From Will:

"Just what does it take to get some respect in the folk community?

Cap'n Dick - slagging off a fellow musician and performer's musical abilities on a public forum like this one is, in my old-fashioned view, surely not on."


I'll tell you what it takes, Will. It takes an editor who does NOT slag incredibly talented musicians off, in his mag, or on his messageboard, or the BBC board, simply because he doesn't like their music.

It's about respect.

It's ALWAYS been about respect.

Sadly, fRoots has taken much delight in NOT respecting those who they deem not suitable to get in under their 'radar'

In my opinion, Ian has lost a great deal of respect over his behaviour and even to this day I think that still stands.

To be honest, if you want to live your life knocking talented artists, making fun of them, getting people to write spiteful reviews etc..well, then don't go crying if folk start complaining.

The thing is, again, as I see it, is that Ian and the fRoots team don't really give a shite about the opinion of you, or me, or anyone else. They simply 'do what they do'..and that's the way it is. Once you get your head around that, you can decide whether to stand with him, or walk away.

I walked.

However, it does my heart good to see he's finally realised just how damn talented Show of Hands and Seth are, along with appreciating, at long last, what a huge influence they're having in bringing thousands into the world of folk music and how much they're helping the younger generation of folk musicians to get out there too.

In the end, even fRoots can't hold out against a sweeping tide of tens of thousands of people who recognise talent that shines out.

So, well done fRoots for at least having the grace to flow with that tide, for once.

Let's hope this marks a whole new beginning.

Lizzie :0)