A Brilliant Party - But Some Negatives...

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Hi all,

Well, here's another report from a Wedding gig I did last night at a really nice venue just out of town. I have done a number of gigs at this particular venue. It started around 2 years ago when I did my first one there and since then I have done about 10. It's a privately owned venue (not a big chain) and the guy who owns it is a top bloke. He passes on my details to all his customers and I am his recommended supplier with links on his website etc...
Last night was my first visit of the year to the venue and I have another 8 Weddings coming up there with 4 weeks in a row in the near future.

Anyway, that's the background for you.

Last night's gig was brilliant. I saw the Bride & Groom around 3 weeks ago when we had our consultation and it was a real surprise. It turned out that they met a few years ago at a night I was doing when I had a residency in a venue in Surrey. She worked behind the bar and he was a regular customer. We had been communicating by email and phone before we had the meeting and when we saw eachother again...well, she was very pleased. She told me that after our meeting she had gone on to Facebook and told all her friends that it was the old DJ from 'The Oak' that was doing her wedding and everyone was up for it.

When I started last night, I was instantly at ease. It was a young-ish crowd and very friendly. 150 guests all up for it. I had a few specific requests and some 'don't plays' but was more or less given free reign over the whole music side. Because of the weather being so nice and the grounds of the venue being absolutely gorgeous, a lot of people sat outside until around 9.00pm. Once they got up and got going, it was 3 hours of full on dancing with around 100 people dancing for the rest of the night. Everything went really well and it was another great gig.

Songs of the night by a mile were 'Mr Brightside' and 'Sex on Fire'...the whole place went absolutely mad!

So...the negatives....

Well, unfortunately there WERE some negatives but nothing to do with the party itself or anything that I did really.

Firstly.....Wedding Planners / Co-ordinators...whatever you want to call them... The Bride & Groom had booked a Wedding Planner privately to take care of the whole thing and I have to say that they did an absolutely brilliant job and they also worked their bits off....BUT...the first impressions of the lady in charge were not to great. I know she was doing her job but I like to think that I know what I am doing so I don't need to be intefered with. I was just finishing off setting up the rig in the morning. I hadn't taped down cables yet or anything. She introduced herself and then immediately said "Can you secure those cables as they are a health & safety hazard"...I explained that it was my next job and half way through that she said "Oh, and that speaker stack will need to be moved"... The stack was fine where it was so I asked "Can I ask why?" and she said..."Again, health & safety and also they are a fire hazard as they are blocking the fire exits" (THEY WERE'NT AT ALL). I advised her that they were fine where they were and that the owner had told me they were fine aswell and I also said that I was a fire warden in my previous job and have also done fire fighting courses and have certificates to prove it. She was fine after that and we got on well during the evening.

Another negative was the photographer. Now, this isn't the first time a photographer has come across as a grumpy old git. It was around 8.00pm and he approached me asking "Do you know when they are doing their first dance?"...As I was stood there, the Wedding Planner came out again as she must have heard..."Oh, I have advised them to do it at 8.00pm but we're running slightly late" she said...I jumped in..."In my experience..." I said..."I think 8.00pm is a bit early. A lot of the evening guests aren't here yet and they will miss seeing them do it if they do it asap"...The photographer said "The sooner the better for me, I've been here all day and want to get home"...The Wedding Planner said she would check with the Bride & Groom and later on she came back to us both and said "Apparently Gary advised them to do it around 8.45pm so we'll go with that" (that's what I said in our meeting)...You should have seen the photographer's face...grumpy or what!!
They are there to do a job so do it. They get paid enough money from what I have seen in the past so shut up and get on with it and smile.

Lastly..and this is a bit embarassing. I used 2 amps with the crossover and the bigger system due to the number of guests. I wanted plenty of room should I need extra oomph... I haven't used the crossover that many times and I always take the leads out after each gig. In the morning I connected everything, soundchecked and all was well. I guess the weather was getting me hot and bothered and I couldn't of checked properly as I noticed once the evening got underway that on one side of the rig, the stack was as it should be but on the other side, the JBL just had a bit of high coming out of it and the bass was quite low. I looked at the signals on the front of the amps as I pumped up the music a bit later on and it looked like one side was getting most of the power. You couldn't really notice it out front if you didn't know what you were looking for but I knew it wasn't right. I guessed that I may have connected something wrongly or that there was a dodgy lead somewhere? I will be testing it all shortly as I will be going back to the venue to pick up the rest of the equipment as I couldn't get it out last night due to access and the number of guests still milling about waiting for their lifts/taxi's.

