20 years and counting here - and I consider myself a neophyte. So much still to learn, and I learn so much from the people here - not because they have a "degree in humanities" but because many of them have engaged in serious, specific academic study about folk music and traditions. They have context for their opinions, they can cite academic references - heck, some of them ARE the academic references.

As I said often to your friend Lizzie: more listening and less talking wouldn't go amiss. And it would keep you from looking like a complete numpty most of the time.