DJEP request limit problems?

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Anyone having any issues? for some reason my limits are being totally ignored by the system and I'm getting 30+ must plays when I've got the limit set to 10 :mad:

[mike8863]

Anyone having any issues? for some reason my limits are being totally ignored by the system and I'm getting 30+ must plays when I've got the limit set to 10 :mad:

At least you try and limit yours, I sub for a local event company who passed me a wedding for this Saturday that had a total of 193 requests of which 14 were guest requests the rest were "MUST PLAYS". Needless to say I had to refuse the gig......

[Spirits High]

Anyone having any issues? for some reason my limits are being totally ignored by the system and I'm getting 30+ must plays when I've got the limit set to 10 :mad:

Just printed off mine to meet up with a client later today and they've put 86 Must plays down!!!!!

Definitely something wrong here. I'll post it on the DJEP bug forum bit. Feel free to add your 2p's worth to it.

Posted on DJEP here's the link

http://eventplannerforum.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14772&PID=64311&#64311

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I've already started a thread on DJEP (I thought the bugs forum was for literal "this page has jobbied the bed" bugs but I'll stick my neck in when I get a minute.

It's not so bad in that most of the tunes are fine but there's some questionable ones in there and as it's a NaD gig I don't want to have to say to the guy - you actually only get 10 of them buddy when he's sat and racked up a list of 30 odds.

[Spirits High]

I've already started a thread on DJEP (I thought the bugs forum was for literal "this page has jobbied the bed" bugs but I'll stick my neck in when I get a minute.

It's not so bad in that most of the tunes are fine but there's some questionable ones in there and as it's a NaD gig I don't want to have to say to the guy - you actually only get 10 of them buddy when he's sat and racked up a list of 30 odds.


Just jumped on it too. Hopefully they'll sort it soon.



Cheeky little DJEP, they've just deleted my post in your thread!!

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Just jumped on it too. Hopefully they'll sort it soon.



Cheeky little DJEP, they've just deleted my post in your thread!!

They seem to have deleted mine completely so hey ho. Hopefully it gets fixed sooner rather than later - we're getting to that daft EVERYONE IN THE OFFICE PICK 60 TUNES THAT MEAN A LOT TO YOU AND I'LL FORWARD IT ONTO THE DJ type nonsense point of the year :D

[Spirits High]

They seem to have deleted mine completely so hey ho. Hopefully it gets fixed sooner rather than later - we're getting to that daft EVERYONE IN THE OFFICE PICK 60 TUNES THAT MEAN A LOT TO YOU AND I'LL FORWARD IT ONTO THE DJ type nonsense point of the year :D

Your thread has been moved to bugs, minus my comment on it.

Apparently though they've found a bug and the fix will be in the weekly code update.

[Imagine]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants, they get (or they do in my book).

I don't limit the number of requests, but I've changed the heading in DJEP from "Must Play" to "Please Play". I also explain to all clients that this is a guide only and I'll fit the requests in if they're likely to work on the night. I've never, EVER had a problem with this policy and all customers so far have understood this.

As for it being a NaD gig....(sorry Martin/Vectis)...I really don't give a damn about that now. I'm so sick of £130 budgets coming through that I'll be leaving once this year's subscription is over.

[Excalibur]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants, they get (or they do in my book).
Give that man a coconut. :approve::like::agree:



As for it being a NaD gig....(sorry Martin/Vectis)...I really don't give a damn about that now. I'm so sick of £130 budgets coming through that I'll be leaving once this year's subscription is over.

While there seems to be an increase in operators offering their services at " bargain prices ", all human life is there, and there's no shortage of far higher priced budgets.

[Spirits High]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants, they get (or they do in my book).

Problem? Not really, just bringing up the point that the limits were being exceeded and trying to see if it was my end or theirs.

Yes, we are here to give the customer what they want. But when you play alongside a band doing 2 x 45minute sets leaving me approximately 90minutes to do my thing then 86 requests is a tadge unrealistic.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants, they get (or they do in my book).

I don't limit the number of requests, but I've changed the heading in DJEP from "Must Play" to "Please Play". I also explain to all clients that this is a guide only and I'll fit the requests in if they're likely to work on the night. I've never, EVER had a problem with this policy and all customers so far have understood this.

As for it being a NaD gig....(sorry Martin/Vectis)...I really don't give a damn about that now. I'm so sick of £130 budgets coming through that I'll be leaving once this year's subscription is over.

They do get what they want, within reason - I've a business reputation to maintain so not letting them go mental with 300 "MUST PLAYS" from their extensive prog metal record collection is in my, their guests and ultimately their own interests - you tell the cake maker what flavours you want - you don't hang over their shoulder saying how many eggs and how much flower they should use to make the cake...

