One of the reason Bards started having problems is we stopped 
following some basic polite rules.

Attack Bards. People would come in a demand to perform. It is OK to 
ask, but be careful. It would be nice if you go into a campsite and 
they tell you to get lost please warn people coming after you. I 
remember a household that was famous for its hospitality to Bards, 
but they were having a drunken toga party that night and didn't want 
performers. On the other hand The Bobs, who normally don't want 
performers, wanted us. The other requirement was bawdy. I remember 
the bards who were traveled with me look at me, like I would object. 
I stated that if the patron wants bawdy give it to him. Bawdy is 
period. We came into the campsite and did a piece or two. 

People who have a circle do not like attack bards who come in demand 
to perform and then leave without hearing anyone else's pieces. If 
you plan to wander on state you would like to entertain and share the 
circle for a "little while". Please give the hosting circle a chance 
to perform for you. Master Ivar Battle Skald would require someone to 
entertain him before he would do another piece. 

Attack bards take up too much time. I believe short is good. Most of 
my stories are under 3 minutes. I have entertained 100 children with 
Beowulf for an hour and they didn't move. If you have a group of 
people traveling with you perform one or two pieces shorter pieces 
and check the mood. Allow one of the hosting groups to do something. 
If you don't get a "more" thank people and move on. Please leave the 
party with as much energy or more than there was there before you got 
there. Please leave on an up note.

I remember following a newish bard at Warlord during my time as 
Premier Bard. She performed 3 pieces of 10 minutes length. They were 
sort of good but it was too much of a good things. People were barded 
out when she left. I would ask to perform and people would say, “With 
all due respect your Grace, but we don't want to hear another Bard in 
our lives. I would then enter into my Stand Up Comic act. The Fool in 
me would take over and I would get them laughing. One group's party 
was totally destroyed by the lady. I used the situation to show some 
of my students how to restart a party. I did the Pelican thing and 
put the party back together. I want you to know it was a little hard. 
It is easier to maintain energy and fun then start it back up. 

Remember as a Bard you have need to make people like bards, not fear 
them.

Willow