Hi Walnut. I'm happy for any flack anytime. I apologize for using the phrase "done to death" in regards to discussing song circle etiquette. Truth is it was a little hedge against someone saying "here are a whole bunch of blue clickys where we've talked and talked about this before." Often there's a bit of an "edge" to their "tone of writing" implying that there's no need for any new threads on the subject. Personally I feel that I WANT to know what newer catters have to say about ANY subject...and being terminally mouthy, I don't mind repeating my feelings on a subject.

Your thoughts on point 3:

I've been to song circles where some folks feel the need to play "lead" on everything. Most of the time they don't use dynamics and often play notes that are not in the chords that the song leader is using. Sorry, but this is one area that steams me (and has caused me to leave early). If you are accompanying something on the harp with a "D minor chord" and an inexperienced but enthusiastic player uses an "F"..not once, but every time, then they are showing disrespect for you. And destroying the song. Sorry, but that's the way I see it.

4: Yup, I meant "sing".

7: I think you're right about this. I'm being a bit too adament, without taking into account individual approaches. Ian Robb, and Tam Kearney, two veteran ballad singers go ballistic when folks use "The Book". Perhaps if folks copied the songs they want to sing into their "own books", it wouldn't appear as if they were picking something at random to sing. One thing for sure..this debate will never end! Truth to tell, I have a hard time memorizing songs since I stopped playing regularly in bars and always keep my own book close at hand...so I'm a fine one to talk.

Glad you didn't mention "tuning"! I'll fight to the death on that one.

Cheers

Rick