It's excellent that this discussion has been introduced and I hope it is being followed by a large number of people with bad rhythm. I know I will listen carefully to my own rhythm now and see if I am one of them. (A similar string of rants about guitarists has me inspecting that contribution too.)

I do think, though, that all the suggestions involving 4x4 and other varied weapons haven't been helpful. It adds nothing practical to the discussion, the humour value expired during the first submission and it serves only to direct hate at people who are aware of their novice status or, even more so, uncertain and fearful that they may be unaccomplished and THEREFORE NOW APPARENTLY UNWELCOME.

To all who attend geuninely open sessions: note this is not the case.

To type in terms of what a problem the distracting player is makes a person feel that their very contribution is unwelcome. The few valuable submissions on this topic have, in my opinion, been the ones which described honestly the situation faced by a song leader or other performer when people join in poorly. They typed about their own experience of the situation, impressed on me effectively the distress it causes and refrained from projecting ideas, intentions or attitudes onto the perpetrators. I hope that the greatest possible number of these perpetrators will brush off the blustering and intolerance and pick up on the heartfelt message hidden away in the conversation.