Peter Merry Seminar in Las Vegas

[Larry Williams]

BTW: Larry timed his post just in time for you to arrive here... very interesting!!!

Whoa . . . . slow down. It would be wrong for ANYBODY to draw any sort of negative inference of prejudice, partiality or conspiracy regarding something I have posted.

The truth is . . . I (me, myself and I) sent Peter an e-mail out of professional courtesy to let him know that I had posted this thread on this board. And it was only done to let people know that which I only learned about myself, quite by accident . . . that Peter was added to the seminar speaker list.

There wasn't great publicity being done for his speaking appearance . . . not by Peter or by anybody. This was my way of doing something NICE. Nothing should be read into it any more than that.

 

[Guest]

LOL... I didn't say anything was wrong with that...

Sorry if I ruffled your feathers... I wasn't accusing you of anything wrong. I said it with a smile on my face. I took it to be a introduction to Peter, with you as the host.

I thought it was a good marketing idea... isn't that what Peter is all about. If I took it wrong, then it worked out to be a really good marketing idea anyway. I was going to give you KUDOS for the idea.

I'd have done it myself.

 

[Larry Williams]

Hey Tyrone . . .

No problem. No ruffled feathers here! But you know how it is this day and age (in our industry) . . . there are so many people that believe that there is often an orchestrated effort to conspire, time and pre-plan things.

Again, just for the record . . . I choose to do this as a kind hearted gesture from one book author to another. I know the tremendous sacrifice and dedication it takes to write a book. I also know the great anticipation and excitement he is likely going through in anticipation of it's release.

It's just my way of doing something nice.

Sometimes it's not all about marketing . . . sometimes it's just about good people doing something nice.

It's all good!!!

 

[Guest]

I gave Peter a courtesy call letting him know there was a discussion here taking place.

We chatted while I set up for tonight's dance and just got to a PC to see what was transpiring.

Again, it was just out of couresty and respect that if I am going to speak of Peter, his presentation, and of his book, he be informed that the words were being said.

 

[Hank Davidson]

What's the big deal? Really?

I wish all the best to anyone that publishes books, gives seminars, etc, etc. I just don't think it amounts to a hill of beens in the big scheme of things.

It's still opinion and mileage will vary.

I never consulted a DJ handbook before getting into this business. I attended many functions with DJs and saw, what was in my opinion, both good and bad. I knew then what it was "I" wanted the DJ to be (or not). That idea and my passion and understanding of music made the light go on. "I think I can be a great DJ", I said to myself.

So I did, and I am.

It wasn't until a few years ago when I stumbled upon the online network of DJs, that I even gave thought to or cared about what everyone else was doing or more importantly, "charging".

Suggesting to (or educating as you say) a bride to be as to what type of service/price range is best is like telling them how to dress, act and think. Although helpful to some, it's still subjective.


Example:

I'm a (legit) single-op working from my home with minimal operating costs and I don't take many jobs outside of a 20 mile radius. I charge around $75/hr for regular functions and $150/hr for receptions. I don't believe in wearing a Tuxedo or engaging in interactive games/routines. Receptions include...

*All digital JBL sound system and above average music library.
*Grand Entrance, Special Dances, Cake, Garter, etc.
*No additional fee for on-site ceremony (I'm already there)
*Wireless mic. / lights (no intels) included
*A knowledgeable DJ with a sharp ability to read the crowd
*Professional MC dressed in a nice suit (Tuxes are for the wedding party)

I've been doing quite well for 18 years and I excel at what I offer. Yet, I would most likely be considered a sore-spot on the industry to most of these gurus out there and the like.


So I say....

Welcome Peter Merry. I won't offer you a "red carpet", but I will offer you a beer.

Cheers!

 

[Guest]

It isn't mobile entertainers only. Any vendor may offer biased advice and suggestions. The bride is the star of the show after all. Any resource that can make reception planning easier and result in a satisfactory experience for all involved is a good resource.

Pete Merry is notorious for his biased views. To be honest, we are all guilty of this in one form or other. I am concerned with any attempt to condition brides to book entertainment companies based upon biased criteria. There are few industry standards in this business. Advice should be based upon those standards, not the author's interpretation of them.

