ADJA Summer Conference & Show!

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DJ Dr. Drax said:
I am not, but I am trying to build an industry. We can be either committed to building an industry or a hobby interest. ...We need consumers to be able to understand the difference between hiring a professional Mobile DJ or a hobbyist. Is our goal to build an industry or is it not?
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I am sorry for chiming in, here; though I have read much of this thread, not understanding all of the politics, I do have something to say.

I am apologising in advance, for it is clear that it is I who is a clown around here.

But I have this prediction, and if I live to a typical old age, you have at least four decades or so to prove me wrong: the DJ "industry" will never be more united as it is now.
 
I dont enjoy competing with a hobby at all but know I just have to prove the difference and referrals tell me I am. I agree the industry needs to gain a stronger foothold but I also know that we must show the hobbyists we understand their level of involvement and not bash them for their level and thump our chests above them. We as professional oh God did I just say that? Must show integrity honesty and humility as well. Some have the gift. Those which are satisfied with a hobby can also have the gift and be proud. Iadmire your efforts with this new event Drax Im unsure if you read my earlier post with all the side tracking you felt the need to address. These are issues that continue to plague the industry and stunt efforts such as these to move to the next step.. EGO is over rated.
 
Thanx for explaining the license issue Drax :)

I pretty much knew from reading many of your posts over the years, but having it out here will save a lot of explaining on my end, for those who see it. A lot of my customers visit this site, but not the others.

Heck, I rarely visit the other boards any more -- just too busy, so I try and stick with one :)

BTW, sorry I missed yer call -- the phones been ringing off the hook this week (until it I turned it off a few minutes ago :D). I'll give ya a ring one of these days to catch up :)


PS. On the legal music issue, you would not be surprised how many people are using the Limewire and other sources. I find out quickly, because they call me with all sorts of tagging and related issues. Most are simply ignorant to the fact that Limewire is not a legal method of obtaining music, since they pay for the software, they assume it is legal to get the music!
 
SoftJock Rick said:
.....Most are simply ignorant to the fact that Limewire is not a legal method of obtaining music, since they pay for the software, they assume it is legal to get the music!
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That is funny beacsue a woman on the Disney site I visited told me I was an idiot when I told her that just because she paid $30, she is not legally entitled to FREE LIFETIME UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS. :sqerr::sqeek: BTW, she said it MUST be legal because she paid with a credit card.


That doesn't mean I am not an idiot, though.
 
Is our goal to build an industry or is it not?
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My goal is to be better than the next guy and make more money at it. People around here don't know, don't care about what we call an industry. In fact, if you mention that to the average person they'll laugh at you. That term only matters to us, as it should. Most people just want to hire the best and pay as little as possible. Since I don't see much of an ADJA nor NAME influence around these parts I'd say that most people, DJ's, vendors don't care. They too just want qualified DJ's who care about what they are doing.

Now, lets get back to the discussion at hand, the ADJA Summer Show.
 
Jon Tuck said:
I dont enjoy competing with a hobby at all but know I just have to prove the difference and referrals tell me I am. I agree the industry needs to gain a stronger foothold but I also know that we must show the hobbyists we understand their level of involvement and not bash them for their level and thump our chests above them. We as professional oh God did I just say that? Must show integrity honesty and humility as well. Some have the gift. Those which are satisfied with a hobby can also have the gift and be proud. Iadmire your efforts with this new event Drax Im unsure if you read my earlier post with all the side tracking you felt the need to address. These are issues that continue to plague the industry and stunt efforts such as these to move to the next step.. EGO is over rated.
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Jon,

I have no issue with hobbyists that identify themselves as such. However the majority of them do not. They do not provide the potential client any info that this isn't even a part time home based business, but in fact a hobby interest.

Rather they will purport that they are exactly the same as you, do exactly the same as you, are as professional as you just for 10% of what you charge. That is where IMO the issue lies. They are not accurately representing what & who they are.

They are not disclosing that this is a hobby & if they decide to do something else that day, they might simply opt to not show up. Afterall in a hobby, you have no skin in the game.

Our show will give attendees content to help them to build their business. It's the best that we can do, try to help increase the effective services gap betwen those trying to run a business as a DJ & those who are not.

An industry might only matter to us, but until it really matters to most of us where it heads, we sit stuck in neutral. Once it really matters to us, then over time it will matter to consumers as they become better educated on how to hire a great DJ vs someone that might not be. Until we want to be an industry, where more want it than don't, licensing is really just a pipe dream.

Our show will provide something for most everyone that makes the time to be there.
 
I want to make clear that Im all for the efforts you are trying to make with this effort and Lord knows at this juncture in my life I certainly couldnt do as such. I have had the distinct pleasure to know the professionals, The part timers and the hobbyists and have found many amongst all of these with exceptional services. I have also found the opposite in all three categories. My point being I have seen great entertainers with flawless shows charging 2000 dollars and as little as 500 dollars. Good luck Drax I will see you in Vegas. I will consider the opportunity in Chicago in my business marketing budget as well.
 
