The great thing about folk clubs over the years is they have been a breeding ground for new talent, where a fledgling performer can develop their art and their craft.

David Mamet says in his book True and False, the performer should take criticism and praise with a pinch of salt, both can be biased and misleading.
The artist should have their own yard stick and an objective measure of their talent, capabilities and limitations, if this is achieved, then praise and criticism true or false can never inflate or erode your worth as a creative artist.