1. Many of the clubs I go to now are called "Folk and Acoustic.." - so I do know that I will hear a mixture of styles and am not disappointed. In amongst that will be some traditional folk. Thats great, I like the variety.

2. Many of the people I hear at these clubs have not succeeded yet in learning the words, being able to play competently, or in learning how to sing. I applaud them for having the balls to get up and perform in the first place, it does not put me off going back to that club and guess what - when I hear them again they have improved. The only way to learn how to perform is to do it, you cannot get good at performing before going out in public.

3. Encouraging the people above to keep coming is what makes a friendly and flourishing club. Discouraging them is what would kill off the club. I was useless when I started performing, playing wrong chords, forgetting words and sounding really awful. I had my first professional booking before Christmas. If I had been treated as landfill I doubt that I would have kept at it - except that I love what I am doing, so probably would have.

4. As an ex-teacher, I am used to making a fool of myself. IMHO you cannot be a teacher if you are afraid of this. Maybe thats why there are a lot of teachers in clubs.