As shows go and the line up tells all this show has the makings of a great networking event. I wish it well as with this economy they are going to need it.

Jon,
I hear you my friend. There are to many DJ's trying to make everyone conform to their full time professional only mentality. Without the numbers these DJ's can't raise their rates enough for what they think is their own self worth. It is the part timers and hobbyists that keep their prices down, so they think. At least in my area it's the consumer that handles that task. You are what you are. You are either worth it or not. Full time Part time, hobbyist, whatever, just don't piss people off and we can all play nice.
 
My friends, I'd like to chime in here if I may.

A wise man in this crazy biz once said "If we all raised the bar together it wouldn't be so darned heavy."

This thread is simply an announcement of the ADJA Summer Conference and Show. That's all it is. Whether one has been in this business one year or one hundred years, an industry conference can be of benefit in some way.

What was that some of yas said... you can get more out of BSing in the lobby or over dinner? Well, there's your reason to attend. So you don't care for the politics of some of the presenters? OK. No one's gonna think less of you for not attending the ones you don't care for.

From what I can gather, this conference is about raising the bar in this business. Taking potshots at the messenger isn't gonna raise the bar for anybody. :)
 
Fred Stewart said:
......

What was that some of yas said... you can get more out of BSing in the lobby or over dinner? Well, there's your reason to attend. So you don't care for the politics of some of the presenters? OK. No one's gonna think less of you for not attending the ones you don't care for.
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I say and believe that, but I also know - well, really, believe - that there is no way you can really get much done nationally. Too many egos. Too many different "average prices for my area", too many selfish people, too many people who don't care..... too much everything.

I think that is why many LOCAL DJ groups do so well. They work within the market they have and know how to maximize it. That's why I think those New Jersey folks are cool.

But if you ask me, NATIONALLY this won't work.

Besides, Philly, the 5th biggest city in the country, and essentially home to NAME, can't even get their act together to have a group in NAME or ADJA. I work 5 nights a week, so no way could I be the point man even if I wanted to.
 
Chuck,

National organizations can't force a local chapter to exist, rather members in the area have to want one. NAME doesn't really have local chapters ANYWHERE. Just go to their website & click on local chapters, then click on ANY 5-10 of them. Notice anything?

The reason that an ADJA one doesn't exist in Philly is the local members don't want to step up & do the work required. The NJ group works because there are people that want to have a local group. It takes active involved locals to make chapters or independent groups work. Without that, it doesn't matter. Our local chapters are just local groups like any other except that they have the resources of a National organization behind them, which makes them better & stronger because of what we can & are doing Nationally. Our relationship with NACE is an example. Our resolving the "dump the DJ" issue. Our production of the ipod wedding video. Our efforts with the music industry. They all help our local members all across the country. You say it can't work Nationally but IT IS! We have more chapters than ANY OTHER GROUP. We have helped them to get up & going, provide them with resources to succeed.
 
Wow! An incredible discussion, and di-section of an event that has not happened yet!

Congrats to DraX for setting up this ADJA thing in Chicago!

I have read comments on many boards over the years in which complaints for not having a great summer expo flourish.

Some folks just like to complain. Mobile Beat tried to put on a Summer Expo for the past several years, but could not hit the mark. They simply din not get the support and attendance response to make the venture worthwhile financially.

I remember driving 3 and half hours to the 2006 Summer Show in Connecticut. It was a small show, poorly attended, but had a couple of great seminars and some terrific values on gear.

Unfortunately, it was a financial disaster for many of the vendors. It takes vendor support to make the seminar thing a reality.

From what I read so far, Drax has arranged for a good equipment expo as part of this ADJA Expo.

As for seminar content, I read where ADJA is introducing new presenters. That's refreshing and inviting. More than a dozen seminars---that's ambitious.
The $49 registration fee---that's incredible.

Refreshing -- Inviting---Ambitious---Incredible

As Sean "BIG DADDY" McKee said to me recently, "POSITIVE POWER".

I say for those who have cried for a meaningful summer expo/seminar event, this is your chance to both go to one, and to make it a success through your support of it.

Mobile Beat is not having an Expo/Show this summer. They are forced to concentrate on their core business as I read on another post.

Drax and the ADJA have picked up the ball and are running with it!

Before you go and criticize,let's go and support the initiative and make the event the success we all want it to be. Let's put in a little effort to augment the great effort Drax has committed to.

The DJ Times Atlantic City Expo got some meaningful media coverage this past August. I actually had clients inquire about it during this past Fall. Several of them stated that they didn't realize that there was an actual DJ INDUSTRY. It made them stop and think.

This is what we want them to do. Stop and think before they hire some bum who simply plays recorded music. This is indeed an industry, and we are all part of it. Our industry is slowly gaining some respect. I am sure that no one will dispute that we would all like to see more respect for our industry.

