I've been reading this thread with interest, and perhaps its now time to comment -

"PR.
One young man got a fantastic amount of publicity - a year or two ago and I wonder if all the hype was justified. Certainly looking at the bookings he has on his website not many bookers do think he sells tickets and most of his bookings seem to part of or along with his sister's band."

Perhaps the young man in question (whoever that might be) has been taking some time out from touring this year to organise a folk club and festival, complete a commision for orchestra for the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, write and record a new album and take over his own booking and business affairs, as well as play guitar for his sister for a bit of a change. The point being that some people are still interested in having sustained careers and its a marathon, not a sprint... If theres one thing this thread shows it's that there's no need to be in the publics face all the time - they'll resent you for it.

I don't think degrees are a headstart in anything. I'd agree with the poster above who says that there are a minority of unpleasant people in every walk of life, but to suggest the folk degree fosters that attitude is silly.

From the other side, if you are 'hyped' or talked up there are always going to be people who dislike you on principle (strangely enough, often on internet forums...) for some perceived slight. I'm sure the graduates of the folk degree are sick of having to defend themselves to people who know nothing about them or the degree. All that can be done is play the best gigs you can do and rise above it. Trust me, nobody is going into traditional music for the money.

In the end, you are only as good as your last album or performance, which is why I'm quitting this thread again to go and mix my new record and do some practise!