Searching for a good DJ on this forum

[geoffrey]

Always reading this forum but rarely posting….Until today !

First of all I’m a DJ myself (Now and then!) so I’m sympathetic with you all when you get your problems as I’ve been there myself.:o

So today I’m looking for a DJ and from this forum so that I can enjoy the party myself. The first thing I done was to search for a DJ who is reasonably local, Say 20 mile radius. (just to make life easy for the chosen DJ):)

So I searched the south east and up pops the DJ’s servicing the south east. So I want someone local as possible so Guildford, Kingstone etc.

First attempt, I got website closed or shall we say confiscated!:p
Second, We are currently building a new web site just for me!:eek:
Third, this site is currently suspended,:mad:
Forth, yes a company from Guildford and web site works. All seems great until I played his video of an 18th party and what do I get? Boogie Wonderland!!! With hardly any dancers,:mad: Can’t think why?;)

What surprises me most, is the company names that suggest they are the best DJ’s around, until you click on their web site and realise they are the best named DJ’s around.:daft:

I have not found my DJ yet but as a potential client, what am I supposed to do to look for a DJ.
Can any of you blame a customer for using a friends mate’s mate?

Charley would have been right up my street and I would of made it worth his while but not after last weekends episode.:mad:

You DJ’s must understand that potential customers do read this site on their hunt for their perfect DJ.;)
Also worth a note is more and more people delete cookies which enables them to constantly stay on your forum as long as they wish to! Just something for some of you to ponder over.

[wensleydale]

I'm in Long Ditton so might be able to help- feel free to drop me a mail or give me a call.

[hammy]

I`m only an hour away and feel free to check my website out

[sweetie]

I'm in Long Ditton so might be able to help- feel free to drop me a mail or give me a call.


I`m only an hour away and feel free to check my website out

think ye missed the point :)

[simonp]

Always reading this forum but rarely posting….Until today !

First of all I’m a DJ myself (Now and then!) so I’m sympathetic with you all when you get your problems as I’ve been there myself.:o

So today I’m looking for a DJ and from this forum so that I can enjoy the party myself. The first thing I done was to search for a DJ who is reasonably local, Say 20 mile radius. (just to make life easy for the chosen DJ):)

So I searched the south east and up pops the DJ’s servicing the south east. So I want someone local as possible so Guildford, Kingstone etc.

First attempt, I got website closed or shall we say confiscated!:p
Second, We are currently building a new web site just for me!:eek:
Third, this site is currently suspended,:mad:
Forth, yes a company from Guildford and web site works. All seems great until I played his video of an 18th party and what do I get? Boogie Wonderland!!! With hardly any dancers,:mad: Can’t think why?;)

What surprises me most, is the company names that suggest they are the best DJ’s around, until you click on their web site and realise they are the best named DJ’s around.:daft:

I have not found my DJ yet but as a potential client, what am I supposed to do to look for a DJ.
Can any of you blame a customer for using a friends mate’s mate?

Charley would have been right up my street and I would of made it worth his while but not after last weekends episode.:mad:

You DJ’s must understand that potential customers do read this site on their hunt for their perfect DJ.;)
Also worth a note is more and more people delete cookies which enables them to constantly stay on your forum as long as they wish to! Just something for some of you to ponder over.


If you're 'always reading the forum' -surely you must have a general feel for the DJs and Discos on here and get the gist of what various people are all about, plus you'll have obviously looked at various set-ups in the gallery section etc - So the question begs asking, why not simply approch someone you like the sound and look of direct?

[hammy]

So today I’m looking for a DJ and from this forum so that I can enjoy the party myself. The first thing I done was to search for a DJ who is reasonably local, Say 20 mile radius. (just to make life easy for the chosen DJ):)

So I searched the south east and up pops the DJ’s servicing the south east. So I want someone local as possible so Guildford, Kingstone etc.

.


think ye missed the point :)

Didnt :D :p

[wensleydale]

think ye missed the point :)

In what way?

[geoffrey]

If you're 'always reading the forum' -surely you must have a general feel for the DJs and Discos on here and get the gist of what various people are all about, plus you'll have obviously looked at various set-ups in the gallery section etc - So the question begs asking, why not simply approch someone you like the sound and look of direct?

I do read the forum but it’s the whole of the uk, hence me searching local.

