It is possible that the Musicians Union could consider allowing D.J's to join for a annual fee. This could also include a small amount of PLI cover and obviously the benefits of being part of a national union.
If it was offered, would you sign up?. Please take the time to vote!, and be honest.
Full Version: Would you Join a DJ's Union?
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This is a very encouraging development 
I urge all our the Djs visiting the boards to consider joining a national union which will represent our views aand lobby government and protoct members interests.
It is not just about cheap PLI
The MU have lobbyed government regarding the proposed changes to the entertainment legislation and have secured changes to that.
Historiacally they have always been keen to promote live music but I have always felt we are
more aligned to the MU than some of the other bodies.
I urge all our the Djs visiting the boards to consider joining a national union which will represent our views aand lobby government and protoct members interests.
It is not just about cheap PLI
The MU have lobbyed government regarding the proposed changes to the entertainment legislation and have secured changes to that.
Historiacally they have always been keen to promote live music but I have always felt we are
more aligned to the MU than some of the other bodies.
yep i would join. If we band together we could improve stardards, be more professional and to be totally mercenery earn a decent wage.
Hmmmm, so far 2 replies, 12 votes and 42 views of this topic. I think that this goes some way to proving my point made yesterday!.
I would join a DJ union, it is the only way that the rest of the entertainment industry will take us seriously.
we've all heard that any one can DJ.
i once worked on a cabaret show where the compare said that to me, we swapped jobs for the night, I did a great job, he got fed up after 45 mins as no one danced.
we've all heard that any one can DJ.
i once worked on a cabaret show where the compare said that to me, we swapped jobs for the night, I did a great job, he got fed up after 45 mins as no one danced.
I think I may have mentioned this before.
At the moment there is the TVDJA, SEDA, BDJO (ex-DISCO). The plan that I came up with a year or so ago, knowing that previous atempts at a national outfit have failed, was to have two members from each regional association to form a national committee that would link all the small associations into one big one. At the moment my self and the rest of the committee as with the other associations, do it in there spare time (lol), if you had a national association you are then looking at registered offices, and paid employees etc.
In principle it's a great idea, but it may not be workable, at the moment. I am working on another plan.
In the mean time the TVDJA do have people signing up all over the place which technically makes us National (I think i've mentioned this before as well). Membership is £60 per year (£40 for the first year for new members). If you are under 18, and are NOT working "on the road", practicing at home with a veiw to going mobile we have a junior membership which is £30 and because you are not on the road you do not need PAT or PLI. If you start doing discos then you would need full membership, PAT & PLI.
At the moment there is the TVDJA, SEDA, BDJO (ex-DISCO). The plan that I came up with a year or so ago, knowing that previous atempts at a national outfit have failed, was to have two members from each regional association to form a national committee that would link all the small associations into one big one. At the moment my self and the rest of the committee as with the other associations, do it in there spare time (lol), if you had a national association you are then looking at registered offices, and paid employees etc.
In principle it's a great idea, but it may not be workable, at the moment. I am working on another plan.
In the mean time the TVDJA do have people signing up all over the place which technically makes us National (I think i've mentioned this before as well). Membership is £60 per year (£40 for the first year for new members). If you are under 18, and are NOT working "on the road", practicing at home with a veiw to going mobile we have a junior membership which is £30 and because you are not on the road you do not need PAT or PLI. If you start doing discos then you would need full membership, PAT & PLI.
I personally would definately join.
Not only would it be cheap PLI, but you would have the benefit that if you did have a problem, ie if someone did claim on your pli or if you got cancelled from a venue where you have confirmed bookings then they can act on your behalf.
If not it's you vs them - And if the only person that "they" are gonna p
ss off - (but save themselves money) - is you, what do you think they are gonna do? Put a union behind you where they suddenly see they are upsetting 40,000 off people... Whole new story!!
Not only would it be cheap PLI, but you would have the benefit that if you did have a problem, ie if someone did claim on your pli or if you got cancelled from a venue where you have confirmed bookings then they can act on your behalf.
If not it's you vs them - And if the only person that "they" are gonna p
ss off - (but save themselves money) - is you, what do you think they are gonna do? Put a union behind you where they suddenly see they are upsetting 40,000 off people... Whole new story!!
Please also see This Thread and lend your support
Just checking, but has anybody actually managed to Join the MU yet?
I know people have applied and received nothing yet - Has anybody got membership?
Do we still get all the benefits or do we get a knocked down package?
I sent em an e-mail but they never replied..
Cheers all
I know people have applied and received nothing yet - Has anybody got membership?
Do we still get all the benefits or do we get a knocked down package?
I sent em an e-mail but they never replied..
Cheers all
I applied using the online form on May 21, I'm still waiting for them to send me the direct debit forms but as yet haven't heard anything from them.
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/welcome.shtml
Has anyone apart from me n Tonsk actually tried to join?
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/welcome.shtml
Has anyone apart from me n Tonsk actually tried to join?
Yea
Like wise sent in on line application then had direct debit in post from them which I have returned and am awaiting confirmation on membership
Mind you we have a bank holiday between applying and awaiting reply
Like wise sent in on line application then had direct debit in post from them which I have returned and am awaiting confirmation on membership
Mind you we have a bank holiday between applying and awaiting reply
Why a Union and not as all other professional bodies "An Association"
Maybe that answers my own question, we are not professional. Are We?
Why someone else's union? what are their motives i wonder.
My experience of musicians is that they have little respect for DJs. Their members abuse us and treat us with indifference, when it comes to working along side "The Band", we are usully pushed to the side or the rear of the stage. and treated as incidental to the main attraction that is the "Real Entertainment" and not someone playing records.
Do you really want these preople to represent you.
I can see the DJ mentality at work.
"Let someone else do it".
"What's in it for me"
When are we going to organise ourselves and fight our own battle to establish true professional recognition for those prepared to commit to higher standards.
I would love to play my part in this process and am willing to give my time and experience to those that will value what i have to offer................but one man alone can not change the status quo. We need to stand and be counted and get actively involved in promoting the right image to the industry and our paying clients.
Maybe that answers my own question, we are not professional. Are We?
Why someone else's union? what are their motives i wonder.
My experience of musicians is that they have little respect for DJs. Their members abuse us and treat us with indifference, when it comes to working along side "The Band", we are usully pushed to the side or the rear of the stage. and treated as incidental to the main attraction that is the "Real Entertainment" and not someone playing records.
Do you really want these preople to represent you.
I can see the DJ mentality at work.
"Let someone else do it".
