Richard, with respect:

First, you wrote an insult to the paper, not a letter.

Second, if the nuance between "folk singer" and "folksong singer" can generate a discussion on Mudcat, why on Earth would you expect a newspaper columnist to make that distinction?

As far as I can tell from this thread, broadly labeling DiFranco as a "folk singer" is relatively appropriate in the modern use of the term. So the reporter/columnist DID know "something" of the topic.

Newspapers are for the general public and are not journals aimed at music historians...so don't get your knickers in a twist because a distinction wasn't made to the level you would like. It's not good for your blood pressure.

Evolution is going to happen -- whether it's the folk tradition, language, or birds. I guess I'd rather be a flying starling than a dead dodo.

Peter