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If I went to a show that didn't let me play my disc's, I would find something in their book and have fun anyway.

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Kevin

[quote="DangerousDanKaraoke @ November 10th 2009, 10:22 pm"]I don't think you can make the blanket statement that any KJ who doesn't play discs isn't interested in "customer service".

It's like Spock said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

What I've found [i]in my experience[/i] is that singers who travel with their own discs are not only usually more persnickety and demanding - shouting at me on stage "turn up the treble, turn down the echo, bring the music level up..." - but more often than not they're singing some oddball song that's not especially entertaining to anyone except for the singer.

If I have 100 people in the bar and I'm not able to play a disc with some obscure Canadian blues song only the singer knows, or some track they custom rigged, I (and probably the entire bar and owner) won't be disappointed if they want to find another show.

Suffice to say - and sorry if I'm the only KJ with the cajones to say this because I'm not trying to impress anyone here - that prima donna customers who are inordinately demanding above and beyond reason are more trouble than the $20 they'll spend. (Actually[i] in my experience [/i]more often than not those with their own discs just drink water.)

I'm happy to cater to any singer's needs - [i]within the parameters of the show that I offer[/i]. The 99.9% of people who come to sing just for the fun of it are fine with choosing something from my t e n .. t h o u s a n d .. u n d u p l i c a t e d .. t r a c k s. The other .1%? I feel for you, but I'm happy to send you down the road.[/quote]

You kj's who refuse to play a customers disc always paint the worse case scenario for why you won't play a customer's disc. What about the customer who comes in with his own disc with songs that everyone in the bar would enjoy hearing??? What if that guy or gal comes in and spends around $50 every time he or she shows up at a karaoke show? What if that singer has a better voice than anyone else who comes to your show and he or she doesn't have an attitude about it? What if that singer knows quite a few other singers who might also come to your show if they were told about what a great show it was instead of a show with a KJ with an attitude that he would rather you go somewhere else if he has to plug in an extra machine and a couple of cables to satisfy a customer or two?

Bruce, a lot of "what ifs" there. I don't live my life nor conduct my business based on "what ifs".

Very few things in human nature are impossible. But highly unlikely? Definitely!

BTW Bruce, how long have you been a KJ? What types of venues and sizes of crowds have you hosted? That's why I prefaced my statement with in my experience. Certainly ones experience would provide perspective.

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[font=Lucida Console]"Sing for the day, sing for the moment, sing for the time of your life!"[/font]

Blue Rodeo is definitely not the blues. See what you're all missing.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

To each their own. On topic, I would sing off of the show's stuff and maybe suggest a few songs they might want to get. But as a KJ I understand reasons behind not having every song that's out. I don't claim to have all that's out but I have a good amount of songs that I now only update my songs as they get requested. I also don't play discs because my software won't allow me to do so. I am switching software so When I update my list, Someone's usb drive file won't be in my songlist. So if and when I get another bar gig I can at least accommodate my singer's who want other songs. I believe RoxBox will allow you to drag a file from it's folder into it's Que. Would be cool if CompuHost allowed for that as well. I actually think you can do that with Hoster and Sax & Dotty's Show Presenter.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Dan said: What I've found in my experience is that singers who travel with their own discs are not only usually more persnickety and demanding - shouting at me on stage "turn up the treble, turn down the echo, bring the music level up..." - but more often than not they're singing some oddball song that's not especially entertaining to anyone except for the singer.

If I have 100 people in the bar and I'm not able to play a disc with some obscure Canadian blues song only the singer knows, or some track they custom rigged, I (and probably the entire bar and owner) won't be disappointed if they want to find another show.

