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

Joe,

To answer your original dilemma directly (other than I like bands better ):

OK, as many of you may have noticed, there has been an upswing in events with self-provided music. While it is certain that technology is at least partially to blame, I fully believe that it is also our own fault.

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It would seem obvious, that there is an upswing in self-massaged events -- there is a much larger population, and it is growing exponentially.

What is the actual percentage rate compared to say 20 years ago?

I would hazard a guess, that the percentage is not much different...


Technology has made everything in life easier, yet harder -- not just DJ'ing, but across the board.

One might run a more efficient business, but in doing so one might also shoot oneself-and others-in the foot.

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The only people I see shooting themselves in the foot, are the no-talent people. The people who can't entertain a crowd with an iPod, laptop, or the best money can buy.

People aren't that stupid, that they can't see talent (well, most of the time, anyway)

Bottom line: I see no difference whether the crowd sees the back of a laptop, an iPod, or a humongous amp rack. When all is said and done, it is the personality and talent of the entertainer(s), that makes the day, and decides whether the potential client will try to do it on their own...

At 17 years old, I own 2 full CD racks and 2 Laptop Racks and 3 different sound systems as a single op. I've had the laptopsfor around a year now and they run PCDJ Red VRM and when connected to my Ext. HD, they have access to just under 30,000 titles that have taken me almost a year to rip.

Though I have these systems and it would be very easy for me to walk into a venue with a laptop and pair of eons, i continue to bring in tops, subs, a 16 space rack full of CD players, mixers, light controls, processors, amps and mics, as well as a cd collection of around 500 discs depending on the nature of the event.

I've had several clients compliment me on how much pride and work i put into my show rather than just showing up with the bare minimum to do the job. Its also served my mind well knowing that if one piece of gear fails, i have 2-3 more options that can be running in seconds.

I don't think that its necessarily the laptop/ipod DJs that cause the client's perception of new-technology Djs, but rather as a member stated, the poor performance of other DJs. I continue to use both my digital and CD systems because of the comfort I feel with my CDs and the flexibility i'm allowed with them that I don't have with my laptops. Someone willing to make the investment can certainly invest in Serato but, right now, thats just not for me.

OK Joe, your original post was about those of that use MP3 sources and iPod type devices in our shows making it look too easy so that the average Joe can buy that equipment and do it themselves. Right?

Well, from my first post on the subject, my primary MP3 source is a rack mounted computer. A picture of it sitting at the home office is attached.

I use a laptop as a backup but, knock on wood, have not had to use it on the job.

Today we arrived at the location at 10:15, had the gear loaded in by 10:30, and we were up and running by 10:45. The first guest was scheduled to arrive by 12:30 and they walked to the prelude music as planned. The wedding was over at 5 and we were on the road at 5:30.

This one was easy, too easy and we made it look easy by the way we handled the MC and DJ work. We also made it "professional" through our talent and experience; the thing that not even the average Joe that might be Toastmasters trained can't even do right away.

I also use an iPod as part of the business. It is all about ease of use. If there is cocktail hour in another room, why shouldn't I be able to bring in one or two speakers with an iPod on shuffle? If this capability is avaialble to me why shouldn't I be able to take advantage of it.

As I said in another part of this thread, I have a ceremony coming up that will consist of one speaker and an iPod. That's all that will be necessary.

Yes, the technology does make it look easy and I really have no problem contributing to that. It is my job to make it look easy.

As I said before, we all said, "I can do that" and we did. Only the talented ones that say that and follow through will survive; meanwhile, as Johnny said, I am happy with what I have.

If somebody tells me that they think it is too easy, I'll give them the opportunity to break into the business and in a year, after they have been shleping my gear as my assistant, then let them tell me how easy it is.

JoeChartreuse said:

Sorry, no. The thread is about something totally different. Please see first post. Please? Or please reply to post #79.

This is about client perceptions and simplistic looking equipment. Period

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Cripes Joe...you're daft then...how on earth is my answer NOT about client perceptions?

I give up

JoeChartreuse said:

1) THAT's IT! You're the best!


2) Believe it or not, I think I'm with you here. If I have a cocktail hour in one room, and the main part of the event in another, I set up my main system in the event room, and WILL work off my laptop and powered speakers in the cocktail room. No problem here. At least I can mix with the laptop.


3) The following is strictly my opinion- not to be taken as fact or insult- PLEASE!:

Yes, it's our job to make it look easy, fun, and relaxed. However, I believe it is also our job to sell our professionalism, and to enforce the PERCEPTION of professionalism among non-pros, enhancing our perceived worth ( or, more selfishly, MY perceived worth).

Don't know how many of you remember the TV repairman. You know, the one that came to YOUR HOUSE. He'd carry all sorts of meters, tools, etc. Was back there for a while with the flashlight, checking, adjusting, etc...

What you probably didn't know was that 90% of all problems in those days were solved by replacing one of 4 plug in tubes ( With color,add passing a degaussing coil near the CRT) It could have been done in ten minutes,just by process of elimination. The rest was SHOW, and part of the training. Look like you're doing something too technical for the average person, and they'll pay you for it, and well. This is part of the SALES process. That process doesn't end when you land the job. It's a continuous operation...

In sales, anything that weakens your position ( in my opinion, remember) is a negative. Also, because our business isn't run behind closed doors,the perception of one can affect many..... To repeat, this is merely my opinion, and does not reflect those of people yet to be heard....whatever the heck that means.....:sqerr:

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This has all been said 5 ways from Sunday already.....:sqconfused:

I guess I need a list of EXACT wording to use........