Hi Mindblaster,

I'm not a traddie myself, but I do run a club, and perhaps I can help.

I would say that you will be unlikely to get a response if you are talking while someone is performing. They are passionate about their love of music, and will be giving all their attention to that. Not, I hasten to add, checking on the performance, but simply enjoying the song and, of course, being polite and respecting the performer.

If, however, you received that response in the interval, then I would say you were unlucky to have chosen a club which doesn't deserve your support. It certainly would not happen at my club, and I don't find it happening at the many clubs I visit.

Please don't stop going to folk clubs, as I think you will find that the majority are good fun, but I would suggest that you strike off your "To visit" list the ones that do turn out as you describe.

Don T.