Over in another thread (don't ask!) a few days ago, someone suggested that it's generally unsafe and unwise to mix business and friendship . . .

Certainly I can see the sense in what they said . . however, it strikes me that there is widespread mixing of business and friendship in the UK folk "scene"; indeed, that it's almost characteristic of it - between promoters, artists, agents, helpers (not to mention punters; they do have a business relationship, at least with the promotors). And it seems to me that mostly we wouldn't want it any way. Of course, sometimes something goes really sour . . but sadly "that's life".

Then I started wondering, Perhaps it's a UK thing?. Certainly at time the USians seem a little more hard-headed, business-like in their approach. On the other hand, they seem to have given us the House Concert, which seems to me to rely on a mix of business and friendship.

So . . what to you guys think?

G.