Respect is earned not simply granted. Continuing education, idea sharing, and industry organization can all help improve how we do business and thus gain the respect we seek.

Expos and Seminars can be a vehicle to get us there.

Good Luck Dr. Drax -- you've got the ball now---go score the goal!
 
Steve,

Again I am not trying to bust balls here your's nor anyone elses.

However, as long as we continually use the terms "bottom feeder", "Hobbyist", "Bum" etc. And the problem is there are way too many "professionals" and "elitist" who perpetuate those terms, there will never be any support from the general masses for those who would believe themselves to be leaders. This is the problem that the ADJA has had for many years and continues to do so!

A leader is someone who can pull together all of those in a particular concern not one who continues to separate them by classifiying them. The day that leader comes forward is the day that I am looking forward too, and it is the day that I will join that organization! I don't really look to see that happen anytime soon from those who consider themselves "industry leaders" today!

Don't get me wrong I think it is wonderful that Drax is putting this together for the ADJA membership, but I think his time would be much better spent trying to pull together the 100.000 other DJs that the upper 10% despise!
 
Don't you think that the $ 249 price which includes membership in the ADJA is a true effort to reach out to those very people?
 
This thread is simply an announcement of the ADJA Summer Conference and Show.
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Then it shouldn't have been put in a place where we have the chance to discuss it.

We can talk about equipment, music, gear, etc but when it comes to discussing a service or business such as the ADJA's Show it's hands off? I have not read anything nasty toward this topic just reasons why we either want to or not want to attend. What's the big deal?


However, as long as we continually use the terms "bottom feeder", "Hobbyist", "Bum" etc. And the problem is there are way too many "professionals" and "elitist" who perpetuate those terms, there will never be any support from the general masses for those who would believe themselves to be leaders. This is the problem that the ADJA has had for many years and continues to do so!
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It wasn't to long ago that a failed podcast series started every show with "We eat bottom feeders for lunch". I believe they even had t-shirts made up. These are the people you want me to pay money to listen to?


I say and believe that, but I also know - well, really, believe - that there is no way you can really get much done nationally. Too many egos. Too many different "average prices for my area", too many selfish people, too many people who don't care..... too much everything.

I think that is why many LOCAL DJ groups do so well. They work within the market they have and know how to maximize it. That's why I think those New Jersey folks are cool.
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Bingo! I believe that is why our SNAPDJ group has done in a short time what no national group has been able to do in our area. So instead of embracing it and learning from it, many had chosen to criticize and belittle it instead. And those are many of the presenters at this show. Hmm!

I can honestly say that many people will gain a great benefit from attending this show. It's well worth the money for some and for many different reasons. And yes, many of these presenters are there to sell their stuff. How else can they make a living. We as consumers have to option to listen and then choose to buy or not. Let's get real, we are the ones in control of our business.

Don't you think that the $ 249 price which includes membership in the ADJA is a true effort to reach out to those very people?
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That's the way it would appear. So, since this is an organization for the DJ industry then when will the next President be elected? Is there a national election for that office and or board of directors? Who gets to vote? I've listened to many people with great ideas that could do wonders in that seat.
 
Okay ,Im going to have to say one thing at this juncture. Show some love encourage state your point and move on. Once thats made your thought on the topic has been recorded. If you have something new to add or help to improve please by all means continue as this place has been labeled a sharing and caring place. Lets not tarnish that view which many here cherish. I hope for a great show and appreciate both sides of the comments lets just do it civilly. Thanks!
 
This thread is simply an announcement of the ADJA Summer Conference and Show.
Ron Auger said:
Then it shouldn't have been put in a place where we have the chance to discuss it.

We can talk about equipment, music, gear, etc but when it comes to discussing a service or business such as the ADJA's Show it's hands off? I have not read anything nasty toward this topic just reasons why we either want to or not want to attend. What's the big deal?
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Thanks, Ron. :)

Locking the thread away wouldn't do any of us much good, I'm afraid. Discussion is good. I just get the impression that Drax is getting grilled unnecessarily.

Thoughts?
 
I agree that Drax is being grilled, perhaps unnecessarily. However, he is knowingly posting an announcement about so-called educational seminars to people who have been burned in another forum by him or at least one of the seminar presenters. The lack of a warm welcome to this is not entirely unfounded.
 
Ducky,

I have NEVER burned anyone. Here or anywhere. I have always been kind & respectful with Ron. His issues are his own. I have always felt we had a good relationship.

If making a simple announcement here is going to create such drama, then Fred, please by all means eliminate it from the site. I didn't come here to get the 3rd degree, simply to let those here know about the conference no more no less.

Does everyone here have a love affair with EVERY presenter at Every SHOW they attend? I doubt it. Same is true for ours. It will be a good conference with something for everyone.

critcisms received, considered & reviewed. Peace out ;)
 
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