Here's the way I see things...

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I've been considering getting away from all of the boards for some time now. I get irritated with attitudes and arrogance.

There's a mentality that I see, that makes me wonder what this is all about. I just read an article in a DJ news paper, that took up two pages, and I didn't understand a THING that the author was saying. Now, the author is a very skilled DJ with a great vocabulary, but I lost interest in the first two paragraphs (after all the big words), and didn't finish it because I didn't see where the article was going. It was all numbers and "Goppeldy Goop" directed at the "big guns".

This industry is full of MDJ's who are "hungry" to learn things to advance their careers in the DJ business. We all started out (speaking for myself) as bottom feeders. We bought the best speakers and mixer we could afford in the beginning (unless daddy bought it for us) and played records or CD's to our friends at small parties. Every extra dollar went back into the business, until we had more and better gear. Along with that came our fee. It takes years and years. You need to learn your craft and pay your dues... you're not going to be a $1200 DJ tomorrow (maybe never).

There's the "Pro" vs "Amateur" debate that is older than dirt and I'm tired of hearing about it. If you're starting out, use the equipment you have now or can afford, and charge a fee that makes you happy... we all did when we started. If you can get more, then get more... if you can't, then don't worry about it. Don't worry about the guys/gals who get thousands per gig. They are either lying or very limited in numbers. They aren't your competition.

I DJ because it's fun... when it stops being fun, I'll stop doing it. Most of the members on most of the boards are just like you and want what you want. There are a few who claim to be... or try to be leaders. Listen to those who are doing it the way you want to do it. Take everyones information and pick and chose the stuff you like for your business. There really aren't any leaders... only those who'd like to be.

I'm frustrated today because I was looking for a controller that would handle all 27 channels of my new "Color Palettes" and discovered that the cheapest one was over $750. No way, I'll use my palettes in a different format before I'll pay that much. This industry needs to keep in mind who we are and what we can spend. $750 for any controller is ridiculous.

So, keep coming here and learning from others and have a good time, and screw the naysayers.
 
Tyrone Blue said:
I'm frustrated today because I was looking for a controller that would handle all 27 channels of my new "Color Palettes" and discovered that the cheapest one was over $750. No way, I'll use my palettes in a different format before I'll pay that much. This industry needs to keep in mind who we are and what we can spend. $750 for any controller is ridiculous.
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I needed to buy a 30 ft speakon cable to control my lights. They told me it would cost $350.00.

I darn near died. They claim the price of copper & materials has gone thru the roof. (I don't doubt it) For now, I think I will hold off. $350 for a cable? ouch!
 
Tyrone Blue said:
There's the "Pro" vs "Amateur" debate that is older than dirt
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This board is tame in this subject matter vs. some other boards out there.
 
I am gonna get flamed bad for this, but I got to...

I'm frustrated today because I was looking for a controller that would handle all 27 channels of my new "Color Palettes" and discovered that the cheapest one was over $750. No way, I'll use my palettes in a different format before I'll pay that much. This industry needs to keep in mind who we are and what we can spend. $750 for any controller is ridiculous.
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Why?

"They" placed a value on their product. Just as we do. Because it does not fit into your budget or chosen "value" of that product: they are wrong?

I don't understand also how and why job enjoyment has anything to do with the expertise needed for, nor used in the performance of the job. Nor the price that can or should be charged. But that is another thread I am starting.
 
Good analogy...

I can accomplish the job with a $100 controller (although not use all 27 channels) just fine.

I made my statement (post above) while standing in the middle of a group who I believe are in the same mindset for gear prices, as myself (the chat board group). Sure, there are a few members here who are "production company" quality (Val for one), that can afford that type of controller. Most of us ... in fact I bet there isn't one member here who has the $750 DMX controller. That's my point.

The industy has several levels of DJ in the ability to purchase gear, and most of us are in the frugel way of thinking (or the bottom level). Most producers don't care about us or market to us. In MY market, I can't rationalize spending that much on a controller. No one makes a controller that I want with the features I want, in the "bargain" price range.

That's all I was trying to get across.
 
Amen Brother Tyrone!

