Event Pacing - The key to the "Magic" (blog)

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If the Planner No shows on the Wedding Day and I have to step in to do everything, there is an extra charge for that.

to me that sounds like your squeezing every cent you can out of your clients, I'm not out to rape people I'm out to show them a great time and if that involves doing a few unexpected actives i will do them for free. My area and yours different greatly
 
redhotdj said:
If the Planner No shows on the Wedding Day and I have to step in to do everything, there is an extra charge for that.

to me that sounds like your squeezing every cent you can out of your clients, I'm not out to rape people I'm out to show them a great time and if that involves doing a few unexpected actives i will do them for free. My area and yours different greatly
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Yep, we do differ. I can't speak for you but I run a business not a Hobby or Charity. Here there are people who get paid to be only Planners, Coordinators and Emcees so if I am to do their job I need to get paid. I am not about setting bad precedents. Its just like DJ Lighting. I charge for Lighting because it is an extra in my pricing. I don't itemize all these things, they go into a package price based on all that is needed.

So in your case, if the Planner was to be paid and she/he does not show up, then you feel obligated to step in and do it for free. The word then spreads among potential clients "You don't have to pay for a Planner, the DJ will do it for free!". So if the Lady with the Cake does not show up you will run down to the Bakery and buy one, eh? Way to go Bud! ;)
 
So if the Lady with the Cake does not show up you will run down to the Bakery and buy one, eh? Way to go Bud! ;)

just call me superman. Here i am to save the day
 
redhotdj said:
So if the Lady with the Cake does not show up you will run down to the Bakery and buy one, eh? Way to go Bud! ;)

just call me superman. Here i am to save the day
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Whatever! :rolleyes: Then you all complain when others try to do your job for free or almost nothing? This Industry has many sub categories and I don't think it is a good idea to unfairly pilfer the bread from someone else's plate. Show respect to the other Professionals. If you are going to do what they do at least exact a professional fee for it!

Ya'all are leaving lots of $$$$$$ on the table.
 
ahoustondj said:
I can't speak for you but I run a business not a Hobby or Charity.
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Does that mean those that see things differently from you are hobbyists and philanthropists automatically? I don't do weddings, but I would find that presumptive and condescending, since you know very little about the others' businesses.

Let's agree that you (and Bob as he agreed with your view) are just different. Not necessarily right .. just different.
 
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ahoustondj said:
I have done enough of Weddings in my lifetime and also attended many as a Guest. When I have to do a Wedding my experiences have taught me to ask questions in the beginning, questions such as:
Do you have a Designated Wedding Planner/Coordinator for the Wedding?
Do you have a Master Of Ceremonies?
Do these people know it is their responsibility to do those tasks?

If all those answers are in the positive then I know that task is going to be handled by someone else.
If the answer to any of the above questions is in the negative I then ask "Are you then looking to hire my services to perform these tasks?" If the Client answers "Yes" my fee is adjusted to compensate me for that extra Duty and then and only then would I be diligent in making sure things happen when they should at the Event. I still don't run around corralling people. That is the purpose of a microphone. If I am being paid to perform MC Duties I may just as likely hire someone to handle that for me. I have done it before.

Regardless of what the arrangement may be, it is all put in writing under "Additional Provisions". This is how I go about executing a Professional Agreement. I am not going to be caught up doing stuff for free (A favor or two is fine) when in reality it is a task for which payment should be made. That is how I roll. They can get a package price for my services based on their answers and their needs. I am not going to be caught flatfooted.

So to answer your question, I will know before the day of the Event if there is going to be a Planner or Coordinator or whatever y'all call them in your area. If the Planner No shows on the Wedding Day and I have to step in to do everything, there is an extra charge for that.
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Houston, it is entirely within your right to describe these duties as "extra" or "additional provisions" You also won't book many weddings because (as you can see from the posts here) WEDDING DJ'S see it as their job to coordinate with other vendors while you do not. It is also within your rights to refuse to coordinate things of the day of the event. Again, you wouldn't last long because if things don't go according to plan YOU will be blamed and rightfully so for trying to charge extra for things that normal wedding dj's do at every event

As to using the microphone to coordinate things I am really surprised to hear you say that. I can't think of one respectable wedding DJ who would ever use the microphone to coordinate things like parent dances. It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing.

