Discussion of Spokesperson for the industry topic.

[spin mobile disco]

The whole problem with a spokes person for an industry that in its self is very varied with so many opinions is that it would never reprisent a large enough crossection to be viable.
Their are club dj's , wedding dj's, line dance callers, old, young medium and those who wont admit being in any of those catagories.
Good dj's , bad dj's beer money dj,s full time , part time etc.
The only way to get a spokesperson or similar is to have a voting thread on questions and go with majority decisions. This would only work if enough people would fill it out for example a minimum of 100 people on each vote.

[rob1963]

Spin - I completely agree.

[Professor Jam]

Spin - I completely agree as well.

I have several similar threads on many boards with over 100 replies - Try to just think of three individuals you know that if they were placed on TV would project a positive view of our industries. I'm sure you know of some great individuals you respect and feel would make good selections.

[spin mobile disco]

I see where you're going with this Jam but unfortunatly 3 people would not be a big enough cross section in such a diverse industry.
Sorry but If i were to suggest 3 i would leave 70 percent of the rest unrepresented.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Spokespeople are almost never truly representative of the industry they speak for as a whole, they just know the industry well enough to not sound like a **** and can handle the media. It's actually media-handling/PR that is more important a skill in a spokesperson than ensuring that they are a mobile club DJ Karaoke Line-dance caller.

[leighinstoke]

Who says we need one?

[mikeee]

I believe a lot of people. Just look at the amount of forums, everybody is looking for something.

[spin mobile disco]

I'm looking for an honest man said the blind man.
Ill know him when I see him.

[pdarnett]

Thanks for all your votes, I'm very flattered.

[Professor Jam]

Stepping away from a cynical view -

Don't you know of three (3) individuals you respect enough that if given an opportunity for such an interview and you believe could represent you well?

Come on guys - I know of allot of DJs that are talented and well spoken from the UK (some that even contribute to this bb) and I'm across the pond?

This is not a political election its to see an over-view of the type personalities that represent a group of DJs.

[mikeee]

Well, I'm a personality :D :D :D

The question that needs to be asked is, why post this request on just one forum?? How much knowledge of the DJ industry would the spokesperson need to know - are you looking at just wedding DJ's, club / pub DJ's, night club DJ's.
Are you posing this question in trade journals?, as there is an estimated 300,000 DJ's in the UK (source Martin Lighting), and at best only 10,000 use the various forums, so about 3%, and I would have to say that this percentage is even less stateside, so how can three from the few represent the many.

I'm not trying to put a damper on your quest, but pointing out, that when you have the three, you will have a baised opinion, only because no person (s) can cover all the bases.

I am watching this question with interest stateside as well, and I think the answers there prove my point - I don't see anyone suggesting Joe Smith from Watkins Glen, NY, who has been a professional DJ for 25 years, the only one people will book in a 50 mile radius, he doesn't have a web site, only just figured out how to turn on a computer and will get email, probably next year. (BTW. the person is ficticious, but I would say, even now, is quite representive, of this and a lot of other industries - The place is real :D ).

I don't really envy your task to get "truly" representive people. Now if your looking people on lenght in industry, then Theo started in 1966, I started in 1970 and I'm sure that there are a few other "old timers" out there somewhere.

[Professor Jam]

mikeee,

This post is on 14 bb's some public, many private - If anyone has a bb you would like to see the survey added just PM me and I'll honor the request - Some bb's have many contributors one has none (wink) -

If a disco DJ that mixes vinyl and never has done a mobile event picked three individuals they represent his view - If a trade journal wanted to tag on the survey they are more than welcome, I have only one stipulation - ONLY List names, not personal commentary or personal opinions to avoid swaying personal opinion - It would be nice to see the posts here moved to a dedicated thread and leave this thread for NAMES ONLY.

The best re-mixer, winner of a scratch-off, turntablist, CPSDJ, VJ, KJ, CD. DVD or 8-Track mixer does not necessarily make them the best spokesperson for an industry. It's agreeable such talent would warrant these individuals being "Representatives" of a specific industry genres and with expressed talent considered great marketing tools - How many of you know my friends DJWiz, DJ Boomer, 1 Phat DJ, and others I greatly respect including members here with outstanding talent and mixing skilz who personality wise are a little towards the conservative or shy side of the personality scale.