Funny enough, to DJ my daughters party is as easy as 1,2,3, but it is important to me that I at least see a video of the Dj’s talents in entertainment as what I don’t want is 70’s tunes at a 14 th party because the DJ has not updated his library in god knows how many years.

I’m using this forum to find a DJ because most if not all of you know your stuff and I can guarantee The DJ will have as much fun as our guests and you can expect a full dance floor for the entire evening as all of us just love to party.

My point is, I’m acting as a client, I’m not after a superstar DJ just a fun person who wants the work. Yet when looking on the net I find Dj’s that say they cater for 18th’s , Great that’s what I’m after, and the video shows 18 year olds looking bored stiff because the guy is playing 70’s tunes.

Other Dj’s have links to their web site that don’t work. So does this mean they no longer DJ?
I’m not going to phone the guy to be told he doesn’t DJ anymore.:o I had at least 3 or so DJ’s that all had the same problem.:eek:

I’ve not posted this to provoke anyone, but what I am saying is some of you need to pull your socks up and reap the benefits of it. I’m just one person looking for a DJ and if this is what I found!:(

[Mark Wild]

I’m not after a superstar DJ

Well that's me stuffed :cool:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I do read the forum but it’s the whole of the uk, hence me searching local.



So you are searching in the directory and then coming on the forum to say that we need to pull our socks up? :confused:

There are many people that submit to the directory - do you really think we'd get time to check each website and each company on a regular basis?

If companies aren't trading anymore, that ain't our problem, so why come on here complaining?

If you wanted someone local, why didn't you ask on here instead of trawling the directory and then coming back with your complaints?

We have met Geoffrey and you know I am on here, so why not ask my opinion on a decent DJ in your area?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And in fact, I am the third listing down in the South East - did you contact me?

[Excalibur]

I have to say, I'm in Pridders camp on this one. If I were looking for a DJ for an event which I had a stake in, I reckon I could confidently pick someone from all over the UK.

I'm a little surprised at the manner in which you've started the search.

[geoffrey]

If companies aren't trading anymore, that ain't our problem, so why come on here complaining?

If you wanted someone local, why didn't you ask on here instead of trawling the directory and then coming back with your complaints?

Thank you for your wonderfully written reply Darren.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thank you for your wonderfully written reply Darren.

Thank you for your sarcasm.

It's the truth that people don't like sometimes.

Why not answer my points Geoffrey if you disagree?

[ppentertainments]

Well that's me stuffed :cool:
I'm out too :(





















because I am crap :D :D :D :D

[Stu]

www.djstubowman.co.uk - might be able to assist you ;)

[yourdj]

nd you know I am on here, so why not ask my opinion on a decent DJ in your area?

Always a good starting block - someone who knows allot of DJ's. I today referred a DJ friend to Darren as he had a wedding in Henley on Thames I could not cover. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I today referred a DJ friend to Darren as he had a wedding in Henley on Thames I could not cover. :)

Thanks. :beer1:

[juicylucy]

Geoffrey, not everyone has a website and you have not mentioned a budget. Would it be possible for you to perhaps pop along with someone that interests you from the forum and watch them in action.
I'm sure you could roadie for them for a few hours just to see how they operate. :)

[Steve Cheese]

Geoffrey,
I don't usually join in with these types of treads but your comments drew my attention.


Forth, yes a company from Guildford and web site works. All seems great until I played his video of an 18th party and what do I get? Boogie Wonderland!!! With hardly any dancers, Can’t think why?


Yet when looking on the net I find Dj’s that say they cater for 18th’s , Great that’s what I’m after, and the video shows 18 year olds looking bored stiff because the guy is playing 70’s tunes.

I think you may be referring to my website, (Only I am based in Woking, not Guildford).
The reason I think you are referring to me is because I have a video of an 18th birthday party and the first track on my vid is indeed Boogie Wonderland.

It was an 18th birthday party for a lovely family that I do regular gigs for. Boogie Wonderland and Tiger Feet are their 'Family Anthems'. If you look at the vid again you will see that the caption clearly says 'Parents Request'. You say ‘hardly any dancers’, but if you look closely there are dancers on the dancefloor in front of the disco at the far end of the room (farthest away from camera). The vid was taken from the back of the room, not from behind the decks. There were not many there but everyone at the party was on the dancefloor. The girls in the foreground had just arrived and were looking for their friend who’s party it was. There were plenty of current chart tunes rinsed out that night believe me.
They must have liked what I played because I have done 3 more for them since that one.

