It Ain't Just iPods.......

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I do understand what you are saying. Making the job look easy makes the client "think" it is easy and cheapens us.

We, are say no! It is not the technology that hurts us. We hurt ourselves.

Using your logic, we should never have even gone to cd's. Damn sure made my job easier!

Forget dmx lighting. Pre programed lighting shows? Easy.

By this logic, should I not go back to lugging around my 1200's and 6 crates of records and 45's? Then I'll look real busy, trying to find songs, queing them up etc.

Embrace the technology, use it to your advantage and be more.

It sure was a lot more work, and appeared to be that way!
 
djdawg said:
Conversely, if the dj is crapola, the client and guests WILL view that AND the laptop as something they could've done themselves.
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Exactly! Since I believe 90% of the DJ's out there are 'average' at best, it is then perceived by the majority of clients / guests as something they could have easilly done themselves.
 
Flyingdjdan said:
Using your logic, we should never have even gone to cd's.
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Not the same thing at all. CD's offered us superior sound quality to anything offered before. Being easier to transport and more durable was a just a bonus! Before computers, everyone still mixed 'live' with cd's, granted some better than others... LOL :sqwink:

Perception is reality.
 
Exactly! Since I believe 90% of the DJ's out there are 'average' at best, it is then perceived by the majority of clients / guests as something they could have easilly done themselves.
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And they would be right.

The ease of "just pushing play" has become pretty much a no brainer. Personally, I say great!

It is going to do a few things.

Force the "low to average" dj to keep getting cheaper where beer money is about it. No fun, no profit and hopefully they will quit, or stupidly die in their own waste. This is the most likely senario.

OR

Could actually force the low to average dj to improve, educate themselves, find their worth and be respectable. Unlikely, as it requires work, and these type of dj's already have expressed by their own current actions they don't like work.

Over the next couple years, a thining of the "herd" will happen.

Plain and simple.

Make yourself better, respectable, and charge a respectable fee. (hold your ground) and differentiate yourself from the "pack". Live long and prosper.

Or

Keep cheapening the pot by stooping to the average dj levels. Keep cutting rates, backstabbing other dj's and what ever it takes to get the job. In which case.... You die, slow and painful.

The choice is ours to make. Like it or not. The technology is there. Got to live, or die, with it.
 
Maestro Wrote:
I have a question for everyone... Who here will let two songs mix together during the dance portion of the evening while you are not at the controls? BIG NO-NO!!! The guests see that and ask themselves, what the heck do you need a DJ for then? Even if you've got a great program that will do it for you, you should at least be at the mixer, preferably hands-on.
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Tacky, and unprofessional...unless.

The dj is doing something interractive with the crowd, guests, Maybe a bathroom break, etc.

Remember, in Canada, the DJ is not the emcee. The DJ generally takes over with the intro of the first dance, sometimes not even then. Some of the so called emcees will do a real crummy job of introducing the traditional dances (against the advise given to them before the event by yours truly) and the DJ doesn't ever get to speak on the mic except to announce the bouquet and garter. If it's a Filipino wedding, we don't even get to do that! The emcee will come back to take care of that too and usually completely destroy it! We have very little time to 'shine'.
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This does shine a slightly different perspective. You are unable to capatalize on the true benefits of the "new" technology, where as the cd was acceptable as you as you could benifit.

That, does lead to some credibility of the argument. However, can new trends not be started? New traditions. Offer the full package like we do in the states?

If, one here in the states has choosen to use the technology to our benefit, we really have enhanced our show.

More interractive opportunities, mixers, games, audience participation, quicker and easier to "change up" the flow, easier finding requests, more music selection.

Sound quality was an issue. Now hard drive size has come to be quite cheap, so higher bitrates, or even loss-less copying of cd's is reasonable.


In my case, the benefits of computer djing far outweigh the costs.
 
I was such a firm believer in the "perception is reality" image that I used to thumb through my CDs for no apparent reason other than to look busy. I wanted the customer to see that I was constantly working on some element of the entertainment, even if all I was doing was flipping through my CD box.

Every now and then, I'd pull out a disc, look it over and either "add it to the mix" (if I had no plans on playing it, I put it in a special spot and returned it later) or I'd make a face like I was deep in thought (would this CD work or should I look for another) and put it back.

Either way, I was looking busy. There were times when I was "looking busy" that I actually pulled out a disc that I did plan on using, I was just struck by a certain song at that particular moment and decided to add it spur of the moment.

