What information should an open mic give you before you apply?

I keep thinking performer listings would save everyone time if the boring stuff was obvious before you put your name down. Set length, whether there’s a bringer, how spots are allocated, roughly when you’ll hear back, and whether it’s actually new-act friendly. What’s the one thing you want to know before applying that nights most often leave vague? I’d rather have a plain accurate listing than three paragraphs telling me the room has a great vibe.

If a night has a bringer rule, do you want that stated before you apply?

I think the useful version of a bringer night is boringly clear about it: how many people, whether they have to stay, and whether it applies to every spot. The annoying version is finding out after you’ve already arranged the evening. If you’re deciding whether to apply for an open mic, does a bringer requirement put you off automatically, or is it mainly the surprise/ambiguity that bothers you?

When should you tell an open mic you can’t make your spot?

Curious what people think is reasonable here. Stuff happens and nobody expects a new act to have a tour manager, but a late cancellation can leave a running order with a hole in it. If you realise you can’t make an open mic, is the rule basically tell the organiser the second you know? And if it’s genuinely last-minute, is a short message enough or should you explain what happened?

Going over your time is not the same as having a strong set

Tiny promoter plea because this comes up constantly: if you’re given five, build a five. Not a six-and-a-half that you’re hoping nobody notices. I’d much rather see someone finish with thirty seconds spare than watch them panic-cut their last bit after the light. What are people actually using to get their set length reliable before a gig?