I use the list system too, only once you sign up, that is your spot in the rotation. As new singers come in they get added to the bottom of the list. The only problem I have run into with this method, and it's a minor problem usually, is when a singer comes in just before I get to the end of the rotation, before I start at the top again. Hey as the saying goes timing is everything. Once in awhile someone will mention hey that guy/girl just got here and got to sing next...how come? I'll explain the rotation which usually satisfies the person.
Also if the person is new my show (usually when they come up and ask for request slips) I explain how my rotation works and most like it. If I am getting close to a singer on the list that hasn't put in their next song, and its a long rotation, I will go over to their table and mention they are up in 5 songs. If they miss their turn, I give them two options, to have a new spot at the bottom of the list, which then becomes their new spot, or to wait til I get back around to their original spot.
I accept up to three songs from a person at one time, after that it's sing one add one. This way one person can't 'reserve' all the good songs to sing.
It seems to work for me w/o any major complaints and my singers seem to like it.
Flip (the original
a.k.a. Mike)