I don't understand the Folk Awards, never have done, not since they changed the 'Public Vote' because they thought Show of Hands would just keep winning it.

So, they banned Show of Hands from winning something year after year, because THE PUBLIC would vote them in....BUT...the Folk Awards 'judges' vote in the same people, year after year after year after year...

I can see one or two new names on that list, and it once again, gives the impression that the folk world consists of around 5 people..many of whom are up for numerous awards.

I've always said that for me, the object of the Folk Awards should be to help as many *different* artists as it can, rather than nominating as many of the *same* artists for several awards, thus narrowing down the opportunities for others.

The Folk Awards is incestuous, imo.

Trying to get 'into it' if you are not within 'the inner circle' is akin to trying to join the Masons. You have to know the right people and be willing to join 'the lodge'...funny handshakes an' all.

It gives the wrong impression to the world and it will continue to convince people that the folk world is small, incestuous and deeply controlled by those who consider themselves big fish in a small sea and never want to share 'their sea' with other forms of marine life.

Bring Back The Public Vote. It was the ONLY thing of truth within the Folk Awards. They didn't like the truth and so they removed it after the very first year.

Pathetic.