Thoughts?

This is exactly along the lines of what is found in the book. The book isn't designed to make brides book Peter.

The book is designed to say, for example, "Think about where XYZ hall places it's bar that evening in relation to the reception." It would talk about the logic of why it's beneficial to have a bar in the same room as the dinner and dance. We all know, because we've all had to perform at one time or another, with the frustration of the two or three room halls.

The book is for brides.

Imagine being a hall owner that places the bar in a separate room. That hall owner's going to be just as nervous about that advice. Truthfully, bar in the same room it's great advice assisting in "For Making the Best Wedding Reception, Ever!" But that two-room hall won't like it - many halls will.

The book is written for the bride, not the halls. The advice is to attain the goal of "Best."

The book talks to brides about photographers. It plays into how to get great emotion-filled shots. There are tricks of the trade that are spelled out to assist a bride in how to get a great shot... A few shooters won't like what's written - but many more will.

The book is written for Brides, not photographers.

The goal isn't to get a book thinking "If I read this, I'll be the Best DJ, ever!" it's there to assist brides by offering pre-point of purchase advice to get the "Best Wedding Reception Ever!"

So... if a DJ isn't going to do their part in making the "best ever!" by their influence, the DJ may get their feelings hurt.

The book is not written for DJs, though.

The book talks about sightlines in the hall and surrounding areas. Stageing things in ways that make things look and feel natural. The florist selling the 4-foot vases for the centerpieces isn't going to like the advice, but it takes a seasoned voice to say, in a language a bride will listen to, "honey, it looks pretty, but realistically people cannot see around them, and if they cannot see, they are not part of..."

The book is for a bride, not a florist.

There's a pattern that should be becoming evident. I trust what the book says, I may even be a part of a segment of Entertainment that gets directly shunned in it's particular section of the book. But if the advice is followed, even shunned, my product is better, and my influence in contributing to "The Best Wedding Reception, Ever!" becomes easier.

If a consumer can make "perfect" and "best" become "easier," it's a good thing.

 

[Jon Tuck]

How many copies might I buy and at what price? I could offer this as a bonus when a Bride signs.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Ken...

You explained it very well. Sounds like a great book.

I don't want to be misunderstood. I might have come across negatively with my comments. That wasn't my intention. I am willing to accept Peter with open arms. I will admit to being prejudice, only from what I've heard from others. I'm saying openly what others are thinking... I could very well be wrong about this! I will also be the first one to admit my mistake.

I wasn't looking forward to an "industry leader" coming to our forum and kicking down some of our guys/gals for things they do or the way they do them. My intention was to stick up for this forum so that NO ONE comes in here to do that.

If I have it all wrong, then time, and Peter will correct that. As before, "Welcome Aboard Peter" and I look forward to your contribution. I'm willing to be your biggest supporter.

 

[barry stamper]

Well put Tyrone..... I have no personal knowledge of Mr. Merry other than his website which in my opinion is fantastic. It does not matter to me who wrote the book or how others view him, if there is one good piece of information than it is worth it.

 

[Fred Wright]

Thanks, Ken.

I have been reading Pete's comments on the boards for many years. Pete has had to defend himself against personal attacks many times. Yup, I am as guilty as the rest. I have the character to admit it and apologize.

It is my hope that Pete will find ODJT to be a welcome, member-friendly forum site.

That said, I also apologize for not welcoming Larry Williams to ODJT.

