Preferred Vendor Lists.

[ittigger]

@ DJCC You quoted in response to Mix's Post I don't have this problem. But then again I don't walk into a new venue and start making demands. Many times here people think that is what I do. They are wrong! It is an exaggeration of what I say and do. I negotiate for what I want by making the right suggestions and asking the right questions. I am not intimidated by the Venues nor am I fearful of being blacklisted. I do know for a fact that some are so scared to be blacklisted that they are afraid to "rock the boat". If they are so timid or coward to ask for what they want then that is their problem.

A site visit also helps to set the stage for a smooth load in setup and peaceful cooperation between the DJ and Staff. How many times I can see the look of respect in the Venue/Banquet Manager's eyes when I show up for a Site visit to work out gear and speaker placement. Often they would tell me, "This is unusual because only a few DJs or bands do what you are doing but that is good it helps us so we know what to expect" So when I post that I always get what I want as far as setup space, I did not get it by being arrogant. It is called the art of selling which is negotiation. Just want to clarify.

Canute, since I've been on this forum, there has not been a whole lot of talk about being blacklisted, much less fear of being blacklisted - so my question to you is where / who are these people that you claim "I do know for a fact that some are so scared to be blacklisted that they are afraid to "rock the boat"." Because you stated "I do know for a fact" means you have proof / evidence of some kind. Please share what proof / evidence you have with the class.

I agree with "If they are so timid or coward to ask for what they want then that is their problem." - but if this is their problem, then we should not waste our time berating them for not doing it. Most of the people on here, have been on here long enough and read enough posts to know how we approach situations - either they will adapt it wholly, pieces of it or none of it. Either way, it is their choice. Maybe they have a better way of doing things. I do know that cramming stuff down their throats as 'the right way' and 'facts', that are unproven, will only chase people away from here - and from any advice you may have to offer - valuable or not. What kind of (and how valuable of a) community do you have if you're the only one there? Is it any different if there are lots of people there but no one is participating?

Look at how few threads we see about shows anymore - and before you even start, it has little to do with someone wanting a pat on their back. It has everything to do with people sharing their experience - but why on earth would you continue to post your shows when it only ever ends in conflict because it doesn't meet what someone else thinks they would have done, or would not have dealt with, etc, etc (the key word here is 'thinks' - unless you were there, you can only guess what you would have done). This is also not about sugar coating. This is all about cameraderie.

Did you come here to establish and enforce rules, or to become part of, contribute, learn from, participate in, etc, etc this valuable little piece of the web that we call the ODJT?

You come off as being arrogant at the facilities you deal with because of the same way your postings come across - accusatory and you know better than us (and the facilities). Regardless of what you might think, people do not like know it all's. I think Danno said it best - if you actually talk to people in real life as you do on here, plenty of us would have told you to get lost already. I'm certain that you would have problems relating to and dealing with people, let alone negotiating.

I'm in total agreeance (and always have been) that you should offer solutions to your setup. I also know that depending on the circumstance / situation / facility, you may not be given the setup you ask for - regardless of how you negotiate or how peaceful you want to be. Some facilities will not allow you (nor anyone else) to change their layout - nor put things where you want to put them (for whatever reason that they may have) - and if you feel inclined to move things on your own, I'm pretty sure that in most places, this will guarantee you a one way ticket to the blacklist department.

In addition, I believe many here do have the negotiation skills, the guts and the glory to ask for what they want - so please do not assume any experienced professional here does not / is not doing that. Also, please do not assume people here are intimidated by venues. Assuming does nobody any good, especially when you can't back it up.

When you hang pictures in a home, do you tell them where it will be hung? Before you answer yes, is this 100% of the time?

 

[ahoustondj]

Canute, since I've been on this forum, there has not been a whole lot of talk about being blacklisted, much less fear of being blacklisted - so my question to you is where / who are these people that you claim "I do know for a fact that some are so scared to be blacklisted that they are afraid to "rock the boat"." Because you stated "I do know for a fact" means you have proof / evidence of some kind. Please share what proof / evidence you have with the class.