The old "rub one's hand on one's chin" move was always a good one, it sorta defines "looking busy, deep in thought."

Was I misleading the public? No, because I was technically looking through my inventory and could pull out a disc to play. Despite the actual reality, the perception was that I was always working on the music and what was coming up next or in the next set, next slow song, etc.

Perception is reality.
 
Dan, I do offer an all-inclusive service, including emceeing but it is very hard to change tradition. Here, most people want a close friend or relative to be the emcee which actually makes perfect sense since they know the couple better than any DJ would and could interject a few humorous anecdotes that the DJ could not. Even when I am not the DJ, I still assist with the flow of events.

I am always at my gear when a mix takes place, whether I am mixing live on the Denons or have Mixmeister take care of it for me. If I need to go to the bathroom, I'll put on a long song and start running! LOL Seriously though, that's what I do...
 
Maestro,

I figured you did as much.

HIJACK

let's see.:sqerr:

Freebird,
Strokin,
Sweet home alabama
Paradise by the dashboard lights.

All good "gotta run" songs.:sqwink:

end hijack.
 
John Allo said:
By having the DJ deliver an unforgettable performance, by having the technology supplement and strengthen their performance, not become the show.
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BINGO! Since I went digital several years ago, I have been able to take my "performance" DJ status to another level. For example, All of those TV Tunes and Sound Effect CDs that I bought many, many, years ago because they were cute; they are a vital part of alot of events now(esp. Holiday events and Renions). Since I put them into digital format, they can be used creatively in a split second. You can pull up the applause EFX or the Jeopardy think EFX on demand and make a killer impact on the crowd.

Sorry, I would rather see my hard-earned money spent on someone who looks professional and has "modern" technology. But, I also agree that if you AIN'T GOT TALENT the equipment is irrelevant...thx
 
While I agree that technology (not to mention Kazaa, Limewire, etc.) have made it easier for someone to get started in this business, it's not the end of the world.

Sure there are a lot more hacks out there that call themselves DJs. But guess what. They're usually around for a year or two and either realize it's actually hard work to do it right, or can't get a gig because their reputation precedes them.

I've been completely computer based for about two years. I still carry in a 16 space rack, big speakers, big lightshow (when needed) so it's still a lot of work setting up.

I'm constantly adjusting my playlist while reading the crowd. It's just much easier to find the song I'm looking for. I no longer have the "hey, this song would be great after this next one" thought only to be proven wrong by the crowd's reaction to the first song. We've all been there. It's then crunch time to try to find a different genre/etc. to change to.

When I used CDs, this could take quite a bit of time because I had to find the disc, load it, cue it up, etc. Now I can instantly change genre/pace/whatever. It just works better for me and also frees me up to work on all the behind the scenes items that make a great wedding stand out from the pack.

Any potential clients that see me at a wedding can clearly see that I'm constantly on the move coordinating everything from start to finish.

If you simply stand (or God forbid sit) behind your booth all night, you are setting a bad example for any potential clients. It's all about perception.

A solid performance is a solid performance no matter what media you decide to use.
 
Jay said it perfectly.

Most of the compliments we get at weddings are people telling me how thankful they are on how we "took care of everything". Good or bad MCing makes a big difference on their perception.
During the dance portion...me or my assistant ARE ALWAYS next to our equipment...to watch over it... to be available for guests...and to read the crowd to make sure the next song is the right song for the moment.
I fully explain that to the bride and groom in our meeting....that the computer means we don't have to spend all of our time searching for the next song....it means we can spend most of our time making sure the evening goes exactly as they want.
It doesn't mean we can spend 20 minutes outside smoking and talking on the cell.
Again, it's all the person. I had a guy that worked for us a while back... people started complaining that he was just putting in recorded cd's and letting them play...he got one warning...then we had to let him go...it was obvious to people that he was "just hitting play"
 
Spinking said:
Do you honestly think the upswing in "self-provided" music is because of DJs using laptops, ipods, etc?

1) From reading various wedding related websites over the years, I haven't seen a single post where a couple decided to do it themselves because they've seen a DJ using a laptop or an ipod.



2) Many couples have no clue what it really takes to do an event and they think all the DJ does is push buttons. How hard can that be? We'll do it our selves and save some money.


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3) What's really causing the your upswing DIY music is all those wannabe's that think they can be a DJ. They buy some powered speakers, a mixer, some business cards, then plug in their laptop, call themselves a professional DJ and then proceed to do a terrible job.

