Sorry, Jim, but I disagree. The definition of folk music can be a worthy enterprise, but it's nothing to get in a tizzy about because, in the end, the definition is necessarily arbitrary and a matter of opinion. We can say that some people think that folk music is this; but then in fairness, we have to admit that other people think that folk music is that - and both are perfectly valid opinions. The phenomenon of folk music lies within the parameters of the various definitions.

Now, it is certainly valid to specify a definition of folk music to be used within a particular study or endeavor, but I do not believe that an absolute and all-encompassing definition is possible.

But where achieving an exact definition is futile, the exploration of the phenomenon of folk music can be quite fruitful - as proved by the two excellent books titled Folk Song in England.

So, Jim, if the word "purist" is abusive, would you prefer the term "diva"? ;-)

-Joe-