I agree with many of your views, however, try not to complicate the question or over theorize your answer.

I did not post my names here but did on threads here in the states and f you look at my list of the three one of the individuals I've never personally spoken with basing my decision of mass appeal and witnessed two-dimensional observations - Another, I've meet maybe three times and have spoken personally luckily a matter of ten minutes over all and each time I walked away with a personal opinion of respect.

As a spokesperson 1st impressions are very important and most often very long lasting.

Between The east and west coast is a very large country with many, many, personality traits specific to a regional area and if you post three names based on the simplest criteria odds are the person will reflect a similar personality as our own and when a comparison of ALL the submissions is broken down we will see a trend.

The reason I requested names only is to remove the emotional response, agenda and politics. You have read enough online I shouldn't have to explain.

As you consider your names make them individuals you know in some way who would make a good industry representative - It's not a popularity contest or I would have asked who stands out as the vocal of the industry - Sometimes the most popular doesn't make them the best spokesperson.

Thank You Guys - Great post and professional views... If your in the US have a similar post on several US boards that I expect different views from this side of the pond.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Professor Jam: May I ask the reason behind your survey?

[Professor Jam]

Moderators,

Would you mind please moving the posts in the other thread here for open discussion?

Thank You In Advance.

[Professor Jam]

Well, I'm a personality :D :D :D

The question that needs to be asked is, why post this request on just one forum?? How much knowledge of the DJ industry would the spokesperson need to know - are you looking at just wedding DJ's, club / pub DJ's, night club DJ's.
Are you posing this question in trade journals?, as there is an estimated 300,000 DJ's in the UK (source Martin Lighting), and at best only 10,000 use the various forums, so about 3%, and I would have to say that this percentage is even less stateside, so how can three from the few represent the many.

I'm not trying to put a damper on your quest, but pointing out, that when you have the three, you will have a baised opinion, only because no person (s) can cover all the bases.

I am watching this question with interest stateside as well, and I think the answers there prove my point - I don't see anyone suggesting Joe Smith from Watkins Glen, NY, who has been a professional DJ for 25 years, the only one people will book in a 50 mile radius, he doesn't have a web site, only just figured out how to turn on a computer and will get email, probably next year. (BTW. the person is ficticious, but I would say, even now, is quite representive, of this and a lot of other industries - The place is real :D ).

I don't really envy your task to get "truly" representive people. Now if your looking people on lenght in industry, then Theo started in 1966, I started in 1970 and I'm sure that there are a few other "old timers" out there somewhere.
mikeee,

Why did you copy your post from here to Sid's board? FTR - The thread is being monitored and names have already been added to the database.

This post is on 14 bb's some public, many private - If anyone has a bb you would like to see the survey added just PM me and I'll honor the request - Some bb's have many contributors one has none (wink) -

If a disco DJ that mixes vinyl and never has done a mobile event picked three individuals they represent his view - If a trade journal wanted to tag on the survey they are more than welcome, I have only one stipulation - ONLY List names, not personal commentary or personal opinions to avoid swaying personal opinion - It would be nice to see the posts here moved to a dedicated thread and leave this thread for NAMES ONLY.

The best re-mixer, winner of a scratch-off, turntablist, CPSDJ, VJ, KJ, CD. DVD or 8-Track mixer does not necessarily make them the best spokesperson for an industry. It's agreeable such talent would warrant these individuals being "Representatives" of a specific industry genres and with expressed talent considered great marketing tools - How many of you know my friends DJWiz, DJ Boomer, 1 Phat DJ, and others I greatly respect including members here with outstanding talent and mixing skilz who personality wise are a little towards the conservative or shy side of the personality scale.

I agree with many of your views, however, try not to complicate the question or over theorize your answer.

I did not post my names here but did on threads here in the states and f you look at my list of the three one of the individuals I've never personally spoken with basing my decision of mass appeal and witnessed two-dimensional observations - Another, I've meet maybe three times and have spoken personally luckily a matter of ten minutes over all and each time I walked away with a personal opinion of respect.

