While not a singer (and not that much of a musician) I have mixed feelings about this thread. While I can sympathise with Qnandry, Folk music is for everyone. It may be nice to give polished professional performance, but polished performance isn't all. Listen to some of the travelling folk. Mary Morrison comes to mind or some of the American old timey music. Is their singing tolerated because they are travellers and/or old and they have been the guardians of the music? If so this is no better than succeeding because you are good looking. I was brought up in a tradition of parties where everyone did their bit talented or not and I feel that open mikes and singarounds are places where people should be encouraged. If you want proffesional performance go to a concert or a guest night.