It can't be wrong to aim to create an environment that's entertaining, welcoming and encouraging.

None of us mind having beginners try their teeth on us, no-one objects to improvers who are working on improving, and no-one is upset about someone who has clearly made the effort making a mistake or two - particularly if it's through nerves.

What the folks who haven't bothered to learn their stuff and don't see any need to do so don't perhaps realise is that their approach is unkind to the audience, and is perhaps a key reason why audiences are often small and also why the folk scene has such a terrible reputation in many quarters.

I'm pretty sure many folks would not disagree. My question's this: how can organisers tackle the issue effectively, and kindly?

Gavin