John P wrote
To me, a new song that is composed "in the tradition" should be created, both musically and lyrically, as the result of the composer's deep immersion in whatever tradition he or she is writing in (or by one who is very clever at picking up the essentials and reproducing them). Anyone who has listened to enough traditional folk can tell the difference.
Almost the most important thing is that the gray areas are huge and very subjective. But that doesn't mean that the lines aren't there somewhere.

Thanks ... that explains that then ...!!!

Now could someone translate that into working class English!!!!!!

And its good to know that anyone who knows their stuff about traditional folk can tell the difference ..