Boy Dan, I'd be really careful with those kinds of generalizations if I were you. Based on experience recently at your show, I came to your show with my own disc. I asked if you could play it, you said no. I suggested it was a song you might not have -- I didn't even have a book to refer to (at that point I would have suggested, as the host, that I'd bring you a book so you could see if indeed I did have it, if I didn't know off the top of my head.) My song was relatively new and I was anxious to try it out. I certainly am not a prima dona, my song was not obscure, and as I recall, the crowd was pretty attentative. Was my song obscure? I don't think Kelly Clarkson has anything that is obscure, does she?

Dan said: I'm happy to cater to any singer's needs - within the parameters of the show that I offer. The 99.9% of people who come to sing just for the fun of it are fine with choosing something from my t e n .. t h o u s a n d .. u n d u p l i c a t e d .. t r a c k s. The other .1%? I feel for you, but I'm happy to send you down the road.

Dan, this is a dangerous attitude. Period. Apparently you have enough singers who only sing your songs, and your venue has enough regulars and isn't interested in new singers? Or partiers? BTW, I did not drink water, I paid for my own drinks, I clapped for other singers, and I sang a song out of your book as well.

In your venue, Dan, I suspect that karaoke is an incidental activity and not the reason people come there (this is a college bar, full of people who may bring one friend who can sing after they get drunk). I wish you luck and longevity there. Different strokes for different folks, for sure - I've been hosting in my own business for 13 years, and my husband and I hosted for others for years before that. My focus is on making people feel welcome. Your attitude in this thread, and your attitude in person, doesn't do anything to make me feel welcome. You apparently have an automatic crowd so that probably isn't a concern for you? I don't believe I commited any social faux pas while there but felt a little like a kindergartner when I left, for having come up to the stage with my friend, who is a very new singer (and feels reassured if I'm standing there in case she needs help). When I approached the stage with her, you gruffly said, "Just know, next time you have to put your name on the slip if you're going to come up and sing!" You stuffed the mic in my hand, and then you turned your back on me rather abruptly. Wow, a little terse and reprimanding. Who needs that? I'm an adult. I would probably have said, "Oh, by the way, if you're going to sing with someone, I'd really like you to put your name on the slip as well so I know it's a duet."

We all have to do what works for each of us, I guess ... I have control of my room without rigidity or a reprimanding attitude, as does Lonnie based on my recent visit there. A much more comfortable and inviting, and accepting atmosphere. I'm not going to say anymore about this, but I'd suggest if the room you're working in now requires this kind of overlording attitude, be careful when you approach other places because I can guarantee it won't go over well...or it wouldn't in any of the places I frequent.

[quote="DangerousDanKaraoke @ November 10th 2009, 10:50 pm"][quote="BruceFan4Life @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:41 pm"]What if ... What if ... What if ...[/quote]Bruce, a lot of "what ifs" there. I don't live my life nor conduct my business based on "what ifs".

Very few things in human nature are impossible. But highly unlikely? Definitely!

BTW Bruce, how long have you been a KJ? What types of venues and sizes of crowds have you hosted? That's why I prefaced my statement with [i]in my experience[/i]. Certainly ones experience would provide perspective.[/quote]

You make it seem that every singer who shows up with his own karaoke disc is some sort of pain in the (@$%&#!) and every KJ's nightmare. I was trying to see what you would do if you got the "perfect" karaoke customer at your show who happened to bring his/her own songs to sing because you didn't have them in your song book. From reading a subsequent post from someone who has actually been to your ONE and ONLY weekly show, it has been pointed out just how "well" you treat your new customers who bring in their own discs. I'm not a KJ. I'm just a guy who likes to go out to sing. While I'm out singing, I think I spend as much as anyone else in the place. I buy drinks and usually order food as well. On top of it all, I don't think my singing has ever made anyone want to leave early and go home to get away from it. It's pretty sad that you don't want someone like me at your show because, for whatever reason, you don't have the songs that I PREFER to sing. I did notice on your web site that you mention that someone should ask you for a song if they don't see it in your book. How many songs do you have that aren't in your song book and why haven't you added them to your song book by now? Do you only update your book on a yearly basis? With only ONE Karaoke gig per week, it would seem that you'd be able to keep that song book updated.

