Conrad seems to believe that everyone should know some songs. Nothing wrong with that, but when you think about it, it's misguided. Of course musicians believe that music is important and everyone should share it, but the same can be said for many other things. Others might say that everyone should learn to ride a horse, or climb a mountain, or paint a picture. People can't do everything, and more importantly they don't want to do everything.

Folkies believe the tradition is important, but most people couldn't care less. They make their own traditions. If some of the old traditions add something to their lives - Christmas carols, for example - then they'll keep them, although possibly in an adapted form, if not they'll drop them. They won't keep traditions alive simply because someone else believes it's good for them.

If people do want to learn songs it's easier than ever, since so many lyrics and performances are on line. Obscure song books can be found and ordered online from anywhere in the world. Or you can ask on a forum and someone will come up with the lyrics, tune, and even chords.

Conrad's other problem seems to be that he believes everything is easy. You want to attract people to folk music? Easy. Research new material or write new songs? Easy. Find someone to provide land for a festival and donate portaloos for free? Easy.

He doesn't say who should be doing all this - it's always someone else, not him. Neither does he explain how it's to be paid for, since according to him the music must be free. So who pays for the advertising space, who pays for the songsheets to be printed? Not his problem - he's the ideas man, don't trouble him with details. In particular, don't trouble him with the detail that his ideas won't work and may actually be counter-productive.