"What's in it for me"
When are we going to organise ourselves and fight our own battle to establish true professional recognition for those prepared to commit to higher standards.
I would love to play my part in this process and am willing to give my time and experience to those that will value what i have to offer................but one man alone can not change the status quo. We need to stand and be counted and get actively involved in promoting the right image to the industry and our paying clients.
Again this a topic covered several times before and whilst well meaning you'll only find around 7 people (if you are lucky) taking an interest.
This poll has been running since May 20th, so far it has had 24 votes....19 of them are for this idea. Whether 1 man or 19 people the final result is much the same.
My re-occuring headaches have now stopped....when I finally finished hitting my head against a brick wall.
This poll has been running since May 20th, so far it has had 24 votes....19 of them are for this idea. Whether 1 man or 19 people the final result is much the same.
My re-occuring headaches have now stopped....when I finally finished hitting my head against a brick wall.
Derek raises many good points above and I'm in complete agreement, something really does need to be done, and I to would be willing to devote time to getting something off the ground.
In May, Mikee wrote the following:
This is a huge stumbling block to a national association. To do it properly you would certainly need a few full time people, but full time staff as Mikee points out also equals paid employees. I would envisage that for the first few months (maybe15 months +) it would start off slowly, but hopefully the snowball effect would take place, i.e. it all starts slowly but as more join the momentum builds resulting in more and more joining at a much faster rate as time goes on.
There's thousands of DJ's all over Britain; I have no idea of the estimated number, but to pluck a number out of the air; say there are 30,000 dj's earning money on a regular basis. If each of them were to pay £20 subs per year, that's £600,000 giving enough funds to support a few full time staff plus money for other initiatives, pie in the sky?; maybe!
Mikee went onto add to the above quote:
Mikee, are you able to divulge the plan to us as yet? has any progress been made?
Maybe if the TVDJA continued their progress into a larger association by adding members from areas far from the Thames Valley which could result in a national body of sorts, however it would seem that then a name-change would be needed or else it would make it much more difficult to entice people to join in the far flung regions of the country.
I did previously contact the musicians union but was less than impressed with what was on offer, added to negative experiences encountered by ian Stewart to name but one.
On writing this it's making me realise that I'm as guilty as many others in regards to lots of conversation but not much action, so in the words of EP I'll increase my action levels by joining TVDJA.
Mikee, I'm also willing to help in any ways that you see feel I may be of use.
Any others of you out there willing to follow suit? I'm sure that Mikee can post details here of how to join the TVDJA?
FWIW. I'm not in the Thames Valley area, as I live in London. I believe the Thames Valley covers areas such as Reading, Swindon etc; is that correct Mikee?
In May, Mikee wrote the following:
| QUOTE |
| At the moment there is the TVDJA, SEDA, BDJO (ex-DISCO). The plan that I came up with a year or so ago, knowing that previous atempts at a national outfit have failed, was to have two members from each regional association to form a national committee that would link all the small associations into one big one. At the moment my self and the rest of the committee as with the other associations, do it in there spare time (lol), if you had a national association you are then looking at registered offices, and paid employees etc. |
This is a huge stumbling block to a national association. To do it properly you would certainly need a few full time people, but full time staff as Mikee points out also equals paid employees. I would envisage that for the first few months (maybe15 months +) it would start off slowly, but hopefully the snowball effect would take place, i.e. it all starts slowly but as more join the momentum builds resulting in more and more joining at a much faster rate as time goes on.
There's thousands of DJ's all over Britain; I have no idea of the estimated number, but to pluck a number out of the air; say there are 30,000 dj's earning money on a regular basis. If each of them were to pay £20 subs per year, that's £600,000 giving enough funds to support a few full time staff plus money for other initiatives, pie in the sky?; maybe!
Mikee went onto add to the above quote:
| QUOTE |
| In principle it's a great idea, but it may not be workable, at the moment. I am working on another plan. |
Mikee, are you able to divulge the plan to us as yet? has any progress been made?
Maybe if the TVDJA continued their progress into a larger association by adding members from areas far from the Thames Valley which could result in a national body of sorts, however it would seem that then a name-change would be needed or else it would make it much more difficult to entice people to join in the far flung regions of the country.
I did previously contact the musicians union but was less than impressed with what was on offer, added to negative experiences encountered by ian Stewart to name but one.
On writing this it's making me realise that I'm as guilty as many others in regards to lots of conversation but not much action, so in the words of EP I'll increase my action levels by joining TVDJA.
Mikee, I'm also willing to help in any ways that you see feel I may be of use.
Any others of you out there willing to follow suit? I'm sure that Mikee can post details here of how to join the TVDJA?
FWIW. I'm not in the Thames Valley area, as I live in London. I believe the Thames Valley covers areas such as Reading, Swindon etc; is that correct Mikee?
Well I have recently joined the MU as a DJ.
They have only just opened up the membership to DJ's.
£10 public liability
40 000 plus members
If the DJ membership is 500 plus in the MU it would be possible to form a DJ section within the MU to more adequately represent our ranks, the same as there is a Jazz section within the MU.
You would still need active members to organise that section within the union
You would have a large union behind you in disputes on debts contracts etc.
Yes you get attitude from musicians as well as DJs that is a fact of life.
We are all in the music industry and not all bands singers are totally live anyway. They sometimes use backing tracks midi files etc.
Of course a band should be the focal point of the room at any gig and a disco should be there in support. I very often work off the back line of a band set up if space is limited.
Work as a team the night will go well. It makes it an easy night to cover.
Showing a professional attitude by both band and DJ will give the client a night to remember for all the right reasons.
Alot of DJs want their own union but it is left to the few like Mikeee that get up and actually do anything about it.
Just a few observations from a different perspective
Peteee
They have only just opened up the membership to DJ's.
£10 public liability
40 000 plus members
If the DJ membership is 500 plus in the MU it would be possible to form a DJ section within the MU to more adequately represent our ranks, the same as there is a Jazz section within the MU.
You would still need active members to organise that section within the union
You would have a large union behind you in disputes on debts contracts etc.
Yes you get attitude from musicians as well as DJs that is a fact of life.
We are all in the music industry and not all bands singers are totally live anyway. They sometimes use backing tracks midi files etc.
Of course a band should be the focal point of the room at any gig and a disco should be there in support. I very often work off the back line of a band set up if space is limited.
Work as a team the night will go well. It makes it an easy night to cover.
Showing a professional attitude by both band and DJ will give the client a night to remember for all the right reasons.
Alot of DJs want their own union but it is left to the few like Mikeee that get up and actually do anything about it.
