The reason these discussions usually end up as unpleasantly a they invariably do is, in my opinion, the amount of dishonesty that they generate.
The definition I work with is the established one - not mine.
I have never attempted to "belittle" any other music or anybody who performs it - I probably sing more folk inspired songs than anybody here.
I attempt to respond people's points honestly rather than attempting to misrepresent them.
I've given you my arguments and I've shown how clarity and purpose has made a difference to the future of folk music in Ireland.
I would be extremely grateful if that level of response was reciprocated.
Thee is nothing more evasive and insulting than terms like 'Folk Police' - a term favoured by people with no genuine answers.
It reduces these discussions to "snigger-snogwriter" slanging matches.
I hope everybody here is above that
Jim Carroll