As a spokesperson 1st impressions are very important and most often very long lasting.

Between The east and west coast is a very large country with many, many, personality traits specific to a regional area and if you post three names based on the simplest criteria odds are the person will reflect a similar personality as our own and when a comparison of ALL the submissions is broken down we will see a trend.

The reason I requested names only is to remove the emotional response, agenda and politics. You have read enough online I shouldn't have to explain.

As you consider your names make them individuals you know in some way who would make a good industry representative - It's not a popularity contest or I would have asked who stands out as the vocal of the industry - Sometimes the most popular doesn't make them the best spokesperson.

Thank You Guys - Great post and professional views... If your in the US have a similar post on several US boards that I expect different views from this side of the pond.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Moderators,

Would you mind please moving the posts in the other thread here for open discussion?

Thank You In Advance.Moved it for you, but may I ask again....
Professor Jam: May I ask the reason behind your survey?

[Professor Jam]

Professor Jam: May I ask the reason behind your survey?
Hi Angela,

A simular question was asked on another bb, I'll copy it to here:

OK, how about a little more information about what you are digging for on the other thread.


Why only 3 (to filter the responses)
Why does 1 have to be a female (Our industry is not a male only boys club)
What are you planning to do with the information (Build Database - observe a cross-section of industry personality traits - share for further conversations at conclusion)

I hope that answers your question And Thank You....

[Professor Jam]

Thank You,

Great minds think alike - I was placing the above as you were doing the same - :D :beer1:

[mikeee]

Hi Prof,

The reason for posting on Sids board was it was the same thread, with the same questions being asked, I just said that you had posted on one UK forum, and that I had replied in a similar way.

If you are looking for three "iconic" names of "mobile" (retired, now in Radio) DJ's, I would have to choose:

Chris Tarrant
Dale Winton
Johnnie Walker

They are all professional, worked as mobiles, are used to being interviewed, and are used to being on Television.

[mikeee]

I've just checked Mr Tarrant bio, and the bit about him working a "mobile" has vanished. It jumps from Uni straight to Tiswas - very strange.

[Professor Jam]

Thank You Mike

[mikeee]

No problem, thank you Prof. Nice to talk to you again.

[Corabar Steve]

Chris Tarrant
Dale Winton
Johnnie Walker.
& which one of these 3 is Biologically female?

[mikeee]

Hi Steve, Um, none, but can you think of a female DJ that has done mobile and moved up the career ladder to a level of being "comfortable" on the TV in an interview situation - I can't think of any in the UK. I can think of two female DJ's, one I assume is now retired, Joanna Jensen and the Silver Dollar Roadshow, from what I can remember she was in the top 10 travelling roadshows in the UK. The other is Donna who is still trundling away now in the west country.

The one thing this industry doesn't have (in the broadest sense) is industry icons - the majority of Radio Jocks are club or ex-club or Journolists (sp). Also a lot of the DJ's that would be looked upon as iconic now, went to europe (or elsewhere) during the 70's - well except young Theo. Perhaps we should send Theo to the states to shake them up a bit :)

[Corabar Steve]

I'm sure although not technically "mobile" work both Anne Nightingale & Janice Long have played to live audiences a well as their radio work & would be suited to the female nomination

[Corabar Entertainment]

I've just had a look at Prof Jam's original post about the survey: it doesn't actually define what he considers to be 'our industry':-
Hi Guys I would like to share this industry "Questionnaire" with you.

You don't have to participate and/or add any names, but if interested...

A.) Please list only 3 (three) individuals, including a MALE and FEMALE DJ in your selection, you have direct knowledge of ,that you would consider a good representation of our industry. If a media source wanted to interview our industry who would present us diplomatically and in favorable view of an average DJ? - Surely it would also depend on how narrowly you define the 'industry' we are in? (Same as within any profession - eg Doctors and nurses are both in the medical profession, but have very different jobs, needs, problems, etc etc)

[mikeee]

Steve, Janice did cross my mind, but as most of her work is fronting Live bands, I left her on the side.

