Another craigslist laugher!
- Thread starter MIXMASTERMACHOM
- Start date
I do discounted bookings for family, friends, the church, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
I never insist that they don't tell anyone what they paid me. They know they are getting a discount. I still require a contract, even its at no charge, that states the full cost and what discount I gave them.
Just because I give a discount to one, does not mean that I have to give a discount to everyone that wants one.
The one I remember reading said $25.00. I'm glad you found it. That makes it look a little bit better. Not much but a little.
Now it does say you do get food and a drink. I hope the DJ they get won't take that as a sign it's ok for them to drink alcohol.
Now it does say you do get food and a drink. I hope the DJ they get won't take that as a sign it's ok for them to drink alcohol.
And you know this how? What factual information do you have to base any of this on?
All this from someone that hasn't legally acquired a large quantity of his own music?
Also, what does where you started have anything to do with other DJ's / people appreciating 'this thing'? If people ask, I shall tell them - but it certainly has nothing to do with their appreciation of what we do. In order to be appreciated, should an automobile mechanic know what it took to build the first engines or should they be highly skilled in modern era vehicles?
Last edited:
I see you missed it. I didn't say anything about a client. I said us as DJ's. What I meant was how easy it is now that someone can get to call themselves a DJ. All you need to do is have a laptop, buy a cheap DJ controller, some powered speakers and download a bunch of music and you get to call yourself a DJ. Some just see a DJ doing what they do and think it's a breeze to do what they see a DJ is doing and don't know it takes time to become a truly polished DJ.
Like I said nothing wrong with a different way of doing things today. I happen to personally like that I can hook up a external H D to my laptop and hook the laptop up to a controller. Then hook up some powered speakers to the controller and start to play using VDJ. For me when I came back I just wanted to really make sure I knew what I was doing and was good at it before I went out to present it to the public. That's just me. Have I had a bad time or 2 at DJing an event. Hell yes I have. That's just being human. I believe this is the talent that God blessed me with and I really do take pride in my work.
My attitude when I'm out doing what I love to do is to give a great show because I never know who is there that may be looking for a DJ in the future. For some the only thing they care about is just getting paid. Of course that's the most important thing when doing a gig but after that I do my best to do my best. In other words how many DJ's today have truly studied the art of DJing? It's not just about being able to play music for a crowd. There's more to it then just that alone. Some just dive in head first thinking this business is a fun easy way to make some quick fast money and they think right away they will make a whole lot of money.
I've even heard where some people look at a DJ that uses a laptop to DJ with as not a real DJ. Of course we know that's not true but that what some of the public thinks. Most on here knows it's not what you use most of time but knowing what to do with what you are using.
Last edited:
Actually it was YOU who missed it. I clearly stated "DJ's / people appreciating 'this thing'"
Sure. I guess someone could 'call' themselves a DJ. That's never stopped anyone in the past though. It's been the same trials throughout time. Having equipment / music doesn't make you a 'DJ'. Having equipment and music makes you a person with equipment and music.
Other than the items you connect, what's different?
I'd like to think that we all take pride in what we do.
Mix, the things you post would have more merit if you actually were a DJ. My guess is that you have some equipment, you like to be the center of attention and you have some young, punk thugs who like to use it. They stroke your ego and you allow them to use you. You have posted no proof that you actually practice what you preach .... you only post ghetto pics with nasty strippers.
Aren't you supposed to be a member of a pretty reputable DJ Association? If so, where are they in helping you? Supporting you to become better? If you're part of that group, you really make their organization look bad.
In fact, I'm not even convinced that half of these posts are yours anyways. I'm guessing you've given a few people your login info and they post as well --- probably the posts we can actually read that make sense.
I'd encourage everyone to just allow his posts to die ... don't reply, don't acknowledge, don't feed his bull**** .... we spend entirely too much time with this guy. Maybe he'll get the point. I know I'm officially done with him.
PEACE & (as an old-grumpy Aussie would say) HAVE A NICE DAY!
Aren't you supposed to be a member of a pretty reputable DJ Association? If so, where are they in helping you? Supporting you to become better? If you're part of that group, you really make their organization look bad.
