I've been pondering this dilemma for some time now.

In my Yorkshire based radio shows I try to give air time to local performers and bands, who are worthy of air time and maybe would appreciate an on air boost.

I also love the singaround clubs and occasionally record them for my shows.

Of course we get varied standards of performance.

My atitude is, if you are doing your best, then I will give you air time, as long as it's not embarrassing.

But then then is another lower level. Occasionally we get a performer who has no talent whatsoever, but who thinks they are great.

I'm not going to mention names, but I know somebody who thinks he is playing slide guitar who is absolutely crap at it. In fact it is cringeworthy having to listen to him bullshitting about how he is emulating early performers when he's doing no such thing.

A local radio presenter thinks he is a brilliant multi- instrumentalist, but at a local folk festival the majority of the audience walked out on him because he is actually crap. (It wasn't me!)

A local folk singer and poet thinks he can play harp, whistle and guitar, but he hasn't actually any talent in those direction at all. Though as a poet he is quite good, so he has had discretionary air play on my shows.

So my point?

How much do folk clubs provide an outlet for care in the community?

It sounds harsh, but believe me, I've been there as an organiser.

I hvae had to ban certain individuals. Not because I don't sympathise with them, but I don't want folks to stop coming because they are there too.

Does anyone else empathise with this?