I was playing Boogie Wonderland because that is what the client asked for. If I worked for you, would you not expect me to play what you asked for?

For everyone else’s reference here is the vid in question. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEK-Vo_1dB4&feature=player_embedded#at=17)

So Geoffrey, why don’t you check my availability on my website and then give me a ring. We’ll chat about what it is you want, and what you don’t. I’d be happy to do your party for you if I am free on your date.

I have been DJing a very long time, trust me, I know what I am doing.

Although my roadie does not make a very good camera man with his phone. But hey.

[Digital Jack]

Nothing wrong with Boogie Wonderland .

[djtrev]

I would hardly say that the video was showing bored 18 year olds.In fact Steve I thought you had got the wrong video.

[simonp]

www.djstubowman.co.uk - might be able to assist you ;)

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I just clicked the link and found it interesting.
Firstly, the Uplighting photos (two of them in Marquees in different colours)...
Are they your pictures Stu? I saw them on a few sites yesterday when looking at some LEDJ 64's.

Also, it does make me laugh when people say that they have won competitions etc for DJing.

[Charlie Brown]

Charley would have been right up my street and I would of made it worth his while but not after last weekends episode.:mad:


Thanks. I will take that as a compliment. ;)

[Takeiteasy]

Well that's me stuffed :cool:

pmsl ;)

[simonp]

I just clicked the link and found it interesting.
Firstly, the Uplighting photos (two of them in Marquees in different colours)...
Are they your pictures Stu? I saw them on a few sites yesterday when looking at some LEDJ 64's.

Also, it does make me laugh when people say that they have won competitions etc for DJing.

Don't go there Gary, he's a bit of a no-mark

[DiscoMagic]

Good day...

A couple of thoughts...

Firstly. Boogie Wonderland is an awesome track to those who like the genre, and I know several 18 - 21 year olds who would agree, although might refer to it as "cheese" rather than "disco" :lol:

Secondly.
You seem have done nothing but criticize your fellow collegues. Do you not think that the whole point of forums is to network with each other to make for positive relationships, thus leading to referals as well as advice and help? And indeed dear chap that what your OP was asking for :)

Thirdly.
As a DJ, you yourself should really know that to post an enquiry for a DJ, it would help to tell us about the gig, what you want, what the date is, budget etc etc so that you can avoid wasting ours and yours time?

Fourthly.
I might be able to help and happy to meet up with you or you can attend a gig with me to audition me should wish... based in Oxted an only half an hour / 40 minutes away PM or contact me if you still need help.

And Lastly
You have gone awefully quiet!!!!!!!

[Creature]

I think it was a start of an April fools joke gone badly wrong !

[soundtracker]

It may well also be worth pointing out at this juncture that in October 2007, a new version of Boogie Wonderland by "Earth wind & Fire v Bimbo Jones" was released, meaning that the tune may also be known by 18 year olds. Having said that many "18th" parties turn out to be family affairs and there is therefore full justification for playing it as a good floor filling tune.

[Steve Cheese]

many "18th" parties turn out to be family affairs and there is therefore full justification for playing it as a good floor filling tune.

Well said that man!

:clap2:

:beerchug:

[geoffrey]

Ok sorry if I unintentionally upset any of you as that was not my intention.

Can’t anyone see that if a potential customer is looking for a DJ for say an 18th party they would be looking for a video with the likes of Acon or Black eyed peas or Flo Rider, Kings of leon. I’m not saying Boogie Wonderland is a bad tune, you know that, but surely its not going to get the customers flowing at an 18th party.
Look at it in reverse then, We specialise in 40’s 50’s and 60’s with a video showing people dancing to Acon - Smack That, as it was a request of a teenager.

Darren, as I said in my post I’m looking local through your directory that’s slightly broken mate. Look at it this way, if a potential client was looking they would have just closed their browser.

Also Darren, you have all your premium listings at the top of page. Please don’t take this the wrong way but I was searching by area and not who was at the top of the page as I wanted a DJ near me if possible. Maybe you should also put the premium listings showing an area? I don’t know mate it not my problem.

I now you could recommend a DJ Darren, but I know what I’m looking for, just not who.

Please understand that I was one customer looking for a DJ and was put off by the bad advertising and sites that did not work correctly. Some guys are loosing heaps of customers without even knowing it! That’s why I posted my comments on the situation. Take my comments with a pinch of salt if you see fit as I’m not the one losing good money.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Some guys are loosing heaps of customers without even knowing it! I agree that some adverts in the directory aren't up to much, but if DJs cannot be bothered to put up a decent advert, what exactly do you think we can do about it? :confused: Surely that's down to the DJ and nothing to do with the Directory?

