I run the New Dawn Glasgow Folk Club previously known as the Star. I've read some of the crits in this thread and I don't recognise my club now or when Arthur Johnstone was running it.

We were one of the first Scottish clubs to install a PA operated from within the audience, back in the 80's (I'm an ex-sound engineer, and my current soundman has his own hire company).

We have always encouraged floor spots because we believe firmly that floor spots are the beginnings of the performers of tomorrow.

With a large number of hairy-arsed veterans in the audience, new floorspots are sure of some good pointers in their career, even if it's threats to strangle them if they sing "And The Band Played Waltzing Mathilda", because they've just discovered the song.

I've always believed that the audience deserves as much for their gate money as we can provide and if that means we run late then so be it.

I've no doubt that the clubs coming under the critical eye here are doing their best.

Think on this before you throw the shit..

Have you got the dedication to run a folk club?

Did you ever think to make your dissatisfaction known to an organiser?

We can only work with what we think is right. If nobody comes up and says "Look, here's an idea which might help." then we just carry on as we're doing.

DOn'y slag the clubs, take a part in how they're run, because without the clubs there would be no live folk scene.

Cheers

Ken