Thanks for great input- re: a & b I bow to those who know more about the internet than me.

c - I've no strong view on name & date of 'event'.

d - my thoughts were on the idea that Mudcat is an international forum and could act as a window to what is 'folk' around the world, and not be so much UK or US dominated.

e - with regards categories - I still like the idea of entries being new and original compositions - the eligibility of that may be hard to pin down, maybe previously unrecorded. That puts the focus on the song/tune rather than the performer.

f - definiately agree - no guests, members are the only way to validate votes.

g - I agree that getting into details of 'what is folk' could get in the way of a fun event. In terms of whether something is 'folk enough', let the voters decide!

it will be interesting how the forum will work in reaching a final consensus on the terms of reference.