My only concern, and I do not mean any disrespect to anyone who has posted their thoughts, is that these "rules" seem to be a roadblock to anyone who is trying to join in on the singing. Several of these posts would discourage anyone who has never joined in a group sing and had some interest. I doubt it was the intent, but the impression given with some of these posts is that unless you know all 180 verses of an obscure ballad - stay home!   I love to hear "pretty voices" joined in song as much as anyone, but I really get a bigger kick out of the person who joined for the first time and nervously leads a group in a song that they feel somewhat comfortable with. I realize many of you have been singing in song circles since before Barbara Allen's lover began looking under the weather, but what do you do to encourage new voices to join in?   I can't see a lick, and I can only hum along (softly) so as I don't interfere, but I think it is important to perpetuate the tradition. If Rise Up Singing becomes an introduction, is it really that bad - bad enough to cause others to walk out in disgust?????