Bruce O.,

Unfortunately, for most of us ordinary folk, our first exposure to Folk Music is through Commercial Recordings. I know they don't fit most definitions of true folk music but they are better than nothing. I first got interested in American Folk Music in the Fifties after listening to recordings by Lonnie Donnegan. I know he was criticized by one well known collector over here, but he introduced a whole generation of British Youth to American Folk Music.
Which is more that can be said for that particular collector.

Not that I wish to put down collectors, they have done (and are still doing) a wonderful job.
It's just that we need both. Commercial recordings introduce songs to the general public. Then, those whose interest has been aroused will look to the collectors who have preserved the songs along with their historic backgrounds.

Bert.