 

[Peter Merry]

I am certain there will be limited portions of my book that some (or many) of you won't agree with, appreciate, or support. However, just to give you a taste of one segment I'm pretty sure most of you will agree with and appreciate...enjoy the following excerpt:

The iPod Wedding

Apple’s popular portable digital music player, the iPod, has been making the news quite a bit lately when it comes to weddings. On August 17th, 2005, National Public Radio featured a radio news story on iPod Weddings(2). On September 20th, 2005, CNET New.com published a story on their web site about iPod Weddings(3). The Chicago Tribune published a story on August 13th, 2006 about iPod Weddings(4). Even the Wall Street Journal, on August 24th, 2006, published an article on iPod Weddings(5). The common theme between the stories were brides and grooms who didn’t want a “Cheesy DJ” to ruin their wedding day, while also being able to maintain complete control over the music selections at their celebrations. For the financially strapped wedding reception, an iPod may be a highly viable option. But the one factor most of these stories have not covered was the actual end results of using an iPod to provide the music for a ceremony and/or reception celebration. The title of this chapter is “Auditioning For Talent” and talent is the one component that Apple will never be able to program into their iPods. A truly unforgettable celebration requires the talent and skill to not only play the right music at just the right moment, but it also requires the ability to guide and direct your celebration while keeping your guests informed and involved. No iPod will ever be able to do that.

The rest of this segment was published in the last regular issue of Mobile Beat Magazine via the ADJA Newsletter.

 

[the dogman]

I dont begrudge someone from writing a book or doing a dvd. But if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck its probly a duck. I have never met Peter but have listened to him on that radio program, to be honest Im offended by the tempermemt that was used, actually it was close to disdain at times the way they talked about other djs that didnt meet thier standard. So Im a little reserved that a book is going to help do anything but further divide what is already a problem in the dj industry.

I to would like to read the book but have a few questions as to the background of the book.

1. Was a cross section on each type of industry talked to or just ones he felt important.
2. Was it geared toward a certain style of bride
3. Was it geared toward a certain catagory( I think you draw your own idea here)
4. Were people from across the country talked to

There are other questions but I will hold back as I to wish to read the book. I always look to improve myself and what I do. No offense Peter, its unfortunate that you have had to defend yourself so much, but some of it seems self inflicted by past comments/or association with those comments.

I am always willing to learn from anyone. And hope you can help out here. So welcome aboard

 

[Peter Merry]

The Dogman~

My podcast shows were for DJs...professional DJs...DJs who want to make a living as DJs...DJs who are making a living as DJs...DJs who want to make better living as DJs. If the last 3 descriptions don't describe you...you might have been understandably put off or offended. (I don't know you...so I don't know if you would fit into those three categories or not)

But my book is not written for DJs...it was written for brides...brides who want a fun reception...in their backyard...or at the Ritz Carlton...in SoCal...or Wisconsin...with an iPod...with a Band...with a DJ or with a _________.

The only "industries" that were examined were the ones that directly relate to a successful, fun-filled reception. Tips on cake makers will not be found in my book. Tips on different bridal gowns will not be found in my book. There are many great resources that have covered those details already in massive detail.

But the one area of the Wedding "industry" that has been a blind spot for far too long is the art and sciences of creating fun-filled wedding receptions. The entertainment. NOT THE MUSIC...the ENTERTAINMENT!

Will there be advice in the book about part-time DJs that many here won't like...count on it. Will it be factual? You can check out the references listed in the bibliography.

Is being a DJ/MC your full-time career?

According to a 2004 DJ Times survey, 64%(8) of Wedding DJs work on a part-time basis while holding down regular weekday jobs. Will your photographer be a part-timer who isn't qualified enough to do wedding photography as their chosen profession? Will your catering be done by somebody who just enjoys making food for large groups of people on the weekends, but their real career is as an accountant? Based on the ratio of part-timers who DJ at weddings, it's a pretty safe bet that an Average Wedding DJ is also a part-timer whose loyalties, priorities and time are divided between your reception and their regular, 9 to 5 job. It's been said that there are no waiters in L.A. and New York, only actors who are between acting jobs. But have you ever seen an exceptional movie actor who is still working full-time as a waiter? The best rise to the top and turn their passion into their career. But based on the stats, the Average Wedding DJ may not have the time or the skills to give your reception the full-time attention and service your day deserves.

One of the reasons given by part-time hobbyist Wedding DJs for not being full-time, professionals, is their belief that they won't be able to replace their income and medical benefits which are currently provided by their full-time, regular job. So how do full-time wedding photographers do it? How do full-time wedding florists do it? They charge a professional fee that will provide them with the income and medical benefits they need, in addition to covering their annual business expenses and self-employment taxes. Because such a large number of Wedding DJs are part-time hobbyists, it's probably not too surprising to note that their average pricing is typically set too low to provide the necessary income needed to make this their full-time career.

