In 47 years of organising, and performing, at folk clubs I have seen the same things happening at some (a tiny minority).

All the clubs I have been involved with as an organiser have maintained a deliberate policy of treating every newcomer (no matter how good, or bad) as a welcome guest whose performance is respected and enjoyed. I have always made a beeline for unknown faces (especially the young ones) and enquired whether they perform, and I have always made sure that they get a good chance to show what they can do. The same welcome and respect has been offered to those who came to listen. After all, they are the ones we perform for.

This, to me, is the main function of an organiser, period. It isn't a matter of ego, as I am perfectly happy to drop myself (and thereafter, my residents) to make room.

As a performer, I don't expect to be treated as some kind of God, but simple good manners and a measure of respect will decide whether my first visit will also be my last.

If I am travelling some distance to a club, I always consider it courteous to let them know in advance, and if this is not possible I don't get annoyed if they can't fit me in.

I suppose I fall into the category of "working class", but this has absolutely nothing to do with my musical activities.

I would suggest that the originator of this thread has been rather unlucky in his choice of venue, and, from experience I am sure that the majority of London Clubs are very different from that description.

Don T.