Eskie 0 Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 QUOTE I've noticed, since the popularity boom of so called 'reality TV' shows, Karaoke culture and the Stars In Their Eyes mentality, that people are satisfied with a lower standard of entertainment. I come from a show business background (I'm the less talented member of the Dynasty ) so I have been in a position to notice this decline in expectations. Does anyone else agree or relate to this theory??? (or am I just a raving madman I hear you was in the Baron Knights http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif As in DJ's there is a real diverse range when it comes to the quality that guests book for the entertainment. I've worked with some superb professional bands and also some not so good. Luckily I've never yet worked with any really poor ones and I've also been lucky in that just about every band I've ever worked with have treated me with respect unlike some of the horror stories I've heard from some of you http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Shep, 'fraid I've never heard of this Tony Callier bloke either http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif however, you wanna listen out for TERRY Callier http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Crispy, Re. getting loads of dosh oop north! well I got a Monkey for a gig in Birmingham last year, but that's about as far north as my passport will take me http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif (For those of you wondering why I was given a primate as payment for a function! down ere it means 500 notes http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif ) Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 QUOTE Crispy - how far is melton mowbray "up north"? I get paid a big fee to go up there and play once a year! Melton Mowbray, I believe that is Still the M1 - not even scraping the Midlands. Try Manchester & Lancashire http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . Lol Kazz, have you ever been North of Birmingham?? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif Link to post Share on other sites
The Moog 0 Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 (edited) QUOTE (Jack Carter @ Dec 22 2003, 10:33 PM) I hear you was in the Baron Knights http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif Hmmmmm ??!? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif Maybe an earlier use of 'Baron' where I assumed 'Barren' should have been used was not quite the spelling mistake I thought it was http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif Edited December 22, 2003 by The Moog The Moog is a very simple dog for whom bones are his raison d'etre Link to post Share on other sites
The Moog 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 QUOTE (kazzachi @ Dec 22 2003, 07:05 PM) I would have to agree with you moog! You are a madman!!!! ...., but if a good hotel wants to embrace a totally professional service, they are willing to pay the price. Madman ehhh??? Thanks..... (that was not a rhetorical question, even though it appeared to be http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) Hotels in my experience would rather learn the hard way that low charges usually bring low standards, than take the direct route to quality. There is a company who supply Discos/DJs to hotels in Yorkshire at low rates (I think they only charge the hotel £140 per booking and pay the DJ's £60 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif ). However, the DJ's they supply are on the whole, dire, inexperienced and de-motivated. One sure fire way to pick up business is to follow them round, make yourself known and wait for the inevitable call from the hotel when El Cheapo has failed them once to often (could be weeks, months or years.... but the call always comes http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif ). The problem is, hotel management, however enlightened is all down to accountancy and when things are running like clockwork with a reputable DJ / DJ supplier, the bodies upstairs who do the sums are going to look at the figures and press for savings. The upshot.. charges remain almost static over time or else Cut Price sounds gets the nod again! I love accountants http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/221.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/188.gif The Moog is a very simple dog for whom bones are his raison d'etre Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 Am i far north enough? £500 with gear,£250 without! I know,i know beers a fiver! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Eskie- Tony,Terry whatever does this still make me inferior? I am just not a good name dropper http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif If you get my drift http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif I will try anything,once! The Cornish will arise again ! Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club. Keep pasties Cornish Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 QUOTE however, you wanna listen out for TERRY Callier Wasn't he a character played by James Bolam in the Sit Com "The Likely Lads"?? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 I thought he was married to June !!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
Eskie 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 QUOTE (C.S @ Dec 23 2003, 10:00 AM) Eskie- Tony,Terry whatever does this still make me inferior? I am just not a good name dropper http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif If you get my drift http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif Eh!?! I have no idea what you're on about!... where in any of my posts have I inferred that anyone that doesn't know Terry Callier is 'inferior'? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 I have just finished talikng to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and George Michael about name dropping and how I dislike it. .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
