Difficult to sell a poor product

Why do I rarely go to folk clubs these days

I can sing and play and I am booked regularly so therefore I must be doing something O K

I even sell the occasional CD

People sometimes applaud but in a pub setting you have to earn it.

I also am nervous before a gig

If I dont know it I dont do it, so the first time out for a song is always the 'bottle' job

Unfortunately folk clubs have become associated with poor singers through the advance of song sessions that are free access to Joe Public,so that in turn could contribute to the decline in the number of succesful clubs

I used to record myself in the early days I also used to take part in singing competitions, so I was left in no doubt about my limited abilities.
I would only sing in a 'safe' setting and practised a lot in private.

Bob Dylan was once quoted as saying something like. 'If your gonna sing, then sing'

Pete Seeger
'Sing out,sing loud sing often.'

So sing outdoors and watch for peoples reactions

But to all aspiring singers. Learn the song thoroughly first please, look the audience in the eyes and listen to the end response.