Poll: Did the DJ Assist in the Growth of the iPod wedding trend?

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Did the DJ Help in the Growth of the iPod Wedding Trend?

  • Yes

    Votes: 15 100.0%

  • No

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    15
and so Im going to throw a monkey wrench into the picture here. IF DJ gear is in fact getting cheaper. Why would a client not think (if they have knowledge of this) that in fact services should become cheaper for them? the perception is then that DJs are cheating us falsley raising rates in fact making more money per event than in the past when they paid more for professional gear yet charging less previously.
 
JoeChartreuse said:
Scott,

Just to be clear: DJs who use iPODS ( and PCs) aren't promoting them as DJing tools? This doesn't give their private use for events a major boost?

I'm not calling those who use them bad, or those who don't good. I'm just under the belief that once they WERE used professionally, it boosted the consumer confidence that they COULD be, and by THEM. In short: I believe DJs promoted and advertised for a "competitor" by using that "competitor"
as the center of their show.

To repeat: You, and I, and others in our profession KNOW that iPODS are not DJ replacements. Unfortunately, many consumers don't, and their feelings are only SUPPORTED by professional use of an iPOD.
Click to expand...

Well, I do use an iPod as a tool in my DJ work.

When cocktails or dinner is in a separate room I generally set up a single powered speaker with an iPod on shuffle. The iPod generally has the max amount of music on it. Face it, cocktail and dinner music is background music only intended for atmosphere.

I've had guests see me take the unit down and ask if the iPod could be used as the entertainment. I told them no and why. I also told them to pay close attention to the things I was doing as the DJ/MC and tell me if the iPod could do that. Many came up to me after the event and said, "I see what you mean. Do you have a card?".
 
Scott Hanna said:
Which brings me back to my answer that NO, THE DJ did not assist the supposed Rise of the Ipod

!
Click to expand...


I think it's my phraseology that's a problem. The thread question was whether DJs assisted in the rise of iPOD events.

My answer is still yes, but I'll rephrase my reason. DJs have legitemitized (word?) them through their use.

If, at a wedding, Uncle Herb walked in with a boombox, even the undereducated consumer would be thinking "cheap"- especially at a wedding. Weddings, as we know, are a bit of a competition, aside from being a special day.....

Anyway, due to DJ use, there is no "stigma" attached to iPOD use. "Hey, I'm using the same equipment that the pros use!".

It's no loger a matter of being "low budget". Even those who can afford much more can still ask themselves " why spend if we don't have to?"

If they have the perception that Uncle Herb can do the same thing with an iPOD that a professional can, and the guests see it the same way as a DJ running an iPOD, to them it's not budget, it's common sense.

Yes, they may end up ruining their wedding, but by then the damage is done.

BTW- as far as "the chicken and the egg": It is my belief that consumers got the idea of using an iPOD from watching a DJ do it. Sure, I can be 100% wrong, but there's no way of knowing.

So far, I have seen no loss due to iPOD events, probably due to the fact that I'm magnificent....:sqcool:

However, I don't think all will remain the same.

DJs replaced bands in popularity due to the extended playlist and the fact that it generally costs less for one than, say, five.

Who's to say that iPODs won't replace DJs due to a personalized playlist the fact that it costs less for NONE than, say, than one. If two perceived values are equal in the eyes of the uneducated consumer, then why would they pay more for one than the other?

Will this happen? Personally I'm an optimist, and think that good DJ skills will win the day...... but trained meteorologists are wrong half the time....
My answer to the original question is that DJs, without a doubt, ARE ASSISTING with the rise of the self-run iPOD/PC event.
 
It's a pendulum. There will come a point when the larger population of perspective clients realize (maybe at their second or third marriage celebration) from the sheer numbers of people expressing their dismay and or disappointments with the inexperienced or unacceptable DJ, their previous Do It Yourself blunders, and the reported rising numbers of law suits against those hacks, will eventually kill the iPod concept. Of course, it will be replaced by something we haven't dreamed of yet it's for certain something will.

Guns don't kill. People do. iPods don't kill either.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
Well, I do use an iPod as a tool in my DJ work.

When cocktails or dinner is in a separate room I generally set up a single powered speaker with an iPod on shuffle. The iPod generally has the max amount of music on it. Face it, cocktail and dinner music is background music only intended for atmosphere.

I've had guests see me take the unit down and ask if the iPod could be used as the entertainment. I told them no and why. I also told them to pay close attention to the things I was doing as the DJ/MC and tell me if the iPod could do that. Many came up to me after the event and said, "I see what you mean. Do you have a card?".
Click to expand...