Angela, I think it is someone that could / can represent the entire industry, Radio, Club, Fun Pub / Bar, Mobile and Bedroom, and in their way they all need a voice.
As for the Male / Female, I refer you to my earlier reply.

[Professor Jam]

An individual with experience as a "Disc Jockey" seeing how this community is focused on mobile and disco DJs the spokesperson your select sould be able to represent a positive public view of your style of DJing.

Your selection is not required to have on-air or TV experience - just an individual that you know and believe reflects positively on what we do - Your opinion may differ from others for that reason I left the request as vague as possible.

[mikeee]

Um, that just made it more difficult. I do not believe that any one DJ knows enough other DJ's to make an informed choice as to who would best represent them. I chose the people that I did for the reason that they are "national" known and would be accepted as representitives. For just being knowledgable of the industry, then, Theo and John Clancy come to mind, but 99% of the forum member are going to say John who???

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

John who?:D

[theoloyla]

Hello. I've just caught up with this thread and am flattered by the everal namechecks I have received. I was at one time when the DJ Federation of the UK existed in the 70's and 80's the defacto spokesperson for the mobile dj industry. But like Mike says the percentage of mobile dj's who join associations or contribute to forums or even pay their taxes etc is in the minority. All constitutional bodies have a spokesperson which is usually the president/chairperson or public relations officer. All privately owned or organized business or clubs either appoint a media relations person or else the owner or principal speaks for them. Also the media themselves choose spokespersons. They will approach for quotes thoe people that they are aware of, can easily contact and rely on to perform. It has nothing to do with who is the best or most suited to the industry. If I had to nominate 3 people at the moment of which one had to be female then it would be a rep from NADJ (Mike Moore), a rep from SEDA (John Kidd) and Angela from this forum.

[mikeee]

Ohh thank you kind sir

[soundtracker]

If I had to nominate 3 people at the moment of which one had to be female then it would be a rep from NADJ (Mike Moore), a rep from SEDA (John Kidd) and Angela from this forum.

A rep from NADJ or Mike Moore? If its a rep from NADJ then it should be Derek Pengelly.

[mikeee]

rep from NADJ (Mike Moore)

It did give me a little smile. It does prove one thing - nobody really knows the current committee:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:


A rep from NADJ or Mike Moore? If its a rep from NADJ then it should be Derek Pengelly. I don't think he would have time to do it :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[soundtracker]

What no yawn smillie?

[mikeee]

Nah :Laugh:

[Nathan Fleming]

Firstly I assume as this is a hypothetical scenario we are looking for someone who could appear on say a TV program and sing the praises of DJ's.

I don't know of many people within the industry who would be able to represent all DJ's in an unbiased and fair manner so as to represent as many facets of something that covers such a broad spectrum as DJing.

I also don't believe that us DJ's would be the best people to represent our industry, how many DJ's have PR and media training and would cope in such circumstances?

I do however know that we have one person in the UK who acts on behalf of the NADJ and represents us DJ's whenever and wherever the need arises and as Peter has previously mentioned that is Derek Pengelly the chairman of NADJ.

I challenge anyone to find a better spokesman and salesman for our industry than Derek who has within the last 2 months travelled the length and breadth of the UK and represented NADJ and it's members to groups of DJ's throughout the UK. He has also attended and spoken at weddings seminars about the benefits of booking a pro DJ. Derek has recently been to the states flying the UK flag. Aswell as this Derek is well published within Pro Mobile.

I doubt anyone within the UK can match Derek's skill, commitment and passion to raise the profile of the DJing industry Whilst I recognise there are other people within this industry who are doing very valuable work not many are doing things nationally for no person gain.

Aside from my suggestion of DP I would perhaps suggest Pete Tong who would make a great spokesman for the club side of our industry and to pick a radio presenter to round of another big aspect I would have to go for Jo Whiley who I believe has the inteligience, respect and knowledge of this industry to act as a spokesman would have perhaps voted for Annie Nightingale if someone had not picked her or even John Peel if he was still alive.

