Reading through the thread about the use of song books and electronic devices reminded me of a somewhat different issue that is now arising. Some people who attend music and song sessions have their smartphones on, and while others are playing or singing, they sit there twiddling at their phones, reading e-mails, texting or Facebooking.

Amd I alone in finding this extremely rude? I'm not talking about people who just happen to be in the pub or sitting in the background, I'm talking about musicians and singers who are at times active participants in the session.

If someone needs to make or receive a text or check for an urgent e-mail, I'd prefer it if they left the gathering and took themselves off into a corner to deal with whatever the matter is. Then they should switch off their gadget and engage properly with the shared experience of the session and with the people around them.

I don't think there's anything that can be done about it except to say here that I HATE this behaviour. Does anyone think it's acceptable?

Marje