You set an iPod on shuffle and left it alone?! :sqeek:

And you don't think that you're setting an example, contributing to the iPod fad?! :sqeek:

If I had a DJ try to tell me that I'm going to pay him to set an iPod on shuffle, regardless of the situation, I'd laugh in his/her face and say "see ya later." :sqmad:
 
[rant]

There's one or two more things to add to this that bug me personally.

I use a laptop. It's merely an overgrown iPod with more public credibility. The software has shuffle, mix, blend, beat change, pitch blend, etc. It's an iPod but costs more.

I have a CD player. It's an outdated, over sized, hand fed, manually operated, and environmentally challenged iPod.

If it's the source device and the amount of visible physical effort a DJ employs, seems the ideal choice would be a jock who uses vinyl or cassettes or reel-to-reel.

Agreeing that client/audience image and perception is huge, my facade option is one way in which the audience does not see what I'm doing, what I have, and how it's being employed. I might be using any of the choices above yet no one would know nor care as long as they were enjoying the results of my selection choice, not the playback device. The wizard behind the screen, Dorothy.

This one has bugged me from day one. The DJ who during the sales process does the math for clients. The client wants to select 30 songs to play. The DJ doesn't want to so starts telling this client, " The average song is about 4 minutes long, which means about 15 songs an hour. Taking into account formalities, dinner, and such, I'm going to be playing maybe 35-40 songs and I need to be able to read and react to your audience. You don't weant me to be a human juke box or an iPod, do you?" Just how much more moronic and idiotic can a DJ get in drawing their Colt 45 and blowing the biggest hole possible into the top of their foot?

The client's brain does the deeper math. DJ. 40 songs. $800 fee. $20 per song. iPod cost $200.00. Music fee. Cousin has the iPod, so now it's free.

iPods don't kill. Non-thinking DJs do.

[/rant]
 
The ipod question is approached many times by customers, who say, can I save money if I use my ipod. My answer is absolutely, however, I can attest with whole hearted conviction, that if you can train your ipod to recognise your bridal party, pronounce the name phonetically, read your dance floor and automatically adjust the music, recognise that a thirteen year old just caught the bouquet and change what would normally come next, come with a backup plan when IT fails, then, boy do I have a job for you because we can BOTH be rich. Lets face it, DJs dont just play music, we adapt when Gramma Jones decides that NOW she wants to be introduced with the bridal party instead of from her seat like previously planned. We adapt when dinner takes 3 hours instead of 1 1/2 hours. We adapt when the grooms mom decides she has a new song to play for her dance, its track 11. We know our music and can make suggestions when the bride is stumped on her entrance selection. We edit music to remove uncomfortable words, have the back up bouquet when its needed, we keep the photographer and videographer involved when there HAS been a change, making sure the bride and groom dont miss the candid shots they expect to have of their dance, or entrance, or cake cutting. Sure, you can utilize your ipod and regret that decision every time you try to look back and find fond memories of your wedding. Oh I am sure they will be there, but your frustration because Uncle Lurch who swore he wouldnt get drunk while trying to play your music, did just that, and as much as Aunt Sarah tried to help, she isnt gadget friendly, then Uncle Lurch turned into Uncle Leech when he dove out to grab the garter because he has had the hots for years for your Aunt Sarahs best friend who is now single AGAIN and he cant wait to slide that garter up her leg. Yep, your ipod would be a great decision, let me know how that works out for ya!
 
DJ Ducky said:
You set an iPod on shuffle and left it alone?! :sqeek:

And you don't think that you're setting an example, contributing to the iPod fad?! :sqeek:

If I had a DJ try to tell me that I'm going to pay him to set an iPod on shuffle, regardless of the situation, I'd laugh in his/her face and say "see ya later." :sqmad:
Click to expand...

Anna:

Go back and read what I said. We are talking about dinner or cocktails in a totally separate room from the main area of activities. Most of the time it is cocktails.

For example:

1. Cocktails are held in a farm house at least 100 yards from the main activity area. The options are a wireless connection but this is outside acceptable range, a long cable run and this is too far, a second system run by the assistant, or single speaker with an iPOd. The client was offered the second system with assistant as operator for $300 or speaker/iPod for $50. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

2. Cocktails are being held by the pool which is about the same distance from the ballroom of the hotel as the farmhouse in the above example. The same options were offered and the client went with the speaker/iPod.

