What do you make of this statement.

[MagicMusic]

Lifted straight from a wedding forum posted by a guy who probably seeks to promote best practice but in my opinion is somewhat misguided and misinformed.



Do you take Play-Lists and requests from Guests? It is your Big Night and a good DJ should be able to play all your requests. They should also ask you what songs you don't want to hear no matter who asks for them. As an extra they ought to be giving your guests cards and pens for requests.

Fair enough

Can we contact some of your previous customers? They should be more than happy to give you a long list of very happy customers.

Agreed

Do you have a ProDub Licence? A legal requirement for anyone using a laptop to play copies of their CDs or downloaded songs.


Hmmm, sure about that are you. Might want to rephrase a little.

Can you call Ceilidh Dances? As a wedding has all ages present the majority can only cope with 30mins of Ceilidh Dancing... a DJ ought to be able to call the major dances for you should it be required.

Eh? Says who? I've been to plenty of Celilidh's where the golden oldies have seen off all the youngsters

Do you play MP3s or WAV (24bit PCM Audio) files? MP3s are reduced quality (compressed files) and are really not suitable for DJs... especially as most should be using a 24bit soundcard with their laptops. The quality will be noticeable.

What? I'd like to do a blindfold test with this guy, he has clearly missed his vocation

Can you download a song at the last minute if urgently needed? There are specialist DJ websites where WAV files can be purchased. If the DJ is serious then they should have a 3G internet connection to be able to do this for you on the night!

????!@%$@??? :Censored: :Censored: :Censored: Why?????


Will my guests still be able to talk when you are playing? If they adhere to 2005 H&SE Noise at Work Directive you should be able to talk as-well as dance. As an extra, they should ideally be carrying protective headgear to offer for any babies present.


Hold on while I slip these industrial earmuffs over your bairn's napper.

Can you cater for Multicultural and Interracial Marriages or for the requests of my foreign guests? The world is becoming culturally smaller. A good DJ should know what types of music to play for all corners of the globe or be willing to learn what to play.

Not sure about this comment.

Is your equipment electrically tested? Some venues won't let the DJ in the building without a PAT certificate. Check they have this.

Agreed.

Do you have Public Liability Insurance? In the unlikely event that an accident occurs you want to be assured that the DJ can be sued. Most should be taping down cables and securing lights with safety ties.

PLI is a must but what the hell is the statement about getting sued all about?

Go you - make sure you can sue the DJ!


Do you have back-up equipment? If they are prepared then they should have a duplicate of almost everything in case of any emergency. (i.e laptop, soundcard, speakers, mixing desk).

Fair enough.

If they are really serious then they also should have a Uninterruptable Power Supplier (UPS Battery) so that they won't have to restart everything if there is the slightest of surges, spikes or power failures.

?


How much space do you take up and how long will it take you to be ready? A good DJ should have already visited or at least been in touch with your venue to ensure that there is sufficient access and set-up space. Most DJs should be at your Wedding at least 30mins before the required time to ensure that they have all their equipment in an anteroom ready to set-up when the room is ready. Doing this will keep their set-up time to less than 45mins.

Good practice but who the hell is he to decide how long it should take for anyone else's set up?



To me it reads as basically - if your DJ doesn't meet all of these requirements then choose me 'cause I do!

I genuinely don't mean any offence to the guy his website looks good and he ticks all the boxes but it seems as if this post is designed to scare off punters from the opposition rather than promote best practice which I hope, he is actually trying to achieve with this kind of post.

With friends like these...

[Excalibur]

Made I larfff. :D :D

[MagicMusic]

To offer some balance here is another post from the same chap talking about DJ's versus iPod weddings which would suggest that he is trying to promote best practice, even if it is in his own strange little misinformed way...



Requests – A good DJ will play all of your music choices and be able to take requests on the night

Quality – I am afraid that MP3s are good on headphones while jogging... but the sound quality is comparable to radio quality when played through a good PA system. A good DJ will be playing Linear PCM Audio Wave files through a 24bit Dual Stereo soundcard.

Continuity – A disc jockey is there to group together similar styles of music and beat match them so that the dancers keeps bouncing to the same rhythm. He will also be able to react to changes in mood of the audience and know what style of music will change the dynamic.

Rapport – It is not just about the music. The rapport of a good DJ as he shares the experiences of your night will give that extra dimension to the event.

Cost – If you are worried about the cost of a DJ you will find them offering cheaper rates if they don’t have to bring all their usual equipment.

Lights - A good DJ will have a suitable LED lighting rig. This will add immensely to the atmosphere of the night.