Just a few observations from a different perspective
Peteee
This has been covered before several times and I'd willingly support a national association.
I'd also like to hear what the latest position is from Mikee.
Out of interest, and this is one Petee can answer, what are the fees for the MU, how long did the paperwork etc take to come through etc....
I'd also like to hear what the latest position is from Mikee.
Out of interest, and this is one Petee can answer, what are the fees for the MU, how long did the paperwork etc take to come through etc....
Chris, what happens when you have about 600 - 700+ members?
Not if but when!
Perhaps this 'figure' could add weight to a proposal to the more established 'Unions' - maybe, maybe not. Let's wait and see.
This topic should be read by as many online DJ's / Karaoke Jocks as possible because history could be made!
(At the moment, I'm re-doing my PAT cert for peace of mind and in view to join the TVDJA...
Mikeee - will contact you soon!!!)
Not if but when!
Perhaps this 'figure' could add weight to a proposal to the more established 'Unions' - maybe, maybe not. Let's wait and see.
This topic should be read by as many online DJ's / Karaoke Jocks as possible because history could be made!
(At the moment, I'm re-doing my PAT cert for peace of mind and in view to join the TVDJA...
Mikeee - will contact you soon!!!)
Hi
Fees for membership start at £78 and goes up to £200 according to how much an individual earns from music.
You can apply on line .
Subscriptions can be by Direct Debit monthly quarterly or yearly and are cheaper by DD.
Takes two or three weeks to process
They are tax deductable & agreed with Inland Rev
Mikeee would have to pay about £10000 on his London rates
See
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/membershi...p/welcome.shtml
As I said before they have a national infrastructure already in place
I think Mikeee would be better using them as an umbrella organisation and then getting DJ membership up from his TVDA membership
With over 500 members in the MU you can then form a specialist members group which would be for DJ's
This would take off the pressure of employing full time staff as Eskie was debating but you would end up with a national membership plus larger numbers anyway in the whole membership of the MU
You can also get lots of helpful info on contracts to record companies stage \tv and working abroad.
Peteee
Fees for membership start at £78 and goes up to £200 according to how much an individual earns from music.
You can apply on line .
Subscriptions can be by Direct Debit monthly quarterly or yearly and are cheaper by DD.
Takes two or three weeks to process
They are tax deductable & agreed with Inland Rev
Mikeee would have to pay about £10000 on his London rates
See
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/membershi...p/welcome.shtml
As I said before they have a national infrastructure already in place
I think Mikeee would be better using them as an umbrella organisation and then getting DJ membership up from his TVDA membership
With over 500 members in the MU you can then form a specialist members group which would be for DJ's
This would take off the pressure of employing full time staff as Eskie was debating but you would end up with a national membership plus larger numbers anyway in the whole membership of the MU
You can also get lots of helpful info on contracts to record companies stage \tv and working abroad.
Peteee
| QUOTE |
| Chris, what happens when you have about 600 - 700+ members? |
Then we'll have a bigger database...but that doesn't automatically mean more participation or support. Call me a pessimist, if you will, but I prefer to be called a realist. We may have almost 400 members - however many of them have <10 posts - some 60% have 0 posts. Being a member doesn't automatically mean support for an idea
. I guess that there are around 30 regular visitors - if that, not much weight for an idea.I hate to pour cold water on an idea that I do strongly agree with, but get the Support of 6000 people and you may (note: MAY!) change history, but it won't happen on a forum where only 19 members are in favour of supporting an idea.
chris
You are spot on with your comments
This is why I think the MU is for me It nmay not suit everyone as they have different ideas and that is fine by me.
Mikeee has tried for a long time to up the interest in TVDA but to be honest the membership is too small to excersise any voice of influence.
United we stand divided we end up looking after our own interests and end up with no voice
Peteee
You are spot on with your comments
This is why I think the MU is for me It nmay not suit everyone as they have different ideas and that is fine by me.
Mikeee has tried for a long time to up the interest in TVDA but to be honest the membership is too small to excersise any voice of influence.
United we stand divided we end up looking after our own interests and end up with no voice
Peteee
A little further information!
For the record.............I joined TVDJA two months ago.........and i live in Chester, 200 miles away.
I have attended their meetings and met a few of their members. Mike will not like me saying this but first impressions are that a once great association is dying on it's feet.
TVDJA needs new blood and the existing membership should examine what it is that they want from such an association.
I believe Mike has some good ideas for the future direction of TVDJA and this may in time result in a more National focus.
Meantime, what do we want for our industry.
An Identity.
Recognition of "Professional Standards"
Identify and distance ourselves from the Amateur.
Establish our true worth.
Educate part-time, beer money DJs that we mean business.
If I wanted a wall building in my garden i could buy all the materials to build it from the local D.I.Y store, but I would not have the expertise to do a professional job.
If i telephoned local tradesmen for a quote would they tell me what kind of cement they where going to use and how great the spade is that they had just bought..................NO!
Would I be concerned if they quoted me a price without even seeing the location and scale of the task..............You BET!
Until we realise just what we are worth,deliver what we are worth and "BE" what we are worth in everything we do, we will continue to be percieved as low value, anyone can do that,unprofessional, bottom of the heap, record players.
And who created this "Status Quo"........................we did!!!!
For the record.............I joined TVDJA two months ago.........and i live in Chester, 200 miles away.
I have attended their meetings and met a few of their members. Mike will not like me saying this but first impressions are that a once great association is dying on it's feet.
TVDJA needs new blood and the existing membership should examine what it is that they want from such an association.
I believe Mike has some good ideas for the future direction of TVDJA and this may in time result in a more National focus.
Meantime, what do we want for our industry.
An Identity.
Recognition of "Professional Standards"
Identify and distance ourselves from the Amateur.
Establish our true worth.
Educate part-time, beer money DJs that we mean business.
If I wanted a wall building in my garden i could buy all the materials to build it from the local D.I.Y store, but I would not have the expertise to do a professional job.
If i telephoned local tradesmen for a quote would they tell me what kind of cement they where going to use and how great the spade is that they had just bought..................NO!
Would I be concerned if they quoted me a price without even seeing the location and scale of the task..............You BET!
Until we realise just what we are worth,deliver what we are worth and "BE" what we are worth in everything we do, we will continue to be percieved as low value, anyone can do that,unprofessional, bottom of the heap, record players.
And who created this "Status Quo"........................we did!!!!
Actually, I beg to differ.
The TVDJA is moving forward and that's why I want to join.
