Well, I feel compelled to jump in here. I thought both Don's comments and John's comments are very appropriate. In reading John's comments, I think he gave a real hint as to why I have been so "anti-seattle forklift festival" for the last say fifteen years. He says something like: "if the musicians stayed away ... the crowds would be the same." And I completly agree with his statement. What that tells me is that the festival is NO LONGER a folk music festival ... it's just another "specticle." And while I find that somewhat sad, it's just another reflection of the direction our society has gone. And I don't want any of it. I'll continue to seek out my musical satisfactions on small stages and at private hoots with fellow musicians. Bob Nelson