Request slips?

[One Vision]

Hya fellas I have herd allot on this forum that use request slips, may sound a daft question but what would you put on them for guests to fill in?
Or has anybody got a template they would like to share?

[BeerFunk]

We've had a couple of threads about request slips a while back (here (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=3213) and here (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6293), and I think the general consensus was that they weren't really used by most. I have tried them, but I really don't think they are a good idea usually.

I just had 'Song Request Slip', with 'Artist' and 'Song' below that, or something to that effect.

[Vectis]

Great use for the "Free" vistaprint postcards.

On the front a nice glossy picture, logo, phone number, website etc.

On the back...

[rob1963]

As I've said before, I think request slips are a complete waste of time.

The person has to bring it up & hand it to you, so they may as well just come up & verbally tell you what they want. You can then write it down on a pad.

It also saves a few extra trees.

:)

[Vectis]

As I've said before, I think request slips are a complete waste of time.


And as I've said before, these work VERY well in some circumstances. I certainly don't use them willy nilly. If you have a disjointed crowd, such as a Christmas party where the tables have been sold to different companies, they're a great way to get the requests started.

Around here I'm known as "the DJ that plays requests" because so many of the 'competitors' don't.

[One Vision]

Yeh that's ideal, thanks much appreciated, just 1 question, would you just put these on tables?

Max my mate hates the idea but for my own shows I think they could be good as you get at least some idea of what people like even if you don't actually have the requested songs.

[rob1963]

Around here I'm known as "the DJ that plays requests" because so many of the 'competitors' don't.

Same here, although I take just them verbally on the night & also in advance from the clients.

The request form I send to clients in advance has space for up to 50 songs, and I will play all requests (time permitting)...whether they give me 10 or 50.

[Vectis]

would you just put these on tables?

Usually. Use the front side as an advert. You'll be surprised how many make it into handbags!

Although I have been known to "break out the request cards" on a particularly difficult night when no-one's up for a boogie and the verbal requests are thin on the ground. Usually gets things moving.


Same here, although I take just them verbally on the night & also in advance from the clients.


Most of my clients set up the online quote thing and pass the website address (or my special cards) around to their guests (more free advertising!!) so request cards aren't necessary at those events.

[One Vision]

Looking through some of the threads on this some members point out that they discuss this with the clients, well yeh I agree you ask the client at birthdays, weddings etc. but they don't know what everybody likes?
Plus a lot of the gigs your simply booked by a venue for entertainment and they don't know who is going to come through the doors all evening so may be good for them?

[Vectis]

a lot of the gigs your simply booked by a venue for entertainment and they don't know who is going to come through the doors all evening so may be good for them?

Ta-da! Exactamundo.

For the "family parties" you've got a much better handle either from the booking docs, the client meeting or in my case via the website.

[djsteve10]

Not something i use myself, easier just for them to come up and ask me for a song verbally, Don't see the need in request slips, its another cost and also when a guest comes up to you its an interaction with the crowd and you are talking to them as a person and interacting, recieving a request form and playing the tracks is the cowards way and the boring way out if you ask me.

[kilmeedyman]

I have to say - love 'em! At the right gig.

Company dinner dance - winner - gets audience involved with the music before you crank it up - helps witha wide cross section audience.

School prom - winner - especially for dedications. You have to use your discretion, but my experience is winner every time.

Wedding - mixed winner/waster - only use them at my gigs and not agents' gigs.

21/25/30 birthday - usually waster
Anniveraries - waster

[rob1963]

I'm just wondering something about those of you who get punters to use request slips.

Presumably, when you go to the post office for some stamps, you don't say anything, but just hand them a bit of paper on which you've written "I'd like a book of 12 first class stamps please"

And if you're shopping at your local market stall, you don't say anything, but just hand them a bit of paper saying "Hi there...I'd like a pound of tomatoes please"

This might sound stupid, but it's exactly the same thing.

My point is that you're there anyway...so why not just open your mouth, which after all is easier...and also more friendly & personal?

I'd MUCH rather chat to someone about their request. That way I can tell them whether I have it, ask for an alternative if I don't, and also give them an idea of when I'll be playing it.

:shrug:

[CRAZY K]

Yeh that's ideal, thanks much appreciated, just 1 question, would you just put these on tables?

Max my mate hates the idea but for my own shows I think they could be good as you get at least some idea of what people like even if you don't actually have the requested songs.

Do remember that for a lot of Private functions like Weddings, Birthdays, Celebrations etc you will already have please play tracks--if you are doing your job properly.

In fact tonight ive got a huge number requested by the Bride.

Apart from the usual Rob 1963 music, Cheese and 80s they want Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chilis so its not a good place to invite requests in case I get---errr

R and B :eek:

Then it causes friction cos im not playing a request.

Use this carefully, ideally as Martin VV says at events where there may be no particular guidance on what to play.

CRAZY K

[CRAZY K]

I'm just wondering something about those of you who get punters to use request slips.

