Whenever I run a singaround or similar i always make sure that whatever rules i am using are announced whether it is twig rules and bench driven or simply a clockwise direction. It is worth it IMHO to make the audience aware. If they are under the impression that by waiting pateintly and haveing given an indication that the chance to sing will occur then understandably get annoyed if it does not happen.

I only went to the volly on the friday night and it was a great session ( i actually indicated I didnt want to sing that night!) and i went to Rosie's session at the york and faulkner where i had my name taken and was then later asked to sing.
On tuesday night at the midddle bar shanty session, which i run I regularly call out an abrieveated version of the twig rules as it is one on the busiest nights of the week. I can't comment on the other sessions at the volly 'cos i was only there on the friday but i will say from comments made to me (more than one person) was that the expectation was given that putting the name in the book would lead to a chance to sing that evening and this did not always occur. If it is explained that

"If you want to sing, get their at noon, introduce yourself to me (AND my co-host, thus doubling your chances), and trust to our limited powers of cognition. " then people would know the situation.

Incidently other singing sessions including MBS will jump to festival artists to allow them the chance as obviously there time management can be tricky. cllr