What is interesting is that the list sent to the judges is based on what's been played on Mike Harding's show. That immediately limits it to a certain category of music which fits the SmoothOps/MHS remit. No one, not even SmoothOps, seems to think that the MHS is representative of the folk scene in general.

So when they call it the "BBC Folk Awards", what they mean is awards for folk who've been on the BBC. Not exactly inaccurate, but...

Despite this, I'm not one of the conspiracy theorists. The Folk Awards may be flawed, but they are a showcase for the best of folk music - some of the best anyway. No matter what the cynics say, it is real kudos and a definite boost for those who are nominated. I've got my ticket, and I'm looking forward to it immensely. I'll be cheering on my mates in Pilgrims' Way who are up for the Horizon award.

A bit more transparency would remove most of the grounds for carping and allow us to enjoy it for what it is.