Nadj

[groovy-nights]

Is it worth joining them as i already have pli what else do they offer.

[soundscapes]

yes, you get access to promotional flyers, clients are impressed that you are a member of a professional body, make useful contacts with other dj's in your area, cheaper public liability when you renew. check the nadj website for a full list of benefits.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I was a member and did make a few useful contacts, but when I had a couple of problems with my business, there was no real back up there.

[mikeee]

Yep, he met me ;) :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yep, he met me ;) :D

No, I said useful contacts :D

To be honest, had NADJ helped me out a bit more when I was having an issue or two, then I would have stayed a member.

I believe in what they are doing in promoting good practise and also think the meetings and get togethers are a good idea.

[Corabar Steve]

Yep, he met me ;) :DEnough to put anyone off http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/ed/wink2.gif http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/ed/tongue.gif http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/scorchio/sgrin.gif

[mikeee]

:D :D :D :D :D

The NADJ doesn't really bear any resemblance to the original concept. Other than lovey dovey meetings it isn't doing any of the serious work that it was intended to do - But thats another story :zip: :zip: :zip: :bang: I think I need a large :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

:D :D :D :D :D

The NADJ doesn't really bear any resemblance to the original concept. Other than lovey dovey meetings it isn't doing any of the serious work that it was intended to do - But thats another story :zip: :zip: :zip: :bang: I think I need a large :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

Come on then Mikeee, let's hear your side of the story.

I've heard other versions already.

What was the NADJ's original concept?

[mikeee]

Back in 2000 / 2001 (before the name NADJ) the old TVDJA, which had members from all over the country, not a lot, probably the same as SEDA at the time. It was agreed that the only way forward was to have three basic things in place: 1) A proper training programme for youngsters coming into the business ( the footing for this was inplace in the late 90's, Nathan was the committee with responsiblity for juniors)
2) Get an Accountant that would offer advice to members and / or offer a discount for members.
3) Get a Solicitor, this was to be the arkward one, as they would only do it on an annual retainer. (and I think you would have benefited from this).

The next stage was to get closer ties with the DTI, Trading Standards, BECTU, MU and Equity - I Believe that not one of these have ever been contacted. Yes I had spoken to TS and the DTI, I had also built up a "working" relationship with the MU, then they realised the money that was involved by have DJ members themselves, and no one has carried any of this on. I think it is safe to say that most has been convienantly forgotten, in favour of becoming, what has been discribed to me as the "Wedding Association". I have not seen any promotion of the association outside of "wedding circles".

It was supposed to be a PROPER Trade Association.

I can't remember if Phil was on the TVDJA committee in 1995, but I was bleating then about going National, so the last couple of years are nothing to what went on long before.

The NADJ is a bloody good vehicle, it's just the drivers haven't passed their driving tests, yet. But hey, what do I know ;)

[pdarnett]

Did I happen to mention that we (the show) are now SEDA members? But I'm still an NADJ member.

[mikeee]

Paul, there is absolutly no reason why you or anyone else shouldn't belong to as many as you like. I belong to SEDA, and I know of at least one NADJ committee member that belongs to SEDA. I even looked at BDJO (ex - DISCO), but they look like an agency. A number of different association have popped up over the last two years, most are for profit organisations.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

3) Get a Solicitor, this was to be the arkward one, as they would only do it on an annual retainer. (and I think you would have benefited from this).



If that was aimed at me, then yes, you are right.

How can any organisation protect its members with a phone call and strongly worded letter?

I'd always been led to believe that if I had a problem as a member of NADJ then the organisation would have the clout to help me out.

Unfortunately, this didn't appear to be true on two separate ocassions.

[mikeee]

Any trade body that doesn't get the basics in place, well what do you expect. During the period 2003 / 2004, is where it went slightly off the rails, yes I was on the committee then, so I'm as equally to blame as the rest of the committee. I will admit to not giving them any "direct" help, but I do give them silly and cryptic hints, I just wonder if anyone is intelligent to work them out :D :D :D (I still maintain my sense of humour ;) ) The AGM in April should be good. It will be interesting to see 1)How the committee changes, and 2)If promises made last year are kept. As for no. 2, I doubt it.

BTW: I'm working on a new insurance policy for professional DJ's, I'm hopeing to have details by the end of July - It will cover Smoke, Hazers, Bubbles, Snow etc etc, Outside PA work, etc etc ect, it will be an all covering policy, the downside, it will only be £5M (at the moment) and will cost a little more than £100.00, but I'm working on it. (as well as a few other things :cool: )