Well, I haven't read everything here, but a fair amount. I think whoever runs the club should state preferences..if you are a collection of folklorists you want something different than what people want to sing after a rugby game. State your preferences. If new people come into an established club and sing today while the flowers etc. it will drive the traditional ones out. Especially if they come with the you know whats and say turn to page 141. There is absolutely a need for that sort of grouping..but it should be started that way and not by people with good intentions and no knowledge of the unspoken rules taking things over and having massive attrition of those who prefer another style.

All preferences are wonderful. THey just need to group together and people must, must, must be honest about their preferences and directed to other venues if they don't match up. Now, I have seen people who asked specific questions about Seattle Song Circle being told what was not the dominant thought at the time..which is sing anything, it is all the same to us, we love everything. Except it was not true. Just ask to sing today while the flowers and see 30 people pretend they have never heard of it. Try Irish eyes are smiling. Try home on the range. But of course people who love those songs should have a place to sing them. But more than a few per session and those with other preferences will not say a word..they will just go elsewhere, privately, and you will never find out where they go. I never have anyway and I only sing Irish eyes on SPD.

So be honest. Ask questions, and answer questions honestly. mg