4) So, no matter how you want to cut it, it's the talent , or lack thereof, and not the technology, which is causing the problem.
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Statement (1) says that you never hear of B&Gs doing it themselves after seeing a laptop/iPod DJ. ( Btw- I HAVE run into this often) However, statement (2) says that that they don't think it's that hard so why not do it themselves?

Where do you think they got that impression?

Next, statement (3) says it's wannabes that think they can plug in a laptop, speakers, mixer.......etc...

Then statement (4) says it's all about the talent......

Professionals KNOW it's about the talent, but as your own post states, non-pros don't. Hence, the loss to business due to professional use of easy-looking technology.
 
djdawg said:
1/2 way through our meeting, the words that came out of the bride were priceless..."Wow...we didn't know there was so much to this!"

I think the first part of your theory is somewhat valid but if an experienced, polished mc/dj is running the show, the client will quickly see that "it's all in the details." That the equipment is only a small part of the success of the function. Conversely, if the dj is crapola, the client and guests WILL view that AND the laptop as something they could've done themselves.
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The point is IF they see. You did a top job of selling yourself, and were lucky enough to have prospects that were willing to take the time with you. However, no matter how good you/we are, at least SOME of the guests will only see how easy it looks. THOSE guests may well try it themselves, and no matter how bad it turns out for them, that particular event is lost to a DJ, and that's from just one event.Now imagine how many times this is multiplied at each and every laptop/iPod event.

BTW- this is how DJs took dominance of the wedding market from live bands in the first place. A tiny piece at a time. If we're not careful, we WILL be next.
 
Flyingdjdan said:
Music delivered by means of automation has been around longer than mobile dj's. Quite frankly, longer than most of us have been alive.

It does have a cool name.

Jukebox.
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Quite true!:sqlaugh: On the other hand, look how much cheaper it is to program ONLY the music that you want on devices you probably already own compared to renting a jukebox full of everything......

Folks, OF COURSE a talented DJ/MC is better that a juke box. Yes, we live by our talent. But our customer base is slowly eroding because many DON"T SEE what we actually do. Each one of THOSE people is a job we didn't get. All I'm saying is is try not to make it LOOK so easy, if you can. This may require carrying a few more pieces of equipment, but isn't it worth your livelihood?
 
Spinking said:
Please explain what it is that some of us don't get.
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The clients' perception
of our worth - not our actual worth- damaging our market. The clients' perception of our worth being lessened by pros using technology that makes it look too easy
 
Scott Hanna said:
totally agree with kevin and flyingdjdan

This EXACT same arguement came out when cd's....and then again when...gasp...recordable cd's came out.(no one would need to buy cd's anymore...they would all be copied from someone else.)

If I am done with a show, and some thinks...boy, i could have just plugged an ipod in and do the same show.....please do not blame the ipod....blame me!
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Except that what I've discussed already HAS happened, resulting in a large upswing it do-it-yourself wedding entertainment.
 
DJCraziAce said:
1) If you think client perspective falls upon technology and what we bring out, then you need to learn how to establish a rapport and provide the kind of service that a laptop or CDs or vinyl can't replicate.

2) All of you that think that laptop DJs are the fall of the industry, keep moping around while my iBook and I keep booking gig after gig after gig after gig...
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1) Nope, as I've stated several times, we pros know what it takes to do our job well. I was speaking of client perception.


2) The fall? Nah, but an erosion of our client base? Already is. Remember when bands laughed at the thought of DJs taking over the wedding industry? I do. No wedding of note would even THINK of hiring a DJ back then...... No worries, though. Bands still play at weddings, right?
 
djdawg said:
The point is that the client sees the new technology (and lack of crap that is hauled in) sees the very familiar laptop or iPod and thinks, "gee...is that all it takes? I can do that!"

In my post I addressed that very issue. The client and guests may possibly come to that conclusion BEFORE THE EVENT BEGINS
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Dawg, I love ya bro, but the hiring takes PLACE "before the event begins". If they have the perception that they can do the job, they may. It might be the worst wedding that ever happened, BUT IT"S OVER, and a DJ lost out on another job.
 
John Allo said:
How are they proven wrong? By having the DJ deliver an unforgettable performance, by having the technology supplement and strengthen their performance, not become the show.
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The problem is, they WON'T have the opportunity to see this untill and unless they HIRE the DJ, which they WON'T do if they are under the perception that it's so easy that they can do it themselves....
 
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