Can't see why threads with 'Folk Music' in the title attract such ire and contempt. Some people want to discuss the big picture of a phenomenon they enjoy but recognise has accumulated a lot of preconceptions and plain bull around it and some don't.

If the don'ts stay out of the thread Folk Music threads are usually knockabout, good natured and contain some intelligent posts (not necessarily mine). Having a background thread on the boil to remind us what the hell this thing is we're listening to seems healthy.
Some folk are just hypertensive and waiting to be offended. If we bring the board down to a level where no-one gets miffed it would be dull indeed.

Before I found Mudcat I believed I was the only person who loved folk music while recognising its contradictions and absurdities but I find there are a considerable number and for that I'm grateful.