To revert to my point, the stuff I reposted above came from old mudcat posts. So what's the point of coming in and asking "What is folk music" unless you have something new to say? There is a definition. There is general academic consensus. You may not like the definition, but unless you can provide a sensible argument why the definition is wrong, why open the door for idiots?

The point is, Richard, that newcomers (or as you call them rather disparagingly, 'idiots') who were not party to the original 'general academic consensus', wish to air their opinions.

They don't want to be told "this has been discussed many times before, therefore there's no point in discussing it any further and we're not interested in what your views are so %$£# off", which is what you seem to be saying.

If you or anyone else doesn't want to take part in this discussion, the answer is simple - you can just ignore the thread. Nobody is forcing you to look at it, let alone contribute.