I'm in total agreeance (and always have been) that you should offer solutions to your setup. I also know that depending on the circumstance / situation / facility, you may not be given the setup you ask for - regardless of how you negotiate or how peaceful you want to be. Some facilities will not allow you (nor anyone else) to change their layout - nor put things where you want to put them (for whatever reason that they may have).

In addition, I believe many here do have the negotiation skills, the guts and the glory to ask for what they want - so please do not assume any experienced professional here does not / is not doing that. Also, please do not assume people here are intimidated by venues. Assuming does nobody any good, especially when you can't back it up.

When you hang pictures in a home, do you tell them where it will be hung? Before you answer yes, is this 100% of the time?

Why and where do you think I get the Labels of " making demands on the Venue". You are late to the Game my friend, we did many polls and debates on this subject of placements of gear at Venues (Not lately). Many admitted that they just do as they are told because they did not want to "rock the boat" or they did not want the venue blacklisting them. If you do research on the archives you may indeed find many of these discussions for yourself. I am not going to waste my time looking it up. Maybe some of the old timers can back up what I just wrote. Take a poll today and you may be surprised at some of the answers you will get. There are some DJs, here and everywhere that do end up in the "Proverbial Corner" not because they could not be elsewhere but because they did not ask. So it is not everytime that someone is squished up in a little area that it is the fault of the Venue. Even here in Houston, a lot of new DJs have seen so many pics of DJs squished up that they think it is the normal way of setting up. So yes it has been discussed at length on this board before.

To answer your last question, at times the Client may tell me where they may favor a piece of Art to be installed but usually it is my Interior Designer and I who do the layout, that is why we are paid. I choose the actual positioning of the Artwork. I would post some pics but I have an awards Ceremony to do downtown and have to leave within the hour, maybe later. Enjoy your morning.

 

[DJCC]

You got me on that one. Now that wasn't in a fancy venue. It was in a restaurant with a back hall off from the kitchen on the side. I never would present such a thing to a client at a hall they rented out for an event. That was just something to do and we had to rush to get things to be on time.

I don't care what kind of event it is, who booked it, or where it was booked, you should ALWAYS put forth your best in your set-up and proformance. No excuses.

I do a karaoke show at two local hole in the wall dive bars once a month. I take just as much pride in my set-up and show there that I would if I were playing at a members only country club.

@ DJCC You quoted in response to Mix's Post I don't have this problem. But then again I don't walk into a new venue and start making demands. Many times here people think that is what I do. They are wrong! It is an exaggeration of what I say and do. I negotiate for what I want by making the right suggestions and asking the right questions. I am not intimidated by the Venues nor am I fearful of being blacklisted. I do know for a fact that some are so scared to be blacklisted that they are afraid to "rock the boat". If they are so timid or coward to ask for what they want then that is their problem.

A site visit also helps to set the stage for a smooth load in setup and peaceful cooperation between the DJ and Staff. How many times I can see the look of respect in the Venue/Banquet Manager's eyes when I show up for a Site visit to work out gear and speaker placement. Often they would tell me, "This is unusual because only a few DJs or bands do what you are doing but that is good it helps us so we know what to expect" So when I post that I always get what I want as far as setup space, I did not get it by being arrogant. It is called the art of selling which is negotiation. Just want to clarify.

The above was not a dig at you Canute. I agree with site visits to venues that I have not been to before. I will make suggestions on how my set will work best not only for me, but all people involved, but I do not march in guns blazin' and demanding anything. I also don't become a whiny little DJ-zilla if the set-up or plans were changed when I arrive for the event. I make adjustments and move on.

I was recently placed on a "preferred vendor" list. We have a lot of wineries in my part of the state and my first wedding this year was at a winery that I had not been to before. I had a planning meeting with the B/G at the venue. The venue has never had a DJ or band do a site visit or pre-event meeting on location before. I asked for a few adjustments in thier normal placement location for the DJ and the event went great.