I have promised Mikeee a full application but I'm currently updating my gear and PAT cert. (God knows why - but I'm doing it all the same!)
I could join SEDA, or other 'Associations' but I'm impressed with what I've read (TVDJA) and will look forward to the 'upturned market' of biblical proportions when I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The TVDJA is moving forward and that's why I want to join.
I have promised Mikeee a full application but I'm currently updating my gear and PAT cert. (God knows why - but I'm doing it all the same!)
I could join SEDA, or other 'Associations' but I'm impressed with what I've read (TVDJA) and will look forward to the 'upturned market' of biblical proportions when I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Umm, where do I start.
First, a public apology to Derek, sorry about Sunday, shambles is the word that comes to mind, I will ring you later in the week.
TVDJA, for it's sins and faults, is the only association, making any head way.
The problem 99% of mobiles in the UK are part timers, regardless of how professional or unprofessional they are. So the day job pays the mortgage, the bills etc., the disco is a little extra spending money. How many people have said to you "What do you do during day - Whats your day job - etc."
I do not have any "Quick Fixes" I wished I did. As secretary of the TVDJA I will do my upmost to promote professionalism, and awarness, but I do have my business to run and that pays the bills.
We have monthly meetings, which to be honest have been on a decline now for the last five years, which is unfortunate, but a fact of life. Peoples lifestyles have changed, working hours have changed, leisure activites have changed. Slowly but surely we are "going American" whats in it for me, and not what can I put in help others improve.
On these boards we can probably this the biggest group offering advice and help, why?, because they don't have to travel to meetings, they can do it at their leisure, and the phone isn't ringing every 5 mins with somebody saying "can you help me".
What makes a good DJ despondent - Money, the root of all evil, no a means to survive. And i think thats the main problem SURVIVAL. Now we enter the British Problem, I'm alright jack, sod the rest. Which means the few do for the many. I do get upset, hell i'm human. I am one amongst many and I said YES, I don't think I'm the perfect leader, but I did say YES.
If any one wants to post or email me ideas, I'll be more than glad to recieve them.
But for now, having gone off at several different tangents I shall go away, think about it.
First, a public apology to Derek, sorry about Sunday, shambles is the word that comes to mind, I will ring you later in the week.
TVDJA, for it's sins and faults, is the only association, making any head way.
The problem 99% of mobiles in the UK are part timers, regardless of how professional or unprofessional they are. So the day job pays the mortgage, the bills etc., the disco is a little extra spending money. How many people have said to you "What do you do during day - Whats your day job - etc."
I do not have any "Quick Fixes" I wished I did. As secretary of the TVDJA I will do my upmost to promote professionalism, and awarness, but I do have my business to run and that pays the bills.
We have monthly meetings, which to be honest have been on a decline now for the last five years, which is unfortunate, but a fact of life. Peoples lifestyles have changed, working hours have changed, leisure activites have changed. Slowly but surely we are "going American" whats in it for me, and not what can I put in help others improve.
On these boards we can probably this the biggest group offering advice and help, why?, because they don't have to travel to meetings, they can do it at their leisure, and the phone isn't ringing every 5 mins with somebody saying "can you help me".
What makes a good DJ despondent - Money, the root of all evil, no a means to survive. And i think thats the main problem SURVIVAL. Now we enter the British Problem, I'm alright jack, sod the rest. Which means the few do for the many. I do get upset, hell i'm human. I am one amongst many and I said YES, I don't think I'm the perfect leader, but I did say YES.
If any one wants to post or email me ideas, I'll be more than glad to recieve them.
But for now, having gone off at several different tangents I shall go away, think about it.
Hi all,
Mikee hit it on the head when he mentioned "Money" as being at the root of our situation.
I see it as a double edged sword.
Too many amateur DJs are happy and content with their beer money. It is a nice "Top-up" to their real wages from their day job. They have no idea what they are truly "Worth" as a DJ and therefor they continualy undermine the ability of the professional jock to earn a realistic income.
How many times do you see DJs posting rates that are less than the equivalent cost of just hiring the gear. This does not account for the music library, the presenter's skills or delivery, set-up, strip down and transportation back to base.
For years now the winner has been the public and the losers have been the DJs. Who is to blame for this situation?
WE ARE!
IT's ABOUT TIME WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT !!!!
Six years ago in America one man woke up and decided he would do something about it.
Today over 2000 DJs in the States are very greatful and earning over $1200 a gig !!!!!!
There will always be bottom feaders and "cheap" clients. The trick is to identify what you are worth and target the market and clients that value you and are prepared to pay your fee.
Please, i hear you say" Not in my back yard" This is a myth, and i can prove the point if you wish.
We need a "Mark Ferrell" in the U.K. and we need him NOW.
I have met the man, purchased his CD Presentation and followed his teachings. It is not rocket science. It really works. In a local market that usually pays £100-£150 for a four hour gig i am getting £200 -£750 a gig. It just requires marketing and professionalism.
I would love to take up the challenge...............but I am not an industry leader.
We need someone that is established, a person and not an organisation. I will help and encourage and advise as best i can, but i am still trying to find the right person to work with.
Do you know of anyone that fits the bill?
Finally, Mikee..........no apology needed my friend......I was just disappointed that only a few members attended and concerned that no committee members were present.
Mikee hit it on the head when he mentioned "Money" as being at the root of our situation.
I see it as a double edged sword.
Too many amateur DJs are happy and content with their beer money. It is a nice "Top-up" to their real wages from their day job. They have no idea what they are truly "Worth" as a DJ and therefor they continualy undermine the ability of the professional jock to earn a realistic income.
How many times do you see DJs posting rates that are less than the equivalent cost of just hiring the gear. This does not account for the music library, the presenter's skills or delivery, set-up, strip down and transportation back to base.
For years now the winner has been the public and the losers have been the DJs. Who is to blame for this situation?
WE ARE!
IT's ABOUT TIME WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT !!!!
Six years ago in America one man woke up and decided he would do something about it.
Today over 2000 DJs in the States are very greatful and earning over $1200 a gig !!!!!!
There will always be bottom feaders and "cheap" clients. The trick is to identify what you are worth and target the market and clients that value you and are prepared to pay your fee.
Please, i hear you say" Not in my back yard" This is a myth, and i can prove the point if you wish.
We need a "Mark Ferrell" in the U.K. and we need him NOW.
I have met the man, purchased his CD Presentation and followed his teachings. It is not rocket science. It really works. In a local market that usually pays £100-£150 for a four hour gig i am getting £200 -£750 a gig. It just requires marketing and professionalism.