I am going to leave the leads in from now on and label them so I know where they go every time. I think it was something really stupid like putting one of the leads for the bass in the full range or something....either that or one of the leads isn't working as it should be. Oh well...it's a learning curve!

Hope everyone else had a good one! :D

[Spirits High]

I must say Gary, part of my post gig sunday morning ritual is reading your mini blog from the previous nights gig and most entertaining it is too :D

Keep 'em coming as I tend to time the boiled eggs on the length of your posts.....spot on everytime ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't know whether I should say 'Thanks' or 'Are you taking the .....?' but I'll opt for the first one.
You know what it's like mate...I had a late night and because I knew I had lots to do today, I hardly slept so I thought I'd do a report.

[Spirits High]

I don't know whether I should say 'Thanks' or 'Are you taking the .....?' but I'll opt for the first one.


Good idea to go for the first one as that was how it was ment :D

It always good to see how other Djs get on at their gigs ;)

[discomobiledj]

Best part of a Sunday morning...reading Gary's post report.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Checked the equipment. I took the crossover out of the flightcase and removed all cables. Started from the beginning and noticed that one of the XLR leads from the high on the crossover to the amp wasn't working properly and also that a button had been pushed in when it shouldn't have been. Replaced everything and labelled, tested and all is well now. Just need some shorter XLR leads and to leave them all connected in the crossover all the time rather than taking them out.

[CRAZY K]

Checked the equipment. I took the crossover out of the flightcase and removed all cables. Started from the beginning and noticed that one of the XLR leads from the high on the crossover to the amp wasn't working properly and also that a button had been pushed in when it shouldn't have been. Replaced everything and labelled, tested and all is well now. Just need some shorter XLR leads and to leave them all connected in the crossover all the time rather than taking them out.

My Peavey tops with subs are click and play literally--plug in two leads each side and click--then play.

One advantage of using matched set up fom the same manufacturer with cross over built in to the sub units, (waits for the Peavey knockers):eek: :eek: :eek:

As I had an audience of 16 to 18 year olds last night came in handy using subs.

[Paul The Party Dj]

I agree Sundays wouldn't be the same without Gary's post.
My system is the same- it makes life so simple (even if it is Peavey). Changing things from gig to gig always gives me nightmares - on friday we did two shows, a Primary School Disco and a 50th. I set up the 50th in the afternoon, then took a smaller show for the school and then back to the 50th adding a few of the lights I'd used at the school - I was worrying about it all week! Cheers, Paul

[Penfold42]

Keep 'em coming as I tend to time the boiled eggs on the length of your posts.....spot on everytime ;)

Do you like hard boiled then? :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Charlie Brown]

Very good read.

Without picking fault Garry, it amazes me how many "run ins" you have with venue staff.

If I were you - I'd of moved the stack straight away and wouldn't of questioned her. Yes, you probably set them up correctly but you have to liaise and work with that lady for the west of the night. I'd of just pusssy footed around her and kept her sweet....could lead to more work. ;)

I always work on the principle - they're right so it'll be done their way. :beer1:

[DJ Jules]

Checked the equipment. I took the crossover out of the flightcase and removed all cables. Started from the beginning and noticed that one of the XLR leads from the high on the crossover to the amp wasn't working properly and also that a button had been pushed in when it shouldn't have been. Replaced everything and labelled, tested and all is well now. Just need some shorter XLR leads and to leave them all connected in the crossover all the time rather than taking them out.

I've got two amps and an active crossover pre-wired in a flight case for when I take out the subs, and another amp for when I just take the tops.