Because they had never had a DJ or band make the suggestions that I did, or work with them the way I did, or be willing and able to make changes quiclky and on the fly like I did, I became thier DJ of choice to recommend to future clients. They asked for some rack card to place in thier information packets and thanks to a friend @Randy A who designed the cards for me the cards will be in thier packets starting this Friday.

 

[rickryan.com]

Why and where do you think I get the Labels of " making demands on the Venue".

Sorry Canute, you've made numerous postings where you mentioned that you made a demand for the venue to move tables, readjust the room, etc. Obviously, you consider this "education" or "getting what I need to work" but I believe that most here would see that as being pushy and hard to get along with. I'd also suggest that perhaps part of it is in how the subject is approached. Anytime I'm at a venue and the setup is bad for me, I'll gently test the waters and see if I can subtly get them to make adjustment. If I can, great. If I can't I'll weigh out whether it's worth a bigger push but can't remember a time where I didn't just make the best of it and I've never been dinged by a client because of a setup issue. Never.

I'm making an assumption that you probably deal with venue personnel the same way you do with the other DJs in this forum. You cop a large dose of attitude and expect them to see it your way. I'd also suspect that you (apparently) get away with it due to your race. Let's be real, people will bend over backwards to not have the appearance of being racist. If I, a white dude, walk into a venue with the same attitude as you seem to project, I'd get (rightly) blacklisted in a heartbeat. If it works for you, go for it but don't wonder by you've gotten the label of being demanding. Your posts reek of it.

 

[ittigger]

Why and where do you think I get the Labels of " making demands on the Venue". You are late to the Game my friend, we did many polls and debates on this subject of placements of gear at Venues (Not lately). Many admitted that they just do as they are told because they did not want to "rock the boat" or they did not want the venue blacklisting them. If you do research on the archives you may indeed find many of these discussions for yourself. I am not going to waste my time looking it up. Maybe some of the old timers can back up what I just wrote. Take a poll today and you may be surprised at some of the answers you will get. There are some DJs, here and everywhere that do end up in the "Proverbial Corner" not because they could not be elsewhere but because they did not ask. So it is not everytime that someone is squished up in a little area that it is the fault of the Venue. Even here in Houston, a lot of new DJs have seen so many pics of DJs squished up that they think it is the normal way of setting up. So yes it has been discussed at length on this board before.

I don't believe I'm late to the game at all - as you should already know that I do my research. I do know that you have assumed way too much. Some may admit that this is where they are told to setup - because that's simply it - that IS the only place you WILL setup. Has nothing to do with not offering alternative setups. This may not apply to all - but I think that this the 'do as you're told' is not as common as you make it sound.

'Old Timers': What say you?

To answer your last question, at times the Client may tell me where they may favor a piece of Art to be installed but usually it is my Interior Designer and I who do the layout, that is why we are paid. I choose the actual positioning of the Artwork. I would post some pics but I have an awards Ceremony to do downtown and have to leave within the hour, maybe later. Enjoy your morning.

So in a round about way, you're admitting that there are times that you will put the picture where you are told to.

I hope you also have a good day.

 

[ittigger]

I don't care what kind of event it is, who booked it, or where it was booked, you should ALWAYS but forth your best in your set-up and proformance. No excuses.

I do a karaoke show at two local hole in the wall dive bars once a month. I take just as much pride in my set-up and show there that I would if I were playing at a members only country club.

Totally agree.

The above was not a dig at you Canute. I agree with site visits to venues that I have not been to before. I will make suggestions on how my set will work best not only for me, but all people involved, but I do not march in guns blazin' and demanding anything. I also don't become a whiny little DJ-zilla if the set-up or plans were changed when I arrive for the event. I make adjustments and move on.

I was recently placed on a "preferred vendor" list. We have a lot of wineries in my part of the state and my first wedding this year was at a winery that I had not been to before. I had a planning meeting with the B/G at the venue. The venue has never had a DJ or band do a site visit or pre-event meeting on location before. I asked for a few adjustments in thier normal placement location for the DJ and the event went great.