Our directory isn't 'broken' as you put it. DJs do need to log in at least once a year to confirm their listing, so they were certainly still working during the last year, or they would have disappeared. Should we be checking listings each month? week? day? Be realistic!

Furthermore, the premium/enhanced listings ARE for the area you search for, and certainly not ALL the premium/enhanced listings for the whole of the UK (although someone may obviously advertise in the whole of the UK if they chose to do so because they cover nationally.)

[geoffrey]

Surely that's down to the DJ and nothing to do with the Directory?

I totally agree with you as you said its up to the individual DJ to keep on top of his listing, but Joe public may not know that and I do understand the problem.

Maybe I should off not posted what I found when searching. But the premium listings did not state what area they were from and I wanted a local DJ hence the town search. I can’t be the only person who has ignored the premium listings and searched by towns to narrow down a local DJ. (Maybe I am) lol :daft:

[DiscoMagic]

OK all this aside, which is very nice and all that... you still haven't said what you would you need...

I may need a DJ for my own wedding in June, and if I did the first place I would look would be the MDD, BUT I would list it under "work available", explain the situation, advise exactly what I wanted from the DJ, and go from there...

I understand the sentiment behind you OP, but IMO it was badly worded, and bordered on the negative criticism. There are far better ways to point your point across chap.

and you still haven't said what you are looking for! (oh did I already say that) :lol:

[Corabar Steve]

Can’t anyone see that if a potential customer is looking for a DJ for say an 18th party they would be looking for a video with the likes of Acon or Black eyed peas or Flo Rider, Kings of leon. I’m not saying Boogie Wonderland is a bad tune, you know that, but surely its not going to get the customers flowing at an 18th party.
I'd imagine they'd be more interested in Akon & Flo Rida :sj:

[Ecstatic Events]

Was this thread an April fool?

[Takeiteasy]

I dont think so....... :?

[Corabar Steve]

If it was , it started a day early

[geoffrey]

Sorry for going quite but I start work at 5.30 am and finnish around 5pm.

No it was not an April fool. Just me being a fool I think.:o

Ok let me clear this up once and for all, or I’ll try.

I used the directory to find a good DJ and after several attempts I wasn’t getting any where, Irrespective of premium listings or free listings.:)

As a customer I have the right to search for a DJ as I see fit in the directory. I did not want an Agency or anyone that sells the work on as I wanted to give all my money to the DJ who is Dj’ing my party or the truth is many party’s. I knew what I was looking for as long as they had some pictures and videos, as they never lie. (Unless there stolen).:)

Some people got the hump with me because I came in through the front door (forum) and said some of you need to pull your socks up,:) :) :) as some of you are losing money and you don’t even know it due to bad advertising or web sites that no longer exist or don’t work as well as what is said here in public.:)

Maybe My post was written very badly :o but It was read out of context by some and not by others!;) My criticism was meant to be constructive and advisory. What would you say if you found out at the end of a year you had lost heaps of money because of a faulty web site. This does happen and wouldn’t you want to know about it as soon as possible so you could start earning again.:)

When a parent is looking for a DJ for an 16th , 18th the young adult would be sitting next door to mum or dad as they are browsing through the web sites, as was my daughter who told me “No way dad” in regards to the DJ with the 18th video with boogie Wonderland. I would recommend that the video gets another title and have one with 18 year olds with their hands in the air.:)

Anyway I’m no professional advertiser but that video did not sell to me or my daughters.

Thank you to the DJ that did read it as it was intended to be read.;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

...but you are talking as if the Directory and the Forum are one and the same: they are not.

Many DJs advertise in the Directory who are not members on the forum, and I dare say there are some members of the forum who are not in the Directory.

[geoffrey]

Good day...

Thirdly.
As a DJ, you yourself should really know that to post an enquiry for a DJ, it would help to tell us about the gig, what you want, what the date is, budget etc etc so that you can avoid wasting ours and yours time?


And Lastly
You have gone awefully quiet!!!!!!!

There was no budget as the DJ gives me the price of their services.:)

Also it was not a solitary party. :)

[geoffrey]

...but you are talking as if the Directory and the Forum are one and the same: they are not.

