As an observor, and I might add, one who has no agenda but is rather astute with observation:

The "problem" is not really open room vs. closed room, us vs. them, our music vs. other crap. As I've said before, it's a matter of logistics, just getting personnel to participate. (without schedules and rules)

I've enjoyed both rooms and intend to continue to do so. An analogy to raising children...it really doesn't matter what philosophy is followed as long as there is support and consistency. The kids will turn out OK if the environment is loving and consistent.

The success of an open room depends on the admin. We've been blessed with talented people who can run an open room, invite and encourage new talent, keep the focus on music and music-related conversation, encourage performers, and fill in with singing or playing when there is dead time. I could not do this, so I depend on someone else to be around when it's convenient for me to listen in. I suspect a lot of the uncomfortable feelings concerning open rooms have a basis in our inabilities or lack of desire to take on this job. My favorite elementary teacher says, "I can't be Big Bird everyday!" I think many of us could be a perfect admin for a short period of time, but prefer not to invest our time in the long haul.

On the other hand, the snug is a comfortable place that really doesn't require an admin. The advantage is that it can be open when there is nobody available to admin.

I would really hate to see both open at the same time. And I also hate to see opinions from those who have not participated. Whenever we use the name Mudcat in a room title, we need to give a little more thought to what it is all about.