In fact, I'm not even convinced that half of these posts are yours anyways. I'm guessing you've given a few people your login info and they post as well --- probably the posts we can actually read that make sense.
I'd encourage everyone to just allow his posts to die ... don't reply, don't acknowledge, don't feed his bull**** .... we spend entirely too much time with this guy. Maybe he'll get the point. I know I'm officially done with him.
PEACE & (as an old-grumpy Aussie would say) HAVE A NICE DAY!
I learn a lot from Mix's Posts! Newbies can also learn a lot from them too. "What are we learning?" one may ask....Learning what not to do! We can't always have good examples or people who are just seeking pats on the backs or just cordial dialogue. Sometimes it will be informative, sometimes entertaining, sometimes nonsense and other times downright combative.
Last edited:
I think it is helpful that we get to see the world through anothers eyes. That, my friends, is priceless. It's also a benefit to know what others go through and the scenarios they encounter / deal with. Hence this forum - we all come from different places and can share this with each other. We can all learn.
Last edited:
First of all nobody has to stroke my ego! My ego isn't that big and I don't deal with thugs! My partners are not thugs. So let's get that part right. I keep my ego in check most times. Of course like all DJ's I know we do have an ego. Some are bigger then others. I'm humble in that I thank God for blessing me with being able to get back to what I love to do. Am I really a good DJ? Others say I am and I'll tell them I'm not that bad.Mix, the things you post would have more merit if you actually were a DJ. My guess is that you have some equipment, you like to be the center of attention and you have some young, punk thugs who like to use it. They stroke your ego and you allow them to use you. You have posted no proof that you actually practice what you preach .... you only post ghetto pics with nasty strippers.
Aren't you supposed to be a member of a pretty reputable DJ Association? If so, where are they in helping you? Supporting you to become better? If you're part of that group, you really make their organization look bad.
In fact, I'm not even convinced that half of these posts are yours anyways. I'm guessing you've given a few people your login info and they post as well --- probably the posts we can actually read that make sense.
I'd encourage everyone to just allow his posts to die ... don't reply, don't acknowledge, don't feed his bull**** .... we spend entirely too much time with this guy. Maybe he'll get the point. I know I'm officially done with him.
PEACE & (as an old-grumpy Aussie would say) HAVE A NICE DAY!
These post are mine and I don't have to post such threads to make me look good or bad to prove something to another DJ. Do I need to improve on things. I'll be the first to say yes. But who doesn't and I feel as long as you're in business you should always look to improve. What's wrong with that? Rick when I asked the questions I asked it was directed at anyone who wanted to answer the questions. I didn't ask those questions to put anybody down or to make me shine.
Now I just asked those questions because I know to be able to stay in business and to make it a success you need to make a certain amount of a profit from the work you do. Or either you'll stay stuck in the same place or the business will fold. I did decide that we do need to come up with minimum prices for different events and stick to what we set for our minimum prices for those events. I need to get tough and not just cave in feeling sorry for clients, feeling I need to give in to win their business.
Lastly Rick I need to say I'm proud of you and that you can command $250.00 an hour and your minimum is 3 hours. That's great and thank you sir. I just want to be able to get to for a 4 hour wedding $795.00 and mean it. To do that would mean to work harder then I have in the past to achieve that goal.
Agreed...but when it comes to someone becoming a joke of a forum, then what value is that?
If we don't see any development after many members have offered great input, what value is that?
Again, I'm done with Mix until I see that he actually proves he's evolving.
Agreed - but I think my comment kind of morphed into an overall assessment. We can all contribute valuable information here. Similar to what Canute said earlier, some we will learn from, some will be comical, some will be confrontational, etc, etc.
Just remember, we're all on the same team. Don't say something you might regret later.
Just remember, we're all on the same team. Don't say something you might regret later.
Is Feb a bad month for most? I just went back into DJing, it took from June 2012 till December 2012 to get all the equipment, lighting, music and work out all the bugs. I did some paying events and some charity events to get were I think I need to be and provide a great show. I opened up my bookings for 2013 (no facebook, no web page, no twitter, just business cards and local referalls off my few 2012 events). So my promotional cost thus far has been $90.00 and 3 free community support dances.
