How interesting that, because I favor a less-broad definition of the term "folk music", some folks seem to think I'm some sort of folk police. I've said it before and I'll say it again now: YOU SHOULD PLAY AND LISTEN TO WHATEVER KIND OF MUSIC YOU LIKE!!!! Clear enough? None of this is about what people should sing or listen to, what happens at folk festivals, whether or not a song is any good, or whether or not a singer has any value. It's about the definition of a word, nothing else. No real-world repercussions for anyone's music making or enjoyment.

As someone who has been accosted by the authenticity-snob folk police in real-world situations (like during performances), I would never tell anyone they were playing the wrong music or that they were playing it wrong. I play traditional music in a variety of non-traditional ways, and don't have any qualms about changing a melody, fixing the words, or playing it on whatever instruments come to hand.

I disagree that the folk process has stopped. I see it at work all around me all the time, in my playing and that of my friends. The only way it could stop is if we all listen to those who say that Child #10 (which Child #10?) should never be sung to the tune of Child #1 (which Child #1?). Of course it should be. If it works better for you to sing it that way, then do so.