I was a member of Jim Carroll's "Mutual Improvement Society" (The Manchester Critics), and I considered it a privilege.

I don't want to name names, at this stage at least, but it seems to me that if "you" (or 'one', if preferred) need your ego balmed before you get your instrument out of its case ; or if you have to present a CV in the hope of being taken seriously ; then in my (admittedly) limited experience as a singer of folk songs before the booze got to me -
IMABHO, as a denizen of the folk demi-monde, you're in the wrong box.

It was my experience that a thin skin, or an over-inflated ego, was a recipe for a good piss-taking.

Played for and got, I think - if the cap fits, wear the fucking thing.

(Seven to two I get accused of trolling. Any takers ?)