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[jumpmaster]

I do not put late comers in the rotation (even if the other singers have had 6 songs - even if they sing great - or whatever)...now I have been known to try to squeeze a regular if at all possible, but as a general rule, I don't bump anybody. For me, there is no question that it works best. Besides, why if someone has been partying with us all night, would I want to bump them, for some person who didn't care enough about us to come out earlier. Now the suggestion was that they worked late or whatever, and that is probably the person I would try to squeeze in.

My singers pay attention to the rotation! They see Fred sing and then I call them up to sing. An hour later I call Fred up, and guess what...when Fred is done...they're ready, and I for one don't blame them!

Late comers need to know the rules just as the regulars do. If singing that song is important, then come early. I knew a KJ who would immediately put late comers in, and guess what...like clock work, at closing time, the bar hoppers who hadn't spent a nickel at my gig, walk through the door and expected to sing -- and they did, and the regulars grumbled a great deal. I know he had way more of that than I ever have had, I think, because I don't encourage it and he did. Sorry, my obligation is to the people who support my gig and above all, those who had the sense to get there early enough to get their slips in on time!

Again, don't mean to stand on a soapbox, and I do try to squeeze occassionally for regulars or folks with good reasons for not being early, but my rule is MY rule and I do my best to stick to it.