3. Cocktails and bar are being held in the hallway which is just outside the ballroom. The cable run is short. The client was offered two additional speakers daisy chained to the primary speakers in the ballroom for $100 or a speaker/iPod combination for $50. It was explained to the client that if they opted for the two speakers they would be playing the same music as iin the main ballroom and all announcements would come through as well. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

In all cases above the client realized that we were talking about background music that provided atmosphere and would be pretty much ignored by the guests chatting.

In example 3 the client told me their decision was price based only. In the end I set up the backup speakers in the hall anyway. When they saw the value, even though I didn't ask, they did pay the difference in cash. I overrode the client's decision in this case and was willing to eat the cost.

In all cases where the cocktails/dinner are in a separate room the client is offered options of separate system or speaker/iPod. There is a clear price difference and the pros and cons of each solution is outlined for the client. It is up to the client to make the decision as to the direction they want to go. I am not going to second guess them on why; I am just going to comply with their wishes.

iPods are a tool, nothing more and can be used as a solution in many cases.

Was this setting an example? As explained, some guests did see the strike of the speaker/iPod and asked if a whole party could be done that way. When they saw the benefits of having a human DJ their thinking changed. So, maybe I set the example the other way.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
Anna:

Go back and read what I said. We are talking about dinner or cocktails in a totally separate room from the main area of activities. Most of the time it is cocktails.

For example:

1. Cocktails are held in a farm house at least 100 yards from the main activity area. The options are a wireless connection but this is outside acceptable range, a long cable run and this is too far, a second system run by the assistant, or single speaker with an iPOd. The client was offered the second system with assistant as operator for $300 or speaker/iPod for $50. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

2. Cocktails are being held by the pool which is about the same distance from the ballroom of the hotel as the farmhouse in the above example. The same options were offered and the client went with the speaker/iPod.

3. Cocktails and bar are being held in the hallway which is just outside the ballroom. The cable run is short. The client was offered two additional speakers daisy chained to the primary speakers in the ballroom for $100 or a speaker/iPod combination for $50. It was explained to the client that if they opted for the two speakers they would be playing the same music as iin the main ballroom and all announcements would come through as well. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

In all cases above the client realized that we were talking about background music that provided atmosphere and would be pretty much ignored by the guests chatting.

In example 3 the client told me their decision was price based only. In the end I set up the backup speakers in the hall anyway. When they saw the value, even though I didn't ask, they did pay the difference in cash. I overrode the client's decision in this case and was willing to eat the cost.

In all cases where the cocktails/dinner are in a separate room the client is offered options of separate system or speaker/iPod. There is a clear price difference and the pros and cons of each solution is outlined for the client. It is up to the client to make the decision as to the direction they want to go. I am not going to second guess them on why; I am just going to comply with their wishes.

iPods are a tool, nothing more and can be used as a solution in many cases.

Was this setting an example? As explained, some guests did see the strike of the speaker/iPod and asked if a whole party could be done that way. When they saw the benefits of having a human DJ their thinking changed. So, maybe I set the example the other way.
Click to expand...

Still doesn't work for me. You're telling me that you gave the customer the choice and people probably choice the iPod Cocktail Hour based upon the price difference. How can that be so different from the choice they have when planning an event?

Here's a thought: $1000 DJ for 4 hours or a $249 iPod with some cheap speakers ($300 tops) that all can be kept at the party as long as they want, and they can even keep the equipment for further use afterwards. So, $1000 for 4 hours or $650 (includes wires & taxes) for as long as they want? Hmm...to many consumers, this could seem like a bargain, regardless of how you try to "educate" them.
 
so the dj assisted in the growth of the ipod wedding

GoodKnightDJ said:
Anna:

Go back and read what I said. We are talking about dinner or cocktails in a totally separate room from the main area of activities. Most of the time it is cocktails.

For example:

1. Cocktails are held in a farm house at least 100 yards from the main activity area. The options are a wireless connection but this is outside acceptable range, a long cable run and this is too far, a second system run by the assistant, or single speaker with an iPOd. The client was offered the second system with assistant as operator for $300 or speaker/iPod for $50. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

2. Cocktails are being held by the pool which is about the same distance from the ballroom of the hotel as the farmhouse in the above example. The same options were offered and the client went with the speaker/iPod.

3. Cocktails and bar are being held in the hallway which is just outside the ballroom. The cable run is short. The client was offered two additional speakers daisy chained to the primary speakers in the ballroom for $100 or a speaker/iPod combination for $50. It was explained to the client that if they opted for the two speakers they would be playing the same music as iin the main ballroom and all announcements would come through as well. They opted for the speaker/iPod.

In all cases above the client realized that we were talking about background music that provided atmosphere and would be pretty much ignored by the guests chatting.

