Never mind what happened in the 60s and 70s, when clubs were folk were flocking to the folk clubs and finances were not as serious an issue in running a club. And never mind the distinctions between singers' clubs, payclubs, sessions and plain old birthday bashes. Today things are different - fact is fact - and the folk scene has evolved (or degenerated, if you are that way inclined) into what is there now. I would not begrudge anyone their charging policies - they cut their suit to fit the cloth.

And if one is not willing to spend money for a good singaround, there are free sessions and there is always the birthday bash - invite some folk to your place then! But as one snigger/snogwriter (nod to the Countess) to another, I cannot agree with the statement "one song - it really isn't worth my while getting my guitar out...".

Not so long ago (2003) one song was worth it for me to travel 200 miles each way for a singaround AND pay an entrance fee. And if the Open Door was still running, it would still be worth it. Herga and Sharps' and Twickfolk, and Tudor, and Bacup and dozens of clubs around the country are worth it. Because what matters is the chance to sing your song - for a songwriter at least. And whether you have to pay to help out an organisation with similar interests to yours, or not have to pay, is in my opinion less of an issue. For a songwriter, this is a case of putting one's money where one's mouth is.