Easy :) Except when I decide to take just one sub, then I have to use a different output on the crossover and bridge the amp. Which is why I never do it :D

Julian

[CRAZY K]

I always work on the principle - they're right so it'll be done their way. :beer1:

Its also a very good way of digging yourself into a massive hole of trouble.

Gary is right--if its right its right, what you overlook is if theres a serious incident and someone says BUT why did you place those speakers THERE ( in the wrong place) --cos the Planner said so is not going to be good enough im afraid. :confused: AND if theres a big problem it will be denied in the absence of witnesses--- leaving YOU with the problem someone else created.

Im saying you are considered the expert and YOU get to call it on the day--if you are holding yourself out as a specialist in your field--otherwise why are you there.

UNLESS you have been hired under Contract by the Planner.

Planners and photo people should stick to errrr Planning and Pictures not telling DJs their job--- there are subtle ways of getting this message over, not that I would know of course :D :D :D

[Charlie Brown]

I would of found Garry quite intimidating when he started talking about being a fire officer etc.

Just sometimes, I get the feeling Garry could go about things in a more subtle way?

I'm not just referring to this occasion.

....However, I still love him and his posts. :D

[CRAZY K]

I would of found Garry quite intimidating when he started talking about being a fire officer etc.

Just sometimes, I get the feeling Garry could go about things in a more subtle way?

I'm not just referring to this occasion.

....However, I still love him and his posts. :D

Did you read post 12 :confused:

Sometimes you need to be firm with idiots--as you will find out in life;)

People LIKE professionals who know what they are talking about--it inspires confidence.

[Charlie Brown]

I'm not so sure.

There's a difference between being rude & being confident.

[Corabar Entertainment]

There's a difference between being rude & being confident.Yes there is, and IMO you are being the former in suggesting that Gary was rude here!

Since the planner was happy with the outcome and they got on well after they had the conversation, I would strongly suggest that your assumption is wrong, Charlie.

The fact that you stated you would just agree and do whatever she said shows your inexperience and lack of confidence. Some other people you come across will pick up on that and walk all over you if they get the chance!

[Charlie Brown]

I've been on the forum for for a few years now and must have read at least 10/12 different incidents that Garry has experienced where guests have been rude, verbally violent or venue managers have been difficult.

I've never had a problem with guests or a venue so questioned how Garry approaches different situations.

I wouldn't agree with everything but if someone said "You couldn't move those speakers to the right a bit could you?" I'd say - "Yeah, sure - no worries. Give me two ticks."

[SC Events]

Very good read.

Without picking fault Garry, it amazes me how many "run ins" you have with venue staff.

If I were you - I'd of moved the stack straight away and wouldn't of questioned her. Yes, you probably set them up correctly but you have to liaise and work with that lady for the west of the night. I'd of just pusssy footed around her and kept her sweet....could lead to more work. ;)

I always work on the principle - they're right so it'll be done their way. :beer1:

Are you turning in to Jonathan Ross, Charlie? :D :P :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Very good read.

Without picking fault Garry, it amazes me how many "run ins" you have with venue staff.

If I were you - I'd of moved the stack straight away and wouldn't of questioned her. Yes, you probably set them up correctly but you have to liaise and work with that lady for the west of the night. I'd of just pusssy footed around her and kept her sweet....could lead to more work. ;)

I always work on the principle - they're right so it'll be done their way. :beer1:


Charlie, I have to say I'm firstly a bit disappointed with your assumptions of me and want to point out a few things.

I mean this in the nicest possible way mate but you have got the total wrong idea and I won't patronise you and say it must be your age because I think you have a decent head on your shoulders at times....in this instance though, it's the opposite. I could have written double what I originally wrote in my review and maybe I should have because it probably would've painted the whole picture a bit better.

I also don't mean this to sound funny but my run-in's with venues/staff (as you put it) have been mentioned before on here by others (Darren for example mentioned it a while back) and I think you have simply latched on to that and are more or less copying/quoting them.