In example 3 the client told me their decision was price based only. In the end I set up the backup speakers in the hall anyway. When they saw the value, even though I didn't ask, they did pay the difference in cash. I overrode the client's decision in this case and was willing to eat the cost.

In all cases where the cocktails/dinner are in a separate room the client is offered options of separate system or speaker/iPod. There is a clear price difference and the pros and cons of each solution is outlined for the client. It is up to the client to make the decision as to the direction they want to go. I am not going to second guess them on why; I am just going to comply with their wishes.

iPods are a tool, nothing more and can be used as a solution in many cases.

Was this setting an example? As explained, some guests did see the strike of the speaker/iPod and asked if a whole party could be done that way. When they saw the benefits of having a human DJ their thinking changed. So, maybe I set the example the other way.
Click to expand...


So , YOU are the one that assisted in the growth of the Ipod Wedding

Dang your hide!!!!
 
DJ Ducky said:
Still doesn't work for me. You're telling me that you gave the customer the choice and people probably choice the iPod Cocktail Hour based upon the price difference. How can that be so different from the choice they have when planning an event?

Here's a thought: $1000 DJ for 4 hours or a $249 iPod with some cheap speakers ($300 tops) that all can be kept at the party as long as they want, and they can even keep the equipment for further use afterwards. So, $1000 for 4 hours or $650 (includes wires & taxes) for as long as they want? Hmm...to many consumers, this could seem like a bargain, regardless of how you try to "educate" them.
Click to expand...

This is where we will agree to disagree.

I believe that the speaker/iPod solution is a valid option for dinner/cocktails in a separate room. This option and separate system with assistant manning it are offered.

The speaker/iPod solution requires:

1. Setup of a single speaker on a stand with an iPod in a custom holder velcroed to the back of the speaker. This setup and activation typically takes five minutes.

2. Periodic monitoring of the solution to ensure sound volume and quality is optimum for the situation (background music).

3. Strike of the solution after the application of it is over. Typically this takes five minutes.

Depending on whether the solution is to stay up just for cocktails/dinner or through the entire event in the case of a bar location at the event, the time commitment can vary from thirty minutes to over an hour.

There is a price difference because all that is involved in the speaker/iPod solution is the set up/strike of a singe iPod and speaker

The second system requires:

1. Setup of a smaller audio system with a laptop as the music source. The laptop is playing through a gigaport. This set up can take up to thirty minutes.

2. Human assistant mixing the music or monitoring the autoplay. Until VDJ improved the autoplay capability the assistant had to mix all the time. Now he can let the system operate on autoplay but still adjust the playlist as needed.

3. Strike of the system after the application of it is over. Again, this can take up to thirty minutes.

In both solutions for a wedding, the extra system is off during introductions and formalities.

So, maybe I should just raise the price on the iPod solution to match the additional system. Maybe then clients will opt for the additional system. But, didn't somebody somewhere say something about offering lower priced options?

The option I am offering is noway an iPod wedding; it is the simple application of a tool. Would it be any diofferent id a Discman was used with a burned CD? Suppose we just set up that second system and left the laptop on autoplay with no attendant?

Again, think of the application; background music for atmosphere. Meanwhile my assistant and I are free to do other things like mingle and find out about music tastes of the guests for the later dance portion.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
This is where we will agree to disagree.

I believe that the speaker/iPod solution is a valid option for dinner/cocktails in a separate room. This option and separate system with assistant manning it are offered.

The speaker/iPod solution requires:

1. Setup of a single speaker on a stand with an iPod in a custom holder velcroed to the back of the speaker. This setup and activation typically takes five minutes.

2. Periodic monitoring of the solution to ensure sound volume and quality is optimum for the situation (background music).

3. Strike of the solution after the application of it is over. Typically this takes five minutes.

Depending on whether the solution is to stay up just for cocktails/dinner or through the entire event in the case of a bar location at the event, the time commitment can vary from thirty minutes to over an hour.

There is a price difference because all that is involved in the speaker/iPod solution is the set up/strike of a singe iPod and speaker

The second system requires:

1. Setup of a smaller audio system with a laptop as the music source. The laptop is playing through a gigaport. This set up can take up to thirty minutes.

2. Human assistant mixing the music or monitoring the autoplay. Until VDJ improved the autoplay capability the assistant had to mix all the time. Now he can let the system operate on autoplay but still adjust the playlist as needed.

3. Strike of the system after the application of it is over. Again, this can take up to thirty minutes.

In both solutions for a wedding, the extra system is off during introductions and formalities.

So, maybe I should just raise the price on the iPod solution to match the additional system. Maybe then clients will opt for the additional system. But, didn't somebody somewhere say something about offering lower priced options?

