As a newbie, I need to find a method that works for me to learn songs. I can't hear the words well enough from singers to get the songs. A book is useful for doing that, but with the idea that I want to learn and just sing without the book.

It seems that we need to be reasonable. For newbies (or not well learned), it is proper to be sensitive and pass the lead to a more experienced singer. It is not too disruptive for a few to have a book to refer to as we learn with the idea that as a song is learned we leave behind the use of a book (until the next new one). It would not be reasonable to expect that all songs would be sung from the book at any session. Too prohibitive for the session and to experienced singers. In that case, the newbie (people like me) needs to listen and take as big a part as possible to the singing and just enjoy.

If places like the Getaway prohibits newbies and their crutches then it is destined to die. I would like to go sometime, I would hate to think that people who attend would not like my presence.

I say let's keep a sense of humor and pure enjoyment of this life we share. No more "jerk" calling, but rather enjoy the presence of experienced singers and be excited for new singers coming along. Patience and understanding, if anything, should be shown during these times we are sharing.

Astro (a newbie)