Many DJs advertise in the Directory who are not members on the forum, and I dare say there are some members of the forum who are not in the Directory.

I'm so sorry, I thought it was all part of the same thing. Opps :daft:

I will go and stand in a corner for a long time.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I'm so sorry, I thought it was all part of the same thing. Opps :daft:


I will go and stand in a corner for a long time.
:lol:

Maybe now you understand why people were somewhat perplexed by this thread!

[Excalibur]

Confused? :confused: You will be after watching MDD. :D :D :D :D :D :D


It took me a long time to grasp the thrust of Geoffrey's argument.

[Takeiteasy]

He has made some good points don't you think ?

[DJ Jules]

He has, I've just clicked through to the South west listings and started clicking through to websites:

1. http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/listing.php?id=208 Deckstar Deluxe - website link takes you back to the listing page with the URL appended to the end.

2. http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/listing.php?id=686 Boogie Wonderland (formerly pure funk), name appears with quotes escaped with backslashes and link to website takes you nowhere.

So out of the four "enhanced" listings, only two have working websites, apparently because of errors in the way that the URL's have been entered into the listings (not because of the websites themselves).

Then, into the standard listings and 8 out of 12 entries have either broken links, or no link, and only one of these is due to a website which is no longer available.

So... to whoever is maintaining the directory - a) can you add code to NOT show the "website" link if no website is in the directory, b) can you check and update the current directory contents so any websites entered without an http:// get one added and c) possibly add validation to prevent people from entering either whitespace website addresses, or URL's in unexpected formats (i.e. without the http://).

There's some really easily rectified problems here which are probably really hurting the credibility of the directory.

Anyway, I don't seem to have an entry - weird as I could have sworn I had put one in before (in exchange for putting a banner on my website!)

Julian

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hurting the credibility of the directory? If people can't follow simple instructions, they shouldn't be allowed a free advert.

Everything is validated, but we don't have time to check every single link.

There are some very patronising posts in this thread....

[Takeiteasy]

Am sure these guys put a lot of time into this so maybe go easy on them Mr Jules :)

[Excalibur]

Hurting the credibility of the directory? If people can't follow simple instructions, they shouldn't be allowed a free advert.

Everything is validated, but we don't have time to check every single link.

There are some very patronising posts in this thread....

And some Old Gits who are :daft: by this talk of slashes and USP's and such. :o :o :o

[spin mobile disco]

As I wasnt sure as to the outcome on this thread i kept out of it until it moved along a little. As with some of the others I wasnt sure if it was a wind up or a forum troll. No offence meant Geoffrey.

If I might interject on your comments and others thus far. Some are better at advertising, some don't even need to advertise (due to good reputation word of mouth or being a resident DJ with to much work on anyway)
Some DJ's specalise in particular areas, others may hate particular types of functions. Teen parties I know in my area are dreaded by a high proportion of DJs so I tend to pick a lot of these up.

We have a finite amount of space on our websites to advertise without becoming to cluttered. To much information so to speak can make clients look elsewhere as much as to little.

Heres the point thanks for keeping up so far.

I do not specialise, therefore I try to keep my website in a manner to appeal to as many people as possible. As I am sure others do as well.
Some people on here do specialise, in childrens parties , weddings, genres whatever.

If you went on a wedding DJ's site you may come away thinking, well this is no good for my daughters 18th (example) . It doesnt mean he cant , just that he has targeted his advertising to a specific area.

On another point, all parties are different i have never done 2 that are the same in 20 odd years. Similar yes, the same no.
I have also noticed this year in particular a revival of old songs, I am not sure where it has come from but I did a set 2 weeks ago for an 18th and all they wanted was motown and soul. I put Cheryl, T-pain , rihanna on for them and they asked me to go back and play the motown. Go figure. But as I said all parties are different. Some 18ths they say , no cheese whatever just modern. Others all they want is cheese. Until you get there you really dont know what they want.

I think it is pretty fair to say that the majority of Dj's on this forum or at least are active try very hard at what they do but the old addage is.
You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time. (or with my bad memory something like that anyway.)

Ok that aside. You seem to have an idea of what you want for your daughters party yes? Not wanting to sound sarcastic , and its not meant to be. Is what you want what she wants? Just a thought if what she wants is all modern then I can name 10 Dj's on here that keep their music collection up to date, have good gear and for the right price will travel. Just becuase they may not have websites doesnt mean they should be discounted.