[mikeee]

Whilst I would love to agree, I do not believe that Derek is the "average" DJ, or could represent the "average" DJ. And having had a think, I've come up with two names that were both mobile DJ's and are still heavily involved in the industry, Kevin Hopcroft founder of NJD and Rob Peck of Gemini, both of these gents have experience inside and outside the mobile field and very good knowledge of Club at one end and dare I say bedroom at the other.
Nathan mentioned Pete Tong, why because he's on the radio??, If you are looking for someone that understands Club DJ's, then why not Tony Trax. There are far to many variables.

[Professor Jam]

Mike,

This is why I left this thread for discussion - And requested names on the other only - If every selection is micro evaluated others will flip a tart and just not post.

This is a personal opinion survey - That's it - no one should wad the shorts as the results and views will vary. We will see individuals selecting based on personal opinions and it's OK If a disco DJ selected a disco DJ and so on----

Don't over complicate the question - YOU were selected to speak and YOU were already booked to DJ the local ______________ (nudest camp lol) and were asked to select another three individuals... The DJ World will spin on... :eek: :beer1: :bang: :D

[soundtracker]

Derek isn't an average DJ? Absolutely spot on - it will take much more than an average DJ to represent an industry! Good shout Mikee!

[mikeee]

Derek isn't an average DJ? Absolutely spot on - it will take much more than an average DJ to represent an industry! Good shout Mikee!

Hey Thats why I said it, he's not an average DJ, but up against Theo and John, Derek wouldn't even get out ot the starting gate.

[soundtracker]

In your opinion!

[mikeee]

Absolutely, and based in years of knowledge. As far "mobiles" that have made it are concerned, we have Theo and John (BTW get a copy of his book), you could add David Whale and Phil Simmonds (or what ever name he's using this week), they both hit the top of the mobile pile before changing direction. Then there's Howard Williams, London hotel, and marquee function DJ since 67' and still working.

And I would also go as far as saying that the majority of us, who are running mobiles, and have been for many years, haven't even really scrated the surface of this industry.

And two more that come to mind, Gary Scott (Radio and Mobile), Richard Linton (TV, Radio and Mobile).

I believe the saying is "Look outside the box", there's a very big world out there, now who wants to enter it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

How on earth can you add David Whale?

Have you any idea how much he charges and how much he pays his DJs?

If you did, you wouldn't be putting his name forward to represent DJs. There are plenty of other words you could use, but represent? I don't think so.

[mikeee]

Darren, what do you know about David, other than what he is doing now?? Before the shop and the agency, David, apprentley was one of the most sought after DJ's in London and the home counties, his knowledge of the business and the marketplace is / was in the top ten. Whilst we may not like his business ethics, he is still near the top of the pile.

This now brings us to an interesting point, could you choose someone on there knowledge and ability or would it be purely on your opinion about that person, and can you seperate the two, to give a clear decisive answer.

I have suggested people purely on their knowledge and ability.


Have you any idea how much he charges and how much he pays his DJs? Just to take this seperately, Yes (but not to the penny), David and almost every other medium to large employment business in the UK. Agents like David are the people moving the industry forward, they are charging the "rate for the job".
If an agent rings a DJ and asks for a price for a wedding and the DJ say's £200, but the agent is charging £600, who's the fool, the agent or the DJ??? I do disagree with the DJ saying he wants £x and the agent then says, I don't think they will pay that, and only offering £x, not illegal, but a bit naughty.

[Corabar Steve]

David and almost every other medium to large employment business in the UK. Agents like David are the people moving the industry forward, they are charging the "rate for the job".
If an agent rings a DJ and asks for a price for a wedding and the DJ say's £200, but the agent is charging £600, who's the fool, the agent or the DJ??? I do disagree with the DJ saying he wants £x and the agent then says, I don't think they will pay that, and only offering £x, not illegal, but a bit naughty.
& Mike Moore Entertainments??????

