Tear Em 'Up
....DJ Lori (we worked together 20 years ago, she is a great DJ) posted this bulletin on MySpace and I wanted to share it with you all. I know its long but it is worth a read. Here is her MySpace http://www.myspace.com/djlori
It's great to those who took the time to response to hear from you!
For the rest who do not, assumingly, may not understand why I would even take the time to write these type of (recent) blogs?
Well, it's understandable so again, I'll give my input as a professional industry person and as an outspoken person, who really does mean well :)
It is up to you to take the time to want to understand and appreciate what we all do for the clubs, ourselves and for the patrons, on a whole: make money and have some fun out of it, too.
ONE:
Simply for the reason, that I need more recognition as a DJ, especially as a female DJ who has represented the Chicago and Chicagoland areas for over 23+ years and it's time to be full recognized on a entire basis, long overdue.
TWO:
Plus, many non-industry people assume that being a DJ (and more, in the industry of music, mobile, etc) is all fun and games with glamour, just because we are in the entertainment business...quite the contrary! This is a very common error in thinking.
Don't get me wrong, I am not here to make assumptions of what other (industry) people's emotions or feelings, their own views of the own involvement of what it takes to be in the entertainment business, what they have accomplished on a whole nor what their goals are in the industry, period. But mosty, it is the customers who attend the functions (events, concerts, clubs, bars, etc) who are having the most fun...
Keep in mind, we are working!
Sure, we have our fun to a point, otherwise we wouldn't be in the entertainment business ;)
BUT...we are still working!
So yes, some of us, take it most seriously than others, simply because it is our full time job and/or the full time involvment and commitment that some of us, like myself, have decided to make the entertainment business as our main income.
Hence, our bread and butter!
So, consider that when we are selling our cds, tshirts, stickers, concert tickets, and much more!
So, I can only ask that people understand what we deal with as industry people and why we take it to heart sometime, like what my blog represents. It because we are commited to our careers and take it seriously and most of all, some of us, like me, want to succeed to the fullest degreee that we can take ourselves to, which means that we are not just one visible title(s) when you see us in the clubs/bars/concerts/gigs working.
So for the patrons who view us while we are workiing as DJs, MCs, Remixers, Producers, Promoters, Bartenders, Door and Club Hosts, Bouncers/Security, Bar-backs, Dancers and so much much more, please don't assume that our jobs are all about glamour. We work hard at keeping our ourselves in a respectable manner, and as our positions and what our titles represents.
Plus because we are in a very cut-throat business, quite a bit unlike the everyday life, so we have to find ways to work around the many negativeness of the business constantly. It's hard for some of us! You don't see the negativeness of the business...you only see the glamour.
So give us a break.
Unlike the majority, who hold day jobs and have to be careful in using the right manners commonly conducted in the everyday life and jobs, the music (nightlife) industry represents a very different picture for people involved as patrons and as workers (heck, some of us hold both a night and day job! It's tough!) Meaning, many patrons think it is ok to let their hair completely down when they walk into a club and leave their manners and common sense at the door. Sorry, some of us are working and expect a certain amount of the same respect as workers, just like a store clerk, bank staff and more would.
And for those who use recreational drugs and liquor for their own enjoyment, whether you are a patron of the club or a worker, many times it does later affect the well-being of the usage, so common sense and good manners are often left behind when these things take over the body. So, it is common to see that the negative affect of these recreational drugs and liquors (many times the combinations of both) can affects some of the workers in the clubs, ect. and is taken out on those who work in the nightlife (especially inside the clubs: DJS, Bartenders, Bouncers, etc), in a negative way.
Which is why I make it a point to comment that...
"GIVE US A BREAK! WE ARE WORKING!"
We are not your babysitters nor it is not a requirement of our jobs to, so don't take your aggressions out on us.
See your psychologist, mom, dad, friend or whomever, for that.
So, don't be taken off guard and/or offended when we stick up for ourselves, that is for people who display bad behaviors because the liquor and drug use is having a negative effect on you: we will stand up for ourselves, because some of us have self-respect :)
* I personally do not use any recreational drugs, and never have and I'm proud of it.
* While I do some social shots with patrons, I never really drink: not my style and I do not feel I need it.
* AND I try not to judge those who do, nor should we all do that.
So I, as well as many others I'm sure, do ask that you do not judge us when we are working, too.
AND
For those who do not for the moment at the time, do not understand what we are doing while we are conducting our jobs?
