"your points would be a lot more persuasive without the sneering at people who disagree with you. We're not idle, maudlin, self-pitying drunks on this side of the argument - just rational adults who hold different views from you."

No, but you are a bit over-sensitive!!!    Jeesh - you consider "crying in your beer" to be sneering? Have you read any of the posts that you made in this thread? Get a grip!!

Replacement of "oral" traditions by recorded music altered the evolution of traditions - but you are grasping at a theory created many moons ago that also needs to evolve. Traditions DO evolve, and they utilize the means of the time and place. You cannot expect and old theory to remain "gospel". There are some people who can convince you that the world is flat.

Can a song that has just been written be a folk song? It cannot be a traditional song, that is certain. Is it a folk song - it would depend on the song and setting.   Someone can write a song for Britany Spears, that would NOT be a folk song.