Micca I was at Llansock I and I agree that it was like meeting friends but I didn't find the thoughts of trying to sing or play in front of them easy - I found it absolutely nerve wracking. I find singing to strangers who can have absolutely no expectations of me far easier.

Diva, I disagree with your assesment of the standard in the open room. The only real difference I have noticed is that the "outsiders" tend to bring in more diversity which IMO is a good thing.

The other thing the "outsiders" have brought in has been more cotinuity in music being played/sung. I used to loath the long silent spells in Hearme where he only purpose the room seemed to be used for was a text chat. Of course if someone dared to sing 3 or 4 songs to break this silence in the freindly room, they ran the risk of being accused of hogging the mic.

Jon