OK - a few points that I'd like to make about my view on the subject. They are only my views, of course and I'm not trying to criticise anyone else's perspective but ...

1. 'Open mike' (or 'singers night' as it would more usually be known amongst the British folk venues) means anyone can have a go. People attending know that, or if they don't, then they should be informed. Therefore as audience members they are expecting to take the good with the bad.

2. People's opinion of what is awful varies. Me - I can't stand flash guitarists who concentrate on their playing at the expense of the sense/words/projection of the song. But I can happily listen to any number of unaccompanied ballads sung by people who may not hold a tune great, or structure their breathing perfectly, but who can nonetheless convey the soul of the song and their love of it. (I'm in a minority, and I know it, but it makes a point!)

3. As has been pointed out, everyone has to learn. Doesn't matter how much you practice at home, it's fundamentally different performing to an audience, and No-one will get it right first (or third or twentieth) time. I can afford to look sympathetically on beginners cos I've been there myself. And so can almost everyone I talk to.

4. I've seen some of our most revered performers have a dreadful time. Sometimes it's caused by nerves that you spend a lifetime fighting, sometimes there are outside influences distracting you. Sometimes it's just plain goblins at work. If it can happen to them it can happen to us, too.

5. These evenings don't often occur in isolation. They are generally a regular event with at least a core of regular attendees. That means that a particular person's stage performance is only a part of what they contribute. I don't expect my friends to attain some pre-specified standard in any skill before they can be my friends. I like them for who they are. And any organisers who are worried about the standard of performers might remember that the other club members may not be expecting to be amazed ... they might just enjoy each others company.

6. Sometimes 'crap' perfomers astound you and come out with a real gem. I've seen it happen and it's given me more pleasure than yet another beautiful rendition from the best singer in the room every time!

7. If you don't like the prospect of potentially having to hear less than perfect performances, then don't go to an 'open mike'. Go to a concert instead. But don't deny the people who enjoy the format the opportunity to do so. And allow that the people who return to the 'Open Mike' may not share your aversion to the differing standards they find there.