There are many exponants of the art of buggering off after their set.. There is one person on the UK folk scene whom I shall not name, who is better known for his anti social behaviour than he is as a performer! He comes to a singaround, parks himself as close as possible to the MC, will take out his guitar and tune it, whilst others are trying to sing, talks loudly through others sets and if isn't asked to sing within 5 minutes of getting there, pointedly puts the guitar away again and leaves in the middle of another set. If he IS asked to sing, he will stretch the song out to two by 'forgetting' the words to the first song and launching into a second before people are aware of it... and be out the door afterwards before the next person has chance to even stand!

Frequently when this performer walks in one door, several people will vanish out the other, knowing they only have to wait a maximum of 15 minutes before it's safe to return.

My etiquette bugbears are people who close off half the room to sessions by sitting in the middle with their backs to anyone who isn't the organiser. I know that most pubs are not geared towards large sessions, but even the strangest shaped room can be utilised well with a little thought. Again, a certain someone who will remain nameless; without fail, will always close up a circle of singers/musicians, by sitting with their back to half the room.

Hanging's too good for 'em!

LTS