Presumably, when you go to the post office for some stamps, you don't say anything, but just hand them a bit of paper on which you've written "I'd like a book of 12 first class stamps please"

And if you're shopping at your local market stall, you don't say anything, but just hand them a bit of paper saying "Hi there...I'd like a pound of tomatoes please"

This might sound stupid, but it's exactly the same thing.

My point is that you're there anyway...so why not just open your mouth, which after all is easier...and also more friendly & personal?

I'd MUCH rather chat to someone about their request. That way I can tell them whether I have it, ask for an alternative if I don't, and also give them an idea of when I'll be playing it.

:shrug:

I think Rob that personal COMMUNICATION is becoming a big problem for some people and that people of your age and my age might not understand why people have to text each other when they sit next to one another--whats that all about:confused:

Its happening and sadly its the fault of modern technology--friendly and personal is what a growing number of people in this country are NOT!

CRAZY K

[axeman]

like so many other topics we cover on here, this one has no right or wrong definite answer just depends on the gig/night/people, but if you have request slips in your kit it's another tool to have in your locker, on the odd occasion you might need them.

[Shaun]

As I've said before, I think request slips are a complete waste of time.
)

Why are things always wrong or a waste of time when it's a practice you don't adopt?. Same old story...


And as I've said before, these work VERY well in some circumstances. I certainly don't use them willy nilly. If you have a disjointed crowd, such as a Christmas party where the tables have been sold to different companies, they're a great way to get the requests started.


Well said!

[rob1963]

I think Rob that personal COMMUNICATION is becoming a big problem for some people and that people of your age and my age might not understand why people have to text each other when they sit next to one another--whats that all about:confused:

Its happening and sadly its the fault of modern technology--friendly and personal is what a growing number of people in this country are NOT!

CRAZY K

Sadly, I think you're right, Crazy.

:cry:

[wensleydale]

Why are things always wrong or a waste of time when it's a practice you don't adopt?. Same old story...



Well said!




Look good Vectis'.
I think the big advantage is the advertising factor.
Dont use them myself but can see why they might work.
We tend to do mostly weddings so often have a fairly detailed idea of what the B&G want.

[Shaun]

Look good Shaun- as do Vectis'.
I think the big advantage is the advertising factor.
Dont use them myself but can see why they might work.
We tend to do mostly weddings so often have a fairly detailed idea of what the B&G want.


I never use them at weddings. I don't place out any advertising at weddings whatsoever. The only place I tend to use the request slips these days is at School discos and youth events.

[rob1963]

Why are things always wrong or a waste of time when it's a practice you don't adopt?. Same old story...

Shaun,

With all due respect, I didn't say request slips are wrong or a waste of time.

I said I THINK they are a waste of time. In other words, they are a waste of time IN MY OPINION.

If you take the time to read my posts #4 & #13 properly, you'll see that I then went on to explain exactly WHY I think request slips are a waste of time.

After all, it's not very helpful to just make statements without explaining your reasons for thinking the way you do.

Maybe it would be more constructive for you to answer the REASONS I gave for not using request slips...rather than just making flippant statements like the one above.

[Shaun]

Shaun,



Maybe it would be more constructive for you to answer the REASONS I gave for not using request slips...rather than just making flippant statements like the one above.

I've no desire to answer any reasons, once you've made up your mind it becomes a pointless task debating with you (IN MY OPINION). :rolleyes:

The original poster was looking for ideas on request slips, how did I know you were going to jump in and discredit it?...I wonder!.

I've posted the image for him. That's the the extent of my reasoning, discussion and debating in this topic.

[rob1963]

I've no desire to answer any reasons, once you've made up your mind it becomes a pointless task debating with you (IN MY OPINION). :rolleyes:

The original poster was looking for ideas on request slips, how did I know you were going to jump in and discredit it?...I wonder!.

I've posted the image for him. That's the the extent of my reasoning, discussion and debating in this topic.

That's just the kind of response I was expecting.

Thanks for not disappointing me!

:rolleyes:

[Shaun]

Honest responses are the only kind you'll receive from me.

------------------------------


If anyone else uses requests slips please post them. It'll be interesting to see the differences between them all. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't use them, never have and never will.

I communicate by using the mic and talking to people.

Much more personal IMO.

[rob1963]

I don't use them, never have and never will.

I communicate by using the mic and talking to people.

Much more personal IMO.

:clap: :D :thumbsup:

[Shaun]

I don't use them, never have and never will.

I communicate by using the mic and talking to people.

Much more personal IMO.

Using slips and communicating on the mic and talking to people..... the two scenarios needn't be separate entities. The slips just 'break the ice' with people that may not normally request stuff. I still have a chat with them when they come up to hand me their request.

I get a lot more requests on the odd occasion I use the request slips than I do when I just invite people over the mic to come up and make requests. Why?, I have no idea.

Different strokes for different folks. :cool:

[rob1963]

I feel sorry for the trees.

[One Vision]

Too much analysis going on over this, at the end of the day everybody is different and do things differently.

