Fascinating thread. Many years ago when I first started going to folk clubs, all the ones near me were of the stage and two song set variety on singers nights and that is what I am used to. The first sing around in the go round the room sense I went to, I found it odd that crib sheets were being used. I still find it strange yet the few clubs I support all have a format supporting it.   In fact last week, out of around 12 people playing I was the only one who didn't have a sheet. I was the only one who stood to play for that matter.   Even in my local club, it tends to be just s couple of us who play without props. I suppose we are the only two who have been performers in the gig sense but no matter, I still think it strange.

However. ... You can get confused between performing and joining in a club activity. Performing is the art of entertaining whilst clapping a retired social worker for putting his glasses on the end of his nose, coughing slightly and then reading out the words he sings about how hard it is working the herring fleet. ... That is encouraging people to experience the thrill of performing and whilst ok between consenting adults in private, you wouldn't put it on a Simon Cowell show.   

Although. .......