Any way hi everyone sorry I've been away so long been going through a nightmare custody battle and hope to come on more often.

[Excalibur]

In the post above, Matthew has just about got it bang on. :agree:

[Digital Jack]

:agree: Well put.

[DJ Jules]

Hurting the credibility of the directory? If people can't follow simple instructions, they shouldn't be allowed a free advert.

Everything is validated, but we don't have time to check every single link.

There are some very patronising posts in this thread....

I apologise if that came across as patronising, but we are talking about fairly basic stuff in the world of website programming. Clearly the entry isn't being validated, because broken stuff is getting into the directory (and it would be pretty quick to either spot and fix in the database, or amend the directory code to cater for links which will appear broken, or to add suitable validation at the entry point). Also note that we're not just talking about the free listings, we're talking about 2 out of the 4 premium listings for the South West as well!

My point was, that I see the OP's point - if you go through the directory specifically looking at peoples websites, 10 out of the first 16 entries for the South West will take you nowhere, and that isn't a very good hit rate - and in the majority of cases, it's because of data entry issues which are really easy to fix (and not because of websites/businesses which are no longer around).

Julian

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

we are talking about fairly basic stuff in the world of website programming. Clearly the entry isn't being validated,

I will tell Richie that he has no idea what he is doing.

Shaun, Angela and I do the validation for the directory, so clearly it is being validated, but as I said, if you read my post properly, we do not have time to check every link.

It is simple enough for people to submit an entry. We are not babysitters. Do you really think we want to spend hours and hours seeing if people can fill a simple form in for a free advert?

[Shaun]

Shaun, Angela and I do the validation for the directory, so clearly it is being validated, but as I said, if you read my post properly, we do not have time to check every link.

It is simple enough for people to submit an entry. We are not babysitters. Do you really think we want to spend hours and hours seeing if people can fill a simple form in for a free advert?

That pretty much covers it. Ultimately each directory member is responsible for their own data within their listing. Once approved they may log in at any time to make changes if necessary.

[DJ Jules]

I will tell Richie that he has no idea what he is doing.

That wasn't quite what I was saying - I was saying that there is a problem with the listings (with a very large percentage of the website links being broken because of very simple data entry issues), and that it should be quite easy to fix. I apologise if my original post came across a bit harsh, but this is really simple stuff.


Shaun, Angela and I do the validation for the directory, so clearly it is being validated, but as I said, if you read my post properly, we do not have time to check every link.

My point is that you shouldn't NEED to check every link, data entry validation should be really easy to add at the point where the data is entered, or the directory should be really easy to update to work around where data has been badly entered, and it is also really easy to spot where it has been entered by querying the database behind the site. This shouldn't NEED to be a manual task. It's also not about checking every link, it's just a question of spotting the ones which aren't prefixed with http:// or are just empty or whitespace.


It is simple enough for people to submit an entry. We are not babysitters. Do you really think we want to spend hours and hours seeing if people can fill a simple form in for a free advert?


That pretty much covers it. Ultimately each directory member is responsible for their own data within their listing. Once approved they may log in at any time to make changes if necessary.

Ok, I agree that ultimately, each member is responsible for the content of their listing, but if your directory is full of links which take me nowhere (for whatever reason), then no-one is going to use it.

As I've already pointed out - even the paid advertisers have this issue (2 out of 4 in the South West region). If I'd paid for an ad to find out 8 months into the year that it was giving people the impression that I'm no longer trading (or at best, just not directing people to my website, losing me potential business) because of a really simple data entry mistake which the site had allowed me to make - then I'd be questioning the value of that advertising, and the quality of the directory.

I'm sorry if I'm getting peoples backs up here, I fully appreciate the amount of time and effort it takes to get these things up and running and to maintain them - what I'm trying to do is offer constructive advice about something that is clearly broken - and offer an opinion on how to fix it.

Julian

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

We know how it works and how to fix it.

Listen to me please. We do not have time to check every link.

Data validation entry is easy. We obviously have a number of advertisers who still struggle with door handles.

If people can't be bothered to read a few simple instructions and check their ad afterwards, then more fool them.

People won't stop using the directory 'cos of a few broken links.

