FIRST attempt to answer some questions. "Is this a sign of harder times or is on line publishing the future format? Is it a worldwide phenomenon? I read magazines from cover to cover but only dip into online stuff."

Response from Pete: Although we can't ignore the general economic circumstances I think the problems facing specialist publications and specialist music makers and publishers go much deeper than that. We started the magazine out of a desire to promote an interest in traditional music. This was in pre Internet days. Printed publications had a critical role in communication among organisers. I believe they still have that role to play.

The bigger impact of Living Tradition as a glossy magazine was perhaps its part in raising the credibility of traditional music in the corridors of power. You can't put a website on the desk of the Minister of Culture. If we don't treat our music seriously why should other people take us seriously? Being able to play traditional music as the core element of a music Degree; the current investment by Creative Scotland in traditional music; the decision by Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to create an event called Celtic Connections in their slack time of year; the vast numbers of people now playing traditional music as a result of informal and formal education programmes; serious television coverage of traditional music – all these things didn't happen by accident. I am not claiming that this was because of Living Tradition, but we did play a part. The folk scene sings of unity and strength but is not good at working together. Over the years Living Tradition has shared ideas, put people in touch with each other and contributed our own practical efforts to make things happen. We have not just followed the crowd or the commercial interest and most of the time we seem to be swimming against the tide of popular opinion of what is good for the music.

The Web can't be ignored, but whilst it may be good for reaching a wider audience, it is not always good news for specialist music. If print publications are in danger, spare a thought for specialist record labels.   We could have a whole thread on this.

Before I forget to answer the question.   "Is on-line publication the future format?" My answer is that I hope not. It is the 'easy option' for some but in my view not the best one. It does have a part to play though.

Cheers for now.

Pete Heywood