The Spindoctor 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 Well I was down Lakeside today doin me Christmas shopping when I bumped into Elvis and Fats Domino............... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif Spin http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/newyear.gif Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 Crispy.... I have been to Blackpool..........! That was an experience!... In fact it was a quickie weekend for my honeymoon!! On the subject of northern hotels..... they charge on average the same for a christmas dinner dance as they do here in the south, and they always take into consideration the cost of the entertainment. As has been stated, most reputable places realises that you have to pay for a professional service... and most have had at some stage, an inferior dj... which is why, those who are astute enough to want their business to continue to grow, will have no problem paying a good fee... they will tell the accountants "upstairs" that it is false ecomony to go for the cheapest brand as the customers will not return the next year due to inferior entertainment. Even up north they realise that you get what you pay for! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 QUOTE That was an experience!... In fact it was a quickie weekend for my honeymoon!! And HOW many years ago was that?? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/scared.gif We've got Cars, Electricity and running water since then. And now you don't have to duck when the paperboy delivers the slate, or run away from dinosaurs!. Oh and did anybody tell you they also built a tower? Link to post Share on other sites
The Moog 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 My comments were based on personal experience of running my own operation (well, a partnership really) supplying hotels / banqueting suites with disco entertainment. It was a medium size venture and at the peak of my time with the business, we had fifteen rigs and 10 DJ's working as preferred or exclusive supplier in six venues) We had a good reputation (they still do, I sold my share in the venture three years ago, and it still thrives). It was not exclusively a comment on the state of things 'up north' but I feel best speaking from experience. The version of things you state is how it should be - and often it is the way things are, but not all the time. Do feel free, however, to contradict me at anytime...! The Moog is a very simple dog for whom bones are his raison d'etre Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 DD's end of year thoughts on some of the previous postings in this topic... Should we alter our fee's to accomodate others? Should we compete by lowering our fee's? Does the fee we charge reflect our skilled service? The old, old question about the recognised 'trade' of DJ's, eh?! I don't think there is any difference in the ability of one professional Mobile DJ to that of another, who are very experienced in what they do, but I do believe there is a difference in 'location, location, location'. Taking the forum as a point of example, it has allowed us to re-examine our own personal circumstances to that of others, allowed us to share experience, tips and expert advice, as well as the debate on fee's, venues, contracts and legality of mobile DJ'ing...etc. Some forum members will disagree with others, but some will share and liken to others too, even if they are many miles apart. But the subject of 'fees' will always be very topical! I think that some DJ's will agree, that whilst there are area's in the south that 'pay well', there are equally as many 'area's' that want to pay as little as possible. Q) WHY? A) Generally, the public perception of 'DJ's' is diverse! The 'individual' DJ will have to work hard and gain popularity and respect to command the regular fee they require - reflected on the DJ's worth. The agency 'pro-service' (I say in general, whilst fully appreciating the work an agent does) has to rely on professional practicing DJ's to gain popularity, respect, thus, to command their fees. Both, no matter what area of the UK they work, will charge what they think is 'right' for the client. Hotel Bookings Hotels, depending on the status, quality and 'staff' they employ, will differ on opinion when it comes to 'entertainment' services... A hotel in Kent booked disco services (via my then, 'new' agent) from 6pm - 1am during Christmas, around 10 years ago. Hotel was charged £425, I picked up £300. (grumble grumble) I had to 'work' along side 1 keyboard player and 1 guitarist, 2 speakers, etc, who commanded over £800 for 90 minutes work. I didn't disagree then - but I would now! Arguments One argument might be the amount of 'gear' they have carry, to that of ours. One could also argue that both the Dj and 'live' acts, even though they have been in the business for an equal amount of time, were 'in a diferent league' - yes it is said still. One could argue that a DJ's 'music library' far exceeds that of a duo, carry more gear, work longer hours than a duo, and, we have to entertain the 'diverse, wider audience'. But in fairness, one could argue that without 'bands', DJ's would have less of a resource to refer to. Oh yes, and then there is the 'live factor'.... The arguments will go on and on - but the duo still got their money, and, I