Hey Ranger1,

It's just that there are a few that abuse the open-mike scene. Typically they're full of themselves, whether it's egotism or some buring message they feel they must share.

99% of open-mikers are wonderful in their own way.

To anyone who's never performed at an open-mike, remember that all OMs aren't the same. There are ones that are truly open and accepting with wonderful hosts who will treat the so-so performer with the same level of respect as the professional performer who's there to try out new material or "give back" to the scene he or she learned so much from.

You need to find the right OM. In small towns that may be difficult, but check them all out and if you don't find any to your liking - hell, start one yourself. Go to your favorite bar, pub, coffee-house, etc. and ask them if they would be willing to let you do it. Find someone with basic sound-equipment to help out and start putting out flyers. That way you know that at least one OM is exactly the way you like it to be.