"The closed 'folk' session has always struck me as anathema to the social aspect of the music of the 'folk'. I accept that folk clubs/sessions are entitled to apply rules, especially if an entry fee is involved but if it goes as far as excluding awkward listeners, we have surely failed in our purpose."
I do not agree
Perhaps your definition of the purpose is different from mine.
Apparantly Bob wasnt just an awakward listener, he apparantly was not listening but talking loudly and interrupting a performer at the MT club, THAT IN MY OPINION IS NOT ACCEPTABLE,the audience paid money to hear certain performers sing their songs and present them, they did not pay to hear Bob interrupt and talk loudly.
"The closed 'folk' session has always struck me as anathema to the social aspect of the music of the 'folk'."
Folk clubs are not closed sessions they are open to anybody providing they show a bit of respect to performers and to other members of the audience., they represent a social aspect of the music, to suggest that the only way you can have a social aspect to the music is in an uncontrolled rowdy or noisy pub is a fallacy
the social aspect folk music has been presented in my experience in places where no alcohol is available, the social aspect of folk music does not necessarily have to have alcohol for people to get together and be sociable and enjoy the music at the same time.
Even pubs have certain boundaries of respect, the landlord/landlady/publican has the right to eject anyone that he/she wants to, it is his/her discretion as to what behavoiur he/she finds acceptable,his interpretation, some publicans will not accept bad language,some will, etc etc. there are even acceptable boundaries of behaviour in music sessions in pubs. .
RTIM the quote was from wiki if you dont like it make with wiki contact and alter it.
Pauperman, can you give examples of my unacceptable behaviour in folk clubs, or otherwise retract your smear, that is what is being discussed unacceptable behaviour in folk clubs,please give examples of my unacceptable behaviour in folk clubs or apologise.