[mikeee]

LOL, after I posted I thought, I wonder - No. I work on a commission only basis, 15%, well nearest round figure, as I hate dealing with the odd two shillings and sixpence ha'penny - LOL. As A working DJ, I still believe in putting as much as possible into the Artiste pocket, it brings a loyalty that you can't buy.
I have toyed with working as an employment business, as opposed to an agency, but although there is more money in it, do I want the extra paperwork, the extra accounting, re-writing all my terms and conditions etc ect.
It's also been interesting to see how other employment companies have changed the way they operate in the last few years since the changes in the law, the buzz word is now Introducer and Introduction Fee. Oh well, all good fun and games.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren, what do you know about David, other than what he is doing now?? Before the shop and the agency, David, apprentley was one of the most sought after DJ's in London and the home counties, his knowledge of the business and the marketplace is / was in the top ten. Whilst we may not like his business ethics, he is still near the top of the pile.


But this is a suggestion for a person to represent the industry isn't it? How could you trust a person with no ethics?


I do disagree with the DJ saying he wants £x and the agent then says, I don't think they will pay that, and only offering £x, not illegal, but a bit naughty.

For your information, I know a lot about his business, working practises and exactly how much he pays his DJs as I have been researching the local market and have had several meetings with people already using them. He does not care about the standard of DJs he sends out, only that he makes money on them and believe me he does.

I have spent a lot of time recently listening to people who are complaining about the standard of DJs he sends out and also speaking to the DJs who work for him.

He pays a pittance and won't budge on what he pays. I know this for a fact after speaking to his top earning DJ (who worked for me for 10 years and I trained him) and because they are such a big concern, they pay what they want, which is not a fair price for the job he's doing.

And lastly, yes, I have known David since the mid eighties and agree he is a cut above the rest when it comes to DJing(or presenting in his case)

I just don't like the way he treats his DJs and therefore disagree with you even mentioning him in the same sentance as some of the others.

[mikeee]

Agreed. I know exactly what you are saying, But....


And lastly, yes, I have known David since the mid eighties and agree he is a cut above the rest when it comes to DJing(or presenting in his case)

....this is why I picked him.

And nobody has had ago about the other choice??? Who also leaves a lot to be desired.

[soundtracker]

perhaps nobody knows who he is?

[mikeee]

........String UK........

Nice guy, very pleasant, knows the business, wouldn't want to work for him.

Are you noticing a pattern here!!!

[theoloyla]

Coming back to the thread and my previous comments the media often dont bother with working members of a profession to act as spokepersons but choose the specialist journalists who cover their industry. This is why so often Jerry Gilbert the editor of the old "Disco International" is interviewed as OUR spokesman. John Clancy is/was a good journalist but at his age and given his health and disabilities I think that would rule him out. As for dj's who exploit others.... I dont know but here is a name to throw into the pot - Peter Stringfellow. - one of the very best dj's who I have ever seen and a well known media figure already.

[mikeee]

And nobodies mentioned, dare I say, Jimmy Saville.

[Corabar Steve]

Are you just going to keep adding pointless names to this thread Mikeee?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Are you just going to keep adding pointless names to this thread Mikeee?

Looks like it.:D

[theoloyla]

Are you just going to keep adding pointless names to this thread Mikeee?
Why not? It is a pointless thread after all.

[mikeee]

LOL. I wasn't, then Jimmy Saville came into my head.

[CRAZY K]

Why not? It is a pointless thread after all.

Agreed, none of these people despite their fame, wealth or talent are likely to be interested in the role that has been mentioned.

A much more grass roots person working at the coal face is required--

CRAZY K

[kilmeedyman]

Looks like no-one has stepped back and thought about the question. The best DJ, or the busiest, or the most experience is highly unlikely to be the best representative.

Representing a diverse group of people requires the ability to understand the way a variety of people work, the ability to think quickly but carefully before answering a question, the ability to ask pertinent questions as well as answer them, the ability to read situations accurately, the ability to converse with a wide range of people and garner their confidence, diplomacy, intelligence, etc. etc.

Look at any union leader - rarely if ever 'the best' at their profession, or anywhere near it.

[Nathan Fleming]

I would just like to throw a couple of random wild cards into the mix.

Brian Mole and Phil Cunnington

Both of which have the personality, intelligence, presence and communication skills that this role would require.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The best DJ, or the busiest is highly unlikely to be the best representative.




Phil Cunnington



:D :D

[Corabar Steve]

Now now Darren! :d

[theoloyla]

Brian Mole is indeed highly qualified and would be a good choice. I agree with the comments about union leaders.