I would love to take up the challenge...............but I am not an industry leader.
We need someone that is established, a person and not an organisation. I will help and encourage and advise as best i can, but i am still trying to find the right person to work with.
Do you know of anyone that fits the bill?
Finally, Mikee..........no apology needed my friend......I was just disappointed that only a few members attended and concerned that no committee members were present.
| QUOTE |
| Compere got bored after 45 minutes when no-body danced |
That's nothing I can go all night without anyone dancing !!
This is rapidly becoming little more than a spamming ground for the U.S based forums, UK Wedding Directories et al - Derek virtually Every post you have made so far has contained a link to the SAME forum - i'm all for linking, providing it is reciprocal since this is common internet etiquette - however the way you are using it (Usually once or twice every post) is just blatant advertising on their behalf.
We had a link section which got around 1 post every 3 months, this used to be the section to post any link, once. You have already linked to this URL on your opening post.
If Mark Farrell wants to post in here - the registration form is on the first page - he can't miss it!.
More (or perhaps you spending equal time getting) support for THIS forum and hence your ideas (with 80% of it's members being UK based) might be one way of ultimately achieving your UK based Goals Derek? - just a thought!.
We had a link section which got around 1 post every 3 months, this used to be the section to post any link, once. You have already linked to this URL on your opening post.
If Mark Farrell wants to post in here - the registration form is on the first page - he can't miss it!.
More (or perhaps you spending equal time getting) support for THIS forum and hence your ideas (with 80% of it's members being UK based) might be one way of ultimately achieving your UK based Goals Derek? - just a thought!.
So Derek to be a proffessional DJ you need to earn top money,
people charge what they need to survive, I have a mortgage that is paid up and no real expences so the amount of money i need to earn for a good to high standard of living is less than someone with a £100,000+ mortgage 6 kids, 2 ex wives etc.
In all trades the amount charged for any job varies, so does the quality of the work, and it's not always the most expensive who offer the best service either.
If people are happy with the fee's they get, then leave them alone.
before you ask, my fee's are high in my area (not the highest), and I have plenty of work because
1. I am very good at my job
2. I offer a good service
i am pat tested & have pli insurance, and have never been asked to produce the document, I have twice been asked if my equipment is pat tested, I answered yes and they were happy with that.
so to re-cap earning more money does not make you a better DJ, and equally earning a little does not make you bad.
people charge what they need to survive, I have a mortgage that is paid up and no real expences so the amount of money i need to earn for a good to high standard of living is less than someone with a £100,000+ mortgage 6 kids, 2 ex wives etc.
In all trades the amount charged for any job varies, so does the quality of the work, and it's not always the most expensive who offer the best service either.
If people are happy with the fee's they get, then leave them alone.
before you ask, my fee's are high in my area (not the highest), and I have plenty of work because
1. I am very good at my job
2. I offer a good service
i am pat tested & have pli insurance, and have never been asked to produce the document, I have twice been asked if my equipment is pat tested, I answered yes and they were happy with that.
so to re-cap earning more money does not make you a better DJ, and equally earning a little does not make you bad.
Chris,
The only reason I am refering to the US Guys is to point the way that they have gone and allow our guys to make value judgements based on the facts.
I would love this forum to follow their lead and would gladly pay good money to assist in it's development.
I will state for the record that I have no commercial interest in any of the organisations that I have "Blatently advertised", It is just my frustration in not being able to move the debate onto a more informed level.
Why the tone of resentment? Surely we should be forging links with our overseas colleagues in order to further our ambition. Yet Apathy springs loud and clear from the posts saying in effect "I'am allright jack"
I was hoping that you Chris would be a supporter of the "Worth Movement" and that together we could improve the image of DJs in the UK. I am disappointed that this appears not to be the case.
Ian,
I guess you do not want to earn more money. You do not need to invest in new gear or enjoy the benefits of more time to create original and exciting performances without the pressure of wondering where your next gig is coming from.
I have no problem with a healthy competitive price policy. I do have a problem with services that are not economically viable and with amatures that are unreliable and give the industry a bad name.
Guys will always undercut you, but if it were easier for clients to compare like with like then they could see what it is they were paying more for.
For many years I was a cheap and cheerful DJ. Only when when i realised that I was giving away my services was it That I decided it was time to change.
Finally may i point our that i only want things to be better, and for all our colleagues to recieve what is rightfully theirs.............proper reward for entertaining others.
The only reason I am refering to the US Guys is to point the way that they have gone and allow our guys to make value judgements based on the facts.
I would love this forum to follow their lead and would gladly pay good money to assist in it's development.
I will state for the record that I have no commercial interest in any of the organisations that I have "Blatently advertised", It is just my frustration in not being able to move the debate onto a more informed level.
Why the tone of resentment? Surely we should be forging links with our overseas colleagues in order to further our ambition. Yet Apathy springs loud and clear from the posts saying in effect "I'am allright jack"
I was hoping that you Chris would be a supporter of the "Worth Movement" and that together we could improve the image of DJs in the UK. I am disappointed that this appears not to be the case.
Ian,
I guess you do not want to earn more money. You do not need to invest in new gear or enjoy the benefits of more time to create original and exciting performances without the pressure of wondering where your next gig is coming from.
I have no problem with a healthy competitive price policy. I do have a problem with services that are not economically viable and with amatures that are unreliable and give the industry a bad name.
Guys will always undercut you, but if it were easier for clients to compare like with like then they could see what it is they were paying more for.
For many years I was a cheap and cheerful DJ. Only when when i realised that I was giving away my services was it That I decided it was time to change.
