I don't know what to make of this thread, but one thing occurs to me as I read it, Averil, you say you dont like to wear glasses as they make you loook unattractive...... well, if you cover you face up with a sheet of paper, you may as well just cover up half of it with a pair of glasses! Also, from the tone of these posts, it would appear that most of the men are too busy looking at you tits to see whether you are wearing glasses or not- and most of the women don't care!
Hey, like most of the posts say, learn some of the stuff that gets sung at the folk club you go to, especially some chorus songs so that people can join in, when you are starting at this game, it is good to let the rest help you with half of the song, especially if you are not too good at holding the tune, and that will improve too if you persevere. It is probably best to concentrate on one thing at a time too, learn to sing well or play the bodhran well, but not at the same time. I have been playing the bodhran for 15 years and am still in the practising stage! I sing too, but after 15 years still look on myself as a newcomer, some of these folkies have a pedigree rather than a history - and I respect them for that. You dont have to be a big star to start with, you dont have to be a big big star full stop! and as a newcomer try to blend in rather than being larger than life, some of the people getting spots may have been in your position for years and just got to the heady heights!
Folk music is great, in general it is a friendly place, If you really are genuine, think about what you want out of this, is it enjoyment or what? think about your material, and finally be tactful - everybody is doing their best, it might not be to others exacting standards but hey, I never said we were all perfect!
Sing because you love it and love what you sing
Be happy
Lucy