might add, I allowed them to use my speakers!!! The age old argument will continue to go back and forth until 'perceptions' are 'changed'. This year, I am taking a 'reduced' fee for my Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and NYE gigs because they were block-booked last year. Guaranteed work in other words. Not because the client wanted a 'cheaper' price - but my decision to accept the work in advance. Since November, I've received enquiries for New Year's Eve at willing to pay shocking rates, yet I remain loyal to my client. One aspect already mentioned by others on the forum about 'rates' is what generates our 'rate'. Taking into consideration level of experience, journey times, parking, parking charges, hours required and gear required, etc, we would 'charge' what we think we are worth. Yet it still astonishes me when a Hotel function manager looks you up in Yellow Pages, expects to pay no more than £200 for a 5 hour gig, and demands reccomendations of other disco services if you decline!!!! So my end of year thoughts are splintered, but in a way, full circle. I say - Charge your client what you truely believe you are worth - and stick to it. You can not complain otherwise! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/xmas.gif Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 Lol moog! I suppose its just the complete saleswoman in me! I have gone into hotels and put on a presentation and asked for double what their outgoing resident dj had received.... and got it! Crispy, are you telling me that you only got electricity six and a half years ago! Blimey, I knew things were bad up north but not THAT bad.... eee bah gum! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
The Moog 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 (edited) What a very stimulating and interesting (occasionally infuriating http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/188.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif ) forum this is! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif I'm happy with my lot! I suppose my main gripe is the alarming drop I have noticed in: 1) The standard of the entertainment.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/scared.gif 2) Basic respect for the DJ from some members his/her audience http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/mad.gif There again, maybe I'm bitter after a long, hard year (more than likely http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif ) Thanks for giving me a few things to reflect on for the New Year Kazzachi and DD. The sharing of ideas and opinions, even if they oppose your own, is a very enriching experience http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Right, sincerety over.... time to lighten up again http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/newyear.gif Edited December 23, 2003 by The Moog The Moog is a very simple dog for whom bones are his raison d'etre Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 QUOTE Eh!?! I have no idea what you're on about!... where in any of my posts have I inferred that anyone that doesn't know Terry Callier is 'inferior' You are missing it esk! Wake up! Not poppin at yah http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif I will try anything,once! The Cornish will arise again ! Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club. Keep pasties Cornish Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 23, 2003 Report Share Posted December 23, 2003 Hey moog, you have just hit the nail on the head - "if you are happy with your lot"... Exactly..... If you are not happy then it is up to you to do something about it - if you feel you are getting to lower rate for the type of service you provide then put your prices up - if the customer is not willing to pay then move on to another customer! Life is a gamble... take a chance once in a while.. if the first few people turn you down cos they dont want to pay your new higher fee... just sit back and wait..... they will come back to you in the end. Those who dont earn their living as a dj wont be risking much...... but get what you are worth chaps! If it results in a few people not wanting to pay so be it...! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 QUOTE (1) The standard of the entertainment.... (2) Basic respect for the DJ from some members his/her audience Okay there are a couple of valid comments here, which have gone un-noticed, apart from maybe Kazz who's on her Xmas crusade to promote "Life's what you make it" http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . I think there are a lot more wannabe D.J's around than there used to be, or maybe i'm just getting old http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif as my Gran used to say in that the Policemen are getting younger each year, I think that this also applies to D.J's. Whether this is a good thing or not remains to be seen, although given some of the attitude of the next generation maybe its time to pack me bags and book a ticket to mars....they say that its nice this time of year. Certainly some of the horror stories i've heard recently have been in regard to younger D.j's and their skills, or should I say...lack of them. Part of the reason I started this forum (and more recently, the DJ workshop), was to educate the newbie and offer a place to break down the walls of professional jealousy where D.J's could freely discuss ideas and advice without worrying that they would be undercut or stabbed in the back for their trouble!. Sometimes I read a post from a newbie, or get an email thanking the community for the good advice received not just from one but several people. This is the sort of goal I was hoping to fulfil. Then, the next day somebody wonders in, carrying "baggage" from another forum, they post this sample material onto DJU and (once it's been edited for four letter words) the content is more like a crayon book for a 5 year old. It's plain that there are some seriously ill advised D.J's out there, and its frightening to think that these people, with this childish level of maturity and poor attitude are not only actually entertaining people and representing us and our industry, but advising other D.J's too! