I guess I must be dense. I thought that the point of the first posting was that if you create a narrow enough definition of folk you eliminate not only those whom you don't like (in this case John Gorka) but also those that you do (Rick Fielding). I thought it was a valid point, probably because I object to the need to categorize and define everything and everyone. I obviously didn't see it as an attack by a rabid flamer.

Why do we need to categorize within this forum? And why (except humorously, thank you very much Mr. Offer) do we need to compare? Ever since I heard Leo Kottke compared his singing to "geese farts on a muggy day", I've thought that nothing positive ever comes from those comparisons. I spent months trying to find albums with gees farting, only to be disappointed. If Rick Fielding or John Gorka or anybody else does a song or two IN THE STYLE OF Gordon Lightfoot, I'm sure they both do many more in styles that could be described in any of a million different ways by different listeners.

What's my point here? If you want to argue, defend, flame or whatever the hell else - go ahead. But, please, try to understand what's been written before leaping on your high horse if you wish for these discussions (like the original Gorka thread)to remain civil and informative.

Luv ya'll,
Bart