Agreed.

I keep my regulars happy #1. Visit my show before you pass judgement. If you become a regular you will see I will go through major effort to keep the singers happy. I have even gone so far as to type in and sync singer written lyrics to a common song or made karaoke by vocal removal of songs that are unobtainable.

Now I will not do such effort for someone the first time they show up at the bar. They have to realize that my show is what they like and come back a few times. By 3-4 visits in a short period many of them will get to know me and some make song requests. Some will not like my show, and if that is the case, I let that be their choice. I have 200,000 people living in my city, I cant fit more than 100 of them in my weeknight bar. I will not be specially attentive to every new face with the hope they might become a regular. I have enough regulars already to fill out most of a nights singing anyway.

For my regulars I get the songs they want. Period. For non regulars, become a regular talk to me and request a song, or look through the 9k different songs I do have. Im not lugging a disk player around for an especially picky first timer at my show.

I really believe that if the local karaoke scene in your area has a lot of singers traveling with their own disks, then the local KJs are NOT attentive to what the singers want to sing. A good KJ does not say, bring your own product and we will charge you to use it. A good KJ they will figure out what the regulars want, both by talking to the singers and by looking over what has been sung in the past and getting more similar songs.

offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes
offering to play customer cdgs is a good thing but a decision each kj makes

if you must bring your cdgs find a show that plays them and shut up
if you must bring your cdgs find a show that plays them and shut up
if you must bring your cdgs find a show that plays them and shut up
if you must bring your cdgs find a show that plays them and shut up
if you must bring your cdgs find a show that plays them and shut up

if you like a show and KJ -talk to them about your needs -instead of complaining
if you like a show and KJ -talk to them about your needs -instead of complaining
if you like a show and KJ -talk to them about your needs -instead of complaining
if you like a show and KJ -talk to them about your needs -instead of complaining
if you like a show and KJ -talk to them about your needs -instead of complaining

DAN i am surprised by your attitude as well. Maybe your crowd is the "automatic crowd" Karen speaks of. I have seen these type of college venues and worked in two of them as a deejay. Witnessing several kjs run collecge karaoke shows or mass crowd karaoke tends to put a lot of stress on the kjs because it's constant babysitting. You HAVE to become a little ridgid to deal with todays young selfish types, but STILL recognize when you have a real adult or person who deserves to be treated with manners and respect, correct?

MOST other kjs have to start from scratch and build their loyal following from hard work, great service, respect and appreciation for their clientele, and cater to their requests, NOT run them through like CATTLE CALL KARAOKE.

In my experience, and i have many years of dj but less of karaoke hosting, the singers that bring in their own discs and that fit the description of "prima-donnas" is probably 5%. FIVE PERCENT. The rest just want to sound good for the crowd, be entertaining, and ENJOY themselves. THAT IS KARAOKE.

Some of the BEST singers and entertainers carry their OWN discs and are ready to PERFORM, not do drunk screaming karaoke. I certainly appreciate a mature person bringing in their discs because i know they take it seriously. They usually drink water and/or a cocktail drink and rarely get drunk, but most of them EAT and spend MORE than the "kids". Besides, WHO wants to hear a drunk karaoke singer?

Dr. Fred, no offense, but haven't you just started hosting karaoke a year or so ago and have only 1 venue of experience to speak from? Forgive me if i'm wrong, but with very little experience, putting out global beliefs is, um... risky.

"For my regulars I get the songs they want. Period. For non regulars, become a regular talk to me and request a song, or look through the 9k different songs I do have. Im not lugging a disk player around for an especially picky first timer at my show."

LUGGING??????

