I am actually a lot broader in my definition of folk music than a lot of others. Generally, my own feeling is that a song doesn't qualify to be called by that name until it has been around for quite some time. To me, the use of the term is not unlike things such as sardines or hay. There is no such thing as a living sardine. It is only a sardine when it is in the can. Hay never grows. Once the grasses are cut and dried, they become hay. For me, (and I say this LOUDLY!) FOR ME folk songs aren't folk songs until they have some age on them. One of my favorite quotes came from an elderly gentleman who, speaking of folk music, said "When I was coming up, we just called it music." I don't mean to offend you, Joely. The thread title just hit me as being wrong IN MY VIEW. I am always glad to listen to the efforts of other performers. Best of luck.