I agree with Jim, standards are important. However the level of that standard must vary according to context.

A club which runs as a singaround for all-comers, and which exists to provide a aupportive environment for novices to gain confidence and experience must inevitably expect some poor performances, and these will be accepted by the audience as part of what the club is about. On the other hand, on a guest night when a floor-singer is called upon to support a top-flight professional, it is not unreasonable for the paying audience to expect better-than-average-amateur standards. On those occasions the inexperienced and incompetent should not be expect to be given a slot - unfortunately, far too many on the folk-scene seem to believe they have a God-given right to perform in all circumstances.