Apart from that - they still have plenty of free reign - 10 must plays, 20 would like to hear, unlimited do not play, guest requests etc... without it leaving me spending the night with my head in a list making sure I'm ticking off every list.

As for NaD, I get a few high paying gigs per year from it but the quality of the leads does seem to have dwindled in the last year or so to the point I probably go for one every week or two now. I actually keep meaning to change my preferences to filter out even more of the rubbish - I don't get the bottom of the barrel stuff but I do get a lot that I've no interest in responding to.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants, they get (or they do in my book).

I don't limit the number of requests, but I've changed the heading in DJEP from "Must Play" to "Please Play". I also explain to all clients that this is a guide only and I'll fit the requests in if they're likely to work on the night. I've never, EVER had a problem with this policy and all customers so far have understood this.

As for it being a NaD gig....(sorry Martin/Vectis)...I really don't give a damn about that now. I'm so sick of £130 budgets coming through that I'll be leaving once this year's subscription is over.

Apart from what I just said - your set up is in a way less in keeping with the clients demands:

Those 10 must plays on my list will be played at all costs (unless the content or response (and I mean offend your granny / get the venue in trouble) to them is seriously questionable) whereas with a "please play, but it's ultimately at my discretion whether I do or not" model, they might not hear anything they would absolutely love to hear if you're making the call on the night...

Swings and roundabouts, we all have our own way to run our businesses.

[Nakatomi]

Seriously chaps (and at least one lovely chapess)...where's the problem?

We're here to provide a service aren't we? What the customer wants...

Yup. Same here but I can see perfectly why so many DJs are against it - many businesses rely somewhat on referrals. If a night is stuffed full of navel gazing dross the B&G prefer to whatever floats the guests' boat the DJ will be thought crap & not worth booking by the people in the majority. That's where the concerns of djs come in. On the other side of that there are DJs out there playing exactly the same tunes every night hoping for a good reaction. We can't always win.

Me? I couldn't care less so long as whoever pays is happy. Then there's always the irreconcilable to consider... "But I gave you the list & the order I want them played. WHY IS NOBODY DANCING?!". Heh.

I love lists & actively encourage them. Thankfully so far I've not often come a cropper.

[funkymook]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.

[Benny Smyth]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.

:agree:

It's a meeting of the minds. Combine their knowledge of their's and their guest's musical tastes with your experience and knowledge of the job.

[Daryll]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.

very true , having never used DJEP , I cannot comment on it , but if I ever wanted a DJ , I would like to meet him/her , for more personal approach

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.

I meet with my clients too - the djep list is just another string to the bow.

As for automating - I let it do all the rubbish admin stuff that used to eat up chunks of time, I'm all for that kind of automation :)

[funkymook]

I meet with my clients too - the djep list is just another string to the bow.

As for automating - I let it do all the rubbish admin stuff that used to eat up chunks of time, I'm all for that kind of automation :)

Oh I’m all for automating admin tasks, my contracts, invoices, receipts, reminders etc are all done with a touch of a button (and contracts echo signed as well).

But always willing to consider new approaches. Do your clients pick their songs before or after you meet them? Does DJEP link into your own music collection or a generic one? How do you handle the unworkable choices?

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Oh I’m all for automating admin tasks, my contracts, invoices, receipts, reminders etc are all done with a touch of a button (and contracts echo signed as well).

But always willing to consider new approaches. Do your clients pick their songs before or after you meet them? Does DJEP link into your own music collection or a generic one? How do you handle the unworkable choices?


Depends, some are putting tunes in for 2018 weddings already, my last couple did her haw until 3 days before the lockout which is a week before the gig.

I use the generic list because it has more choices from the off but you can use your own list.

If unworkable tunes are one of the must plays, they get played - if they're in the would like to hear bracket and they definitely wont work, ive got thousands of better alternatives :D

[funkymook]

If unworkable tunes are one of the must plays, they get played - if they're in the would like to hear bracket and they definitely wont work, ive got thousands of better alternatives :D

So how do you handle client expectations if none of their ‘like to hear’ tunes are going to get played? Do advise them beforehand or wait and see if they say anything on the night?

[Shaun]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.