I have booked 4 events in Jan, but in Feb I have every Fri and Sat booked for the month (3 father daughter dances, 2 military balls, 2 sweet 16's, 1 Lyons Club Dance). How do each of the 12 months line up as far as bookings for you guys? Remeber I have been out of the game since late 1980's.Back then I did NCO and Officer clubs for three years, along with a couple dozen private military balls a year.
Thanks Ray J.
It's not just about the money they want to pay the DJ but what about how they say they want an anmature DJ. That to me says that they don't care if you don't have a lot of experience. Just have some gear to do the wedding with, be willing to work it for $200.00 and do show up. Now what do you think would happen if on the same day that DJ got offered more money to do another gig? On average they would stiff the first client chasing after the gig paying more. Also I doubt that DJ will have a contract for the client and them to sign.
My point is on such a very special important day why would someone risk taking a chance with an inexperienced DJ and risk their reception turning into a disaster? Regardless of how much a couple wanted spend on a DJ to do their wedding, I say they shouldn't go looking for an amature to do the job. Once that day is done there is no way for a do over unless they plan to have another reception to make up for the one that didn't turn out well due to their poor choice of DJ.
My point is on such a very special important day why would someone risk taking a chance with an inexperienced DJ and risk their reception turning into a disaster? Regardless of how much a couple wanted spend on a DJ to do their wedding, I say they shouldn't go looking for an amature to do the job. Once that day is done there is no way for a do over unless they plan to have another reception to make up for the one that didn't turn out well due to their poor choice of DJ.
Didn't we cover this already?
Regardless .. sounds like Rule #1 is in effect - You Get What You Pay For.
As long as the couple understand the risk, then it's on them to do whatever they want. As pointed out earlier, this particular couple may still want the higher dollar party. Have you asked for more information? Have you pursued this? If not, then please stop the questions about this CL post.
Regardless .. sounds like Rule #1 is in effect - You Get What You Pay For.
As long as the couple understand the risk, then it's on them to do whatever they want. As pointed out earlier, this particular couple may still want the higher dollar party. Have you asked for more information? Have you pursued this? If not, then please stop the questions about this CL post.
Last edited:
Not that I'm responding to mix, which would be an obvious waste of time, I wanted to chime in on the notion of writing off cheapskate prospects, presumably like the one in the ad. I too have had these kinds of inquiries and dutifully put them in my automated follow-up database, always certain that I'll never hear from them. The odd part is, I've actually had several who end up booking, and at my full rate. Moral of the story in the sales game, don't be so quick to write off prospects because you think they can't afford you. People have an odd habit of affording what they want to afford and on the odd occasion that you talk someone up to your price, they seem to hold you as a high-value vendor.
The problem with your argument Mix, is that you have mentioned it's actually cost YOU to do some performance gig, to make a name for your self.
Why don't you concentrate on one area you would like to be successful at? I've been doing this for almost 40 years now, and I've found the name doesn't really matter, unless you want to be a rock star, and have your Glory Days, as The Boss would say.
In the early 90's, I switched to beach/shag type gigs -- it was fun, made some good money, I got to wear a beach shirt and shorts, and got laid a lot. I also like Country bars.
Learn to focus on what you are good at...
Jto thank you for one of the best post I've ever seen on any DJ forum. Trust me what I said about you wasn't meant as a bad thing. It's was in all honesty a very good thing you posted earlier. For you to be able to command that rate and get the work you do, that means you must go above and beyond most of the clients you work for expectations. From what I've seen of you here I would say you're top notch and worth what you charge. Peace.
- - - Updated - - -
Thank you for one of the best post I've ever seen on any DJ forum. Trust me what I said about you wasn't meant as a bad thing. It's was in all honesty a very good thing you posted earlier. For you to be able to command that rate and get the work you do, that means you must go above and beyond most of the clients you work for expectations. From what I've seen of you here I would say you're top notch and worth what you charge. Peace.
- - - Updated - - -
Thanks for one of the best post I've ever seen on any DJ forum. When I posted what I did about you early I didn't post such things as a put down but certainly high praise. For you to get the rate that you get and the work that you do means you must be in most cases exceeding a clients expectations. From what I've seen you post on here from gigs you've done, I would say you're worth it. Peace.