Linda,
No arrogance on my part - I've listened to the arguments that have been put at various times on this forum - perhaps you'd like me to take you to the one that suggests (by somebody whose opinion I otherwise respect) that good singing is not only not necessary in clubs, but in fact detrimental as it puts off mediocre and inexperienced singers.
My whole experience in folk clubs has been a battle against the 'near enough for folk music' garbage.
Until the clubs take the music seriously (and not treat seriousness and enjoyment as opposites) - as far as I'm concerned, they will continue to decline.
The "dreary rundown building that offers a singaround and a raffle as the evening's entertainment", was not my statement, it was 'Bastard's' - I have nowt against raffles - wish I had all the money I've taken selling tickets!
And by the way - the PRS licence is down to the fact that the clubs are largely presenting non-folk material which is not in the public domain.
Jim Carroll