Now...that was a sample 300 words...out of about 3,000 that will probably make some DJs mad...in a book that is around 70,000 words.

One part-time DJ who has been editing for me told me he didn't like those parts...but he also admitted that he couldn't argue against them either. He fits into the "DJs who want to make a living as DJs" category...so maybe that's why his response was more measured.

I have been researching and preparing this book for 7 years. I have spoken with DJs all across the country, along with various other groups of wedding professionals. I have performed and watched other DJs perform at weddings from one side of this county to the other (including Wisconsin). Chapter 11 actually covers the regional differences in reception agendas pretty well according to my DJ friend in New Jersey.

Suffice it to say...this book will be the first of its kind and it will change the way brides think about their wedding planning, their budgets, and especially their choices and expectations when it comes their entertainment vendors.

But it won't...I repeat...it won't be how to create Peter Merry style receptions. This book will allow brides to completely create whatever will work best for them...even if they choose an iPod.

 

[Guest]

Basing this entirely upon what I read here from Ken as I have not read the book.

The book is designed to say, for example, "Think about where XYZ hall places it's bar that evening in relation to the reception." It would talk about the logic of why it's beneficial to have a bar in the same room as the dinner and dance. We all know, because we've all had to perform at one time or another, with the frustration of the two or three room halls.

The book is for brides.

This is a hall problem and one many face, it is called available space.
It is also a problem brides face it is called a budget! If all brides could afford the grand ballroom at the Hilton, bar placement would not be a problem.
But that is not the case and it is a problem that many people put their heads together and try to come up with a decent solution. It is amazing that a DJ can answer this so easily for every venue and every bride.

Imagine being a hall owner that places the bar in a separate room. That hall owner's going to be just as nervous about that advice. Truthfully, bar in the same room it's great advice assisting in "For Making the Best Wedding Reception, Ever!" But that two-room hall won't like it - many halls will.

The book is written for the bride, not the halls. The advice is to attain the goal of "Best."

The Book is not written for the bride nor the hall, all it really is capable of doing is causing tension between the venues and the brides.

The book talks to brides about photographers. It plays into how to get great emotion-filled shots. There are tricks of the trade that are spelled out to assist a bride in how to get a great shot... A few shooters won't like what's written - but many more will.

The book is written for Brides, not photographers.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all had the insight that a good wedding potographer had. I know it would certainly increase my income level. Yes this could be something a Potog might not like, seeing as how it is advice coming from a DJ who should be doing his job and allowing the potog to do his. I know how I reacted the two times I had a Potog try to tell me how to do my job.

The goal isn't to get a book thinking "If I read this, I'll be the Best DJ, ever!" it's there to assist brides by offering pre-point of purchase advice to get the "Best Wedding Reception Ever!"

So... if a DJ isn't going to do their part in making the "best ever!" by their influence, the DJ may get their feelings hurt.

The book is not written for DJs, though.

Your right here it is not written for DJ's because a good DJ is going to concentrate on his own job and not that of everyone else.

The book talks about sightlines in the hall and surrounding areas. Stageing things in ways that make things look and feel natural. The florist selling the 4-foot vases for the centerpieces isn't going to like the advice, but it takes a seasoned voice to say, in a language a bride will listen to, "honey, it looks pretty, but realistically people cannot see around them, and if they cannot see, they are not part of..."

The book is for a bride, not a florist.

A bride that can afford 4 foot vases for center pieces is also going to be able to afford a wedding consultant who's job it is to take care of these things and once again we have a DJ with his hand where it doesn't belong.

There's a pattern that should be becoming evident. I trust what the book says, I may even be a part of a segment of Entertainment that gets directly shunned in it's particular section of the book. But if the advice is followed, even shunned, my product is better, and my influence in contributing to "The Best Wedding Reception, Ever!" becomes easier.

