The initial question on the thread asked How "you" defined a modern ballad. I wrote what I personally consider a modern ballad to be. I never meant to imply that my definition was "definitive." It was merely a personal reflection, which I think was in the spirit of the original thread. Without an accepted meaning we are left with an evolving and malleable word. A good number of songs on my last CD were attempts at being true to the traditions of ballad singing. If you're interested