what's unique about folk clubs is that you'll get both ends of the scale on the same night, from the terrible to the brilliant. which is fine (even admirable) for members and the initiated but which sure horrifies any paying punters.

then there's the problem of the organiser who only runs a club so s/he can get an audience, and, even worse, then puts on someone even more dire than them - so they'll sound good by comparison. and some do this on guest nights.