There is a pattern here and if we follow it as it continues, it ends up in the Honeymoon Suite explaining to the bride how to get the most out of her wedding night sex. The DJ doesn't belong there either.

No offense to Peter but I believe he said it all himself right here;

My podcast shows were for DJs...professional DJs...DJs who want to make a living as DJs...DJs who are making a living as DJs...DJs who want to make better living as DJs. If the last 3 descriptions don't describe you...you might have been understandably put off or offended. (I don't know you...so I don't know if you would fit into those three categories or not)

However what is a professional Dj, "DJs who are making a living as DJs" yes that is my exact interpretation. It is the DJ who is in the trenches making a living at his craft. He is doing the number of gigs that is required to support himself and his family and put some back for old age. It is the DJ that is in demand in his local market. It is the DJ who can run his or her business on referals alone if need be. It is not the DJ who needs to sell paintings, books, props, speeches, CDs, DVDs, etc. etc. A Professional DJ doesn't have the time to give speeches or write books or make how to DVDs, he doesn't have the time to produce and sell his own mixes and remixes of songs. What a professional DJ has time to do is contacts, contracts and shows.

 

[the dogman]

Not to let this thing get to far off but. Yes Peter I do work another job, I consider it my part time job. Being a dj is what I do. Since I started my own company two and a half years ago. I have a plan to do nothing but dj someday and the plan is working. Not there just yet but getting closer.

Now you could talk to all the clients that I have served and they will tell you that I was completely prepared, I have to its my word that is on the line. I believe that I have to do a better job than the quote fulltime guys because there are a few less hours to deal with. But in reality I do everything in planning that everyone else does, I just dont have time to go see venue managers.

Besides Peter arnt you just a parttime dj, I mean you write books, go out and do speaking, do your pod casts. When do you find time to dj? But Peter you do have to be commended, you are just like the farmer who raises dairy cattle, beef cattle, chickens, eggs, hogs, raises corn, soybeans. A farmer will tell you this because they dont put all there eggs in one basket. So I guess we should all start writing books.

Peter believe it or not Im on your side but this parttime/fulltime crap is getting real old and is probly beneath you to keep harping on.

 

[Peter Merry]

Steve Miller~

A Professional DJ doesn't have the time to give speeches or write books or make how to DVDs, he doesn't have the time to produce and sell his own mixes and remixes of songs. What a professional DJ has time to do is contacts, contracts and shows.

And apparently if you are the template for this definition...a DJ doesn't have time to learn from speeches, read books, watch DVDs, or buy new mixes and remixes...(or attend a trade show) cause he's (you're) too busy doing contacts, contracts and shows.

Move 'em in...move 'em out...rawhide!

However what is a professional Dj, "DJs who are making a living as DJs" yes that is my exact interpretation. It is the DJ who is in the trenches making a living at his craft. He is doing the number of gigs that is required to support himself and his family and put some back for old age. It is the DJ that is in demand in his local market. It is the DJ who can run his or her business on referals alone if need be. It is not the DJ who needs to sell paintings, books, props, speeches, CDs, DVDs, etc. etc.

I've been in the trenches for 15 years...and it's been my only source of income for 8 of them. Did 40 weddings in 2006 and 50 in 2005...wanna compare line 22 on our 1040's for both years? I'm in pretty high demand in my market. $5,000 for a reception and 20 dates already booked for this year. All of my bookings have been on referrals only for the last 7 years. (No "if need be" about it.) And no...I don't "need" to sell a book...I just want to. I've wanted ever since I first gave a seminar to local brides in July of 1999 and then turned the content into a 22 page booklet. I've wanted to every since I realized that there was a virtual black hole on information for brides related to entertainment and creating fun wedding receptions.

I certainly don't “need” to...

So do I qualify Steve? Do I meet your self-determined standards of a "professional?" Would you like to see if you can measure up to mine?

As for Ken's reiterations...I never said anything about where the bar is located...in the seminar…or in the book...I only spoke about where the dance floor is located. But his point is correct...a bar that's out of the room can cause havoc on a party. And if a Bride has not picked a location yet, and can afford one in either category described by Ken...then what harm is there in advising for the room with the bar in it so she'll have a better party?

