The "secret" is to have few ground rules, and make sure that you live by the rules.
    1. Select and limit the type of music and limit the kind of instruments. In our case, it's all acoutic (no electric), and pre-1952 Grand Ol' Opry Music.
    2, Take turns all the way around the room.
    3. Remind the "break hogs" that other people want the breaks too.
    4. Start and stop at a set time: we run three hours.
    5. If someone wants to focus on a particualr style of music in your genre (like driving bluegrass), and they aren't happy with old country music or fiddle tunes, announce their interest and tell eberyone which room they'll be in.
    6. pass the hat to pay utilities.
    7. If someone won't keep the rules, tell him/her to leave.

Steve Daugherty