Unfortunately, in life (and some may disagree), there are STILL some people that go on first impressions. The venue owner knows me well, he recommends my services to his customers, he puts links to my site on his website and gives out my details. When those customers contact me I go all out to give them the best customer service that I can and also the personal touch with meetings etc...I have never ever had a complaint. The venue owner has seen me suited and booted at functions and also in t-shirt and jeans when I am setting up and there is no'one else around. Not sure if I have mentioned this before but I am a chunky bloke, I have 24 tattoos which are covered up most of the time, especially when I am working. When I have meetings I am dressed smartly so all I look like is a bloke with a shaved head. As I said, some people go on first impressions and on saturday morning (early) when I was setting up (and due to the hot weather) I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

I had placed the speakers where they were because the venue OWNER had indicated that, that's where they should go. As long as there was sufficient space for the catering staff to get by and also that no fire exits were blocked, it would be fine. It's not paranoia when I say that you should've seen the look I got when the wedding planner clapped her eyes on me and it's not the first time it has happened. The wedding planner has nothing to do with this venue. As I understood it, it was her first job at the venue and from what I can gather, possibly her last. The venue owner said he found her hard to get along with and thought she was way OTT. Now, this venue owner is one of the nicest, most chilled out blokes I have ever met.

When I had my meeting with the customers, they showed me an itinery that the wedding planner had made out for them and it said on it 'First Dance at 8.00pm'. I advised the customer at the meeting my thoughts on that and asked why they wanted to do it so early and they said "Because the wedding planner said that's when we should do it"....As someone said above (and I said this in the meeting)...the wedding planner should stick to her own job and not worry about what others are doing. In my opinion, wedding planners do a decent job but they think they are in charge of EVERYTHING including DJ's etc and that's not what I think. I am my own boss, I know what I am doing and what is right and what is wrong and I don't need them advising customers on when to do this, that and the other with reference to the Disco because that's MY job.

Maybe I should have worded my original post on here a bit better for you Charlie but at the end of the day, I try to post as honestly as I can. I try to portray as clearer a picture as I can. The only reason you and maybe others have latched on to my 'run in's' (as you say) is because I have mentioned them...I didn't or don't have to but then I'd be witholding information...no big deal really but not the way I work. So, to comment on your "Could mean repeat work.." comment. The wedding planner was an independent one and just happened to be at this venue so I don't think I will be getting anything from her personally.

As pointed out in another reply aswell... this wedding planner and myself got on well during the evening. She asked me to make announcements etc which I did (she was a bit abrupt at times but then she was running around with staff like a mad woman) and she also commented when I turned up.. "Ooh, you scrub up well.."

Just a couple of other things before I knock this reply on the head.
Charlie, I have been doing this for a long time now. Ok, so as a business only 5 years but DJing in total for 23 years now. I know what I am doing. I am as professional and polite as I can possibly be. I don't like rude people who take one look at you and expect you to be what they think on first impression. YOU may bow down and kiss backsides for a quiet life but I won't. If something is right and I know it's right then there is no way of changing my mind. I may compromise at times but I won't back down but I will ALWAYS admit if I am wrong or if I have done something that I shouldn't have. How could anyone possibly feel threatened (or whatever you said) by me saying that I used to be a Fire Warden? I was stating a fact which was true (as were the fire fighting courses) so I was making it clear that I knew all about Health & Safety. If truth be told, the wedding planner didn't really go on when I said the speaker stack was fine where it was. She just made a point about the cables being taped down and said it quite rudely and that was probably the 3rd sentence that she said to me on meeting me so I got narked a little bit but it wasn't obvious. I was also in the middle of setting up so there was no way she could have believed that my rig would've been left as it looked when she saw it.

