Bill D. - I completely agree with you on the necessity of having labels and categorys. - it helps things immensly and makes life alot easier. It also means we dont have to beat around the bush when we talk about things. And of course, there is a distict difference in sound between Chiago Blues, and Delta Blues for example - and having the labels is a great way of being able to talk about each individual style without great deals of confusion.

But, i think what I would like to clarify is that I think that the label 'Folk' is one that shouldnt really be applied as it currently is. - Folk is, undoubtedly a huge umbrella term for all sorts of music. But i think with the particular word 'folk' - it carries with it alot of meanings, connotations and ideas that arent particulary true to its actuall form. Furthermore, the word 'folk' isnt just used in reference to the music, its used in reference to the dance, food, philosophy and culture. Which i dont feel is very healthy as it is, like i say, some kind of re-enactment, which we cant live throughout our day to day lives because we dont live in the past.

Otis