Because they had never had a DJ or band make the suggestions that I did, or work with them the way I did, or be willing and able to make changes quiclky and on the fly like I did, I became thier DJ of choice to recommend to future clients. They asked for some rack card to place in thier information packets and thanks to a friend @Randy A who designed the cards for me the cards will be in thier packets starting this Friday.

Also agree.

 

[Ausumm]

As an old timer, and a wimpy button pusher who I am sure falls under the "pushed in a corner" umbrella...
here's my take.
I have stated many times that there was no where else to setup my gear, except for the place where the DJ always sets up.
If anyone else was standing in the hall, they would realize that there is....NO OTHER PLACE FOR THE DJ TO SET UP!
But sitting at their computer, in another state, all they HEAR is,
"Hey, let me bend over so you can stuff me in a corner and take advantage of me."
Not every setup is the optimum choice for a DJ setup. Not every venue has a better option.
Any DJ on this site with more than a years experience knows enough to get the best position possible. WHEN THEY CAN!
So who are all of these guys you speak of, who "do as they are told because they did not want to "rock the boat" or they did not want the venue blacklisting them.
It's easy to throw in blanket statements and then say, I am not going to waste my time looking it up.
But perhaps you should name names, get specific, and give them a chance to defend themselves.

 

[ahoustondj]

Sorry Canute, you've made numerous postings where you mentioned that you made a demand for the venue to move tables, readjust the room, etc. You are wrong! I asked and it got moved. Obviously, you consider this "education" or "getting what I need to work" but I believe that most here would see that as being pushy and hard to get along with. Are you trying to tell me that most here are so thin skinned that they view this approach as being pushy? 'd also suggest that perhaps part of it is in how the subject is approached. Anytime I'm at a venue and the setup is bad for me, I'll gently test the waters and see if I can subtly get them to make adjustment. When you do a site visit it is for business, the venue knows why you are there and therefore there is no pussy footing around. i If I can, great. If I can't I'll weigh out whether it's worth a bigger push but can't remember a time where I didn't just make the best of it and I've never been dinged by a client because of a setup issue. Never. Lots of clients don't know better and that is a fact. If one is not a mechanic how would one know if the chosen mechanic has or is doing a good job? They depend on you to make that decision.

I'm making an assumption that you probably deal with venue personnel the same way you do with the other DJs in this forum. You know what they say about assuming, I think you just fell into that trap because you are wrong. You cop a large dose of attitude You are mixing up assertiveness and confidence with bad attitude and expect them to see it your way. I'd also suspect that you (apparently) get away with it due to your race. They know they are not dealing with just any regular DJ that is why. Let's be real, people will bend over backwards to not have the appearance of being racist. If I, a white dude, walk into a venue with the same attitude as you seem to project, I'd get (rightly) blacklisted in a heartbeat. If it works for you, go for it but don't wonder by you've gotten the label of being demanding. The people on this Forum don't hire or pay me so I can care less. The ones who matter do not have a problem with my approach. Your posts reek of it.

Comments are in red.

 

[ahoustondj]

I don't believe I'm late to the game at all Were you on this Forum in 2006? - as you should already know that I do my research. Did you read EVERY thread and all its posts between 2006 and the day you joined? I do know that you have assumed way too much. Some may admit that this is where they are told to setup - because that's simply it - that IS the only place you WILL setup. Has nothing to do with not offering alternative setups. This may not apply to all - but I think that this the 'do as you're told' is not as common as you make it sound.

'Old Timers': What say you?



So in a round about way, you're admitting that there are times that you will put the picture where you are told to. You are comparing apples to oranges . DJing id providing a service TO a Client. Installation of Artwork is providing a labor task FOR a Client.

I hope you also have a good day.

