Neil

We do seem to play into the hands of those, who would destroy the critical elements by making money out of it, thus seducing both the singer and their audience. For even those of us who welcome the concept of all folk producing their own music and stating their own views, are apt to look-up to and create 'stars' of those whose talents we admire.

We are then super critical of them for 'selling-out'?

If only we could just accept that it is the music and the message that is more important than who is saying it. We can and should recognise our fine musicians but we do not need to 'hype' them and their 'products', in the same manner as other forms of music do. It may be necessary for professional musicians to earn money from their music but is not necessary that folk music be thought of as an industry that exists only to support them.