Speaking for myself I have no interest in maintaining the purity of the tradition. I like what some of the revival singers did with English song, and I like their entirely non-authentic guitar accompaniments. I love me a good bit of folk-rock and some people have done fascinating things blending folk and electronica. And there are some songwriters who have produced excellent original material that draws on traditional song.

But what bothers me is when you go to an evening of 'folk' music and nothing appears to have any connection to the tradition. All too often 'folk' just ends up meaning 'music played on acoustic instruments'.