These slips are obviously not for every gig but something in your armour that can be tried.
I would probably hand them out in person as the beginning of the night, and tell the guests in person that if they have any requests to bring me the slips.
You get in deep with the guests then.

Rob simple solution mate "buy recycled paper/card" :shrug:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Too much analysis going on over this

Er, this is a forum. People discuss things. :rolleyes:

[Silver]

I don't use them, I don't think they are good, bad or indifferent. If they work for YOU then good on you!. I do things my way, you do things your way. I mean, if we all did the same thing with the same equipment, you know Mackies and all that, what a bore life would be.

Please treat this post as a lesson in how turn a thread about request slips into a full blown http://planetsmilies.net/violent-smiley-1431.gif concerning Mackies!!!! http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10799.gif


Taxi for Silver!

[One Vision]

Yeh there is discussing things and comparing with other things.
I don't honestly think anybody is thick enough to think that they can go a whole night with no use of the mic or interaction, its part of the job.

There is also no reason why if slips have been handed out from time to time you send a reminder out to the guests that if they have any requests to use the slips and bring over to the DJ.

I have lost count how many times I have had to ask a guest to right the track or artist down on the pad because I cant understand a word they are saying due to them being bladdered, loud music or I haven't actually heard of the track, its pure common sense.
I just thought in some circumstances it maybe a useful option to have.

Sometimes some actually miss that you have mentioned over the mic about requests, no mater how clear you make it sometimes they are just too busy gassing to hear.
Even if you do the traditional way over the mic there is no reason why you cant give them a slip when they have come up to make a request just for other requests they may want throughout the evening.

Example, yes of course I will play wham, can I also give you one of these slips so if you have any other requests simply write it down and Ill do my best to fit it in, also our contact details are on the slip if your ever in need of a reliable disco. :Kiss 3:

[rob1963]

Rob simple solution mate "buy recycled paper/card" :shrug:

Simpler solution: Don't use them at all!

:D :D :D

[Impactdisco]

Please allow me to jump in - I use request sheets most of the time. I also talk on the mic and encourage requests.

When I meet my prospective clients, I talk about the request sheets and 99% of clients think they are a great idea.

Also - I reckon I get 10-20 sheets back at each disco.

I did a wedding last night, and the reason I was booked for it, was that the bride attended an engagement party I did and took a request sheet home with her as she felt uncomfortable talking to me while I was working.

By coincidence, my booking next week is as a result of the request slip being taken home from that same engaegement party.

So I got 2 bookings from the same party because the slips were laying on the tables.

With regards to playing the requests on the slips - I try my best to play as many as possible, by I have the following printed on the slip

Please accept our apologies if it is not possible to play your request on the night.

I'm not saying I'm right and you're wrong, I wouldn't dream of telling anyone how to run their business, but all I can say is that in my case, the request slips are worth the effort and expense.

Do I get normal requests as well? Of course I do and it means I havethe best of both worlds.

[Penfold42]

Never used them.....but the two - VV and Shaun are :cool: ....very good looking.........

Hummmm.......might give them a whirl.......

Cheers guys...:)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As most of you will know already, I use them quite extensively. I actually do a night called 'REQUEST FEST' which is...well, self-explanatory isn't it. They work for me and the punters love them because as soon as they see me walk through the door and start setting up, they are jumping on my back asking for them.

Before I go on (and on and on and on...lol), I will say that I agree partly with the lack of communication comments made earlier in this thread. An example of this and one that annoyed me just the other night actually (although it does happen quite regularly) was at my Indie/Alternative night. A girl came up to me, tapped me on the shoulder (as I was cueing up) and stuck her mobile phone in my face. On the screen it said "Can you please play something by Razorlight? Thanks xxx")...I shouted at her "Have you lost the ability to talk now then...and any particular song?" - She replied "Anything mate!"...That totally defeated the object and I half expected her to quickly write another text and show me the screen!

Anyway, I used to put out request slips at weddings too but then thought that it wasn't a good idea advertising my services on someone's big day so now I mention the slips in my pre-function meetings and if they give consent then I will do it.

The time it really did prove to me that they were a good idea was at christmas last year. Once the guests were all seated I welcomed them to the venue and introduced myself and then announced "ladies and gents, rather than play a whole bunch of christmas tracks that you've heard a million times before, I want you to hear the music that YOU want so please use the request slips provided to list any specific tracks that you want to hear during the evening along with any dedications". It went down a storm, made the time go quicker and I had people praising the idea all night.

Request Slips work for some people and not for others - That's obvious BUT it doesn't mean that those who use them are in the right and those that don't are in the wrong....and vice versa.

[rob1963]

Request Slips work for some people and not for others - That's obvious BUT it doesn't mean that those who use them are in the right and those that don't are in the wrong....and vice versa.

To be honest, I'll never know whether they work for me, as they are not something I would try...for the reasons I've already given.

However, I haven't said I am right & everyone else is wrong.

If people enjoy using them & are pleased with the results, that's fine.

They are just not for me.