Some comments above in Red. Most DJs I know of walk in to a Venue and ask "Where do I setup?" or "Where do you want me to setup?" or even "Where do you usually have the DJ setup?" If you know sales, marketing and negotiating, you would know any one of those questions are a big No No! I go in and say "I would like to see the room." Then I would say "Show me where the dance floor is going to be." Then I would say "Great!" Then immediately say I can setup here and I would like one speaker here(Pointing) and I would like the other speaker here (Again Pointing). That my friend is not demanding nor is it being pushy and notice these were statements not questions. That is how it rolls 95% of the time. For the other 5 % is where the negotiating skills come into play to get me the optimum setup if the layout is less than desirable. When I do ask for a change it is not shoved down their throat because i give a very good reason that makes sense for what I am asking. Nobody gets offended. I don't ask questions that can result into opposing views. Most important of all when I go to the venue I go representing my Clients needs, I don't go placing myself at the mercy of the Venue and their policies. They treat me as they would treat the Client.

 

[ittigger]

Sorry Canute, you've made numerous postings where you mentioned that you made a demand for the venue to move tables, readjust the room, etc. You are wrong! I asked and it got moved. Maybe so, but that's not how the posts have come across. This is obviously how most of us have read it, so it can't be how us. Obviously, you consider this "education" or "getting what I need to work" but I believe that most here would see that as being pushy and hard to get along with. Are you trying to tell me that most here are so thin skinned that they view this approach as being pushy? Thin skinned? I really don't think so - unless you're trying to say that you're the only one with thick skin. Sounds like the pot's calling the kettle black. I'd also suggest that perhaps part of it is in how the subject is approached. Anytime I'm at a venue and the setup is bad for me, I'll gently test the waters and see if I can subtly get them to make adjustment. When you do a site visit it is for business, the venue knows why you are there and therefore there is no pussy footing around. Do you think the every site's concern is what YOU want? I'm beginning to wonder how much experience you really do have - a well experienced person HAS run into this issue at one point or another. Salesmanship has NOTHING to do with this .. attitudes and personalities play into it .. and you are not so highly talented in negotiation above the rest of us that you would never have run into it. I also highly doubt all the facilities in TX are that negotiable. Can we get some others from TX to weigh in on this? If I can, great. If I can't I'll weigh out whether it's worth a bigger push but can't remember a time where I didn't just make the best of it and I've never been dinged by a client because of a setup issue. Never. Lots of clients don't know better and that is a fact. If one is not a mechanic how would one know if the chosen mechanic has or is doing a good job? They depend on you to make that decision. Once again Canute, facts can be backed up by evidence and proof. Please present this information to the class.

I'm making an assumption that you probably deal with venue personnel the same way you do with the other DJs in this forum. You know what they say about assuming, I think you just fell into that trap because you are wrong. You assume alot - I wonder what this says about you? You cop a large dose of attitude You are mixing up assertiveness and confidence with bad attitude - I don't think anyone here has this mixed up and expect them to see it your way. I'd also suspect that you (apparently) get away with it due to your race. They know they are not dealing with just any regular DJ that is why. Right. Is this also a fact? Prove it. What do you deliver that no one else possibly can? What do you think you provide that is so much better than anyone else (all DJ's)? Also, if you're that good, why aren't you busy every night? Let's be real, people will bend over backwards to not have the appearance of being racist. If I, a white dude, walk into a venue with the same attitude as you seem to project, I'd get (rightly) blacklisted in a heartbeat. If it works for you, go for it but don't wonder by you've gotten the label of being demanding. The people on this Forum don't hire or pay me so I can care less. The ones who matter do not have a problem with my approach. Maybe those that have not spoken up choose not to get involved. That IS an option. So all of us on here do not matter? Then why are you here? If we don't matter, then you're on an island all by yourself and you have no purpose here. Your posts reek of it.


Comments are in red.

Comments in blue.