[Shaun]

T If I'd paid for an ad to find out 8 months into the year that it was giving people the impression that I'm no longer trading (or at best, just not directing people to my website, losing me potential business) because of a really simple data entry mistake which the site had allowed me to make - then I'd be questioning the value of that advertising, and the quality of the directory.
Were open to all comments, you're certainly not "getting my back up" :)

As for questioning the value of the advertising, again I reiterate, we cannot be held acountable for end-user error. I dont know about anyone else but whenever I list anywhere I check that all the info I've provided is correct and valid....ESPECIALLY if I've paid for the service. We have a system in place where lapsed and inactive directory members listings are removed after a year, which has gone a long way in making the directory current and up to date. As for listings content and link validity, ultimately it's down to each directory member. Blaming the MDD for end user mistakes is akin to blaming your Hosting Company for errors you've made on your website. :d

I can appreciate that the directory isn't going to please everyone but on the whole it's setup pretty well. All comment and feedback is appreciated though. Rich is going to be re-building and improving the database again soon and if there's ways to improve it we certainly won't rule out any feedback. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Were open to all comments, you're certainly not "getting my back up" :)

As for questioning the value of the advertising, again I reiterate, we cannot be held acountable for end-user error. I dont know about anyone else but whenever I list anywhere I check that all the info I've provided is correct and valid....ESPECIALLY if I've paid for the service. We have a system in place where lapsed and inactive directory members listings are removed after a year, which has gone a long way in making the directory current and up to date. As for listings content and link validity, ultimately it's down to each directory member. Blaming the MDD for end user mistakes is akin to blaming your Hosting Company for errors you've made on your website. :d

I can appreciate that the directory isn't going to please everyone but on the whole it's setup pretty well. All comment and feedback is appreciated though. Rich is going to be re-building and improving the database again soon and if there's ways to improve it we certainly won't rule out any feedback. :)

What I said, but more politely. :sj:

[Shaun]

What I said, but more politely. :sj:

I was typing as you were posting.

Good to see were on the same page (so to speak). :)

[Shaun]

It's also not about checking every link, it's just a question of spotting the ones which aren't prefixed with http:// or are just empty or whitespace.



I forgot to add earlier. The web link on the directory listings will work whether prefixed with 'http://' or not. If the URL space is empty then there's not much we can do about that. My clairvoyancy skills aren't quite what they could be when it comes to guessing what their website is. :d

[geoffrey]

Darren, when it comes to the internet I’m flipping useless but I do know how to click a link and I expect it to take me to where it states. Ok one Brocken link was annoying but it went on and became annoying so I thought it was right to let the lads know about it. Maybe I was wrong but that’s too late now.:sorry:

After I posted I had two offers of help and someone said they were missing the point. That was not correct as they did get the point. I clicked on their link and it took me to their web site and Graham from Hammy’s came down to see me. I was looking for a DJ that had a good personality and was willing to have fun himself and he met all my expectations of a personality DJ. We agreed on £100 an hour with a min of 4 hours. I think that was fair. Also I have given him our next Halloween gig. We usually have about 6 party’s a year so he will get them too if the next two go well.:)

[Stu]

I just clicked the link and found it interesting.
Firstly, the Uplighting photos (two of them in Marquees in different colours)...
Are they your pictures Stu? I saw them on a few sites yesterday when looking at some LEDJ 64's.

Also, it does make me laugh when people say that they have won competitions etc for DJing.

Hi, nope the uplighting pictures were taken by Clive from CRS1 (Entertainment House). They have been used by the manufacturer as stock images so I would guess that's why you've seen them on a few websites.

Why laugh about people winning DJ Competitions? Have you never entered one? I enter 3 or 4 every year. Most recently, about a month ago I came second in a local competition run by "Get This" promotions.

Last year I was crowned as "Best DJ in Canterbury" by a competition which the towns 3 big clubs ran in conjunction with each other. There were about 30 DJs that entered the competition and was run over 4 heats. Was good fun!

I guess most mobile DJs wouldn't enter competitions, however I do bars and clubs aswel as private work.


Don't go there Gary, he's a bit of a no-mark


Rather unnecessary and rude Simon. You're entitled to your opinion of course, however my busy diary of bar, nightclub and private work would suggest you may be incorrect in your assumption.

I presume you post the above as you're still bitter about not getting the job you applied for at the club I was promotions manager for? We had over 50 applications for the position so, regrettably, we were not able to respond to every applicant that was not suitable. You were not suitable for the style of venue.

Now I hope you can move on from this, and not feel the need to post derogatory comments on forums. Thanks.

[Takeiteasy]

''My clairvoyancy skills aren't quite what they could be when it comes to guessing what their website is''

The above me made lol lol