Holy Hell, I had no idea when i posted this thread this would happen.
My 2 cents to add....as a "singer" going to countless shows over the years I have to say I have watched "favorites" constantly pushed to the front of the rotation while the new guy or occasional singer gets his or her slips pushed to the side. Always pissed me off. I have always tried to be fair in my rotation and as money came I have upgraded to what I think is a fair and "efficient" way to get as many singers in during one show.
My program keeps track of the singers and the order in which they were submitted for me, lazy? I think not, its smart and i can keep them happy knowing I am not pushing someone else in front of them. I do this by an automated "scrolling" at the end of each song that shows the next 3-5 singers and the songs they are going to perform. I also have a separate monitor in which I display messages to the crowd, drink specials, tip waitress, applause, and can also show rotation there. Tons of interaction and I am always on the mic keeping the energy up and getting people involved.
I now use laptops for my patrons to log in with, they can at that point scroll through or simply "search" for title or artist and hit "sing tonight". These laptops are at the same table I use but at the other end, so any questions I can help to answer and be involved. I use Velcro to keep them in place and not get dropped off the table.
I also urge people to bring their iPhones, ipads, ipod or smart phones with them. These units also can access the same log in screen and from their seats put in a song. They love it!
IMO if you do not have the personality of a door mat, you will find ways to be interactive with your singers. No matter if you are paperless or still use song books.
Lets face it, songbooks and slips have been around forever, its how it was and still is done for tons of KJ's. BUT, like the floppy disc, they are on their way out. Fast or slow, they are. How long it will take is up to the technology, demographic area and simply "choice".
I don't see anyone trying to upgrade, being more productive and at the same time keeping your show alive as lazy. Again, just my 2 cents.....ok, maybe 5 cents at this point