"May I have your attention everyone, it is now time for the parent dances, we please ask that the Bride & Groom get their parents ready for this very special dance. Keep in mind you would most likely have to make this announcement multiple times as not everyone would either hear you or be in the same room.

It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing.
 
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mikemerlin said:
Houston, it is entirely within your right to describe these duties as "extra" or "additional provisions" I can tell that you really don't understand my Mode of operation. I just posted some links above, did you read them? There are Professionals who get paid for that task. If I have to do them I will know beforehand and thus charge a different fee to encompass that task. You also won't book many weddings because (as you can see from the posts here) WEDDING DJ'S see it as their job to coordinate with other vendors while you do not. To entertain your thoughts, why won't I? The Client know they can either hire and pay me to do all that they want or they can hire other professionals to share some of the important tasks. It is also within your rights to refuse to coordinate things of the day of the event. That is incorrect, I do not refuse anything so don't try and make me out to be what I am not. Go back and read what I posted earlier. Again, you wouldn't last long because if things don't go according to plan YOU will be blamed and rightfully so for trying to charge extra for things that normal wedding dj's do at every event. I have been in the business more than 30 years how about you? I am at the Stage where I can pick and choose what Events I want to do. I have walked out on Clients before who have tried to pull stunts on me. I can also refund money there and then if things go awry.

As to using the microphone to coordinate things I am really surprised to hear you say that. I can't think of one respectable wedding DJ who would ever use the microphone to coordinate things like parent dances. It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing. I guess you would rather shout across the room or run around like a chicken with it's head cut off gathering everyone. Have you never heard of announcements that start off with "May I have your attention please......."? Pray tell, what is so embarrassing about that announcement? I guess you would rather have the Guests wonder why the DJ is running around disorganized and things are not progressing.

"May I have your attention everyone, it is now time for the parent dances, we please ask that the Bride & Groom get their parents ready for this very special dance. Keep in mind you would most likely have to make this announcement multiple times as not everyone would either hear you or be in the same room.

It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing.
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Some of my responses are up above in RED. Did you ever learn that when you want to make an important announcement you first have to wait until you have everyone's undivided attention? Try and practice it sometime! It works! Everyone hears it! These rules, policies, fears, artificial standards are usually all manufactured by DJs who manage to have a a bunch more like them following the pack. How many times am I to say I am not a follower. Those who choose that path do so of their own calling. Let them continue their way and I will continue my way. All throughout this thread you and a few others are trying to convince me that what I am doing is wrong and all I am doing is trying to tell you and them that there are many modes of doing business. Maybe it is an area thing, maybe it is regional thing or even a Class thing. The majority of my clients have no problem paying for their conveniences.
 
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steve149 said:
Does that mean those that see things differently from you are hobbyists and philanthropists automatically? I don't do weddings, but I would find that presumptive and condescending, since you know very little about the others' businesses.

Let's agree that you (and Bob as he agreed with your view) are just different. Not necessarily right .. just different.
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You don't do weddings, you're part time, and short on the resources people who truly do this professionally have at their disposal - and you think he's the presumptive one?

There is no right or wrong it's just a freakin' wedding - there is quiet professionalism and loud amateurs. The latter is thinking you are the only one who can perform the highly technical and dangerous task of lining up the wedding party or all hell will break loose. Those of you who have never worked with a team or on collaborative projects seem woefully ill-equipped to delegate or work seamlessly with others. Being a really great DJ and being a control freak are in fact, mutually exclusive.
 
I just got a call from a "friend" here on this forum who told me that someone was making a negative reference to a Statement I made in post # 102 where I said, Quote: "Yep, we do differ. I can't speak for you but I run a business not a Hobby or Charity.". That someone seems to think I was condescending. My question is, to who was I condescending? I was referring to my nature of business. Never did I say someone else is running a Hobby or Charity. However, we do all know that indeed there are people who operate their DJ Gigs as a Hobby and some actually perform for free which is Charitable. So if that person's feathers are so easily ruffled by such a simple statement then all I have left to say is the following Caption:


My Post.jpg

 
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mikemerlin said:
Houston, it is entirely within your right to describe these duties as "extra" or "additional provisions" You also won't book many weddings because (as you can see from the posts here) WEDDING DJ'S see it as their job to coordinate with other vendors while you do not. It is also within your rights to refuse to coordinate things of the day of the event. Again, you wouldn't last long because if things don't go according to plan YOU will be blamed and rightfully so for trying to charge extra for things that normal wedding dj's do at every event

As to using the microphone to coordinate things I am really surprised to hear you say that. I can't think of one respectable wedding DJ who would ever use the microphone to coordinate things like parent dances. It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing.

