Under the 1954 definition, the newer writers that Allan mentions could never write folk songs. Besides, I thought we had already determined that 1954 was useful for academics and collectors but of little use in real life.

I have no intention of destroying anything as I have already, apparently, destroyed folk music :-D

I have no idea whether "Tiptoe through the tulips" (written by Al Dubin (lyrics) and Joe Burke (music) in 1929) will ever become a folk song. I do know that I have heard "Carolina Moon", also co-written by Joe Burke, performed in a folk setting and it was well received.

As to the arbiters of folk taste, I don't know who they all are but they tell us, whenever these discussions arise, what is and is not folk music.

Like I have said umpteen times. No, not all music is folk. No, I cannot define it but if I enjoy it and it sounds like folk, I am happy. I do not speak for anyone else.