BE PATIENT!
We will get to you, eventually:)
So, for that,
don't shout at us,
don't call us names or whistle for our attention,
do not slam your hands on the tables or dj booth,
don't keep waving at us to get our attention,
do not grab us, especially in a sexual manner,
... don't give us a hard time just because we are not meeting your immediate demands.
We will get to you, as soon as we can.
We have to please several hundreds of other people in the same place you are at and it cannot be done at all once~
* Us DJs see you there...
but REMEMBER...
us DJs are concentrating on our jobs at that moment, while maintaining the idea that we are also juggling several other things at once that involves our jobs, and our attention span are constantly geared into different directions, AT ALL TIMES :)
After all, we do not walk into your office touching your stuff on your desk...
don't walk into our dj booths and/or walk behind the bar touching our cds, laptops, equipment, glasses, liquor bottles and more :) You would not shout at the store cashiers because you have to wait in line...don't shout at the DJ just because they are not immediately responding to your walkup.
OVERALL, show some respect for our positions is all that we ask for.
Or expect the outcome of it!
Usually, which means something that may be negative, like getting thrown out for disruptive behavior(s). We do stand up for ourselves and our jobs :) Plus some of us took no crap from others, especially me.
As what our position represents in the nightlife and industry, I, additionally ask that people do not judge me, based on rumors and more. If you do not know me as a person, don't judge me on rumors. Many times, like many others in the industry, jealousy is the role-player in rumors and these people spreading are simply jealous of the success we have achieved for ourselves, or what they think we have.
Again, you only see the glamour!
We deal with alot and many of it is negative, which is why many people do not last in this business.
Have respect for those who have have stayed in the business for this along: it takes an incredible amount of patience, diligence and more, to stay in this type of business!
Another example?
Such as if I'm djing at the moment and I cannot get to you standing by my dj booth, with you wanting to speak with me for whatever reasons...simply wait.
-OR-
if I'm not playing your requests right away...we are busy!
Many times ? Certain requests will not be played.
(I'll tell you, so don't question me. I'm usually good at telling people why but makes sure you understand that I have my professional reasons why. Usually it is because it not the approporatie music needed for the night, event theme, gig or if I do simply do not have it with me.
)
So for that, keep that in mind the next time you are talking and dealing with any industry person....
It's great to those who took the time to response to hear from you!
For the rest who do not, assumingly, may not understand why I would even take the time to write these type of (recent) blogs?
Well, it's understandable so again, I'll give my input as a professional industry person and as an outspoken person, who really does mean well :)
It is up to you to take the time to want to understand and appreciate what we all do for the clubs, ourselves and for the patrons, on a whole: make money and have some fun out of it, too.
ONE:
Simply for the reason, that I need more recognition as a DJ, especially as a female DJ who has represented the Chicago and Chicagoland areas for over 23+ years and it's time to be full recognized on a entire basis, long overdue.
TWO:
Plus, many non-industry people assume that being a DJ (and more, in the industry of music, mobile, etc) is all fun and games with glamour, just because we are in the entertainment business...quite the contrary! This is a very common error in thinking.
Don't get me wrong, I am not here to make assumptions of what other (industry) people's emotions or feelings, their own views of the own involvement of what it takes to be in the entertainment business, what they have accomplished on a whole nor what their goals are in the industry, period. But mosty, it is the customers who attend the functions (events, concerts, clubs, bars, etc) who are having the most fun...
Keep in mind, we are working!
Sure, we have our fun to a point, otherwise we wouldn't be in the entertainment business ;)
BUT...we are still working!
So yes, some of us, take it most seriously than others, simply because it is our full time job and/or the full time involvment and commitment that some of us, like myself, have decided to make the entertainment business as our main income.
Hence, our bread and butter!
So, consider that when we are selling our cds, tshirts, stickers, concert tickets, and much more!
So, I can only ask that people understand what we deal with as industry people and why we take it to heart sometime, like what my blog represents. It because we are commited to our careers and take it seriously and most of all, some of us, like me, want to succeed to the fullest degreee that we can take ourselves to, which means that we are not just one visible title(s) when you see us in the clubs/bars/concerts/gigs working.
So for the patrons who view us while we are workiing as DJs, MCs, Remixers, Producers, Promoters, Bartenders, Door and Club Hosts, Bouncers/Security, Bar-backs, Dancers and so much much more, please don't assume that our jobs are all about glamour. We work hard at keeping our ourselves in a respectable manner, and as our positions and what our titles represents.
