To avoid the "sour grapes" aspect, it's still possible to leave oneself out of the picture and form a view based on other people's successs or lack of it. And it has to be said that there are some performers getting regular gigs at clubs and festivals who are (in my view, and that of other posters here) no better than many of the amateur artists who, despite their best efforts, fail to get the attention that they seem to deserve.

I dislike the idea that if you simply want it enough, you can do it. This smacks too much of TV competitions where they keep on asking "How much do you want to win?" and the contestants say, "Oh, it means EVERYTHING to me. I've been singing/playing/acting/cooking since I was 6 months old. This is my dream, and there's nothing else I want to do..." etc.

It's not enough to want to be successful - it requires talent, dedication (which means working hard at your skill and also at presentation and marketing) and, I think, a degree of luck, which may entail having a relative or friend in the business who can help you get the first big break, being good-looking, finding a good accompanist or co-performer, living in the right place, etc.

Perhaps what we need here is some comments from those who have made it professionally - or are they all too busy rehearsing or performing?

Marje