Reception is indoors but you will be setting up outdoors on the porch....wtf

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Karl Langford said:
Tonight's wedding is a great example of "Make the best of what you have" without rocking the boat.

I am at a venue in my area that uses 2 large panels (each section is (2) 4' x 8' panels hinged together) of wood and white lattice on the very front of the stage to block the stage because the head table is right in front of the stage.

I have to come in, create an opening big enough for me to get all my gear behind the panels, set up and then stare through these little squares for 2 + hours until dinner is over and the dance can start.

Then the owner comes and carefully moves the panels behind me. I have to make sure he doesn't knock over any of my gear as he does it.

I then have to get my lights set up because there is no room because of these panels.

You know what, I don't complain, I don't bitch, I don't tell the Bride and Groom it is a pain, I just deal with it.

If you were in my area I would love for you to bitch and complain. It would mean more work for me.

It is their venue, it is the B and G's wedding. You play by their rules unless you don't need to be there. Then complain so they won't let you back in.
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My Friend, I may rant and rave here but I CERTAINLY DO NOT HAVE TO BITCH TO MY CLIENTS. I get what I want plain and simple! Its called the art of asking and negotiation. An issue is discussed, an idea sold and all parties shake hands on the deal. Everyone ends up happy!:sqbiggrin:
:sqerr: At this place in question, have you just taken what is given to you because thats how it was always done? Have you ever asked for this to be changed by explaining FIRST a better setup style?? If so, to whom did you speak... the Client or the Venue?
 
Karl Langford said:
Tonight's wedding is a great example of "Make the best of what you have" without rocking the boat.
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What if the boat will sink if you sit still?


Karl Langford said:
You know what, I don't complain, I don't bitch, I don't tell the Bride and Groom it is a pain, I just deal with it.

If you were in my area I would love for you to bitch and complain. It would mean more work for me.

It is their venue, it is the B and G's wedding. You play by their rules unless you don't need to be there. Then complain so they won't let you back in.
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Reminiscent of the frogs of WWII.

Sincerely,
The Allied Forces
 
Based on my past postings, I know several of you must picture me as an arrogant S.O.B. when it comes to setups at venues. Have I ever had to make compromises? Of course! Not every situation is ideal but the fact of the matter is that whatever compromise was made, was a negotiated one. I have respect for Venues & their staff, Wedding Coordinators and of course my Clients but I also demand and expect it from them.

It is my job to eliminate any problems that will negatively affect my performance because in the end if something screws up with the music, guess who then gets the blame? I don't go into a gig with my tail between my legs with everyone telling me what to do. If I wanted to be treated like an employee I would not be in business for myself. I would go find a job and be told what to do.

Early last year I walked out on a Club owner because he did not have his Shyt together (Some of you may remember that thread). Was I invited back? Yes I was, several times afterward! What was the solution? Whenever I go there I carry my own gear so that I don't have to deal with the club's unsafe and crappy equipment. The owner and I still visit. He has been to my Karaoke Show and wants me to do one at his place. It can't be done because I am already booked up on Fridays.
I am/was only sharing with y'all how I overcome these issues before they occur but I guess some are too scared to open their mouths and ask for what they want. To each his own.:sqrolleyes:
 
We just do it different.....which in your opinion is why the DJ industry is going down the tubes...

"occur but I guess some are too scared to open their mouths and ask for what they want. To each his own. "

You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are an arrogant s.o.b.
 
You guys can boycott, never go there again or do what ever you do. If that means you do not go back, that means more work for people who will do what is asked of them by the people who are paying them and the owners of the venues that you are playing at.

I choose to do make the best of each situation, if that means I have to work a little harder at setting up or have to make a few decisions and do a couple things I don't want to do, so be it.

I just wish there was a way to actually see some of you in action. I bet half the stories or more on here about how good some of you are are just BS. That is just my take.
 
Responding in the spirit of the instigators.
Steve LeBlanc said:
We just do it different.....which in your opinion is why the DJ industry is going down the tubes...
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C'mon now, that's just one reason.

