of people lack confidence in the way the awards are run - but no changes.

Yet.