The option I am offering is noway an iPod wedding; it is the simple application of a tool. Would it be any diofferent id a Discman was used with a burned CD? Suppose we just set up that second system and left the laptop on autoplay with no attendant?

Again, think of the application; background music for atmosphere. Meanwhile my assistant and I are free to do other things like mingle and find out about music tastes of the guests for the later dance portion.
Click to expand...

Maybe they should just buy/borrow an iPod and then purchase one of these: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=iPod+with+speakers&hl=en&cid=10827140090046589795 It's about as effective as your solutions. :sqrolleyes::sqmad:
 
You should really be blaming me...

I sell software for automated jukeboxes. The DJ builds the box, runs my software, and gets $200-400 for dropping it off and picking back up :)

Quite a few have already been rented out for homegrown weddings, and much cooler than an iPod, as the guests get to interact with a touchscreen, and program their own music. Easy way to make extra cash, and not lose the gig totally :sqbiggrin:
 
DJ Ducky said:
Maybe they should just buy/borrow an iPod and then purchase one of these: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=iPod+with+speakers&hl=en&cid=10827140090046589795 It's about as effective as your solutions. :sqrolleyes::sqmad:
Click to expand...

Anna:

I really don't see why you are having a problem with this. The solution is not for the entire event; only cocktails in a separate room in most instances.

We were looking at a wireless solution; however, that will probably be out the window in February along with our mics. Why make the investment in a solution that will be dead in a few months? Additionally, distance and walls in some instances challenge these wireless solutions.

I guess you and your partner are setting up a separate system in the other room. This means that your partner is occupied with that system while you are occupied in the main room; which defeats the purpose of an assistant/partner.

In my case the speaker/iPod solution allows the both of us to mingle and collect valuable information which makes the rest of the night all the better.

Another point is that the speaker/iPod solution is very rarely utilized as most events have cocktails/dinner in the same room. In most cases where the bar is in the hallway we can either sit the speakers out there till cocktails are over or daisy chain another set of speakers.

I first deployed the speaker/iPod solution in March of 2007 and it was utilized a grand total of four times last year; four times of over 100 weddings I and my partners did.

Instead of knocking it, try using the tool.
 
GoodKnightDJ said:
Anna:

I really don't see why you are having a problem with this. The solution is not for the entire event; only cocktails in a separate room in most instances.

We were looking at a wireless solution; however, that will probably be out the window in February along with our mics. Why make the investment in a solution that will be dead in a few months? Additionally, distance and walls in some instances challenge these wireless solutions.

I guess you and your partner are setting up a separate system in the other room. This means that your partner is occupied with that system while you are occupied in the main room; which defeats the purpose of an assistant/partner.

In my case the speaker/iPod solution allows the both of us to mingle and collect valuable information which makes the rest of the night all the better.

Another point is that the speaker/iPod solution is very rarely utilized as most events have cocktails/dinner in the same room. In most cases where the bar is in the hallway we can either sit the speakers out there till cocktails are over or daisy chain another set of speakers.

I first deployed the speaker/iPod solution in March of 2007 and it was utilized a grand total of four times last year; four times of over 100 weddings I and my partners did.

Instead of knocking it, try using the tool.
Click to expand...

:yoohno:
 
I have re-entered the iPod Wedding market softly and am getting booked. I deliver and pick up to Country Club or Local Event only and the signs are good again

I did buy two sound systems when I first moved to NC as I wasn't physically able to lug stuff around whilst on crutches PLUS my fire for Jocking has waned.....

I really don't believe DJs caused the iPod Wedding and it's surge - it's all evolution....

One could go back to live musicians being pissed with DJs taking their work

I just want to make a living and be happy doing things I don't mind doing.....
 
Let's face it HOW MANY weddings REALLY need hulking great PA systems and lighting trusses these days?

Most weddings (and I've done a few) are a succession of a few "must do" events, a first dance etc a quick 20 minute mass boogie and all go home......
 
I'm having my doubts about the concept of "agreeing to disagree" here lately. Apparently, if I disagree with you, I can't possibly have understood what you're saying. I should probably be happy that at least you took some kind of stand, said what you had to say, and owned it, instead of "just asking the question".

Maybe someone can ask the same question again today, worded slightly differently, and see if I finally see it your way. But this time, when you do, I'll wave my ipod at you like a stake towards the heart of a werewolf. Be vewwy afwaid.

There's a huge difference between not understanding someone and not agreeing with someone.

Part of Apple's success is represented in an old slogan of theirs: think differently.
 
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