Less stress – With a DJ at least you will be able to relax without worrying about the need to change the music if no-one is dancing.

[DazzyD]

Lifted straight from a wedding forum posted by a guy who probably seeks to promote best practice but in my opinion is somewhat misguided and misinformed.


Do you take Play-Lists and requests from Guests? It is your Big Night and a good DJ should be able to play all your requests. They should also ask you what songs you don't want to hear no matter who asks for them. As an extra they ought to be giving your guests cards and pens for requests.

Fair enough

Simply giving the customer want they want. I'm okay with this.

Can we contact some of your previous customers? They should be more than happy to give you a long list of very happy customers.

Agreed

Never give out past customer's details without getting their permission first. It's Data Protection at it's simplest.

Do you have a ProDub Licence? A legal requirement for anyone using a laptop to play copies of their CDs or downloaded songs.


Hmmm, sure about that are you. Might want to rephrase a little.

He's paid out for PD without knowing the full facts.

Can you call Ceilidh Dances? As a wedding has all ages present the majority can only cope with 30mins of Ceilidh Dancing... a DJ ought to be able to call the major dances for you should it be required.

Eh? Says who? I've been to plenty of Celilidh's where the golden oldies have seen off all the youngsters

Can't comment on this. Not my niche.

Do you play MP3s or WAV (24bit PCM Audio) files? MP3s are reduced quality (compressed files) and are really not suitable for DJs... especially as most should be using a 24bit soundcard with their laptops. The quality will be noticeable.

What? I'd like to do a blindfold test with this guy, he has clearly missed his vocation

I've been using MP3s for a long time and no-one has ever complained about the quality - even at lower bitrates of days gone by.

Can you download a song at the last minute if urgently needed? There are specialist DJ websites where WAV files can be purchased. If the DJ is serious then they should have a 3G internet connection to be able to do this for you on the night!

????!@%$@??? Why?????

If the DJ is really serious about using digital playout systems his working laptop shouldn't be connecting to the internet and especially while performing. That's just tempting fate.


Will my guests still be able to talk when you are playing? If they adhere to 2005 H&SE Noise at Work Directive you should be able to talk as-well as dance. As an extra, they should ideally be carrying protective headgear to offer for any babies present.


Hold on while I slip these industrial earmuffs over your bairn's napper.

Is protecting babies hearing at wedding functions covered in the Noise At Work legislation? Must have missed that one.

Can you cater for Multicultural and Interracial Marriages or for the requests of my foreign guests? The world is becoming culturally smaller. A good DJ should know what types of music to play for all corners of the globe or be willing to learn what to play.

Not sure about this comment.

This is work for a niche DJ. Your average mobile jock shouldn't even be attempting this. I know I'd pass on this gig.

Is your equipment electrically tested? Some venues won't let the DJ in the building without a PAT certificate. Check they have this.

Agreed.

Ditto

Do you have Public Liability Insurance? In the unlikely event that an accident occurs you want to be assured that the DJ can be sued. Most should be taping down cables and securing lights with safety ties.

PLI is a must but what the hell is the statement about getting sued all about?

Go you - make sure you can sue the DJ!

Actually, the wording isn't great but it's a valid comment. What he's saying is that you want to know that the DJ can cover any financial liability in the event of an accident. It's all fine and well being awarded a settlement in court for injury but if the DJ can't pay then it means nothing. If the DJ has PLI it's likely he can meet any payout thus giving the customer peace of mind.

Do you have back-up equipment? If they are prepared then they should have a duplicate of almost everything in case of any emergency. (i.e laptop, soundcard, speakers, mixing desk).

Fair enough.

Disagree. A backup doesn't need to be a duplicate of your main kit. It can be a totally different type of system.

If they are really serious then they also should have a Uninterruptable Power Supplier (UPS Battery) so that they won't have to restart everything if there is the slightest of surges, spikes or power failures.

?

Good idea in theory. Expensive to implement though.

How much space do you take up and how long will it take you to be ready? A good DJ should have already visited or at least been in touch with your venue to ensure that there is sufficient access and set-up space. Most DJs should be at your Wedding at least 30mins before the required time to ensure that they have all their equipment in an anteroom ready to set-up when the room is ready. Doing this will keep their set-up time to less than 45mins.

Good practice but who the hell is he to decide how long it should take for anyone else's set up?

As has been discussed on here many times, different people with different setups take different lengths of time to set up. It's only natural. We are not all the same.



To me it reads as basically - if your DJ doesn't meet all of these requirements then choose me 'cause I do!


