"Does a comment like "She brings shame on the folk world" fit into such a summation, would you say, Jim?"
No it doesn't Mike (a misuse of the term "in the main" on my part) - I think I made the point earlier about this particular posting, which I find as offensive as anybody else rightly does.
I see nothing wrong with criticising any singer, no matter how experienced, though I would prefer any criticism to be qualified by an explanation so it may be discussed - that particular one isn't criticism, it's downright offensive condemnation of a singer who has made an enormous contribution to folk song.
Whatever my personal opinions on Shirley Collins' singing, my main reason for discussion is the effect that her style has had on the revival as a whole (I'm not blaming her for that, just pointing out what I believe has happened).
"I entirely agree with Vic Smith's reaction, the posts to which he was responding were puerile and offensive."
Couldn't agree more Steve - can't offer an explanation without re-opening a long and rather long running unpleasantness, so I can only apologise to all and say it won't happen again.
Jim Carroll