Also, yes...I have mentioned instances on here before when certain staff at venues have been a bit rude and abrupt. I have also said when they have been great but more often than not, when I write a blog/report whatever... I mention anything and everything. People reading the forum from the outside would more than likely (in my opinion) see the reports for what they are and NOT me as being some kind of violent, aggressive meat head (which is obviously the opinion of you and some others on here). I apologise if it sounds like I am getting narked as I write this. To be honest, I am now. I didn't expect that kind of reaction from you Charlie and as I said, I think you are latching on to what others have said in the past. It doesn't help at all although it is your opinion and you are entited to it. I am sure there are others on here that have had the same, if not worse experiences than I have. Maybe I should just add my reports to the supporters section from now on so that the outside world can't see them but then again, I have nothing to hide. What I will say though...and this is to everyone (well in my region anyway)...I probably haven't helped myself with my reports and comments on 'run-in's' because it seems that I am portraying the wrong image. The reason I mention this is because I have never ever had a call or message from anyone on here that has needed something covering. I have passed on work in the past but have never had anyone pass on anything to me or even ask if I am available and that's because I think that people may have concerns as to what I am like. It's totally stupid in my opinion but I do not blame anyone. From now on, I will just report on how the actual evening went and not mention anything else if that's the case.

As an end note...When I went back to the venue yesterday to pick up the larger bits of equipment, the parents and close friends were there clearing away the last bits. I had comments from them that were brilliant and I also got another 2 bookings for next year (a 60th and another wedding). One comment stuck with me which I will share with you and that was from the Bride's father. He said that he thought the evening was perfect. I played a varied mixture of music that everyone liked and he had never seen so many people dancing for so long at a wedding before. He also said that his impression of DJ's was generally "They'll play what they want to play... and not think of anyone else"...I said that some do unfortunately and he said that he thought I was excellent and that I would go a long way. That means a lot to me.

Sorry if you don't agree with me Charlie but your replies didn't make me feel that great this morning....oh....and it's one 'R' in GARY please! ;)

[Charlie Brown]

You shouldn't be annoyed or upset about my comments and I didn't realise this has been raised before.

Look, below is a handful of comments from yourself...



I made my way to the bar and asked for the steward and was kept waiting for about 10 minutes. I was getting annoyed now (to put it politely) and in the time it took the steward to eventually turn up, I had a call from the lady asking where I was as it was now gone 6pm. The steward was quite rude actually..he told me that there was no way I was setting up until after the rugby had finished which was going to be at least after 7pm! I said that it was outrageous and that the people that had paid to hire the venue would not be happy.




"You can't park there mate!" he shouts
"Why not?" I reply
"Because I said so!" he replies
To that I replied..."Sorry mate but I haven't got time to muck about with you at the moment. You may have finished work but I am just starting so if you don't mind leaving me to get on with it I would appreciate it"
He didn't like my reply and started to lose his temper a bit...
"Get a proper job!" he shouted at me..
":angry: off" I replied
By now this guy is in my face and he is spilling his pint allover the place too. I open the side doors of the van and lean in to undo the straps holding my bass bins in place and he is almost cuddling me. I tell him 'politely' to get out of my way otherwise he may get hurt. He takes this the wrong way and thinks I am threatening him. I tell him that I meant that he may get hit by a speaker or something but he won't have any of it. By now people are watching and the venue manager has come outside to see what is going on.



For a number of reasons last night I really got close to losing my rag (and it doesn't happen that often but when it does....aaarrgghhh!!).




Second part of the night from hell (and I thought that it was on wednesday as it's Halloween but obviously not!), was when I lost my temper with a guy..... This irritated me
They gave me a dirty look I shouted at him words to the effect of "it's only £3.00, what's the problem?" (all be it a bit sterner obviously).




I beckoned him over...He came over, stumbling a bit and I went over to him.."Look, what is the problem here?" I asked... "You aint played my tune yet, this is :Censored:!" he said... "Right, I'm sorry about this but I think you are being very rude" I said..."I'm here to entertain and everyone else is having a good time. I'm playing music that has been requested and that includes yours too so I suggest you go and try and enjoy yourself"..



Today I have had the day from hell arguing the toss over the charges.



"Come on mate, you are taking the :Censored: " she said...I had, had enough by then. She stormed back to her table so this time I followed her back and sat next to her. I told her that Wham would be coming on but she shouldn't be so rude and she shouldn't shout at me as that wouldn't get her anywhere.




I had no problem whatsoever telling them to clear off away from the equipment and they looked at me as if I had told them I was going to kill them!




I am beginning to get a tad narked ...
....By now I am really angry...totally wound up. I don't like being mucked about or being threatened like that....
I walk back into the venue, back behind my decks with obviously a face like thunder.



