I agree with the view that all songs/tunes were once written by someone and at the time they were contemporary. Its already happening that many songs/tunes written by such people as Ewan McColl, Bob Dylan, Keith Hancock, Tom Paxton, Ian Campbell, Christy Moore, Cyril Tawney &c are being passed on from generation to generation and, therfor, in that sense are becoming traditional at least on the 'folk scene'.

Can't for the life of me understand purists?' who can only listen to traditional music or 'contempories' who can't stand trad. whether here in England or elswhere. The best club/festivals, in my opinion, are those that combime both otherwise i reckon you're missing out on a helluva lot! But then each to there own.