Hi Lori. Hmmmm "a hoot isn't a free for all". Is that a question or a statement? It's been my exerience that hoots ARE 'free for alls.' Hence the wonderful moments, the golden songs, the magic moments, the excess children (just kidding), the tears, the laughs, and the quiet comming together of like minded folks that want to share an evening of songs with their friends. To go on ... Occasionally I've been to hoot situations where someone, usually the host, tried to direct the traffic, so to say. These are always disasters. When someone gets too directive, the hoot goes sour. What I do, when I am planning a hoot, is to be very careful who I invite, or who I don't invite. In my neighborhood, everyone knows my rules, don't show up if you are not invited. I host NO "drop ins." (the last time I did that I woke up married). By carefully gathering together like minded souls, you can expect a reasonably good gathering. CHEERS, Bob (trying to be helpful) Nelson. (feel free to contact me off line if you want.)