 

[ahoustondj]

As an old timer, and a wimpy button pusher who I am sure falls under the "pushed in a corner" umbrella...
here's my take.
I have stated many times that there was no where else to setup my gear, except for the place where the DJ always sets up.
If anyone else was standing in the hall, they would realize that there is....NO OTHER PLACE FOR THE DJ TO SET UP!
But sitting at their computer, in another state, all they HEAR is,
"Hey, let me bend over so you can stuff me in a corner and take advantage of me."
Not every setup is the optimum choice for a DJ setup. Not every venue has a better option.
Any DJ on this site with more than a years experience knows enough to get the best position possible. WHEN THEY CAN!
So who are all of these guys you speak of, who "do as they are told because they did not want to "rock the boat" or they did not want the venue blacklisting them.
It's easy to throw in blanket statements and then say, I am not going to waste my time looking it up.
But perhaps you should name names, get specific, and give them a chance to defend themselves.

Mike, I was not directly referring to you. However I will say this, if a DJ almost always appear in Photos up in a corner the majority of the time then I would suspect it is not the Venue's fault that it is either the DJ is not asking for what he wants or does not have the skills for negotiating for what he wants. If it was every once in a while they posted a Gig report being squished in a corner I will agree that yep it may be because of layout or venue's restrictions.

I have a firm belief that if there is room for a Table/Console/Booth and two speakers on tripods end to end in one spot, then there is definitely room for the same two speakers spread out. It may require shifting the tables nearer to the spot where they want you to put the speakers end to end. It takes up the same real estate. Most venues don't realize that so it needs to be pointed out to them

 

[steve149]

I have a firm belief that if there is room for a Table/Console/Booth and two speakers on tripods end to end in one spot, then there is definitely room for the same two speakers spread out. It may require shifting the tables nearer to the spot where they want you to put the speakers end to end. It takes up the same real estate. Most venues don't realize that so it needs to be pointed out to them

While technically true (same floor space), it is not always practical to have a speaker on the outside of a dining table .. or the dining table between the speaker and you. So .. what may be possible, may not be preferable to many other than the DJ. Not making that change doesn't make the DJ weak or thin-skinned, just maybe pragmatic.

 

[ahoustondj]

Comments in blue.

Don't hold your breath expecting me to prove anything here. Nobody here pays me. If DJs want to setup in less than desirable layouts and encounter comb filtering, music blasting in their ears etc, then let then knock themselves out, literally!

 

[ittigger]

I don't believe I'm late to the game at all Were you on this Forum in 2006? and this means what in the year 2013? - as you should already know that I do my research. Did you read EVERY thread and all its posts between 2006 and the day you joined? Do I have to read all of them to figure out where you all are coming from - and the personalities that are being broadcast? Or can I use my brain to figure it out? I think I've shown you what my research and thinking have been able to provide for me. I do know that you have assumed way too much. Some may admit that this is where they are told to setup - because that's simply it - that IS the only place you WILL setup. Has nothing to do with not offering alternative setups. This may not apply to all - but I think that this the 'do as you're told' is not as common as you make it sound.

'Old Timers': What say you?



So in a round about way, you're admitting that there are times that you will put the picture where you are told to. You are comparing apples to oranges . DJing id providing a service TO a Client. Installation of Artwork is providing a labor task FOR a Client. How so? In each, you're providing a service to a customer - do they not deserve the same level of service? The question itself is VERY relevant to the discussion - do you put the picture where you are told to or do you tell the client where the picture will go?

Some comments above in Red.

Most DJs I know of walk in to a Venue and ask "Where do I setup?" or "Where do you want me to setup?" or even "Where do you usually have the DJ setup?"

You have proof of this I hope? If you do not, this is either an assumption or an opinion - can you clarify which it is?

If you know sales, marketing and negotiating, you would know any one of those questions are a big No No! I go in and say "I would like to see the room." Then I would say "Show me where the dance floor is going to be." Then I would say "Great!" Then immediately say I can setup here and I would like one speaker here(Pointing) and I would like the other speaker here (Again Pointing). That my friend is not demanding nor is it being pushy and notice these were statements not questions. That is how it rolls 95% of the time.

So do you assume the others here do not do this? Also, this is not demanding as it appears stated - if you immediately jump into I can setup here or there or there - that could be deemed as pushy. Maybe the facility will not be having it setup the way you want it.

