Hmmm... people having their words in front of them... hate to see it myself, as I've taken the trouble to learn the songs I sing.

However, it does mean that people will have the confidence to sing who otherwise may not. A double-edged sword, 'cos some of them shouldn't!!

At the Railway we use both formats for 'Singers Nights' - more usually we will all sit facing the middle, and sing from our seat. Sometimes, when we are featuring a 'big spot', we give people the option of singing from the stage (the seats are all facing the stage) or from their seat during the first 'half'; after the break, the 'big spot' guest takes to the stage. We don't allow 'floor spots' on a full guest night - the residents take it in turns to do the 'warm-up'.

The real answer has always been to give the punters what they want - but finding out what is an art-form in itself!