I also didn't talk about telling the bride how to set up backdrops...although I did show some photos that featured some great ones...which the photographers selected and set up on their own...I was merely responsible for the laughter and emotional moments that he was able to capture...and the photographer gave me credit for that.

As for the flowers...yes...a bride who can afford 4 foot vases can afford a coordinator as well...goody for her. But once again, that isn't what I said. 4 foot tall vases are great...because the flowers are on top of them and don't impede sight lines and table conversation. I pointed out that 4 foot high and 3 foot wide floral centerpieces would certainly impede sight lines and table conversation...and no...not all coordinators would think of that. Many would just say they look fabulous and not even think about the ramifications I have listed.

I have no desire to help in the honeymoon suite...I only want to give brides the info that will help make their wedding receptions more fun, enjoyable, smooth-flowing and personalized. Don't you? Or maybe you don't have time to think about such things...because you're too busy...being a real working DJ?

 

[Peter Merry]

Dogman~

Now you could talk to all the clients that I have served and they will tell you that I was completely prepared, I have to its my word that is on the line. I believe that I have to do a better job than the quote fulltime guys because there are a few less hours to deal with. But in reality I do everything in planning that everyone else does, I just dont have time to go see venue managers.

So you fit into the "DJs who want to make a living as DJs" category... awesome! You will get as much support from me as you will ever need. (Did I mention it took over 5 years to be able to make my living as a DJ? So, yes, I held down “weekday jobs” that I truly hated for over 5 years before my dream became a reality. Stick with it...don’t give up!)

If you truly are prepared and giving top notch service you won't be part-time for very much longer...as I have included in my book here:

If the DJ you are considering says that they are just as good as any full-time DJ, even though they only DJ as a sideline, you should ask yourself why they haven’t already been able to go full-time themselves? The full-time DJ has not only developed their talent and their skill to a professional level, but they have also developed enough demand for their services to be able to make being a DJ their full-time profession. Someone who claims to be just as good should have no problem achieving the same results. Now you may find a rare part-time DJ who truly delivers exceptional service, but chances are if they are that good, they won’t remain part-time for very long. The majority of the part-time DJs you will encounter, however, will most likely only be able to deliver an amateur level of performance at best.

I would classify you (if you are as good as you believe yourself to be...with all due respect) as the one described above who won't remain part-time for long. But regardless of whatever chip you may have on your shoulder towards full time DJs...wouldn't you agree with the veracity of my last sentence in the above quote? If you agree...then you know that I already see you as the exception to the norm...but the harsh truth is...the "norm" for industry is pretty undesirable.

Writing books and giving seminars does not take away from my full-time status as professional...it only enhances it. Is Dr. Phil a part-time psychiatrist (or even perceived as one…especially by his peers?) because he does his TV show now? Now…his credibility and status as professional psychiatrist has just been incredibly enhanced…and that’s not only good for him…it’s good for psychiatrists in general. Only in the DJ world, which is still heavily dominated by those who have not been able to make it full time (or have no desire to even try to go full time)...would writing a book or giving seminars be seen as a demotion from one's hard-earned position as a true professional.

Now let’s back you for a moment…you said…

I believe that I have to do a better job than the quote fulltime guys…

Believing and knowing are two different things. Have you ever let a “quote fulltime guy” come and watch you perform and then give you a detailed critique? You can do all of the planning they do and more…and still deliver a performance that is well below theirs. Are you willing to hear what you might be lacking in your performance? Have you sought out such serious, critical feedback? Getting such feedback has been and continues to be one of my best “secrets” for getting the kind of pricing and making the kind of living I do today. It is trait that I have found to be common especially amongst the top paid and most in demand performers…in just about any entertainment field.

Peter believe it or not Im on your side but this parttime/fulltime crap is getting real old and is probly beneath you to keep harping on.

