How to be a floor singer: you turn up, you get the MC to put your name down, you get called, you do a song or two. You don't get paid, and you still have to pay on the door (and at the bar). On the plus side, you can do whatever the hell you like, since after all there's going to be another floor singer along in five minutes.

How to be a guest: the MC asks you to do a set months in advance; your set is advertised weeks in advance; you turn up on the night, you don't have to pay on the door, you may get the odd drink bought for you and you will get paid. However, you will be expected to do a set in the second half, and quite possibly a short set in the first half as well. You will also be expected to exercise some control over your choice of material, with a view to entertaining the audience.

How to be a resident: you are the MC or one of his mates; you turn up week in, week out; you play a couple of songs to open the night and maybe one at the start of the second half. You will have to be good enough - and entertaining enough - to stand that level of exposure, but not so much so as to outshine the guest. You don't have to pay on the door, may get the odd drink bought for you but won't get paid.

When you get down to it, it's all about money. That and entertainment.