'For WAY too long artists have been so controlled, so dependant on power driven people who have the folk world sewn up so tight, who hold their careers in their hands...

I know one musician who was constantly terrified that I'd say something to upset the Folk Mafia and therefore possibly 'ruin' everything for the band concerned. I told them to take a stand against the controlling ones, not wobble in front of them...but to no avail...This person and the band they play with was, is and are profoundly talented singers and musicians who should, of course, be right up there winning Folk Awards, getting the best gigs, but they're not in the Inner Circle sooooooooo.........

And as for other musicians who've chosen to go the way of the Folk Mafia, bowing and kowtowing, where once they stood firm and strong against 'em, well...................................'

Bullseye Liz! A very fair precis of the situation. What is indisputable is that it is these people who will attract young people to folk and acoustic music and its techniques. How many of the present eminence gris of the folk world started out doing Donovan and dylan - because these were the guys with fire in there belly at the time, and provided role models that young folks could look to.

of course if the aim of the game is feeling superior to everyone else, and keeping the top table at the folk club exclusive - which one suspects it always was, always will be - well then, hold the line boys! Repel all invaders from the real world; the place where you have learn the words, write attractive melodies, learn how to use a digital tuner and other black arts.