If someone suggests that they can no longer hear folk songs at folk clubs it is not nitpicking to try and find out what they consider to be songs that they are happy with at folk clubs. I, amongst many, consider contemporary folk songs to have their rightful place in folk clubs. I think that you agree. And we are in complete agreement over what constitutes a traditional folk song.

What I am trying to get to the bottom of is what you consider to be a contemporary folk song and why. We know you think MacColl, Garbutt and Tawney write songs employing "folk techniques" but you do not consider that McTell or Sheran do. This is what I really do not understand.

When I hear, for instance, "Hiring Fair" or "Gallway Girl" I hear distinct folk undertones. Do you not? If I am hearing them "wrong", can anyone tell me why? What about two of my favourites, Richard Thompsons, "Vincent Black Lightning" or Anthony John Clarke's "Irish Eyes". Are they contemporary folk or "replaceable pap"?

As to rules, nah, I don't have a book. I can go to any folk club and hear folk songs. It is you saying that you cant!