Plus because we are in a very cut-throat business, quite a bit unlike the everyday life, so we have to find ways to work around the many negativeness of the business constantly. It's hard for some of us! You don't see the negativeness of the business...you only see the glamour.
So give us a break.
Unlike the majority, who hold day jobs and have to be careful in using the right manners commonly conducted in the everyday life and jobs, the music (nightlife) industry represents a very different picture for people involved as patrons and as workers (heck, some of us hold both a night and day job! It's tough!) Meaning, many patrons think it is ok to let their hair completely down when they walk into a club and leave their manners and common sense at the door. Sorry, some of us are working and expect a certain amount of the same respect as workers, just like a store clerk, bank staff and more would.
And for those who use recreational drugs and liquor for their own enjoyment, whether you are a patron of the club or a worker, many times it does later affect the well-being of the usage, so common sense and good manners are often left behind when these things take over the body. So, it is common to see that the negative affect of these recreational drugs and liquors (many times the combinations of both) can affects some of the workers in the clubs, ect. and is taken out on those who work in the nightlife (especially inside the clubs: DJS, Bartenders, Bouncers, etc), in a negative way.
Which is why I make it a point to comment that...
"GIVE US A BREAK! WE ARE WORKING!"
We are not your babysitters nor it is not a requirement of our jobs to, so don't take your aggressions out on us.
See your psychologist, mom, dad, friend or whomever, for that.
So, don't be taken off guard and/or offended when we stick up for ourselves, that is for people who display bad behaviors because the liquor and drug use is having a negative effect on you: we will stand up for ourselves, because some of us have self-respect :)
* I personally do not use any recreational drugs, and never have and I'm proud of it.
* While I do some social shots with patrons, I never really drink: not my style and I do not feel I need it.
* AND I try not to judge those who do, nor should we all do that.
So I, as well as many others I'm sure, do ask that you do not judge us when we are working, too.
AND
For those who do not for the moment at the time, do not understand what we are doing while we are conducting our jobs?
BE PATIENT!
We will get to you, eventually:)
So, for that,
don't shout at us,
don't call us names or whistle for our attention,
do not slam your hands on the tables or dj booth,
don't keep waving at us to get our attention,
do not grab us, especially in a sexual manner,
... don't give us a hard time just because we are not meeting your immediate demands.
We will get to you, as soon as we can.
We have to please several hundreds of other people in the same place you are at and it cannot be done at all once~
* Us DJs see you there...
but REMEMBER...
us DJs are concentrating on our jobs at that moment, while maintaining the idea that we are also juggling several other things at once that involves our jobs, and our attention span are constantly geared into different directions, AT ALL TIMES :)
After all, we do not walk into your office touching your stuff on your desk...
don't walk into our dj booths and/or walk behind the bar touching our cds, laptops, equipment, glasses, liquor bottles and more :) You would not shout at the store cashiers because you have to wait in line...don't shout at the DJ just because they are not immediately responding to your walkup.
OVERALL, show some respect for our positions is all that we ask for.
Or expect the outcome of it!
Usually, which means something that may be negative, like getting thrown out for disruptive behavior(s). We do stand up for ourselves and our jobs :) Plus some of us took no crap from others, especially me.
As what our position represents in the nightlife and industry, I, additionally ask that people do not judge me, based on rumors and more. If you do not know me as a person, don't judge me on rumors. Many times, like many others in the industry, jealousy is the role-player in rumors and these people spreading are simply jealous of the success we have achieved for ourselves, or what they think we have.
Again, you only see the glamour!
We deal with alot and many of it is negative, which is why many people do not last in this business.
Have respect for those who have have stayed in the business for this along: it takes an incredible amount of patience, diligence and more, to stay in this type of business!
Another example?
Such as if I'm djing at the moment and I cannot get to you standing by my dj booth, with you wanting to speak with me for whatever reasons...simply wait.
-OR-
if I'm not playing your requests right away...we are busy!
Many times ? Certain requests will not be played.
(I'll tell you, so don't question me. I'm usually good at telling people why but makes sure you understand that I have my professional reasons why. Usually it is because it not the approporatie music needed for the night, event theme, gig or if I do simply do not have it with me.
)
So for that, keep that in mind the next time you are talking and dealing with any industry person....
Inviato Tue 15 Apr 08 @ 8:46 am