It is usually wise to have some knowledge before opining. It is one of the fetishes of our time that the opinions of the uninformed and irrational are as valuable as those of the informed and rational.

Whether you like it or not, Richard, on Mudcat everyone's opinions are valued equally. That's what some of us like about it. We don't need to have any particular qualifications or experience before we comment. As I said, you're free to ignore our comments if you don't like them or agree with them.

If you think I preserve folk music in aspic you haven't heard me play.

I never said I thought that, and you're right, I haven't heard you play. But maybe you are referring to pirandello's comments.

If you think I play only folk music you haven't heard me play.

I don't think anyone said that at all, or did I miss it? In any case, again, you're right, I haven't heard you play.

If you want to play strict tempo, you ought to know a quickstep from a waltz.

You've got me there, I'm afraid. I can't argue with it, though.

In short, I didn't think this thread was particularly about you, Richard - I thought it was about answering the question "What is folk music?"

(Btw, Richard, don't think I'm having a go at you - I'm just trying to respond to your comments that I thought were a little unfair on the person raising this question.)