Obviously, PalTalk creates a 'new' environment for those of us who were used to HearMe, since we're now residing in a very public place as opposed to one that was public but relatively isolated. We'll have to learn to deal with that. and I think we're doing a reasonably good job of it. I agree with those who are in favor of keeping it open (not pw protected). Yes, we'll have mike hogs who aren't Mudcatters from time to time, but I've heard some pretty good music I wouldn't have heard on HearMe, too.

One point: I don't think one person having a hand up precludes someone else from raising theirs. If a performer raises his/her hand immediately upon finishing and there are other hands raised or someone else quickly raises theirs, the room administrator would be perfectly fair in saying to the mike hog that others wanted a chance. And, if nobody is willing to do so and the mike hog keeps performing, at least we have some background music for our text chat.

I'd hope that we don't split into two camps over this. It seems to me that the Song Circle room gets more vibrant when the number of participants gets up to around five. At that number and above, there usually seems to be a good mix of those willing to perform and 'just listeners.' If we start dividing ourselves into two or more rooms, I believe we run the risk of diluting participation. Besides, I'd hate to miss something that was happening in one room while I was in the other. Just selfish that way, I guess.