Musket et al.,

it is not about "ownership" of the genre, but about the definition. You may well argue about the 1954 definition but you`ll have to concede that it at least tries to find a kind of objective criteria whereas the "everything-is-folk-that-I-like-to-call-it"-criteria is purely subjective.

Also, if every music is folk-music you might as well drop the "folk"-part completely.

As far as I see it if the way we still discuss a definition made in 1954 it must have some value, if no one came up with something better in 60 years.

Last but not least: The "everything-can-be-folk"-definition comes closer to the needs of the music industry than to those of a more scientific approach.

Considering that a majority of folkies considers themselves leaning to the left I find it quite amazing how easily they answer to the wishes of the industry... ;0)