I genuinely don't mean any offence to the guy his website looks good and he ticks all the boxes but it seems as if this post is designed to scare off punters from the opposition rather than promote best practice which I hope, he is actually trying to achieve with this kind of post.

With friends like these...

If this guy's chosen marketing method includes scare tactics then he's certainly not the first, or only, business to go down this road. I wouldn't let it bother you.

As per post #3, is this guy really a wedding DJ? Maybe a bit OTT if he is.

[MagicMusic]

If this guy's chosen marketing method includes scare tactics then he's certainly not the first, or only, business to go down this road. I wouldn't let it bother you.

It doesn't really bother me but in this business we have to put up with enough problems from ill - informed brides to be without fellow DJ's adding fuel to the fire.

[Excalibur]

It doesn't really bother me but in this business we have to put up with enough problems from ill - informed brides to be without fellow DJ's adding fuel to the fire.

Happens in all walks of life mate. ;) :( :( Basically a sales pitch. Less harmful than some things I've seen.

[CRAZY K]

Happens in all walks of life mate. ;) :( :( Basically a sales pitch. Less harmful than some things I've seen.

Agreed 100 per cent Peter--if this bloke is as talented as he claims why is he wasting his time on a Wedding forum site instead of out spending all the money he ought to be earning;)

Frankly many of the services are irrelevant and most DJs wouldnt offer such services but more importantly most clients wouldnt need them.

When you boil it down--what Peter said;)

CRAZY K

[Corabar Steve]

I think he needs to be very publicly corrected on his misconceptions. We have a hard enough time with the general public's perceptions without muppets like that adding to it.

[Penfold42]

Just a quicky.....is this guy know to this forum? :)

[CRAZY K]

Just a quicky.....is this guy know to this forum? :)

I cant see him joining here now!

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

CRAZY K

[Corabar Steve]

Is anyone actually registered to post on the forum concerned?

Maybe just post for him to join the MDD forum so that he can get his facts straight. That ought to do it :sj:

[DiscoPromotions]

Seriously, UPS, come on... The things way a ton, and only last about 20 minutes for something that is portable (if powered everything). If you are using surge protection, that takes a few seconds to reset itself. If the power goes, in the real world I would reckon it takes no longer than 30 seconds bring everything back online safely.

I think this person's view is very misguided; is this person doing a event or on a building site?

He must turn up giving out

- Steel Cap Shoes
- Hard Hard
- Reflective Vis Vests
- Ear Protection

When everyone is in the room, he must delivering a site introduction ("the emergency exits are here and here")

I found the person's website...

Something else I found funny, under the Top 10 reasons to book their services:

10 - "I keep the treble low so people can still talk while everyone else dances." - I must have missed that lecture when I was doing my HND...

Also, this person needs to make up their mind if 45 minutes is enough, under their FAQ I found this:

Q. How much time do you require to set up?
A. I will need 50mins to set-up (based on all my gear being ready in an anteroom)

Looking at pictures of the person's setup, and if it this person's typical setup time is 45 minutes; I recommend pulling his finger out and moving quicker. I can setup 3 times as much equipment in about the same time.

Reading on further.... I think I found the reason it takes this person so long to setup his gear; this person's got almost double of everything after reading the PAT certificate. 2 laptops and 3 external hard drives.

Looking at this person UPS solution to power failures, this person is using APC as back up batteries; a solution for computer equipment and reading the specs of a few APC units I would not be comfortable using it on amps, mixers and lights etc...

On full load battery lasts approx 6 to 8 minutes which is enough time to shutdown systems; as that is what is designed for...

Seriously, this person needs to get out from his bubble, and see how it is really done by true hard working professionals.

[Corabar Steve]

Please refrain from criticising this person's website & / or set up when he isn't on here with a right to reply.

Further psts along these lines will be deleted & the thread may be closed.

[leelive]

I am glad that my DJ Check List is being discussed on this forum.
Early in January I wrote the following to the Editor of Pro Mobile.
I have yet to see the latest edition but I imagine my comments have been published - hence the discussion here.
Lee

Dear Eddie

As I am generally booked up 12months in-advance, and have not yet figured a way to clone myself, I am turning away lots of customers. Most of them ask if I can recommend other DJs but because I don't have the time to see anyone else perform I am unable to do that. So, I am thinking of offering them a few tips on the things they should ask other DJs to see if they are serious about the business and the music. As a VOWS Awards Winning DJ (The highest accolade in the Scottish Wedding Industry) who prides himself on customer service I feel I am in a position to do this.

Here is my proposed DJ Check List. The aim of asking you to publish this list is to provoke a constructive discussion, but mainly to see what other DJs would add to the list to ensure that I am not missing a trick.

