"Pissing in the same pot" is an industrial phrase for operating a cartel, or, a closed shop/situation.
I share most of Les in Chorlton's views - especially his irritation of Guest not revealing him / herself whilst expressing extensive views.
As to the "Award" process, we deserve more transparency and openness, and its' absence, unfortunately will give rise to some of the bile which has been manifest in this thread. Why should there be shortlists in any case. Let there be an open vote in all categories , with votes recorded by Email / On line, which may also easily govern that there is no multiple voting.
It's the "Contol" mechanism and mentality which I find abhorrent - you can be part of it , but only on our (secret) terms, and on no account will you be allowed to know, or any redress or communication with the organising Group.
Let there be a chance to vote for all the people that others have mentioned in this thread,and,further,people like Bob Fox who do a fabulous night and groups like the Doonan Family who I would love to vote for. Good luck to those who have their endeavours in the Folk world publicly recognised with much razzamatazz - there are no sour grapes from me - but this is not the way to do it , and I hope the BBC gets wind of these complaints and pulls this private company to order ,in order to avoid having the BBC's name pulled into possible disrepute for the way this whole matter is being conducted.