I decided to start this discussion here instead of hijacking an ongoing thread. I see the phrases of "Being a Hero", "Saving the day" "Making it happen" etc. being posted from time to time. I am a DJ not someone's Hero. For every event there are different responsibilities for all involved. As a DJ my responsibility is to provide music. I take this one step further by doing a Site Visit to ensure that nothing will impede my ability to setup and deliver said performance. It is also to have agreement on Power Source and setup arrangement.
The Client has a responsibility to me which is always clearly outlined in my agreement and that responsibility is to provide proper AC power as requested. Maybe someone else such as the Venue may have the final responsibility of making sure there is power. That agreement will be between them and the Client. It is really not my concern.
Will I do everything possible to help solve a problem? Of course I will but I certainly won't maneuver my way into the line of fire if something is not my fault. I have read where DJs talk about bringing generators in case of a power failure. I laugh at this because here in Houston, if there is a power failure, everyone has to evacuate the building. So a generator would be of little help.
If I specifically ask for certain power requirements and for whatever reason they are not provided, I am NOT going to take the heat for it. I also am not going to plug in my equipment into a faulty/inadequate power source and endanger my equipment. I also won't contribute to a risk of starting a fire because of circuit overload. Think about it, if you are playing music and suddenly the breaker goes because of overload, guess who gets the scruting? The DJ! Nobody stops to think that the venue had too many things plugged into the same circuit.
Again, I may assist to solve the problem, I won't stand there with my hands folded but I certainly not going to sweat it. I have walked out on situations before and went on to do business with the same people. They knew who was at fault! This is why if there is a generator to be used, I much prefer to have the client supply one per my specs. You may ask, why would I not want to supply it myself? Here is my answer. How many DJs carry around a backup generator in case the first one fails? ("OK Harry, how are we going to fit our Gear and two generators in our lil Mini Van?"). I would rather if the Generator fails, which they sometimes do, that I won't be responsible for bringing the Party music to an end.
As long as I show up on time to do my job is my main concern. The DJ or Band and Caterers are the ones who I see have the most critical demands on specific criteria. Sadly, a great many DJs make none. They show up hoping for the best. Some are afraid to ask for what they want, by the time they do, it is too late to make changes so they have to live with what is handed to them.
I have learned to do these things by seeking Professional and qualified advice from a Business Litigation Attorney. People like to issue blame and sue, so the more one limits themselves to be in the line of fire, the less one is likely to end up being the scapegoat. My contract is not pages and pages of "ifs" and "here is what to expect" and "what I will do". I see some contracts that read like a book! LOL A very important provision that I do have in my contract is the consequence of what may happen (Non Performance) if my criteria is not met as promised so I could deliver my performance.
The Client has a responsibility to me which is always clearly outlined in my agreement and that responsibility is to provide proper AC power as requested. Maybe someone else such as the Venue may have the final responsibility of making sure there is power. That agreement will be between them and the Client. It is really not my concern.
Will I do everything possible to help solve a problem? Of course I will but I certainly won't maneuver my way into the line of fire if something is not my fault. I have read where DJs talk about bringing generators in case of a power failure. I laugh at this because here in Houston, if there is a power failure, everyone has to evacuate the building. So a generator would be of little help.
If I specifically ask for certain power requirements and for whatever reason they are not provided, I am NOT going to take the heat for it. I also am not going to plug in my equipment into a faulty/inadequate power source and endanger my equipment. I also won't contribute to a risk of starting a fire because of circuit overload. Think about it, if you are playing music and suddenly the breaker goes because of overload, guess who gets the scruting? The DJ! Nobody stops to think that the venue had too many things plugged into the same circuit.
Again, I may assist to solve the problem, I won't stand there with my hands folded but I certainly not going to sweat it. I have walked out on situations before and went on to do business with the same people. They knew who was at fault! This is why if there is a generator to be used, I much prefer to have the client supply one per my specs. You may ask, why would I not want to supply it myself? Here is my answer. How many DJs carry around a backup generator in case the first one fails? ("OK Harry, how are we going to fit our Gear and two generators in our lil Mini Van?"). I would rather if the Generator fails, which they sometimes do, that I won't be responsible for bringing the Party music to an end.
As long as I show up on time to do my job is my main concern. The DJ or Band and Caterers are the ones who I see have the most critical demands on specific criteria. Sadly, a great many DJs make none. They show up hoping for the best. Some are afraid to ask for what they want, by the time they do, it is too late to make changes so they have to live with what is handed to them.
I have learned to do these things by seeking Professional and qualified advice from a Business Litigation Attorney. People like to issue blame and sue, so the more one limits themselves to be in the line of fire, the less one is likely to end up being the scapegoat. My contract is not pages and pages of "ifs" and "here is what to expect" and "what I will do". I see some contracts that read like a book! LOL A very important provision that I do have in my contract is the consequence of what may happen (Non Performance) if my criteria is not met as promised so I could deliver my performance.