For the other 5 % is where the negotiating skills come into play to get me the optimum setup if the layout is less than desirable. When I do ask for a change it is not shoved down their throat because i give a very good reason that makes sense for what I am asking. Nobody gets offended.

It may be less than desirable and you may ask. You may not get what you ask for - with or without valid reasons. The facility does NOT care about you. They could give 2 craps about you. I'm fairly certain that if you went in with the attitude you broadcast here, you do offend - and if you drag it out, you are also broadcasting that you are not easy to work with.

I don't ask questions that can result into opposing views. Most important of all when I go to the venue I go representing my Clients needs, I don't go placing myself at the mercy of the Venue and their policies. They treat me as they would treat the Client.

From that angle, the facility is also representing the clients needs. You are representing YOUR needs for the clients show - you are no more or less of a vendor than the facility is. I also doubt they treat you as they would the client - unless you are the planner, in which case that might happen. Very rarely have I seen vendor to vendor relations treated as vendor to client.

- - - Updated - - -

Don't hold your breath expecting me to prove anything here. Nobody here pays me. If DJs want to setup in less than desirable layouts and encounter comb filtering, music blasting in their ears etc, then let then knock themselves out, literally!

Y'all heard it here first. If you have nothing to prove, then shut up with this fact crap.

 

[ahoustondj]

While technically true (same floor space), it is not always practical to have a speaker on the outside of a dining table .. or the dining table between the speaker and you. So .. what may be possible, may not be preferable to many other than the DJ. Not making that change doesn't make the DJ weak or thin-skinned, just maybe pragmatic.

Steve, those would be the exceptions rather than the rule. Go look on you tube at DJs setups and I am sure you will see the majority of the setups have the speakers on end to end of their setup table, regardless of the space in the room. That tells me it is partially the DJ fault. Not every DJ are familiar with specs and other Technical attributes. Tell me why some DJs use one side of speakers on one side of an amp with everything set to stereo? Does this sound to you like someone who knows what they are doing? There will be circumstances that space is a premium and thus the equipment should commensurate with the space and capacity of crowd.

- - - Updated - - -

You have proof of this I hope? If you do not, this is either an assumption or an opinion - can you clarify which it is?



So do you assume the others here do not do this? Also, this is not demanding as it appears stated - if you immediately jump into I can setup here or there or there - that could be deemed as pushy. Maybe the facility will not be having it setup the way you want it.



It may be less than desirable and you may ask. You may not get what you ask for - with or without valid reasons. The facility does NOT care about you. They could give 2 craps about you. I'm fairly certain that if you went in with the attitude you broadcast here, you do offend - and if you drag it out, you are also broadcasting that you are not easy to work with.



From that angle, the facility is also representing the clients needs. You are representing YOUR needs for the clients show - you are no more or less of a vendor than the facility is. I also doubt they treat you as they would the client - unless you are the planner, in which case that might happen. Very rarely have I seen vendor to vendor relations treated as vendor to client.

- - - Updated - - -



Y'all heard it here first.

Hey lots of DJs when being fed get served as Vendors. I get a reserved spot, or at least the liberty to get in the food line with the rest of the Guests, how, by asking! It is part of my agreement with the Client. I did an Italian Restaurant/Club in December for a Holiday Party, guess who got to go first in the food line, Me! I did not ask for this one but the client wanted me to be able to play music and be available for announcements. Yeh! Maybe I am just lucky!

 

[ittigger]

Mike, I was not directly referring to you. However I will say this, if a DJ almost always appear in Photos up in a corner the majority of the time then I would suspect it is not the Venue's fault that it is either the DJ is not asking for what he wants or does not have the skills for negotiating for what he wants. If it was every once in a while they posted a Gig report being squished in a corner I will agree that yep it may be because of layout or venue's restrictions.

