Although I know many people get impatient with these kinds of discussions, there is a practical aspect too. I have a thread that takes this discussion in a bit of a direction....It's on the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Television Commissions) category definition of 'folk or folk oriented'.   And it's crucial for any radio station---especially community radio stations---who have to play 35% canadian music if it's in the 'pop' category, and only 15% (I think) if it's in the "Folk or folk oriented" category...(or "world" music...whatever that is; or jazz).

But I need to figure out what most people think of when we think of 'folk oriented'

And since that's a bit different from this topic, I want to invite some responses to my 'CRTC folk or folk oriented thread'.

Thanks.