You brought me over here and I have gotten, and given (I think) some great information off of this Board... I will concur: All-In-All I am much happier doing a $800 job that was a fun, ass kicking crowd that truly appreciated us and our entertainment style than a stuff-shirt crowd that payed me $1500 to stand their like a zombie and play smooth jazz all night and could care less that we were even there.

Once it stops being fun, what is the point. The money is nice but for me personally I'm in this for a good time and to throw great parties. I do realize that many of the guyz and galz here are in this "Full Time" and need or want to take it to the next level as they want to increase their earnings and live a decent life style. I would love to do this full time but I have looked at the possibilities and numbers and know it will not work for me personally. My hat is off to those of you pulling this off full time and living a decent life style.
 
You brought me over here and I have gotten, and given (I think) some great information off of this Board... I will concur: All-In-All I am much happier doing a $800 job that was a fun, ass kicking crowd that truly appreciated us and our entertainment style than a stuff-shirt crowd that payed me $1500 to stand their like a zombie and play smooth jazz all night and could care less that we were even there.

Once it stops being fun, what is the point. The money is nice but for me personally I'm in this for a good time and to throw great parties. I do realize that many of the guyz and galz here are in this "Full Time" and need or want to take it to the next level as they want to increase their earnings and live a decent life style. I would love to do this full time but I have looked at the possibilities and numbers and know it will not work for me personally. My hat is off to those of you pulling this off full time and living a decent life style.
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Why can't you have both? Fun and better income?

I am booking events at a higher rate now. (Not yet where I want to go, but that is a self confidence issue that is getting squished quickly).

I am finding the challange of creating the events even more fun and rewarding. Giving the b/g more options, choices, and expanding my horizions even more rewarding!

I have a particular client. 1st meeting. had a playlist, songs selected for all dances, and how and what events were to be and not to be.

Last year I would have said fine and let it be. Now NO way. ( possible bridezilla, I want this...)

Now I asked more. I gave more suggestions for songs. more questions of why this and not that, and the b/g are totally eating it up!

I hear
"I never thought of it that way..."
"great idea"
"love these songs, much better than ours"

I also will be doing my first "love story" for them.

Fun is what you bring to the table. Not what you get from the table.

If you bring fun and excitement, it will be there. No matter what.
 
Maybe I see it different than everyone else.

The hot arguments..

ADJA
Peter Merry
Bottomfeeders
NIMBY
What other think
Etc...

I just couldn't give a rat's ass. (The Peter Merry issue I care a lil about because I agree with somethings, but I disagree with the PT/FT issue). All these people saying "I can't get 1200 for a wedding in my market." Who cares? We're getting it despite everyone saying otherwise.

ADJA? Why should I care? What the ADJA does with their name does not affect our business.

Bottomfeeders. Who cares? If they are affecting your sales, then perhaps it's time you read "Book Yourself Solid."

NIMBY. Who cares? I bet that's what Peter's competitors once said!

Yea-- maybe I'm being a bit crude, but I see so many stupid arguments (primarily in the other board) especially about bottomfeeders. If they spent as much time marketing as they do arguing about bottomfeeders then they wouldn't be worrying about it.

Has everyone run out of topics that the iPod can become such a heated debate?

Don't get me wrong, there's a few debates worth arguing in my opinion and thus I choose to participate in it. But like Tyrone, I frequent ALL the boards less and less because there's too much fluff. Too much complaining on things that are hurting the industry and not much anymore to help it.

Just my two cents. Flame away.
 
In that same thought, why can't you accept that I may be perfectly happy not doing all those things and charging what I feel like I want to charge? It is my business, correct? My take on all the people crying about the price people charge, is that they want everyone to charge the same so their is no competition when it comes to pricing. I submit, that if that would happen, they would find something else to gripe about. Leave my business alone, that's all I ask. I do this because I want to have fun and do what I want to do. If I want to do all events for free, I'll do all events for free!!

EDIT: I posted the same time as the two above. My post is in response to Djdan.
 
I will say to Tyrone that choosing to cool it for a while with the boards is your decision of course and we will respect that....but....you will be missed! :sqfrown:

You've helped me out many times! Don't go anywhere!
 
Randy....

Just how good are you, and how close to the Chicago area???