The word LUG infers that there is some serious weight involved. Come on now. My Pioneer Twin Tray Karaoke machine probably weighs less than ten pounds and my DVD player that also plays CDG discs probably weighs less than 3 pounds. We are NOT talking about a serious amount of effort to plug in either of these two devices. You can buy a DVD player these days for around $25 and most of them will play a CDG disc with no problems. You might not be able to change the key of the song on a DVD player but most people would accept that. I've run into that problem at some shows where their regular players don't have the ability to change keys. They adjust the pitch(speed) and call it a key change. When I go to those venues, I either sing songs that I can sing in their original key or I lower the key on my computer and burn the disc with the key already lowered for me to be able to sing them.

LOL JAMMER

What would you do if Bruce Spriongsteen or Jon Bon JOvi walked into your NEW JERSEY venue and felt like singing a couple of their greatest hits that they just happened to have a a home made CDG disc? Your audience is buzzing with anticipation of this free MINI concert and then you tell them both to take a hike. "We don't want your type of karaoke singer in this bar. Sing something from the book or SCREW!!!!"

GREAT ATTITUDE !!!! NOT!

JAM, you're doing a great job of pointing out the differences between a good acceptible karaoke time and a GREAT Karaoke SHOW.

When a kj believes he is the overall BOSS, then the ego slips in, and they usually forget they are subcontracters hired by the bosses to keep the customers happy. Men tend to have these egos that get in their OWN WAY to achieve better levels of success, and they sabotage themselves and blame it on other factors instead. -seen it a million times!

You might have been kidding of sorts, but telling disc owners to SHUT UP and STOP COMPLAINING probably won't give you good credentials here because it shows lack of respect for MOST people here.

I find it amusing and totally absurd at the EXCUSES as to why a "professional" would not do what's necessary, if necessary, and have pride NOT ego, in giving better service to customers, no matter WHAT position they have.

BETTER SERVICE= MORE MONEY and that's what YOU are PAID to Do. -make more money for your venue!

Why do you continue to try an change peoples minds? Some KJ's just don't want to hook up a cdg player and or play customer cdgs. Common sense dictates that the more services being offered the better the experiance. I doubt many KJ's argue tha fact that playing a customer cdg can't hurt business.

But personal speaking -- my current show like many -don't have many customer bringing in their cdgs. ( chicken and egg thing maybe). But it's a personal choice each KJ makes.

TO ANSWER THE OP QUESTION: If you can't use your personal cdgs , ask the KJ if you could supply digital files via a usb drive. If you can't then sing something from the book ..simple. If you ponder the illegalities of giving files to your KJ you are correct ..It's probably not LEGAL. But are you HURTING ANYONE????
The answer is no. If the KJ KEEPS YOUR FILE ..is he hurting anyone .. "I" don't think so. ( chanes are he would never but the songs anyway)

" If the KJ KEEPS YOUR FILE ..is he hurting anyone .. "I" don't think so. ( chanes are he would never but the songs anyway)"

IF THE KJ KEEPS MY FILE, HE IS HURTING ME. I PAID FOR THE SONG. THE KJ DIDN'T. WHY SHOULD HE GET IT FOR FREE??? If I spent two hours creating a home made track that can't be bought, why should someone take it upon themselves to steal it from me??? The KJ is either too cheap or too lazy to make it possible for me to use my DISC but if I bring songs on a thumb drive, he sees nothing wrong with keeping the files that are on the drive....Now I know why he doesn't want to play a customers disc....It's easier to steal files from a thumb drive than a disc. If the kj drives a YUGO and he could never afford to buy a corvette, is he allowed to steal a corvette because he would have never bought one anyway???? Your rationalizations really are ridiculous.

