This is weird! I seem to be in agreement with too many different opinions on this question.

Like Shambles I am concerned with the Pickling process that collections sometimes seem to encourage.

I'm surprised that more of us don't show concern about Bowdlerising songs. That seems to me to be one of the greatest losses that collectors have inflicted upon us.

Like Pastorpest I need more bookshelves and can never find enough song books.

And I also agree with Bill D. when he expresses a preference for version 27. Very often the way I hear a song for the first time gets to be 'my' preferred version.

When I sing a traditional song I try not to make 'gratuitous' changes but I usually have to bend it somewhat so that it fits the way I sing. Sometimes changing the words, sometimes changing the timing or the tune. I can't sing a song in a style that does not suit my voice and cultural heritage.

Bert.