Going back to the top: An interesting notion, Captain, and as Peace rightly says, some stirring does no harm, in ideas as much as in cookery. But I always like to test theories by turning them on their head.

So before bemoaning the fossilisation of folk songs in print, let's consider: What are the alternatives? What is the likelihood of their being accepted/taken up? And if they were, what would be the end effect on folk songs?

After all remember - this is an era where we all depend much more on the written word for our communication, even if much of it is electronic. It is a sad fact that we talk a lot less to each other IMHO(compared to writing), and certainly a lot less meanignfully, families don't gather round dinner tables, grandparents don't tell as many stories to their grandkids (they don't see them enough, often), time has become precious.

The folk process doesn't die, however. It just adapts, taking on whatever technology and social interaction has to offer as its tools.

So, like the old joke about folkies and electricity, it is senseless to bemoan the advent of the spread and ubiquitousness of the written word and its effect on the preservation or fossilisation of traditions. Just use it. And use it sensibly and to its full advantage.