It strikes me that Mudcat can get pretty bonkers at times, which perhaps is part of its charm although it can get frustrating at times.

More to the point, the venue Ian describes in his fRoots editorial sounds much like many of the folk clubs I used to attend - far more than the 'sit in rows and shut up' type.

I'm not sure I understand his comment "Not a gig where as a performer you feel duty bound to entertain". I sure Topette were very conscious of their obligation to entertain, but are skilled enough to do this in a relaxed and informal way which helped to create the ambience he enthuses about.

The question is why these venues no longer exist. In my limited experience the clubs seem to have evolved into singarounds of variable quality or mini-concerts which don't involve the audience, and where you are made to sit in rows and shut up. Neither greatly appeal to me.