All salient points, Shambles, and in principle I am generally intolerant of intolerance (do you hear a "but" trailing along, waiting to make its premiere?)....

But when one starts the process of creating a new thread, one has the option (advertised in big bold letters, no less) of searching the Forum or the Digital Tradition first before posting a new thread. How often do you suppose this option is utilized before someone creates his/her thread?

I ashamedly admit to being so lazy as to not use this option myself. I started a thread just a few days ago inquiring about blues guitarist Rory Gallagher. Before posting the first message the thought crossed my mind, maybe someone has posted about this before. Then the old rationalization machine went into action: Nah, I check the 'Cat almost every day. I would've remembered seeing something on Rory Gallagher. And my short, stubby little fingers went to work. Just out of curiosity I went back and did a search after starting the thread - lo and behold someone had made mention of Rory. Not exactly the same stuff as the topic of my thread, so I didn't have to chastise myself too badly. But I think I'll search the Forum or DigiTrad next time before starting a new thread. And if the person in question had done the same thing before starting his/her thread on (for example) "What is Folk," that person would've been well equipped to then start a thread along the lines of: "I have read the posts regarding the 'What is Folk' debate and I have a perspective that may have been overlooked," or something to that effect, which would've made far more interesting reading to the "old-timers" who are passionate about that subject. Otherwise, I think a link, such as you provided, is a helpful thing to do for the originator of the thread, and in no way demonstrates annoyance with the topic.

My two farthings...interesting thread Shambles.

Regards, Neil