I told them that I was disgusted at the way I had been spoken to and that I wanted my comments noted because I had a feeling that the Organiser would have a word or two to say...
I am also going to go all out and see the C&B Manager and let them know my thoughts aswell.:bang: :bang:



Sorry, just venting my anger! :mad:
G


.....Your obviously a lot more experienced than me and a popular guy in your area but out of all the 138 discos I've done - I've never had a problem with guests or managers. :shrug:

I think your a top bloke and enjoy your posts on the forum but maybe you could approach certain situations in a different way?

I think it's because you care so much about your work - you like everything to be perfect? Maybe you get a bit annoyed when things don't go according to plan? (Like all of us do)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Charlie, please don't take this the wrong way mate. I appreciate your comments but I have to tell you that I think they are wrong. I also think that you have taken your time to list all of those quotes from me on past reports and it comes across as pretty petty to be totally honest with you. You will also notice in the quotes that on every occasion, my actions were justified. Your highlighting of those quotes makes the whole thing a lot worse than it actually is!

As you said....you have done 138 Discos...Well done. At your young age, that is an achievement (and as I said previously, that's not meant to patronise you). Not being funny but I have done 1000's of Discos and these incidents are few and far between especially when I have done 1000's over the years. As I also said, I am sure others have been in the same situation, maybe worse? One day I am sure you will be too and no doubt you will have to deal with it too. I am not going to go over each thing that you have quoted but I will re-iterate that whenever I feel that I have been in the wrong or I have been a bit too harsh with someone (rightly or wrongly), I have made an attempt to apologise and more often than not it has been accepted. I also want to make the point that I will NEVER put myself or my equipment at risk because some idiot can't take his/her drink.

Charlie, I think you are entitled to your opinion but multi quoting me on past reports etc to make your point is pretty low.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not sure it's low Gary. I think he's just making a point of which I have to agree and that's only based what you've posted on here, so I'm not sure how anyone can get the wrong impression when it comes from your own hand.

I've also done 1000s of discos and am probably more in your face than most on here, but do manage not to have these kinds of problems.

[Charlie Brown]

but I have done 1000's of Discos and these incidents are few and far between especially when I have done 1000's over the years.


Which is exactly what I said. You'll have a lot more experience than me - so maybe I'm the one doing things wrong. :approve:

I quoted those to get my point across. Maybe on this occasion the wedding planner was being an idiot and you put up with her really well! - I just think I find it hard to understand how you've come across so many problems - Maybe I've got a lot to learn yet! :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Personally, I wouldn't even count this as 'problem'. Lets look at it this way.... if Gary had posted up this: "When I was setting up the wedding planner came over and asked me to move the stack because she felt it was a H&S fire hazard. I explained to her that I had already checked it out with the venue owner, plus I was personally qualified in x,y, z, and she was fine after that" then this line of conversation wouldn't have come about, would it? After all, that is exactly the same - just posted up in a different way with less detail. :confused:

[Charlie Brown]

Personally, I wouldn't even count this as 'problem'.

Yes, but I've noticed that Garry has quite a few problems!

I'm not partially having a go or suggesting Garry is doing everything wrong...just questioning how he goes about certain things.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Yes, but I've noticed that Garry has quite a few problems!...but you are the one who is labelling this as a 'problem'!

[Charlie Brown]

...but you are the one who is labelling this as a 'problem'!

:confused:

Okay then - Garry handled the wedding planner well but in the past he has had several problems with various people. I would like to know if I've been lucky, is he doing things differently or haven't I "lived yet" and will experience certain problems later on down the line.

[SC Events]

...and his name is Gary ;)


oh....and it's one 'R' in GARY please! ;)

[RabbittsKaraoke]

...but you are the one who is labelling this as a 'problem'!

I think the thread title would suggest that this was one of the "negatives" of the evening?? :confused: :confused:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Does anyone actually read the positive things I post or do you just pick out the negatives? That's how it looks at the moment!

