"Jim disputes the percentage Roud gives for the contribution broadsides made,"
I dispute that the figure represents folk song in its entirity, which is what was implied when I was accused of "starry-eyed" naivety when I quoted MacColl' final song carriers statement
THat claim seems to have shrunk to those songs collected in the late 19th?early twentieth century songs
Even so - appearance in print is in no way prooof that that version is the first
Steve Gardaham has described the folk/broadside process as a two-way street but given the 90+% (and at one angry stage) 100% claim, this appears to be little more than lip service
Let us be clear - the only way this claim can be substantiated is to prove beyond any doubt that the printed version was the first one
Until that happens, we know nothing and we have to work it out by common sense

Can I suggest that, for the sake of peace and quite, Dick should be left to his own devices.

Talking of agendas, I began to suspect one, possibly unfairly, when this 905 plus claim was extended to folk tales and tunes
I still feel more than a little uneasy that this might become the new - new kid on the block

Thank you Jack and John - you have both helped extend my skill with languages beyond 'voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soire'
Jim