So, you show me evidence that it *doesn't* exist then, Dave.

No Lizzie you have the wrong end of the stick. I showed you evidence of something you were saying didn't exist. You asked for new young directors of folk festivals. There's one at Sidmouth under 45 - isn't that close to where you live? If you can't spot evidence on your own doorstep why should people believe in anything else you say.

I know of two long-established people at Whitby #folk Week have left this year first of all having been shadowed by and now replaced by two young people.

If you think it is hard breaking into the folk world try the rock, pop, or classical music world. It really isn't about secret handshakes - but it is about slogging up and down motorways, giving up well-paid jobs, sleeping in grotty accommodation, eating in greasy spoons and festival food and doing it for very little money. There were artists who did Sidmouth, Dartmoor, Bideford without a day off and then went to both Shrewsbury and Towersey. It's hard work.

As I said, I have the utmost respect for those who never 'sell out' simply to get ever higher up the folk ladder.

Now this is easy Lizzie, to produce evidence for this one. Top of the ladder and biggest folk attractions? Most festival organisers woud plump for Show of Hands, Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman. When did they sell out? You know all about SOH having been a big fan until recently. When did they sell out to become stars?

SGive us some examples of stars who have sold out. When did they do it?

Top of the bill this year - Spooky Men's Chorale from Australia. Just done a huge tour of the UK following up previous successes. Just driving their schedule would have been enough for most people never mind about radio and press interviews, rehearsals and oh! yes - living from a suitcase and performing for up to three or four hours per day.

Kate Rusby became a big star. I don't see any evidence of family connections there. Eliza Carthy's parents are in the business, but you cannot deny her talent. Paul Sartin's father was in the folk business - do you really think he could get into Belshazzar's Feast and Bellowhead on the strength of his dad's connections from the 60's and 70's. Perhaps being a music scholar at Oxford and an immense amount of talent helped.

All I ask is that you stop making wild allegations and claims unsupported by evidence. And to stop talking about things you really know nothing about.