I wrote for clarification on these points last year (not about White Hare, obviously) and got no reply. It was, however, a very polite and gentle letter because, as usual, I had an album coming out and couldn't afford to give up hope that in some moment of madness they'd actaully play it! (Same situation this year).

I've taken this as far as I can without cutting off my nose to spite my face (these are not people to upset if you want to do well in the folk biz). Plus a lot of the nominees are chums, and I don't to seem to be running them down - because they do all deserve to be there.

And obviously I don't want to be accused of crying sour grapes - which is why none of us speak out.

So I'm really hoping someone else will take this up with the BBC, and get some clarification, because I do care about the old beeb as well as folk music, and I really don't understand why it's this way.

Whatever those who prefer there to be no professionals or sales in folk may feel, the awards are the biggest and brightest shop window we have.

Lets make sure the glass is squeaky clean.