[CRAZY K]

Please refrain from criticising this person's website & / or set up when he isn't on here with a right to reply.

Further psts along these lines will be deleted & the thread may be closed.

Pity I was LMAO

CRAZY K

[Corabar Steve]

I am glad that my DJ Check List is being discussed on this forum.
Early in January I wrote the following to the Editor of Pro Mobile.
I have yet to see the latest edition but I imagine my comments have been published - hence the discussion here.
Lee .
Can you tell us where to get the baby ear defenders?

[Tony Scott]

Can you tell us where to get the baby ear defenders?

Looks happy doesn't she? :D

[Corabar Steve]

No, but that's because they're adult sized ones.



P.S. Lee, please take the time to introduce yourself properly in the Newbies section of the forum.

[Tony Scott]

from my experience this is a much better use of ear defenders...

[DiscoPromotions]

Honset opinion a majority of the statements I would recommend a review, but the keys one I am picking up are as follows:

Can you download a song at the last minute if urgently needed? Having a 3G connection is not always possible regardless what network you are on. If a DJ was serious, would they not already have it in their library?

Do you play MP3s or WAV (24bit PCM Audio) files?
Unless the audience are audiophiles; most people can not hear the different in blind testing.

If you did have audiophiles in the crowd, they would more probably criticise PA system first.

Will my guests still be able to talk when you are playing?
Recommend reading http://soundadvice.info/thewholestory/san11.htm

There are alternatives than just wearing ear-plugs. Example turning in the speakers into the dance floor (depending on venue); or monitoring sound levels like when I go to the bar and ask myself "can I can talk to the staff without the need to shout in to their ear".

Do you have back-up equipment?
See my comments in my pervious post about UPS.

How much space do you take up and how long will it take you to be ready?
It takes us 30 minutes just to unload the van at a big event; then 60 minutes to setup and sound check.

Can you call Ceilidh Dances?
Not much call, in fact not received a call for it in the Midlands. Would recommend you use it as unique selling point rather than statement.

[DazzyD]

from my experience this is a much better use of ear defenders...

Wish I'd thought of that!

Especially these last few weeks. My youngest son has been poorly with a cold, chest infection and to top it off he's teething (3 together!) too!

Ain't Calpol and Bonjela great??? ;)

[Excalibur]

Wish I'd thought of that!

Especially these last few weeks. My youngest son has been poorly with a cold, chest infection and to top it off he's teething (3 together!) too!

Ain't Calpol and Bonjela great??? ;)

Yeah, especially when you add them to a large glass of something cheering, and drink it yourself. :beer1:

[DazzyD]

Yeah, especially when you add them to a large glass of something cheering, and drink it yourself. :beer1:

You see? That's the wisdom of age. I haven't quite gotten there yet! :D

[MagicMusic]

I am glad that my DJ Check List is being discussed on this forum.
Early in January I wrote the following to the Editor of Pro Mobile.
I have yet to see the latest edition but I imagine my comments have been published - hence the discussion here.
Lee

Dear Eddie

As I am generally booked up 12months in-advance, and have not yet figured a way to clone myself, I am turning away lots of customers. Most of them ask if I can recommend other DJs but because I don't have the time to see anyone else perform I am unable to do that. So, I am thinking of offering them a few tips on the things they should ask other DJs to see if they are serious about the business and the music. As a VOWS Awards Winning DJ (The highest accolade in the Scottish Wedding Industry) who prides himself on customer service I feel I am in a position to do this.

Here is my proposed DJ Check List. The aim of asking you to publish this list is to provoke a constructive discussion, but mainly to see what other DJs would add to the list to ensure that I am not missing a trick.

Hi Lee.

Firsty, I would like to repeat that my decision to highlight your list was not a personal attack on you, in fact I didn't actually even name you in the original post.

I noticed your post on the SWD forums and take issues with some of what you are trying to say. Your post is highly opinionated and you put it across as factual. It goes some way to suggesting to would be brides that anyone not adhering to all of your points is not "a good DJ".

I think that your opinions regarding mp3 files are way off the mark and you should do some more research regarding the subject.

The ProDub licence is a minefield (and a nonsense in my opinion) but it is clearly stated that the license is not required when digital files are downloaded directly on to the main playout system. It is a format - shifting licence, meaning that it allows you to legally change the medium of a recording. For example recording a vinyl record to a digital file or ripping a CD.

I believe that you are trying to do good and that deserves respect but I fear that in doing so you are misleading people, particularly regarding mp3 files.