They I can comment on giving away the jobs for free:sqwink:


Honestly, I don't quite get as hot under the collar as some. But I do think that it does hurt the percieved value of the occupation. Makes my job of getting a "higher" dollar amount (thus living) more difficult.

Again, I just don't understand... why just because our job happens to be fun, the value of it is deminished.

Personally, the harder I have to work to attain something, the more I value and appreciate it, thus the better I will treat it.

Therefore, in a wierd way, you (general speaking) making my booking a client harder makes it more rewading and a better sense of self...

So, I guess... Thanks???
 
You know, I've been doing the mobile thing for a long time - probably longer than many of you have, starting way back in 1976, with what Ty described in his original post - whatever you could afford equipment wise and playing music for small parties and friends. I came up the hard way by paying cash for every piece of equipment I own. I decided to turn my hobby into a business after my divorce and took the advice of my financial advisor/mentor/best friend - my Dad. He told me, quote: "Find something that you are good at and enjoy hobby wise, and market it"

I have always lived by the same thing Ty said to begin with - "When it stops being fun, I'll stop doing it"

Many of my friends used to ask me, "Don't you get tired of being booked every weekend and playing music all the time?"

That's when I would tell them what I quoted above.

It's really simple folks - If you don't enjoy what you do and it starts becoming more of a chore than being enjoyable, even if the money is good, take a step back for awhile and catch your breath. Then come back to it.

Remember that "moderation" is the key.

And Ty - if you need to talk and blow off steam, you know where I am.
 
Lots of good stuff here..... and it is why I like this board....

But even here we do see the same chiit from time to time and that's when I go to da arcade!!! I love it there.... it makes me happy!!,,,, except when Kelly beats my scores, but that's another post...

sometimes we all just need to vent,,, it's great to do it here because my non dj buds don't understand what the heck I'm complaining about! So Tyrone and the rest of you vent here, but don't do it in a mean way.... start your posts off with "I'm Venting Here" and we will all understand....

make any sence? I need some rum .....
 
It is always a good idea to take some time away from the virtual world now and then, and really focus on your real world. Online people get too caught up in this vs that, debates for the sake of debate, etc. It's anonymous to a detrimental degree. Take a break, or just back off the boards now and then and focus on what is most important; live in the real world. Come back refreshed, participate where you feel driven and don't let the nonsense get to you.

Take care Tyrone!
 
WOW..best thread I have ever read. This is what it about. No egos or I am the best stuff. Just we are DJ's let's learn from each other. That is why I come. I drool over equipment and lights, but I love to learn from you all. I am humbled by everyones knowledge and value all as friends and peers I have never met.

I would not be the DJ I am today without YA'll. Tyrone. thanks for starting the heartfelt thread!!! Go to love it!!
 
DJCraziAce said:
Maybe I see it different than everyone else.

The hot arguments..

ADJA
Peter Merry
Bottomfeeders
NIMBY
What other think
Etc...

I just couldn't give a rat's ass. (The Peter Merry issue I care a lil about because I agree with somethings, but I disagree with the PT/FT issue). All these people saying "I can't get 1200 for a wedding in my market." Who cares? We're getting it despite everyone saying otherwise.

ADJA? Why should I care? What the ADJA does with their name does not affect our business.

Bottomfeeders. Who cares? If they are affecting your sales, then perhaps it's time you read "Book Yourself Solid."

NIMBY. Who cares? I bet that's what Peter's competitors once said!

Yea-- maybe I'm being a bit crude, but I see so many stupid arguments (primarily in the other board) especially about bottomfeeders. If they spent as much time marketing as they do arguing about bottomfeeders then they wouldn't be worrying about it.

Has everyone run out of topics that the iPod can become such a heated debate?

Don't get me wrong, there's a few debates worth arguing in my opinion and thus I choose to participate in it. But like Tyrone, I frequent ALL the boards less and less because there's too much fluff. Too much complaining on things that are hurting the industry and not much anymore to help it.

Just my two cents. Flame away.
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Mark this down in the record book -- It's the first time I agreed 100% with one of your posts, Arnoldo. :D
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I've noticed from reading the boards over the years, a lot of DJs are very negative people. It so much easier to say "I cannot" or "It won't work" than to get your arse off the computer and do some leg work.
 
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