The Definition of Origami was originally fold-paper. When I started in 1960, all of the books had a few snips. Many of the traditional origami models have some cutting. I am not overly purist in my approach - a little snip may be OK. But like the supreme court judge said, I can not define pornography but I know it when I see it - the same thing about too much cutting. Sometime in the 70's, the purist definition seemed to take hold: one square sheet, folded, no cuts or embellishments. Later modular were a separate case - Ok if and only if they held together without glue, tape or other devises. I do believe that gluing a well locking display model is a good idea. Display models are subject to heavy handling and the stress of shipping, better to glue it than have the recipient try to reassemble it.
Much later, the tea bag folding became popular. Tea bag models had to be glued together. While the finished models are beautiful - I have no interest in making them. More recently, the marketing people have "discovered" origami and attach it to anything even remotely connected or appearing folded. I think that the origami world is a big tent allowing us to encompass all the various forms of origami. Origami convention are becoming a smorgasbord of origami styles with a bit of something for everyone. I have been proud that Origami is a meritocracy - where young and old can meet on equal footing. I have noticed that there is some snobbery between advanced and beginner folders which I think is a bit unfair. Some of the beginners will advance - others will never, but they All Enjoy folding. I believe the love of folding and creating is the important part. Side comment off topic: The BBC ran a story about artist having a different brain development than the control group. I would like to see the same study on paperfolders. Artists have unique brain structure BBC 17 April 2014 Last updated at 05:35 ET http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26925271