"May I have your attention everyone, it is now time for the parent dances, we please ask that the Bride & Groom get their parents ready for this very special dance. Keep in mind you would most likely have to make this announcement multiple times as not everyone would either hear you or be in the same room.

It would be horrifying and utterly embarrassing.
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Mike,
A lot of wedding bands and musicians also operate exactly the same way Canute does. He is actually more in line with the traditional role of entertainers than what you as a DJ have incorrectly presumed to be the gold standard.

DJs by and large have always suffered from a self-image problem and compensate by inserting themselves into every nook and cranny they can find - from catering (chocolate fountains) to videography, photobooths, and yes, self-appointed ad-hoc wedding coordinator.

This has been convenient and economically thrifty for many people with rather straight forward wedding receptions and simple civil ceremonies. While as you stated: "wedding DJs see this as their job" - in the broader marketplace customers as a whole do not necessarily agree with your job description.

You are criticizing Canute from a place of shallow experience - that being the "all inclusive DJ" concept which is really just one possible facet of how peopel might approach their event designs.
 
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Hang on second here folks......



Gotta refill....okay, continue :cheers: :happy1:
 
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There are a few people who I have on "Ignore" for a specific reason. I don't want to read their responses and I don't want to knowingly subscribe to their threads. I wish they would afford me the same courtesy. The reason being that I don't want to be drawn in to long heated discussions with people who refuse to accept the differences among those on this board. There are Bedroom DJs, Hobbyist DJs, Part Time Business DJs, Full Time Business DJs, Hungry for any Gig DJs etc. Out of those kinds of DJs there are many sub categories such as Club DJs, Wedding DJs, Mobile DJs etc. That is true here as it is in the real world. If any of the above descriptions apply to anyone then, "Oh well" is all I can say. If they are embarrassed by their Title maybe they should change it or get out of the business.

I have however seen a troubling pattern. Almost every time I make a post, it is almost immediately followed by those same people making an opposing one of their own. Why? Is this a new world order of Pot Stirring? Are they trying their best to get me kicked out by trying to find cohorts who will say that I am being offensive to them. They also seem to have a knack for speaking for others when in fact those others (With the exception of a choice few) may see nothing wrong or offensive with my statements.

Before I end up being blamed for the fire I think it is important for folks to know who stuck the matchstick! Personally, I really don't give a damn. I know this ain't kindergarten even though at times it makes me wonder how some can call themselves adults yet are as fragile as butterfly pee on a slippery leaf!
 
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Proformance said:
Mike,
A lot of wedding bands and musicians also operate exactly the same way Canute does. He is actually more in line with the traditional role of entertainers than what you as a DJ have incorrectly presumed to be the gold standard.

DJs by and large have always suffered from a self-image problem and compensate by inserting themselves into every nook and cranny they can find - from catering (chocolate fountains) to videography, photobooths, and yes, self-appointed ad-hoc wedding coordinator.

This has been convenient and economically thrifty for many people with rather straight forward wedding receptions and simple civil ceremonies. While as you stated: "wedding DJs see this as their job" - in the broader marketplace customers as a whole do not necessarily agree with your job description.

You are criticizing Canute from a place of shallow experience - that being the "all inclusive DJ" concept which is really just one possible facet of how peopel might approach their event designs.
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Take a look at Houston's original post. He criticized Rick for "doing other people's jobs" etc I merely pointed out that it is the dj's job to coordinate with the other vendors as he/she is the catalyst to make things happen. If the planner is clueless I am going to communicate with him or her to get things on track. Houston doesn't do weddings and has no real concept of how real weddings work. Also I find your posts amusing in the sense that you speak in generalities rather than specifics and lump all dj's who don't agree with you as insecure, shallow, etc. In order to prevent such frivalous claims I submit that all your posts require footnotes that cite your sources rather than" in my experience" all dj's are such and such lol
 
