Regards my friend Lisa's post & Linda's befor her etc.

And, with all due respect Lisa, Et Al:

We walk a perilous path when we choose to use terms beginning in the context of "Complex Decisions" and by 'leaps of faith" (or whatever), arriving at (like Topsy) into full blown "ideaisms" as REHEARSALS FOR DEATH & terminology such as: RITUALISTIC QUALITIES. :-)

We are in fact addressing "Ballads" aren't we?

I for example, would suggest, that a very large percentage of the the "Pop" songs of the 50s and 60s, are "in fact" Ballads in a "contracted" format.... certainly making them "no less" ballads, right?

Terms like "ritualistic" immediately raise in my psyche terms like traditionalistic and terms like "fundamentalistic' and can easily lead to terms like Fascistic, etc.

But I digress,

If you Guys & Gals are suggesting a "VERY SERIOUS" ballad workshop, as opposed to or in addition to the already existing "realtime" peace cabin "living ballad experience", then quite seriously you MUST lobby for a FEATURED "minimal" Ballad workshop of no less then two hours, featuring a "Panel" of "Ballad Experts" for the first hour or so, followed by another hour for arguing and throwing rotten Tomatoes, and finally, another hour for cleaning up the mess.....!

OK, I suppose that if certain "balladeers" seriously feel the need for such a get-together, I would strongly suggest, that in-the- tradition, that they contact each other off-line, and get together during one of those few & far between hour long gaps (like Lunch) and meet in the beautiful fields & do it right! :-)

A Modest proposal, at best!

Looking forwrd to being lambasted
I remain-Sincerely & respectfully-

Gene-O-Elf