Good to know. Didn’t feel that way earlier. Here is why it will be awhile before I lay of the part-time/full time issue:

When considering hiring entertainment for a wedding reception, the ability to make an informed decision can often be influenced by average pricing. Due to the large majority of Wedding DJs being only part-time hobbyists instead of full-time professionals, it's pretty safe to say that the average pricing you will encounter will be indicative of Wedding DJs who don't take their business seriously enough to make it their full-time career. In fact, in a DJ Times survey, 81% of the DJs surveyed make less than $46,000 per year(8). When you then speak with a full-time professional, their price may seem high in comparison to the average pricing you have already encountered. At that point, you will have an important decision to make. Will a Wedding DJ who offers average pricing deliver anything more than average results? Will spending more on a full-time, professional Wedding DJ be a better value?

In the service world, the most expensive services are quite commonly the ones who are providing their clients with the best overall value. Within 2 miles of my home, I have the option to get my hair cut at a Barber Shop for around $6, at a large chain store for around $15, or at a nice salon for around $40. All three will cut my hair, but I get the best service and personal attention at the salon. My stylist, Rocky, not only takes the time to make sure my hair turns out exactly how I expected, but he is also personable and he takes a sincere interest in my business and my life. I have yet to ever see a bride getting her hair done at a Barber Shop or at a large chain store on her wedding day. Brides know that on their wedding day, their hair has to be perfect, and so they go to the salon. They will probably spend more than they normally would for just a basic cut and style as well. If you are looking for the best DJ entertainment for your reception, seek out the DJ who is priced above the average and then ask them why. Their response should help you determine if the value they will provide will be worth the added investment.

As one who wants to make living…I would expect you would fully support this information being presented to brides as it will only increase your chance of being able to make living doing what you love someday…hopefully sooner then you might have expected.

 

[Guest]

40, 50 gigs a year, sorry Peter that is PART TIME! But if you want to sell a book go right ahead you don't need my permission to do so. If you want to sell paintings on a cruise ship you can do that as well. Heck, if you want to go back to selling insurance again I won't be the one to stand in your way there either.

But don't come in a place and start throwing around "part time DJ" and other such words because that same shoe fits you perfectly.

Compare lines! sure why not.

Where do you advertise Peter? I haven't had a YP add, Website, or done any other advertising in over 12 years, (almost as long as you have been in the business). My business is entirely by referal and those referals are from clients, not other DJ's, DJ sites, or self promotion.

So a wedding coordinator needs a DJ to tell them how to do their job? The Photog needs the DJ to tell them how to do their job? Venue owners or managers need the DJ to tell them how to do their job? Sorry that bird don't fly around here.

Backdrop setups for the photog, you lost me here, you do have some idea of what a Photographer's backdrop is don't you? As for emotional moments and laughter, dude you are DJing a wedding reception what do you think is going to be going on at one? If you are doing your JOB people are already going to be having FUN. Unless of course you have to work really hard to get anyone to smile at a reception you DJ, if that is the case then maybe you should write a how to book. So far I haven't had that problem.

15 years in the trenches, I thought you were an experienced DJ, writing a book is something you do when you retire from something. You know to have something to fill your time.

 

[Peter Merry]

Steve Miller~

40, 50 gigs a year, sorry Peter that is PART TIME!

Once again...your subjective opinion is now deteminitive based on what?

I met every criteria you outlined...you said...

He is doing the number of gigs that is required to support himself and his family and put some back for old age.

At 40 to 50 weddings (not gigs) a year...I am able to support myself and my family and cover my own health insruance and retirement plans. So now that's not enough...now I have to be doing...70? 80? 100? 200?

Why? Just because you say so? Just because you might do twice as many or more as I do in year? (For 1/8th the price no less) Based on what Steve?

Now who's creating arbitrary definitons of professional and part time?

 

[Jon Tuck]

Peter if you have had the chance to read some threads and posts here you might find that we dont hold anyone in contempt for how they choose to do business. Im also about to go fulltime in less than a yr. We have part timers and hobbyists here. We exist together out of respect I expect you to respect the rest the same as you expect to be respected. This place isnt like the others having said that your book poses some interesting thought and Im intrigued enough to visit your seminar and see what your selling. OH and to give you the heads up, we dont discern levels here in your way please refrain from the professional fulltime segregating comments it wont be tolerated here. Thanks.