That's all very well, unless you're like me......and hate people in general. :zip:

[Excalibur]

I prefer having a bit more discussion and input into clients lists, doing it online like this seems to be another step towards automating the whole process, it all feels a bit impersonal. Give me a good chat with the client about music over a coffee any day.
Whaaat? I can't be running all over the place meeting clients who can't put their requests in an email. Don't they realise that life nowadays is instant? Until I get a teleporter, I've got better things to do with my time than trudge along to meet someone who's going to ask me a load of dumb questions, such as " Do you have lights "? :daft:




It's a meeting of the minds.
That's me and my clients stuffed then. :(




But always willing to consider new approaches. Do your clients pick their songs before or after you meet them?
Eh? What planet are you on? First dance if it passes quality control, and then it's time for me to show off my vast musical knowledge. :DJ:


So how do you handle client expectations if none of their ‘like to hear’ tunes are going to get played? Do advise them beforehand or wait and see if they say anything on the night?
Oooooh, don't answer Jim, it's a trap!! ;)



The more astute among you may just have spotted that some if not all of my replies are a tad provocative, and not necessarily what I actually practice. What a little tinker I am sometimes. :)

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

So how do you handle client expectations if none of their ‘like to hear’ tunes are going to get played? Do advise them beforehand or wait and see if they say anything on the night?

Well over 90% of the would like to hears get played because they usually fall into the brown eyed eilleen that's gotta feeling about that bass type stuff that most people tend to request. If ots rubbish or offensive, it doesn't make the cut unless the client specifically asks for it on the night.

Ive never had a complaint and the reviews on my site attest to the fact my clients are left happy.

[funkymook]

Well over 90% of the would like to hears get played because they usually fall into the brown eyed eilleen that's gotta feeling about that bass type stuff that most people tend to request. If ots rubbish or offensive, it doesn't make the cut unless the client specifically asks for it on the night.

Ive never had a complaint and the reviews on my site attest to the fact my clients are left happy.

I think we have a very different customer base, which is why that approach probably wouldn’t work for me.

[Excalibur]

Well over 90% of the would like to hears get played because they usually fall into the brown eyed eilleen that's gotta feeling about that bass type stuff that most people tend to request. .


I think we have a very different customer base, which is why that approach probably wouldn’t work for me.

I find myself lining up alongside Martin, and I'd also say that as far as my clients go, those who don't simply say " You know what you're doing, we just want something we can dance to " tend to come up with some stuff that is far from mainstream.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Don't get me wrong it's not all Now That's What I Call a Wedding playlists but the weirdest stuff I tend to get is some leftfield indie which is cool because its my bag - ive yet to see a list full of sludge metal :D

[ckpr2]

I wouldn't mind if every single track I played was a customer must play.
I am there for my customers pleasure, not to play what I think is right.

Seems to me if they choose every track they cant complain at the end of the night what I played was crap !

I have seen empty dance floors then was told what to play only to see the dance floor still empty.

[funkymook]

I wouldn't mind if every single track I played was a customer must play.
I am there for my customers pleasure, not to play what I think is right.

Seems to me if they choose every track they cant complain at the end of the night what I played was crap !

I have seen empty dance floors then was told what to play only to see the dance floor still empty.

Get on DJEP then and let them choose all the songs, seems like an ideal system for what you want.

[Nakatomi]

I wouldn't mind if every single track I played was a customer must play.
I am there for my customers pleasure, not to play what I think is right.

Seems to me if they choose every track they cant complain at the end of the night what I played was crap !

I have seen empty dance floors then was told what to play only to see the dance floor still empty.

Oh don't you believe it! I've only heard of these cases, but I know a couple of DJs who've been handed playlists & the order to play tracks, then followed them to the very letter only to bear the brunt of complaints from the customer because nobody's danced & they're wanting money back.

Usually, I find lists of suggestions a really good way in - I can't do face to face meetings for the residency work really, so it's the best way for me to get to know the customer a little better.

Even then, sometimes it's a guest request that really sparks things off. Setting everything out in stone isn't always the answer, but then neither is just standing there sucking everything & seeing what's gonna stick.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I wouldn't mind if every single track I played was a customer must play.
I am there for my customers pleasure, not to play what I think is right.

Seems to me if they choose every track they cant complain at the end of the night what I played was crap !

I have seen empty dance floors then was told what to play only to see the dance floor still empty.

That depends on how you view your role though - are you just there to play music or are you there to get people dancing and enjoying yourself

If it's the latter then using your own expertise and experience to play the tunes is key.

[Excalibur]

That depends on how you view your role though - are you just there to play music .

Oh no!! :sofa: Incoming!

[DazzyD]

I wouldn't mind if every single track I played was a customer must play.
I am there for my customers pleasure, not to play what I think is right.

Seems to me if they choose every track they cant complain at the end of the night what I played was crap !

I have seen empty dance floors then was told what to play only to see the dance floor still empty.

Nope. Clients will still say you're crap. And all their guests will say you're crap, too! And, funnily enough, they'll all tell their family, friends and colleagues just how crap they think you are. Now, if any of those people ever think "You know what I need? I need a really crap DJ! What was that guys' name again?" then you'll be fine. Otherwise...