I have a firm belief that if there is room for a Table/Console/Booth and two speakers on tripods end to end in one spot, then there is definitely room for the same two speakers spread out. It may require shifting the tables nearer to the spot where they want you to put the speakers end to end. It takes up the same real estate. Most venues don't realize that so it needs to be pointed out to them

Now we may be getting somewhere - these are your beliefs. I can live with that. I value your beliefs, Steves, Ricky's, Rick's, JT's, SpinCin, etc, etc - and for good reason. They are your beliefs. By the same token, I have beliefs that should not be intruded upon - unless you can convince me otherwise, without cramming it down my throat as fact and pi$$ing me off - in which case, I will not hear your advice.

Also, being that you said 'a DJ', I have to assume this is one person. Shall we call him/her out? I'm pretty certain I know who Canute is talking about though - also pretty certain that person does too. All this crap over one person - jeesh! If it's who I think it is, that person obviously has more work than you do - so he/she must be doing something right. This goes back to YOUR judgement of how a person does what they do in the area that they do. If YOU are not there, then YOU have no idea what is going on.

If you recall, some people also do not do face to face visits - is this wrong? By YOUR standards maybe - but other than YOU, no one is operating on YOUR standards. You also state 'he' several times - so I'm pretty certain I know who you are discussing. Funny how ONE person can get Canute so fired up - and you say WE have thin skin!

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Don't hold your breath expecting me to prove anything here. Nobody here pays me.

Does anybody pay you anywhere, or do you, like Mix, pay to play at places...?

Just asking...

 

[ahoustondj]

Now we may be getting somewhere - these are your beliefs. I can live with that. I value your beliefs, Steves, Ricky's, Rick's, JT's, etc, etc - and for good reason. They are your beliefs. By the same token, I have beliefs that should not be intruded upon - unless you can convince me otherwise, without cramming it down my throat as fact and pi$$ing me off - in which case, I will not hear your advice.

Also, being that you said 'a DJ', I have to assume this is one person. Shall we call him/her out? I'm pretty certain I know who he is talking about though - also pretty certain that person does too. All this crap over one person - jeesh! If it's who I think it is, that person obviously has more work than you so he/she must be doing something right.

Hate to bust your bubble but it is not just one DJ there are several here that may fall into that category.

 

[ittigger]

Steve, those would be the exceptions rather than the rule. Go look on you tube at DJs setups and I am sure you will see the majority of the setups have the speakers on end to end of their setup table, regardless of the space in the room. That tells me it is partially the DJ fault. Not every DJ are familiar with specs and other Technical attributes. Tell me why some DJs use one side of speakers on one side of an amp with everything set to stereo? Does this sound to you like someone who knows what they are doing? There will be circumstances that space is a premium and thus the equipment should commensurate with the space and capacity of crowd.

Sounds like an awful lot of assumptions. Am I saying it doesn't happen? No - but again, you're not there - so you also do not know.

Hey lots of DJs when being fed get served as Vendors. I get a reserved spot, or at least the liberty to get in the food line with the rest of the Guests, how, by asking! It is part of my agreement with the Client. I did an Italian Restaurant/Club in December for a Holiday Party, guess who got to go first in the food line, Me! I did not ask for this one but the client wanted me to be able to play music and be available for announcements. Yeh! Maybe I am just lucky!

Do you think no one else gets or has these agreements? I got news for you if you do. Getting in line with the guests is not being treated like the client. Ye have lots to learn if ye thinks thats the difference in being treated like a client.

I have to wonder why the DJ would eat first though - as a guest, I would find that offensive. Most guests that I know (over a 26 year period) would agree.

 

[ahoustondj]

Does anybody pay you anywhere, or do you, like Mix, pay to play at places...?

Just asking...

I should not have to answer this to you of all people but I will.
Activity for the day a two hour Awards Dinner at a Downtown Hotel. about 800-1000 people. Equipment used. My Laptop. The Hotel has a Master system with Line arrays and flown Satellite Speakers. Fee: $600.00 I sat and ate at a reserved spot at one of the tables with the Guests.
2. Agency Called me with two Quote requests. Corporate function and a Corporate Picnic. Waiting for confirmation of date for site visit on the Picnic, since it is on the Corporation's Grounds.
What about you? Have you used the Shyt Pail Today?