I have to take issue with Aldus, my perception of this discussion is quite the opposite of narrow minded. Just because we disagree with an expressed viewpoint does not make us narrow minded; the denial of that viewpoint would, but thats not what we have. Just to throw in my own two pennyworth, and I hasten to add that it is an opinion not a definition; whilst I have some sympathy with the arguments of T in Oaklahoma, I am much more inclined to Bruce O's view. What is missing from the first, and what is to me far more important than the derivation or style of the music, is that the lyrics make a social point relevant to the time they were created. Those that endure tend to be those where the point is timeless - seduction, desertion, incest, lock outs, disasters etc. Of course a good tune helps but these are frequently around and can be picked up for re-use. So if any one wants to listen to someone, female or otherwise, "singing their diary" fine, but in my book its not folk now and certainly wont be in 50 years time.

Pete M