Finally may i point our that i only want things to be better, and for all our colleagues to recieve what is rightfully theirs.............proper reward for entertaining others.
| QUOTE (Derekpen @ Jul 9 2003, 08:28 PM) |
| Ian, I guess you do not want to earn more money. You do not need to invest in new gear or enjoy the benefits of more time to create original and exciting performances without the pressure of wondering where your next gig is coming from. I have no problem with a healthy competitive price policy. I do have a problem with services that are not economically viable and with amatures that are unreliable and give the industry a bad name. Guys will always undercut you, but if it were easier for clients to compare like with like then they could see what it is they were paying more for. For many years I was a cheap and cheerful DJ. Only when when i realised that I was giving away my services was it That I decided it was time to change. Finally may i point our that i only want things to be better, and for all our colleagues to recieve what is rightfully theirs.............proper reward for entertaining others. |
| QUOTE |
| Ian, I guess you do not want to earn more money. You do not need to invest in new gear or enjoy the benefits of more time to create original and exciting performances without the pressure of wondering where your next gig is coming from. |
Derek,
my average fee for a staurday night (add up all the money I earn from saturdays & divide by 52) is over £300, and regularly get over £500 a night, this is not because I have PLI or my equipment is PAT tested, but because I am VERY VERY GOOD at my job, read my web site, I work at Buckingham Palace between 4 & 6 times a year. This is why I have a venue offering me over £250 a week for a residency, because I am an original & exciting DJ.
being exciting is not following other people, but being original & spontanious
Not one part of my equipment is more than 18 months old
It appears you assumed from my replies that I was one of your so called "cowboys" but I am a full time DJ, and have been for 21 years (sorry I have a small accountancy business where i do the accounts for a select few). But mostly my income is from DJ'ing.
as i said a ggod DJ is an individual, not a robot or a sheep
| QUOTE |
| I was hoping that you Chris would be a supporter of the "Worth Movement" and that together we could improve the image of DJs in the UK. I am disappointed that this appears not to be the case. |
Sorry Derek, I don't feel that I have to justify my reasons to you for anything that I do, certainly not in the way that the tone of your post would suggest. However, I will say this much...
First read the rules, they are there for a reason...several of our other members have recently joined from a forum where anarchy, flaming and spamming ultimately lead to its downfall, thats why the rules are there, to stop the forum turning into world war 3 and protect my business interests - believe it or not I earn a living from it. Other people also link to other sites etc and provided it fits in with the rules it is okay. Why do you feel that you need to post the same link 3 times on the same thread exactly?. You have already posted it in the links section and at the start of this topic, so why continually force it upon us?.
Upon following your link, what did I see?...several banners advertising businesses in direct competition to my own...I allowed the link to stay since these were US based, however the fact remains that you clearly have either not bothered to read and follow them, or simply think that you are above them. I will say that no one person is above the forum...full stop, I don't care who you are or who you namedrop.
Secondly, I find your comment to be highly offensive...since I can't rely on the support of members (like you) to promote it's existance around the 'net, I have to pay cost per click advertising in order to attract new members.... I don't pay £100's every month to promote your American forums!!!!. I am also around here 19 hours a day answering questions, and keeping out the troublemakers..please DON'T ever lecture me on committment.
By starting this forum in the first place should be enough indication of my desire to assist people where as I have yet to see a SINGLE post from you on this forum which helps and advises somebody else!...all I have seen so far are your one track ramblings about a D.J union and boasting of your contacts...along with the promotion of another forum where surprisingly enough everybody else is doing the advising!.
If you are so caught up in your desire to start a union then GO AND START ONE and i'll give you as much coverage as you desire. - Sometimes you have to be the one to make the effort and be a leader, rather than spouting off and expecting somebody else to put in the effort. All i've seen from you so far is complaints about how little OTHER people are doing and how I operate this forum.
When, like most other people on this forum, I have seen long posts from you advising "newbies" and others on how to go about starting up....and helping people to choose the correct equipment, promote themselves or even just reply to them etc then just maybe when / if that ever happens, i'll take you more seriously.
I've read post's similar to yours several times, and often wonder why I go to the effort and expense of keeping this forum online, however all things being equal, I then get the grateful emails / posts from people who have taken advice from the people on here and made a success of it - and then I realise exactly why I started it all in the first place, and that is worth all of the flaming, and the editing, and the sleepless nights when problems occur and have to be rectified.
| QUOTE |
| Finally may i point our that i only want things to be better, and for all our colleagues to recieve what is rightfully theirs.............proper reward for entertaining others. |
Actually, the reward for me is seeing people having a good time..due to the WORK that I am putting in. True I have other business interest's - but you'll find that is in common with the majority of Mobile D.J's. The fact that I get paid for entertaining people is a bonus, for me. I also do my share of charity gigs as well for Free, and often in doing them you learn that there is more to life than money......
Hi Derek,
I know where you are coming from, and I think we had the chat on the phone, Mark has done a great job in the states, he also upset 2/3rds of the "professional DJ market", I know this because i was a mod on a US board at the time. Technically the states are 10 to 20 years behind us, what Mark is doing now Tony H****n did back in the late 70's when he formed the TVDJA, he went around "preaching" on how the industry should pull together etc etc.
What Mark is doing there, unfortunatly will not work in the same way over here, as I mentioned, we need a slighty more "flexible" arrangement. On a head count of DJ's we have a much higher ratio of "pro" DJ's than the US ever will.
Please take a word from the wise, take a step back, look, then move forward. You said we need a leader, correct, unfortunatly, we do not produce natural leaders, we get polaticians who haven't got a clue.
As i said I know where your come from, i adopted the principles the best part of five years ago, which makes me one of the highest paid DJ's in my area. How, you ask, I adapted the ideas to an English format. But now most of the other discos, and probably including most of the members of this forum are doing the same. How, Why, easy the internet, the biggest educational aid ever, what I was doing X years ago everybody else is doing now. So i have to adapt and alter to stay a head.
Derek I know you earn far more than the local competition, and i won't mention figures, you've done that already, but once all the others pick up on that, which is what you are promoting you won't have the edge, what next, nothing, Entertainers in the UK, and i use the words liberally pull away and not pull together, need i say more.
Derek, will try to ring you agian tomorrow. Have tried, butgot that funny lady from BT telling me you knew i was there (lol)
I know where you are coming from, and I think we had the chat on the phone, Mark has done a great job in the states, he also upset 2/3rds of the "professional DJ market", I know this because i was a mod on a US board at the time. Technically the states are 10 to 20 years behind us, what Mark is doing now Tony H****n did back in the late 70's when he formed the TVDJA, he went around "preaching" on how the industry should pull together etc etc.
What Mark is doing there, unfortunatly will not work in the same way over here, as I mentioned, we need a slighty more "flexible" arrangement. On a head count of DJ's we have a much higher ratio of "pro" DJ's than the US ever will.
Please take a word from the wise, take a step back, look, then move forward. You said we need a leader, correct, unfortunatly, we do not produce natural leaders, we get polaticians who haven't got a clue.
As i said I know where your come from, i adopted the principles the best part of five years ago, which makes me one of the highest paid DJ's in my area. How, you ask, I adapted the ideas to an English format. But now most of the other discos, and probably including most of the members of this forum are doing the same. How, Why, easy the internet, the biggest educational aid ever, what I was doing X years ago everybody else is doing now. So i have to adapt and alter to stay a head.
