How many here are ADJA members?
- Thread starter Bill Kexel
- Start date
some might say belonging to an association to support the industry even not believing the associations ideals a form of the epidermal visual of the septim which might exude a excremental Hue.
See, ya just gotta get them red men hot, so they speak their mind 
BTW: My ancestors, kicked your ancestor's asses
BTW: My ancestors, kicked your ancestor's asses
Cap what you say has some truth. But if I dont like the direction of something being involved will not change the direction when its a good ole boys club. I once was in a group but it became obvious that if you didnt believe in the direction of the group or you ran your business different than the rest the shadow was cast and you were given outsider treatment.
If any of the organizations are truly there for all djs there has to be acceptance for all not those who will blindly follow or for those who charge what everyone else does cause its the way we should run things. If I cant be accepted for me as a dj and a business owner by any of these groups, and allowed to voice my opinion even if it rubs the grain....then no thanks Ill wallow around in success alone thank you.
I have plenty of dj friends that run their companies making money and serving customers the old fashion way one at a time, and each one with great service and respect.
The Dogman :
What I hate worse about a good ole boys club is if I'm not a member of it or, because of my attitude, don't get invited.
Yes, that really irks the hell out of me.
That's when I give it them the label Good Ole Boys Club too, those scum sucking low life pigs, thinking they're better than me.
Oh I hear ya, man.
What I hate worse about a good ole boys club is if I'm not a member of it or, because of my attitude, don't get invited.
Yes, that really irks the hell out of me.
That's when I give it them the label Good Ole Boys Club too, those scum sucking low life pigs, thinking they're better than me.
The Dogman: Sorry. Got a client call and pushed send before this was finished.
After a period of time and a lot of personal interaction either by phone calls and/or at conventions, one gets to know these people who, on forums and threads, may give a reader the impression of being a part of a Good Old Boy Club.
In reality, they are not as exclusionary as it may seem but then again their direction and course of actions may be contrary what you, me, and/or many others agree with or about. That don't make them bad. It don't make us bad either. The name calling does.
After a period of time and a lot of personal interaction either by phone calls and/or at conventions, one gets to know these people who, on forums and threads, may give a reader the impression of being a part of a Good Old Boy Club.
In reality, they are not as exclusionary as it may seem but then again their direction and course of actions may be contrary what you, me, and/or many others agree with or about. That don't make them bad. It don't make us bad either. The name calling does.
I guess I don't see why I would want to join any National Association. I don't see how they are going to get that next gig for me at the price I want to charge, or choose that next song I play, help me set-up or tear down at my next gig?
If what you want to do is get involved just so you can say you are involved than its good.
I just don't see how I will personally benefit from this or any national affiliation, to the contrary staying involved with chat boards keeps me up to date with whats going on, which is a benefit to me.
Again that's just me, I can't speak for the masses........
If what you want to do is get involved just so you can say you are involved than its good.
I just don't see how I will personally benefit from this or any national affiliation, to the contrary staying involved with chat boards keeps me up to date with whats going on, which is a benefit to me.
Again that's just me, I can't speak for the masses........
G
Guest
Guest
I was a member of MAPDJ for 2 years. Enjoyed it very much. It was difficult to continue based on the distance I had to travel to the meetings. 2 hours each way.
Every meeting was on a Tuesday night. I had so many other things going on on Tuesdays. Coaching my son's little league team. My younger kids early childhood classes.
The fee to be a member was well worth it. Add to that the fuel to drive each time. THe food I had to purchase whilst there. Sometimes had to hire sitter for kids if we had more than one thing going on.
It was going to cost me around $1000 a year to be a member and it was just not worth it to me.
Like I said I enjoyed it. Networking mostly. The great gear buys from Ben and Kat from Northernlightfx. We did talk a little business but I would say most of it was just networking. Too easy to skew off topic so things wouldn't get finished.
Now to the ADJA or any National association, I do not see the benefit unless there is a "Very local" chapter. Which in my case and probably most others there are not. If you can't make meetings, I see no use for it. Unless like others have said to have the logo and insurance if needed.
If a chapter of either assocation opened up in Central MN, I might think about joining again. Most likely not going to happen with the National ones but MAPDJ maybe.
Karl
Every meeting was on a Tuesday night. I had so many other things going on on Tuesdays. Coaching my son's little league team. My younger kids early childhood classes.
The fee to be a member was well worth it. Add to that the fuel to drive each time. THe food I had to purchase whilst there. Sometimes had to hire sitter for kids if we had more than one thing going on.
It was going to cost me around $1000 a year to be a member and it was just not worth it to me.
Like I said I enjoyed it. Networking mostly. The great gear buys from Ben and Kat from Northernlightfx. We did talk a little business but I would say most of it was just networking. Too easy to skew off topic so things wouldn't get finished.
Now to the ADJA or any National association, I do not see the benefit unless there is a "Very local" chapter. Which in my case and probably most others there are not. If you can't make meetings, I see no use for it. Unless like others have said to have the logo and insurance if needed.
