I must differ---(so what else is new): The term "traditional folksong" is and refers to a very definitely defined and specific scholastic discipline that contains many types of evolved musics and songs from around the world.

As I've said here in many past discussions, (and where one must go to see how much I generally agree with John P) one must sweep the scum of the present off the top of the pond in order to more easily gaze down into the depths of history where these treasures are found.

I am not calling all singer-songwriter crations scum, but when the shoe fits...

Art Thieme