Talkawhile were initially brought together by Fairport Convention and the Cropredy Festival, but have expanded to cover many artists and festivals.

It's a lively and welcoming forum, with about 1000 readers every day.

We have a great motto "It's nice to be nice". If you are a 'newbie' you will be welcomed and encouraged to post.

The board is moderated, but we don't censor peoples views, only really bad behavior, such as personal attacks.

We have a regular guest artists, who answer questions and join in discussions.

Each year we have the 'Hancock' awards (aka 'Not the BBC Folk Awards') where members can vote and handsome trophies are presented.

There is also 'TalkAwhile Live' where members organise concerts.

the most active collection of alternative string players, playing alternative stringed instruments, in alternative styles, on the internet!