If a chapter of either assocation opened up in Central MN, I might think about joining again. Most likely not going to happen with the National ones but MAPDJ maybe.
Karl
Ok,,,, what I meant by the "shut up" and sorry if it ruffeled a few feathers so stop PMing me!... was that I don't think that people who do not belong to any group or organization, have any reason to comment on it.
The same way that you should shut up, about XYZ piece of gear if you have no personal, first hand knowlege of it.
The same way that if you didn't vote in the last election, that I feel that you have no right in saying anything about anyone. You didn't do anything about it.
Yes I know about the whole "free speach" and all, but it's like a Johnny Come Latley, a Monday Morning Quarterback... you wanna have a "right" to bitch about something, join, vote, become involved, buy that piece of gear and then get some experience under your belt.. THEN talk abouit it
DJ Gray::::::: no you don't need anything from anyone, you can get your gig, set it up and everything without any help from anyone.... You can also grow your own food to eat.
But by being a member you can be apart of hopefully bettering our industry. You can also decide on how much you want to get involved with that. You can be like me, who doesn't get hardly involved at all, but feels like by being a member, at least I am doing something.... Or you can go the other way and become the next ADJA President.... or even something in the middle.
We all bitch about B&G's not knowing what we do and complain abut not "getting what we are worth".... here is a group that would like to try and educate the public... are they doing a very good job of it right now? I personally don't think so. I think they could be doing a lot better, But I am glad that at least they are doing something, and I support that.
The same way that you should shut up, about XYZ piece of gear if you have no personal, first hand knowlege of it.
The same way that if you didn't vote in the last election, that I feel that you have no right in saying anything about anyone. You didn't do anything about it.
Yes I know about the whole "free speach" and all, but it's like a Johnny Come Latley, a Monday Morning Quarterback... you wanna have a "right" to bitch about something, join, vote, become involved, buy that piece of gear and then get some experience under your belt.. THEN talk abouit it
DJ Gray::::::: no you don't need anything from anyone, you can get your gig, set it up and everything without any help from anyone.... You can also grow your own food to eat.
But by being a member you can be apart of hopefully bettering our industry. You can also decide on how much you want to get involved with that. You can be like me, who doesn't get hardly involved at all, but feels like by being a member, at least I am doing something.... Or you can go the other way and become the next ADJA President.... or even something in the middle.
We all bitch about B&G's not knowing what we do and complain abut not "getting what we are worth".... here is a group that would like to try and educate the public... are they doing a very good job of it right now? I personally don't think so. I think they could be doing a lot better, But I am glad that at least they are doing something, and I support that.
DJ Gray : Sharing your lack of enthusiasm towards any expectations of any outward, earth shattering, income impacting, ground breaking, competition killing fireworks, there are things that only members receive notification on. One may never know about them on the outside unless posted, but they are still for members only.
The ADJA had a members only Webinar a week or two ago which featured best selling author Michael Port ("Book Yourself Solid"). It was excellent. He was excellent. It was free (for members). The information was (for me) worth the year's subscription.
Seriously, I'm not a testies to the wall advocate of organizations, but it is wise to recommend anyone to at least investigate the whole package before arbitrarily dismissing the concept and perhaps influencing a DJ newbie to do the same.
The ADJA had a members only Webinar a week or two ago which featured best selling author Michael Port ("Book Yourself Solid"). It was excellent. He was excellent. It was free (for members). The information was (for me) worth the year's subscription.
Seriously, I'm not a testies to the wall advocate of organizations, but it is wise to recommend anyone to at least investigate the whole package before arbitrarily dismissing the concept and perhaps influencing a DJ newbie to do the same.
It's funny.
I recently ran into a fellow mobile DJ at a venue where we are both doing weddings. We go to talking about the type of gigs we do & our background. We even talked about our rates. The other DJ was shocked that I was getting twice his rate for the same amount of hours (he was $600)
I began talking to him about the ADJA & tried to invite him to a meeting to check it out. I also told him about the fantastic networking that we do & sharing of ideas to help move us to the next level, Helping to raise the bar & image of the professional mobile DJ & build the confidence in order to charge for more for your services.
He told me no thanks. He is not sharing any of his "secrets" with other DJs in our area.
He is doing just fine, thank you.
Eventually, one day he'll ask another fellow DJ why he can't get the rates others are.
Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Stuck in neutral & going nowhere.
I recently ran into a fellow mobile DJ at a venue where we are both doing weddings. We go to talking about the type of gigs we do & our background. We even talked about our rates. The other DJ was shocked that I was getting twice his rate for the same amount of hours (he was $600)
I began talking to him about the ADJA & tried to invite him to a meeting to check it out. I also told him about the fantastic networking that we do & sharing of ideas to help move us to the next level, Helping to raise the bar & image of the professional mobile DJ & build the confidence in order to charge for more for your services.
He told me no thanks. He is not sharing any of his "secrets" with other DJs in our area.
He is doing just fine, thank you.
Eventually, one day he'll ask another fellow DJ why he can't get the rates others are.
Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
Stuck in neutral & going nowhere.
Don't know if I'm included, Cap, but for my own sake I'd like to clarify my position. It's not that I think the politics of these organizations is good or bad. It's just that I don't care.
I'm in northern NJ. There are, to my knowledge, no chapters, meetings, offices or anything else within 100 miles of me (in NJ) or are easily accessible to me ( in NY or CT or PA). These organizatiions and their credentials (good or bad) mean absolutely NOTHING to my clients, which means they mean nothing to me, and are of no benefit.
One thing I will add: If any organization (of ANY sort) claims to be nationwide, and has zero exposure in Bergen County NJ ( one of the most densely populated and affluent parts of the U.S.), then there's a problem.
Advertising and entertainment go hand in hand. If these organizations have no exposure here, then thay are either NOT nationwide as claimed, or they don't know enough about marketing to be of any service to me- In my humble opinion, of course.
I repeat, this is not a knock, just a comment on marketing procedures, and a re-iteration of my PERSONAL reasons for not joining. I understand that they have some presence and credibility in places like parts of the midwest, and there are conferences in MN, but I don't live there. The occasional convention in AC (more than 3 hours from my working area) doesn't mean much- though I'd attend for the fun of it.
I'm in northern NJ. There are, to my knowledge, no chapters, meetings, offices or anything else within 100 miles of me (in NJ) or are easily accessible to me ( in NY or CT or PA). These organizatiions and their credentials (good or bad) mean absolutely NOTHING to my clients, which means they mean nothing to me, and are of no benefit.
One thing I will add: If any organization (of ANY sort) claims to be nationwide, and has zero exposure in Bergen County NJ ( one of the most densely populated and affluent parts of the U.S.), then there's a problem.
Advertising and entertainment go hand in hand. If these organizations have no exposure here, then thay are either NOT nationwide as claimed, or they don't know enough about marketing to be of any service to me- In my humble opinion, of course.
I repeat, this is not a knock, just a comment on marketing procedures, and a re-iteration of my PERSONAL reasons for not joining. I understand that they have some presence and credibility in places like parts of the midwest, and there are conferences in MN, but I don't live there. The occasional convention in AC (more than 3 hours from my working area) doesn't mean much- though I'd attend for the fun of it.
I appreciate your comments Cap......really..
I guess if I needed some of those services, aids, then I would possibly join, for the reason you stated, being exposed to someone like "Michael Port", could be very helpful as was "James Malinchak" at last years Mobilebeat conference, I really enjoyed hearing his idea's.
Thats why I qualified my remarks by saying it wasn't for me, and I can't speak for the masses.....
First off, I don't do weddings....
I don't make a living as a DJ.
My gigs are for friends, associates, and the many numerous contacts I have made over the last 40 years here in Northern California.
I do gigs for whom I want to, when I want to.
I don't advertise, I'm unique in that I am not trying to grow my business.
I do this because I love it, I love seeing the smiles on the faces, of those attending my events.....I guess I am unique....
I can't speak to the "newbie" in this business, I think they will have to make their own decisions based on their own set of circumstances.
For me, I am able to keep up with what I need to keep things going, from places like ODJT.
Chuck.....
Now how did you know I had a garden in the backyard.........????:shocked:
With what I eat today I probably could survive out of a garden....
You have taken my comments "Out of context" I was speaking for myself, and you know very well I do this (DJ'ing) for the pure pleasure of placing smiles on faces..........
I'm not in this as a business...I've done all my work there already.....
This is fun for me I've done the association trip many times, many places....I have nothing against them, they are not for me in my present situation.......
...By the way...the home grown veggie's are great....
Now how did you know I had a garden in the backyard.........????:shocked:
With what I eat today I probably could survive out of a garden....
You have taken my comments "Out of context" I was speaking for myself, and you know very well I do this (DJ'ing) for the pure pleasure of placing smiles on faces..........
I'm not in this as a business...I've done all my work there already.....
This is fun for me I've done the association trip many times, many places....I have nothing against them, they are not for me in my present situation.......
...By the way...the home grown veggie's are great....
DJ Gray brings up one other point in regard to my personal reasons for not being a "joiner". I see a lot of attention being given to the "Wedding" aspect of DJ work. and nowhere near as much to other parts of it.
Some months ago, after admitting to myself how much I dislike doing weddings, I stopped accepting bookings for them. I have turned my private event focus to corporate events, which can pay nearly the same with nowhere near the hassle.
With weddings now out of my repertoire, even the orgs' literature shows me nothing...
Some months ago, after admitting to myself how much I dislike doing weddings, I stopped accepting bookings for them. I have turned my private event focus to corporate events, which can pay nearly the same with nowhere near the hassle.
With weddings now out of my repertoire, even the orgs' literature shows me nothing...
Very good point I personally don't like Weddings.... again "just me" I find them to be too much work, and I am not one who likes to play the music the younger generation likes to listen too.
I have however done a few 2nd and 3rd......and...etc..marriages for friends, where the couple was much older.
I'll leave the weddings to the other guys & gals......