Derek I know you earn far more than the local competition, and i won't mention figures, you've done that already, but once all the others pick up on that, which is what you are promoting you won't have the edge, what next, nothing, Entertainers in the UK, and i use the words liberally pull away and not pull together, need i say more.
Derek, will try to ring you agian tomorrow. Have tried, butgot that funny lady from BT telling me you knew i was there (lol)
Ummmmm seams like i've rattled a few cages here.
Guys, let me try to put the record straight.
Firstly, Chris, I did not think i was breaking the rules with regard to the two listed sites. One is for a magazine and the other was mearly a reference for others to obtain more info about Mr F. Yes the sites are US and have no direct effect on you or your business.
Mikee, I must have missed something because I fail to see how we are 10-20 years behind the US. I have not found anywhere in the UK where I can sit amoungst 500 idustry professionals who are not afraid to share thier experience and skills in a practical way.
Ian, I did not assume anything about you.My comments were general and meant to reflect the effect of DJs not being commercially aware of the true costs of a business. I am sure you deliver excellent value and I too like Chris and many others use my service to promote chatitable good causes.
To all of you and the entire U K DJ population i will say this.
I hoped to find in this forum some industry leaders that had already established an organisation that spoke for professionally minded UK DJs. It appears that there is no such single operation that has yet emerged from the numerous organisations that are competing for our membership.
It may well be that I do indeed form my own organisation and take it from there. I just did not want to reinvent the wheel.
Finally I will take Mikee's advice and step back a while and let things cool down. If I have offended anyone, I appologise, it was not my intention. I am a frustrated DJ that wants only to improve the lot of every DJ in the UK. I would love the bar to be raised and for them all to earn a realistic fee. The poll about how much we earn indicates that most are still earning at levels that were deemed good ten years ago.
Once again , sorry to you all and good luck in your endeavours.
Guys, let me try to put the record straight.
Firstly, Chris, I did not think i was breaking the rules with regard to the two listed sites. One is for a magazine and the other was mearly a reference for others to obtain more info about Mr F. Yes the sites are US and have no direct effect on you or your business.
Mikee, I must have missed something because I fail to see how we are 10-20 years behind the US. I have not found anywhere in the UK where I can sit amoungst 500 idustry professionals who are not afraid to share thier experience and skills in a practical way.
Ian, I did not assume anything about you.My comments were general and meant to reflect the effect of DJs not being commercially aware of the true costs of a business. I am sure you deliver excellent value and I too like Chris and many others use my service to promote chatitable good causes.
To all of you and the entire U K DJ population i will say this.
I hoped to find in this forum some industry leaders that had already established an organisation that spoke for professionally minded UK DJs. It appears that there is no such single operation that has yet emerged from the numerous organisations that are competing for our membership.
It may well be that I do indeed form my own organisation and take it from there. I just did not want to reinvent the wheel.
Finally I will take Mikee's advice and step back a while and let things cool down. If I have offended anyone, I appologise, it was not my intention. I am a frustrated DJ that wants only to improve the lot of every DJ in the UK. I would love the bar to be raised and for them all to earn a realistic fee. The poll about how much we earn indicates that most are still earning at levels that were deemed good ten years ago.
Once again , sorry to you all and good luck in your endeavours.
| QUOTE |
| I have not found anywhere in the UK where I can sit amoungst 500 idustry professionals who are not afraid to share thier experience and skills in a practical way. |
Hmm, In that case I believe that you don't consider the general membership of this or any other UK based forum to be "professionals" then?. We have 400 members, not ideal but its a start (little acorns etc) and it seems to me that they are sharing the knowledge and advice online which they perhaps wouldn't share on a 1 to 1 basis with a colleague in the conference suite of a London Hotel!.
I doubt that you'd get 500+ of your industry professionals in the same room to discuss this aspect - logistically it would be a nightmare, it seems that the TVDJA struggle to get people to attend meetings who are within 40 minutes drive away from the venue, it would be unrealistic of you to expect people to travel from Inverness to a meeting in London for example.
Sadly, we are increasingly turning into a nation who rely on technology to communicate. We may "speak" to people on a forum or online colleagues more often than we speak to our neighbours. This is society in general, and a group of UK based D.J's will never change this.
This (and other) internet forums have achieved something that 60 years of D.J'ing hasn't - the fact that D.J's from all over the world can communicate with each other and share problems, seek advice and promote ideas. For years, D.J's regarded each other with professional jealousy - most still do, yet the internet is rapidly breaking down these barriers, I see it on here on a daily basis.
We can either continue working with technology and use it to our gain or turn our back on it.
Sorry Derek,
The other way around the U.S. are behind us. We had our own version of M.F. during the 70's.
The other way around the U.S. are behind us. We had our own version of M.F. during the 70's.
From the various on-line and "in person" experiences that I've had over the 19 years that I've been DJ'ing, getting any significant number of DJ's together is a nightmare.
Last year the on-line forum that I was with said "oh yeah! lets ALL meet up at Plasa".. out of 1200 registered members, about 45 said "Yeah, I'll be there...2pm at the *&%$*&%$ stand".
Result: I met four people there.
Disappointed? No, as even meeting just one of the "names" that I was then able to put a face and personality to, was great.
Given a sense of reality? You betcha!
Ok, for me, it was an easy meet...I was at Plasa for all four days, as I am this year. But I realise that for other members of that forum, a physical meeting would have meant travelling time, costs etc, and for most (I suspect) even taking a day off of their daytime work, since most(?) mobile DJ's have a 9-5 job as well as their 5pm-2am job.
For this reason, I think that "virtual" will always be a more realistic form of regular communication, than meetings. That of course doesnt stop someone from simply "joining" TVDJA or other similar bodies. I live only 30 minutes drive from Reading (where I think there have been TVDJA meetings previously), but I cant say that I enjoy the traffic/roads/congestion that I'd encounter. Would that show a lack of commitment? or is that me being realistic? One or two members on here would confirm that my "on-line" commitment to DJ's has been quite high over the last year or so, and I dont see that stopping anytime soon. I know that I wouldnt be able to offer the same levels of commitment in a regular physical meet up.
Im all for "raising the bar", which if I understand the term fully, means "if everyone in an industry puts their prices up overnight to the same price for the same area, then the punters wont find anyone thats notably cheaper/more expensive than anyone else.
However, with DJ equipment becoming so easy to get hold of nowadays, the "competition" (and I use that word very loosely in some cases) is much, much more of an issue than ever before. For example, I've lost 3 wedding bookings this year PURELY by way of the happy couples "knowing someone" whos got the gear.
