Somewhere in the course of this interminable thread, I suggested to you, Jim -- politely and sincerely -- that you write a book. I expressed the view that such a book would likely be very interesting and informative. You said something to the effect that at this stage of your life you lack the energy. Having written more than 20 books myself and about to embark on yet another (none on a subject relevant to Mudcat, though there are passing folksong references in some, including in one an extended discussion of the lore out of which "Thomas the Rhymer" grew), I respect the sentiment.

The reason I write these words, however, is that if I am an ivory-tower elitist for writing books and urging you to do the same, the whole concept has been grievously devalued. I doubt -- though I don't know either of them personally (I have, however, read two of Roud's books) -- that the Steves are either. I actually think that those who have something to say, and I certainly include you in that number, ought to write intelligent, informed books instead of wasting their energies on ephemeral stuff like Internet spats. And please don't insult us authors. We already suffer enough. Most of us are among the earth's lowliest creatures, unwelcome in ivory towers and shunned by elites. In another time, perhaps, we'd have been on the street, in fair weather and foul, hawking broadsides and hoping against hope that the tradition would take note.