I guess if you like a show and the KJ doesn't have a cdg player your stuck.
I have to say you have a very negative take on most topics. I see it like this ....you come in to my show and want to sing songs I don't have on my system. You hand me a thumb drive and I'll have YOUR songs for you. Believe me 99% of the KJ's are NOT sitting waiting for a singer to come in with songs they can "STEAL"

I guess I am ridiculous ? -- I run a simple show --no dramatics, no conspiracy theories. I guess the majority of KJ's are Lazy and Cheap thiefs as you've stated many times. -- I'm just trying to offer a solution to the OP problem. Face it ..There are more and more KJ's who are NOT offering the service of playing customer CDGS. You've mentioned it and now this discussion. You've spent 2 hours creating your custom disc and for the sake of convenience you are worried about the KJ stealing your property. What many fail to mention is that there COULD be a 2 way street between KJ and SINGER. Allowing a KJ to HOLD your files for YOU costs you absolutely nothing. As you are finding out your minimum requirements for a karaoke show are becoming harder and harder to find. I would state the MOST karaoke singers have a show or 2 they call HOME every week. There is a reason you can't seem to find a show you like in the entire state.

Simple solution---find a place that can and will play cdg's. If not dont go to the ones that cant or wont.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

sounds simple doesn't ....... It's more fun to sit and accuse KJ's of stealing and being cheap and lazy.

"Dan said: I'm happy to cater to any singer's needs - within the parameters of the show that I offer. The 99.9% of people who come to sing just for the fun of it are fine with choosing something from my t e n .. t h o u s a n d .. u n d u p l i c a t e d .. t r a c k s. The other .1%? I feel for you, but I'm happy to send you down the road."

Well, I had been trying to talk the wifey into making a high-speed run up to Seattle with me to specifically check out Dan's show, meet him, introduce her and myself and say hello. But judging from what happened with Karen and her friend Laurie, I guess he'd be just as happy to "Send my wife Linda and I down the road"=======this seems to be his attitude and policy in general.

So I think Ill just save the extra 45 mins and 40 miles of driving(to go up to the University District in NE Seattle) and just go where I KNOW WE ARE WELCOME===Lonnies show in Tacoma!!

There was also another person who has a show in Seattle here---but I cant remember his S/N and I'd like to go visit there too and have a meet-up. I believe also there was one in EVERETT or BELLINGHAM--but cant recall. I'd be willing to try those also.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

[quote="jamkaraoke @ November 11th 2009, 12:14 pm"][quote="SwingcatKurt @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:03 pm"]Simple solution---find a place that can and will play cdg's. If not dont go to the ones that cant or wont.[/quote]

sounds simple doesn't ....... It's more fun to sit and accuse KJ's of stealing and being cheap and lazy. :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:[/quote]

If a pirate will steal thousands of songs from Sound Choice, or buy them for pennies on the dollar; he will also steal from me, if I let him/her. Have I tried to come to your ONE singular SHOW JAM????? I have no desire to patronize your venue because of your closed mind about playing a customer's discs. I have enough places to go that will play my discs. You, on the other hand, could always use more customers at your show and you have succeeded in alienating customers over a $20 item. I always like to find new places to sing at for a change of pace. It's nice to find a new audience every now and again. If I was going to be in your area of the state, I wouldn't even consider your venue to sing at and invite my friends and relatives to join me there. I hope that your bar manager would read your posts about this and see that you are costing him business by being so single minded in your approach to karaoke singers. You would rather alienate the people who take karaoke seriously enough to buy or make their own tracks than spend $20 dollars on a DVD player to keep on hand in case someone like me showed up at your gig. I guess you wouldn't get many people bringing in their own CDG discs once you tell them the first time that they will not be accepted. I guess your show is so jammed up with singers that are willing to accept whatever you decide they can sing that you don't have to care about being a better karaoke host. Your satisfied being a good karaoke host instead of a great karaoke host. Bully for you, Jam. Sounds like a great business plan to me. If I lived in your area of NJ and spent $40 a week at your gig, the bar would take in over $2,000 in the course of a year. You and your attitude are costing that bar thousands of dollars for each and every singer who prefers to sing form his or her own karaoke discs because you won't spend $20 on a DVD player. Real smart!