I don't visit C&W fora and neither (as far as I am aware) does the Cap'n.

*We (I think I can say that) are HERE because we see a pressing need for the very tarnished and misunderstood (to the public at large) image of the tradarts to be raised more than a few notches.

*We fail to see why the ragged band of "organisers" take it as a personal slight if we criticise what is clearly wrong and damaging to that image, to the livelihoods of artists who cannot command living fees because the VENUES (not themselves) do not merit it and potential new punters are put off bigtime in their droves.

(*Disclaimer: if the Cap'n, Nigel, Dave, Paul or anyone else wishes to dissociate themselves from this blanket assumption, do feel free.)

You've done it like this for the past 40 years? You mean you haven't noticed that the world has changed? That punters' requirements are a tad more cutting edge? That the cost of living has escalated exponentially and artists have just the same outgoings as you? And that while their artistic standards have rocketed your "regulars and residents" are still unable to tune, find an appropriate pitch, remember the words or perform PROFESSIONALLY in front of your punters?

Has anybody even SEEN the plot?