Steve LeBlanc said:
You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are an arrogant s.o.b.
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You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are an <insert insult here>

Karl Langford said:
You guys can boycott, never go there again or do what ever you do. If that means you do not go back, that means more work for people who will do what is asked of them by the people who are paying them and the owners of the venues that you are playing at.

I choose to do make the best of each situation, if. that means I have to work a little harder at setting up or have to make a few decisions and do a couple things I don't want to do, so be it.

I just wish there was a way to actually see some of you in action. I bet half the stories or more on here about how good some of you are are just BS. That is just my take.
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You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are jealous.

I'll try not get any sand on the innocent that are playing on the teeter totter and the jungle gym. You buncha poopie head, doo doo birds.:sqembarrassed:
 
djrox said:
Responding in the spirit of the instigators.

C'mon now, that's just one reason.


You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are an <insert insult here>


You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are jealous.

I'll try not get any sand on the innocent that are playing on the teeter totter and the jungle gym. You buncha poopie head, doo doo birds.:sqembarrassed:
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What am I jealous of? The fact that you think you are better than everyone else? The fact that you go on threads and point out every little problem someone has and you "always" have the solution and find a way to put it solely on them?

Is it one of those things?

I am not jealous of you one bit. In fact, I kind of feel sorry for you. You are an internet tough guy. I feel sorry for your type.
 
Steve LeBlanc said:
We just do it different.....which in your opinion is why the DJ industry is going down the tubes...

"occur but I guess some are too scared to open their mouths and ask for what they want. To each his own. "

You see...its comments like these that reinforce the impression that you are an arrogant s.o.b.
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Maybe I am, maybe I am :sqlaugh: but I don't come here complaining after a Gig that they set me up in a bad place and I had to make do with what was handed me. My comments are based on y'alls reports!:sqrolleyes:
 
Karl Langford said:
The fact that you think you are better than everyone else?
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Incorrect, presumptive, and reflective of the author not the subject

I can name at least 2 people I'm not better than.:sqwink:

Karl Langford said:
The fact that you go on threads and point out every little problem someone has
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Incorrect and reflective of the author not the subject.

I have NEVER pointed out a problem. I have addressed questions about problems or issues on which posters were seeking discussion but I have not initiated the discussion on anyone's, other than my own, problems.

Karl Langford said:
... and you "always" have the solution and find a way to put it solely on them?
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There are way more threads that I do not enter but when I do, I offer a, not the, solution, and typically one that has worked or, in an equally educational manner, NOT worked for me.

What would you prefer, that I proffer presumptive, prejudiced guesses or pejorative suggestions? (DAMN, I LOVE ALLITERATION)

Maybe you'd be my fwiend if I just agweed wif evwyfing YOU say.

Karl Langford said:
... Is it one of those things?

I am not jelous of you one bit. In fact, I kind of feel sorry for you. You are an internet tough guy. I feel sorry for your type.
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So you "type" people based on your interpretations of them from faceless, voiceless, soulless forum posts. Again, reflective of the author not the subject.

I appreciate the offer, but your pity is sorely misplaced and unwarranted. Maybe you could channel the energy to a more deserving or needy cause. Good Luck.

Regardless, if you would have remove your tinted shades, you might have read my post, up the thread, in which I related an actual, but according to you one that I probably fabricated, experience.

There are real lesson that I learned in that anecdote. But a necessary component of any successful lesson is the willingness of the less knowledgeable to listen.

Here's another lesson I have personally learned, it is more likely you can learn from someone with a different experience. You do not have to agree but you can learn. However, you gotta want to and that requires acceptance of one's intrinsic imperfection. I have yet to spend one day in which I have not learned something or had something I was unsure about validated or debunked.

As to your Bovine Excrement accusation, as it specifically pertains to me, since you seem to have an issue with me, I have never needed external validation so desperately that I would fabricate a story to appear knowledgeable to a bunch of strangers. Now I might change the names to protect the innocent but if Joe Friday can do it, I feel safe in do it, too.

BACK ON TOPIC
Shane,

Regarding venues and the detrimental placement of entertainers, I can tell you without fear of any credible contradiction, that you will experience substantially less of that discerning scenario if you are in the mix earlier rather than later. If your first introduction to the venue is your last minute desires, regardless of intent or value, you create unnecessary, natural resistance.