Charlie - "I just think I find it hard to understand how you've come across so many problems..". I haven't had so many problems. I have had instances where things have needed to be said or actions have needed to be taken to either save a party from going downhill due to an idiot, save myself and my equipment from being trashed or venue staff/wedding planners thinking that they can tell ME how to do my job.

I'm not being funny at all, I honestly can't see a problem with what I have been quoted on and that's the truth.
If someone has come across as threatening towards me then I will be polite as possible until the point where politeness goes out of the window and I meet them on their level. I don't like doing it and I should'nt have to do it. If people are knocking into your equipment on a regular basis throughout the evening, am I supposed to stand there and let them get on with it because they have had a few beers too many and may ruin the tools that enable me to do my job? No way!

Charlie, Darren etc....I could sit here all day arguing the toss with you two and try to justify myself etc but it obviously would'nt make any difference because your minds are already made up. If I was Mr Angry or Mr Attitude (which I'm NOT) then do you think I would still be doing this job? I have many bookings for a small operator and lots of follow on work from bookings so no'one can say to me that I am aggressive. No'one on here (apart from a couple of people) have ever met me in the real world. The ones that have, well I doubt if they would say I have come across like that.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks to the people that have made positive comments. I am not having a go at you Charlie. I think you have made your point and like a few others on here, I now know where I stand with you.

The thread title was and is "A Brilliant Party...But Some Negatives..." and that's the whole point. I find negatives in everything because I want to do everything as perfectly as I can. A lot of the stuff I report on is throwaway to be honest with you and shouldn't even get mentioned but I mention it because I want to paint the whole picture....not leave out stuff that makes me appear 'whiter than white' because I don't believe anyone on here is 'whiter than white'.

I have the nuts to say things exactly how they are and how they have happened and unfortunately, it's painted the wrong picture of me and some of you on this forum have totally the wrong perception of me now but hey! I wrote them and you can only go on what you read so that's fair enough.

An example would be - "I was walking into the venue and received a dirty look from the receptionist because I was wearing a mankini whilst setting up the equipment.." Obviously totally made up and not worth mentioning....I could have removed comments regarding stupid drunken guests, wedding planners, aggressive guests etc but I didn't.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Charlie, Darren etc....I could sit here all day arguing the toss with you two and try to justify myself etc but it obviously would'nt make any difference because your minds are already made up.

I am not arguing about anything Gary. I am only basing my opinion on what you write on here and you seem to have more problems than most.

I have talked to you at length on the phone and know you aren't aggressive, but I have also read your thoughts on Facebook which come over as very aggressive.

[Charlie Brown]

. I am not having a go at you Charlie. I think you have made your point and like a few others on here, I now know where I stand with you.


What's that supposed to mean? Because I've questioned something "you now know where I stand with you." This is what I mean! I'm/we're not against you...you've posted a thread about your experiences the other night and I'm commenting on them. I'm not trying to provoke an argument - it was an indirect question!



I would like to know if I've been lucky, is he doing things differently or haven't I "lived yet" and will experience certain problems later on down the line.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Darren, I'll be totally honest with you. We can do this by PM if you'd prefer but a problem seems to have risen between us two over the past year for some reason. Don't go into the whole Facebook thing because that is a totally different thing altogeather and the incident that you are talking about (at a guess?) was totally blown out of all proportion, hence you taking me off your 'friends' list.

I'm not saying anymore than that. Infact, I need to go and do my banking but I guess that this is something that could go on for a while. I'm not getting petty but I will send you an honest PM when I get back in shortly.

Charlie, I'll do the same with you.

Can someone now either delete or close this thread for me as it's not going anywhere. I would rather the former please as I (rightly or wrongly) don't like the multi-quotes.
Thanks

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren, I'll be totally honest with you. We can do this by PM if you'd prefer but a problem seems to have risen between us two over the past year for some reason. Don't go into the whole Facebook thing because that is a totally different thing altogeather and the incident that you are talking about (at a guess?) was totally blown out of all proportion, hence you taking me off your 'friends' list.



Actually I wasn't talking about that Gary, just your general updates and the way you post on there. I am making the point that you do come across as aggressive whether you are or not.

Thread closed.