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/scared.gif . Point 2, I don't think the D.J ever got any respect. Although I will admit that people don't seem to enjoy themselves as much and easily as they did in the late 80's and 90's. maybe it's just me, but breaking the ice and getting people to "let go" and enjoy themselves seems to be getting harder each year. In fact SOME gigs are damned hard work. I will say one thing for Moogs comment...for an industry shown such little respect, there is a damned lot of people who want to join it and even more already involved in some way with it. This forum will shortly be celebrating its 1st Anniversary, and in this time we have gained over 1100 members, had almost 1/2 million hits to the site, and many people have forged friendships with others whom they never may have met without it. So Yes, it has its good points but I have mixed feelings about its level of success and the industry in general. Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 Ok -maybe I am on a bit of a feel good factor this week!.... However, the wannabes and cowboys will fall by the wayside, the the true professional will be treated with respect by their clients - yes we all have to put up with ar$eholes once in a while, but tell me a career that doesnt!. Lets keep positive.... You reap what you so - its not all doom and gloom! I have today (five minutes ago) just received a "thank you" card from a bride and groom - and from what they have said, understand how important my role was for their wedding! Really nice words which show me just how much I was appreciated by them. To any newbies - you will have ups and downs in your career as a dj... but if the downs outweighed the ups then Im sure there wouldnt be so many of us ready willing and able to get out there week after week! My personal thinking is that if and when the downs overtake the goods, then I will be out of here quicker than you can say "birdie song"! Until then, I iwll put up with the very small percentage who still class djs as the lowest form of entertainment - and I will keep striving to show them that we are not! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Stewart 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Dec 22 2003, 04:36 PM) Have to agree with moogie Still awaiting for the Southerners to take up the "Up North Challenge" and charge £350 for a gig up here. 6 months and no takers! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif Although to put it into prospective, if you take a look at the ongoing DJU poll HERE you will see that the 47.95% of D.J's who took part in the poll, charge between £101 - £150. If you add up all of the sections, then in total 80.83% of D.J's, who took the time to vote, charge under £200 a night http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif So in conclusion, although it may not seem like it during these discussions, but if the poll is accurate, then it means that £200+ per night is the exception, rather than the rule. but was this poll separated into regions, if yes then it is a fair reflection, if not then it is not Mobile Party DJ For Weddings Parties Corporate Events Covering London Essex Kent Sussex Surrey Bucckinghamshire Hertfordshire & Essex Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Stewart 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Dec 22 2003, 10:59 PM) QUOTE Crispy - how far is melton mowbray "up north"? I get paid a big fee to go up there and play once a year! Melton Mowbray, I believe that is Still the M1 - not even scraping the Midlands. Try Manchester & Lancashire http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . Lol Kazz, have you ever been North of Birmingham?? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif how about Blackpool, is that far enough north, worked there a few times, last time I got £500 plus accomodation. Mobile Party DJ For Weddings Parties Corporate Events Covering London Essex Kent Sussex Surrey Bucckinghamshire Hertfordshire & Essex Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Stewart 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ Dec 23 2003, 04:39 PM) Well I was down Lakeside today doin me Christmas shopping when I bumped into Elvis and Fats Domino............... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif Spin http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/newyear.gif I was there yesterday and bumped into Simon Royce, a real superstar Mobile Party DJ For Weddings Parties Corporate Events Covering London Essex Kent Sussex Surrey Bucckinghamshire Hertfordshire & Essex Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Stewart 0 Posted December 24, 2003 Report Share Posted December 24, 2003 these north v south arguments crop up every time on of us southerners lets slip the fee we get, I tried to justify why our prices are higher for the same job, all Eskie did was tell us that he had just done his dream gig, lets leave it at that Mobile Party DJ For Weddings Parties Corporate Events Covering London Essex Kent Sussex Surrey Bucckinghamshire Hertfordshire & Essex Link to post Share on other sites
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