'Glueman', let's imagine a community of musically talented people (working class, of course - 'horny-handed sons and daughters of toil') somewhere in England who are participating in a continuation of the Tradition. They sing ballads, based on traditional models, about the Internet, motorways and supermarkets; in their community centre they perform 'up-dated' jigs and reels to the accompaniment of fiddles and electric bass. Every May Day their children dance around a mobile phone mast with ribbons in their hair and bells on their ankles.

So who is stopping them? Is it likely that the fact that Jim Carroll, Pip Radish and I doubt that the Tradition is still operating going to phase them one little bit? Perhaps I'll meet them one day and be invited to join in their Utopian revels (?)

Contrary to your opinion I do not go around saying things like, "stop doing that, it's not traditional!" If asked for my opinion I will give it and may express myself robustly - but I have no power and no desire to tell people what to do, or what not to do.

If Jim Carroll says that the tradition is no longer operating then he may well have a point and has at least earned the right to be listened to (I also happen to be familiar with his work - I'm not familiar with yours, 'glueman'). Don't shoot the messenger!