Jim says, "There weer several thousand clubs where basically was the only place to listen to folk song - no sessions - and a scattering of annual festivals"

Now there are still at least several hundred clubs, but in addition there are lots of sessions and singarounds, and a festival most weekends throughout throughout the year (often a choice of several). There are also house concerts, which bring the music back into people's homes. The balance has changed, and to dwell only on folk clubs is to disregard the nature of the folk scene today.

Would I sing a 20 verse ballad at a session? It depends on the session, I can certainly think of some where that wouldn't be unwelcome. On the other hand I can think of some folk clubs where it would, as Jas complained about only too often.