Well, I may as well enter the fray.

I had a long time out of singing at folk club because of health problems. I still am a bit nervous so do use a crib sheet when singing a song that I am working on or that I haven't sung in a while. It's more about being nervous, really, than lack of rehearsal. Once I am comfortable with the song the crib sheet goes. I never, ever use a crib sheet on a guest night, only on a singaround night. I am perfectly happy to see performers using crib sheets or dots on singaround nights - that's the place where we are trying out material or improving it. But crib sheets from anyone on a guest night, definitely not. If I don't have material at a suitable standard on a guest night then I sit quietly and listen. Of course, I would like a guest to hear me, and hopefully enjoy it, so that is a good incentive to bring material up to a certain standard of performance.

What really annoys me is people who are not good listeners to my stories and getting comments that they are children's stories. None of my stories are children's stories. All of them are of suitable length and well-rehearsed. I put in a lot of time looking for stories that I hope people will enjoy. I am no longer a novice but am now doing some professional work, including work with some top performers during the summer. I believe there is a lot of ignorance in folk clubs about storytelling but other performers should at least try to be reasonably professional in their comments - particularly if they are also trying to do some professional performing work.   I have recently started a storytelling circle but don't know yet if this is a viable long-term venture - we are a fairly small group. I am always professional in my conduct towards other performers - I just wish I got the same treatment from others. It is only a few people - why do a few people have to spoil things? Most people are very supportive.