I think there needs to be some at least suggestions for new people wanting to use the book in an establsihed group..this is futile because I think almost any established group in us and perhaps cn has been taken over..

But if you find a virgin group, ask what the preference is for the books. If you don't see books, except for the personal use of the singer, assume that they might not want to use this particular book. In fact, some (including me) passionately do not want to use it. The sound of the music that is produced can go from wonderful to deadly in a few sessions. Or in an evening.

If it is a group that is set up with the intent of using this book, go for it. Enjoy it with enthusiasm. If you want to set up a group, do it however you like it. If you prefer the book, don't let people who prefer not the book talk you out of it.   It is your group.

The problem is people coming into established groups that have gone on for years and imposing the books. I mean bringing extra copies and standing there insisting you take one. If someone says no thank you, move on.

Same with camps. They are about my only form of music these days. I do not want to drive 200 miles, or more likely, mooch a ride with David, and sit through hours of those books under glaring flourescent lights in an endless circle. If I and others leave the group, it is because we want to do something else. There should always be a default room for the book likers, who also tend to like the flourescent lights I have noticed. If you want to sing out of the book, stay in that room. If you want to join others, who are not using the books, join them but don't use the books. You do not have the moral high ground. I do not have the moral high ground by insisting on joining a quilting group that has been around for years and not quilting the way they have developed. I do not expect every baseball team to let me play at my level when they are at a different level. This never means no one gets to sing. There is lots of singing, choruses, sing along on songs oyou know, hum along. This is in the late night sessions at the camps...sometimes leaders emerge..let them..sing along but don't demand equal turns. That messes up the flow of the music. Taking turns messes up the flow. I am not talking about every song circle every places, I am talking about what I seek out in terms of music, and what others do as well. There should always be a default option of some nice room to sing with the books (Sunnycamp being the exception because there is only one building)...but don't impose them on people who don't like them.