mikemerlin said:
Take a look at Houston's original post. He criticized Rick for "doing other people's jobs" etc I merely pointed out that it is the dj's job to coordinate with the other vendors as he/she is the catalyst to make things happen. If the planner is clueless I am going to communicate with him or her to get things on track. Houston doesn't do weddings and has no real concept of how real weddings work. Also I find your posts amusing in the sense that you speak in generalities rather than specifics and lump all dj's who don't agree with you as insecure, shallow, etc. In order to prevent such frivalous claims I submit that all your posts require footnotes that cite your sources rather than" in my experience" all dj's are such and such lol
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I merely pointed out the truth to him. There isn't anything I wrote that has not been proven by Rick's own admission. It is all fact. He has done everything from Drapes to God knows what, now he wants to build his own Venue, There is nothing wrong with that at all but you can't deny that he is more than likely to be a Jack Of All Trades.

Who says I don't do Weddings? How many times do i have to correct you on this? Are you trying to blame me for your lack of comprehension? Can you not read simple English? Hordes of people in various Professions fall into certain categories that can be limped together, DJs are not exempt from that dilemma. I relay what I see and experience, from the writings here on this Forum to my Real Time Experiences and what i see going on around me. In my spare time I visit other Clubs, Bars, Venues and Hotels to keep up with what is going on.
 
Proformance said:
DJs by and large have always suffered from a self-image problem.
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this does seem to be a re-acurring theme with you, Bob. You claim to know all of the faults of "most DJs." You've pointed out just about every possible one.

However, they are so general, they can be applied to any group....or at least can't be challenged for any validity.

Every negative thing you've mentioned about djs can be applied to:

most photographers....really don't know what all of the functions on their camera does
most government workers
Most professional baseball players.... live under the poverty level
most Internet forum posters
most red haired people
most college students......never graduate
most blondes....don't actually have more fun...it's a myth
Most lawyers...most barely passed the bar...have a very difficult time succeeding in law firms or establishing their own firm

In fact ,did you know that most people that like to point out the negatives in the most of any group of people.....over and over....to that group of oeople....can be called such things as:

downer
buzzkill
funsucker
captain obvious
:)

Personally, I could care less what most people are doing. I'd rather talk about who's doing what right.
 
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ahoustondj said:
There are a few people who I have on "Ignore" for a specific reason. I don't want to read their responses and I don't want to knowingly subscribe to their threads. I wish they would afford me the same courtesy. The reason being that I don't want to be drawn in to long heated discussions with people who refuse to accept the differences among those on this board. There are Bedroom DJs, Hobbyist DJs, Part Time Business DJs, Full Time Business DJs, Hungry for any Gig DJs etc. Out of those kinds of DJs there are many sub categories such as Club DJs, Wedding DJs, Mobile DJs etc. That is true here as it is in the real world. If any of the above descriptions apply to anyone then, "Oh well" is all I can say. If they are embarrassed by their Title maybe they should change it or get out of the business.

I have however seen a troubling pattern. Almost every time I make a post, it is almost immediately followed by those same people making an opposing one of their own. Why? Is this a new world order of Pot Stirring? Are they trying their best to get me kicked out by trying to find cohorts who will say that I am being offensive to them. They also seem to have a knack for speaking for others when in fact those others (With the exception of a choice few) may see nothing wrong or offensive with my statements.

Before I end up being blamed for the fire I think it is important for folks to know who stuck the matchstick! Personally, I really don't give a damn. I know this ain't kindergarten even though at times it makes me wonder how some can call themselves adults yet are as fragile as butterfly pee on a slippery leaf!
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I'm pretty sure I'm on his ignore list. He refuses to accept any ideas but his own. I've had many conflicting points with him and I rarely address him anymore. All you all are doing is fueling his fire. If you take away the fuel, there can be no fire. Ignore his comments and he has no one to talk to but himself.

The sad part is that Canute can contribute alot to this forum .. if he got himself out of the way.
 
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Scott Hanna said:
Personally, I could care less what most people are doing. I'd rather talk about who's doing what right.
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I would agree with you there Scott except that most of the people responding to this thread seem to think that those who don't follow their lead are wrong. They refuse to accept that there are other ways of doing things. Hopefully my responses here have opened up the eyes of some who want to make additional revenue for other services rendered instead of giving it away for free. Maybe they need to broaden their minds so their Horizons can follow! For some, it is so easier to attack the Messenger instead of listening and understanding the message! ;)
 
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