BTW, the day of is too late.

But, if you'd rather routinely just submit and "make it work," as opposed to work and "make it better," you've been offered that option as well.
 
Rocky, your whole last post just reeks of arrogance, I, I, I, I.

I can't imagine how large your head is.

Before the mod squad stops it, I am done with this. Enjoy being you.
 
Here are the pictures I promised
picture%20066.jpg


picture%20067.jpg


picture%20068.jpg
 
Hard to tell with the pics the comparison to where you are with the rest of the reception areas.
 
Y'know folks, we DO have the opportunity to say NO to any gig we choose.

I've turned down a few events where the layout is not the best.

My reputation is on the line at every event.

If I feel I cannot deliver what my client and their guests expect from me, I decline.

There is a Martin's venue near me where they place the room like so:

Head table against far wall, then a huge dance floor, then tables and finally at the entrance in a corner is me.

I have to throw sound over the guests to the dance floor - not an intimate setting at all.

So I just say no and I tell prospective clients why. Plus the venue WILL NOT budge - even if they promise the client they will.

Tommy O will concur.
 
dunlopj said:
Y'know folks, we DO have the opportunity to say NO to any gig we choose.

I've turned down a few events where the layout is not the best.

My reputation is on the line at every event.

If I feel I cannot deliver what my client and their guests expect from me, I decline.

There is a Martin's venue near me where they place the room like so:

Head table against far wall, then a huge dance floor, then tables and finally at the entrance in a corner is me.

I have to throw sound over the guests to the dance floor - not an intimate setting at all.

So I just say no and I tell prospective clients why. Plus the venue WILL NOT budge - even if they promise the client they will.

Tommy O will concur.
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Thank You! I applaud you for standing your ground. It is a pity that the Client has already rented the place before seeking you out.
I'm sure the person after you just takes it as it is handed to them and thus their (The venue) reason for continuing this asinine practice.
Tell you what, as you stated, even if everything was arranged in your favor beforehand... if they changed course on me by the time I came to setup, I will not setup until they reverted back to the original arrangement. I have done that at the Ritz Carlton here back in the 90s. One sentence was used that got them into action and that was "Since there is no feasible way for me to set up the equipment as agreed, you can explain to the client when she comes as to why there is no music." Things got moved real quick after that. I did a Birthday Party there a few months after that date.
 
dunlopj said:
Y'know folks, we DO have the opportunity to say NO to any gig we choose
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WHAT? Surely you jest.

And, "NO," I won't stop calling your Shirley!:sqwink:

That only works if your business model or total lack of one requires you to do otherwise.

dunlopj said:
....My reputation is on the line at every event.
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And a more valuable asset you do not posses.

If I feel I cannot deliver what my client and their guests expect from me, I decline.

dunlopj said:
There is a Martin's venue near me where they place the room like so:

Head table against far wall, then a huge dance floor, then tables and finally at the entrance in a corner is me.

I have to throw sound over the guests to the dance floor - not an intimate setting at all.

So I just say no and I tell prospective clients why. Plus the venue WILL NOT budge - even if they promise the client they will.
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Kudos.

I also don't enjoy working with deceptive, liars so their proclivity to promise what they have no intention to deliver would be enough for me.

And, when all is said and done, some prospective clients will respect and trust the advice and some won't. I'd bet a nickle to a ton of lutefisk you won't even miss those that don't.
 
dunlopj said:
Tommy O will concur.
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I will concur; however, I will still work at Martins East but my situation is unique.

1. I raise the speakers to get better coverage.
2. I am not alone and my assistant and I communicate via one of those personal communications system/walkie-talkie. This way I can give him the cues to play the songs while he may be out of line of site.

I have suggested different configurations to the banquet staff; but, they have their own way of doing things and they are a wedding factory. I can live with that. I have had several clients ask me what I think about Martins East and I do state just what I have said.

The last wedding I did there was at the end of last year. It was a blast. The clients were happy, the guests were happy, and those two factors made me happy.
 
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