In the weeks that immediately follow every National Quartet Convention, the offices of Singing News receive several letters from many well-meaning fans who ask one - sometimes two - of the following three questions:

1.) Why was (insert their favorite artist here) only able to sing for (insert time amount here)?

2.) Why was (insert their favorite artist here again) only able to sing on (insert a certain day or days)?

3.) Why was (insert their favorite artist here one more time) not on the convention at all?

In the past, those letters would start arriving the Wednesday after convention. With the advent of the internet, they've started arriving before we leave Louisville.

This is all in addition to the numerous inquiries we get at the Singing News booth in the exhibit hall. Every now and then, we have to calm down an over-exuberant fan, too. As you know, some people can be very loyal and protective of their favorite artist.

Well, gang, as I've stated before, you're asking the wrong people. The Singing News and the National Quartet Convention are two different entities.

Over on our Singing News forum, I recently posted a comment about this in response to another reader's inquiry. But I thought it might be worth sharing again here on Danny's Diary.

The Singing News is owned by Salem Communications. The National Quartet Convention is owned by several Southern Gospel group owners and business people - none of whom are connected with Singing News (or Salem Communications). Thus, when the NQC takes place, we are taking part in the event just like the hundreds of artists and exhibitors who are also there.

With that thought in mind, let me point out that Singing News has no say-so in the artists who appear on the NQC stage when and for how long - IF they appear at all. The National Quartet Convention is a privately-owned company who hires the artists they choose to appear on the main stage. They decide what days, the amount of time the artist will receive; and then issues an agreement to that artist (or appropriate booking agent) for them to accept or decline. Thus, the ones who accept the agreement are the ones who make the evening line-ups. And then, when their performances are done, the NQC issues them payment for their services.

So, as you see, it's basically just like any Friday or Saturday concert you might attend in your hometown. Except, in this case, it's six nights in a row.

But what about Thursday night during the Fan Awards?

The opening 180 minutes on Thursday night are the only time Singing News has input to the main stage line-up. And, in reality, that's not even a totally true statement. You see, our singing line-up is determined by the songs that make the final Top 10 ballot in the Fan Awards. So it's you the fans who are putting that program together. Yes, we might have an artist who will open and close the program, but that's about the extent of our input. (This year, we did put together an all-star quartet for the presentation.) Once the Fan Awards program is completed around 8:30 that evening, the NQC takes back over with their talent.

Your comments about the NQC and the artists who appear there are welcomed by clicking on the "Contact Us" tab at natqc.com. Contrary to what some people may want to think, the owners and the staff of the event do take your comments seriously and they do want to put together an event that people will enjoy. But, just remember, they've learned the same thing we in the magazine business have learned: It's impossible to make everyone happy all the time.

That's it for now. I've got to forward a few letters to Clarke at the NQC.