I used to play the Herndon Folk Club open mic in Herndon, Va. and they had it right... You got 15 minutes and that was it... At the 14 minute mark a guy right in front of you would blast you with a lazer beam (lol) flashlight that got yer attention... No exceptions... Worked great...

BTW, people do open mics for different reasons... Experienced musicians do them to be supportive and to roll out new stuff that isn't quite ready for prime time... Beginners us 'um to learn what it's like to perform... And then there's everyone else in between...

I've heard some folks who when I first heard them thought, "Geeze, this is terrible" only to have them grow on me...

And we also have to keep in mind that there are "Gong Show"ers out there, too, who just like to be outrageous...

So, bottom line??? They are a lot like going to a pot luck supper... Some of the stuff you're going back for seconds and other dishes you don't want firsts...

That's what make both fun...

B~