*have not been in HearMe for several sessions now because of work pressures getting ready for a crafts show*

...it isn't easy, is it?...how DO you know when to 'wait' and when to just sing?...If only a couple of people are prepared to sing, should they just 'do it'?...I am afraid, though, I do see harpgirl's point--too much of any one person can be a bit overwhelming. And even when there are 6 or 7 or more 'willing' to sing, they are sometimes passed over if they don't 'push'...

I have, on several sessions 3-4 weeks ago, felt like I was being 'not noticed', for want of a better phrase. I am totally aware that I could have 'stood up and waved my hand' if I really wanted to contribute, but, as in real sessions sitting in the same room, there are those who are more shy and reticent...and those who seem more ummm....'anxious' to fill any dead air with themselves! And it is only partially related to talent & competence...some of the best local musicians I know are quiet background folk who really hate 'competitive' song sessions, where several folk compete in the timing to get THEIR next offering out.

I really HATE saying these things, because in HearMe, there is no easy visual way to read the room and offer turns in a smooth and simple way. People came in and go out, and there is no seating pattern to go by....but, I'm sorry, it DOES happen that patterns develop where several sincere, honest, talented(usually)people end up being the entire show...sometime just by default because they are there and ready and always have nice stuff the offer....and sometimes because the 'shy' bunch just gives up and decides it is too much work to get a song in edgewise!...and there is NO one who has not seen this happen!!! We just have differing ways of dealing with it...some go away, some just shrug and sing more!

I sure wish it were easier, because this is an amazing way to share music around the world and hear folk we never would hear any other way. I even KNOW some musicians who I'd love to get into this, but I am certain they would not cope with the system. Me? Oh, I'll be in sometimes..I'll speak my piece, then stop and sing an occasional song. The music is too much fun to stomp off in a huff, just because I don't see it going exactly to my specs...but, like harpgirl, I may decide it just ain't working on night 'X', and slip out.

IDEA: since HearMe doesn't depend on just the usual link..(any two or three people who wish can call each other and trade songs!)...how about some of those sessions being private? And the 'official' ones being less often with more of a moderator like we started out? And, maybe as more folk get tuned in to the software and we have a bigger crowd, this issue will solve itself......