This surge of availabilty is probably one reason why all my mystery shopper phone calls a few months ago, revealed that no-one in my area differs more than £10 or so, in their prices for doing "that" venue, for "that" day, for "those" number of hours, to "that" many people.
And like the real punters, I've got no idea from the yellow pages, which disco that offers "music for all tastes and occassions" is going to be able to rock my party any better than any of the others...having PAT tested gear, or PLI, certainly have their benefits, but neither "plus" makes more people dance, it simply hints at the DJ's desire to appear, and be, more professional in their approach.
Obviously having the gear isnt a certificate that says that they can entertain a multi-age group audience for 4/5 hours, but the happy couple are less and less likely to think about that, the higher the professional rates get. EG: The more money they'll save, at what is one of their most expensive times. Even though they should be thinking, we only get married once, lets do it right.
As has been said before, theres no accreditation for DJ's (except for the waining following of scratching), I'd love to be able to display 4 gold headfone icons on my business card, compared to the 3, on a rivals card, but unlike hotels, or restaurants, we dont have such simple materialistic inventories to award "gold stars" for. All of our skills are "soft skills", such as music knowledge, crowd pleasing, adapting our output to a myriad of parameters set by the audience, the weather (too humid to dance?), the venue (too many little rooms making up the "function area"), the ages and music tastes of the audience etc.
I'd hate a brand new disco with a massive (still wet) credit agreement to be awarded more gold stars than me, simply for having DMX lighting, whilst I've still got 3 x 4 channel controllers and some light screens.
If a star system, or similar accreditation was brought in for such "measurables" it would be too easy to miss that the DJ is the most important piece of equipment in any disco set up.
Last year the on-line forum that I was with said "oh yeah! lets ALL meet up at Plasa".. out of 1200 registered members, about 45 said "Yeah, I'll be there...2pm at the *&%$*&%$ stand".
Result: I met four people there.
Disappointed? No, as even meeting just one of the "names" that I was then able to put a face and personality to, was great.
Given a sense of reality? You betcha!
Ok, for me, it was an easy meet...I was at Plasa for all four days, as I am this year. But I realise that for other members of that forum, a physical meeting would have meant travelling time, costs etc, and for most (I suspect) even taking a day off of their daytime work, since most(?) mobile DJ's have a 9-5 job as well as their 5pm-2am job.
For this reason, I think that "virtual" will always be a more realistic form of regular communication, than meetings. That of course doesnt stop someone from simply "joining" TVDJA or other similar bodies. I live only 30 minutes drive from Reading (where I think there have been TVDJA meetings previously), but I cant say that I enjoy the traffic/roads/congestion that I'd encounter. Would that show a lack of commitment? or is that me being realistic? One or two members on here would confirm that my "on-line" commitment to DJ's has been quite high over the last year or so, and I dont see that stopping anytime soon. I know that I wouldnt be able to offer the same levels of commitment in a regular physical meet up.
Im all for "raising the bar", which if I understand the term fully, means "if everyone in an industry puts their prices up overnight to the same price for the same area, then the punters wont find anyone thats notably cheaper/more expensive than anyone else.
However, with DJ equipment becoming so easy to get hold of nowadays, the "competition" (and I use that word very loosely in some cases) is much, much more of an issue than ever before. For example, I've lost 3 wedding bookings this year PURELY by way of the happy couples "knowing someone" whos got the gear.
This surge of availabilty is probably one reason why all my mystery shopper phone calls a few months ago, revealed that no-one in my area differs more than £10 or so, in their prices for doing "that" venue, for "that" day, for "those" number of hours, to "that" many people.
And like the real punters, I've got no idea from the yellow pages, which disco that offers "music for all tastes and occassions" is going to be able to rock my party any better than any of the others...having PAT tested gear, or PLI, certainly have their benefits, but neither "plus" makes more people dance, it simply hints at the DJ's desire to appear, and be, more professional in their approach.
Obviously having the gear isnt a certificate that says that they can entertain a multi-age group audience for 4/5 hours, but the happy couple are less and less likely to think about that, the higher the professional rates get. EG: The more money they'll save, at what is one of their most expensive times. Even though they should be thinking, we only get married once, lets do it right.
As has been said before, theres no accreditation for DJ's (except for the waining following of scratching), I'd love to be able to display 4 gold headfone icons on my business card, compared to the 3, on a rivals card, but unlike hotels, or restaurants, we dont have such simple materialistic inventories to award "gold stars" for. All of our skills are "soft skills", such as music knowledge, crowd pleasing, adapting our output to a myriad of parameters set by the audience, the weather (too humid to dance?), the venue (too many little rooms making up the "function area"), the ages and music tastes of the audience etc.
I'd hate a brand new disco with a massive (still wet) credit agreement to be awarded more gold stars than me, simply for having DMX lighting, whilst I've still got 3 x 4 channel controllers and some light screens.
If a star system, or similar accreditation was brought in for such "measurables" it would be too easy to miss that the DJ is the most important piece of equipment in any disco set up.
Well said Gary
At the end of the day Joe Bloggs could start a 'disco business' today, go out a buy all the latest and best equipment (off Chris !!) and an instruction manual of wiring it up, ring Yellow Pages and put a big ad in there, stating ANYTHING, as YP don't check out anything, so an ad stating 20 years experience etc, new gear, all owned by the bank by the way, and start his venture.
He would go to the gig and set up and look impressive but I know most DJ's reading this could turn up with a couple of CD players and no lights and the punters would still have a better time because we know what we are doing, which songs go together (like wham-a-dam-a-dam-a-ding-a-dong) and how to get people dancing. However if I only had 2 lightboxes (no offence to those who had 2 lightboxes) I might get 2 stars whilst Joe Bloggs Discos would get 5 star because of the look of the disco
At the end of the day Joe Bloggs could start a 'disco business' today, go out a buy all the latest and best equipment (off Chris !!) and an instruction manual of wiring it up, ring Yellow Pages and put a big ad in there, stating ANYTHING, as YP don't check out anything, so an ad stating 20 years experience etc, new gear, all owned by the bank by the way, and start his venture.
He would go to the gig and set up and look impressive but I know most DJ's reading this could turn up with a couple of CD players and no lights and the punters would still have a better time because we know what we are doing, which songs go together (like wham-a-dam-a-dam-a-ding-a-dong) and how to get people dancing. However if I only had 2 lightboxes (no offence to those who had 2 lightboxes) I might get 2 stars whilst Joe Bloggs Discos would get 5 star because of the look of the disco
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