Karaoke Forums

I find myself agreeing (in part) with both Alan and Chris. From the outside looking in (neither in karaoke business nor US resident) it does appear that American DJs and KJs are suffocated by draconian over the top licensing laws and such. While such an organisation has the potential to bring good to the karaoke/music industry in the USA, it would be doing itself a favour to have an agenda for campaigning for aforementioned laws and regulations to to repealed. I shall look forward to learning of any developments via this Forum.

Because maybe that gentleman will come here and see exactly what we as KJs have problems with. I will not get certified to join, either. I won't buy Sound Choice, anymore, so why would I get certified by them. I will also not join something where I have to pay a yearly fee.

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I am the ONLY SANE 1 HERE

I can agree with this statement, unless there is a benefit to me as well. Then I would be willing to pay a yearly fee.

This will end in the same net results as the older one:
Failure.
As:
1. No one will be willing to pay any kind of fee without some sort of substantial benefit being provided.

2. KJ's will never agree on anything and will argue endlessly over anything and everything having to do with such an organization.

3. People will automatically question it's purposes, aims, goals and pretenses for claiming to represent KJ's as a whole.

4. Many will not want to be affiliated with such an organization again questioning its purposes and motivations.

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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

Chris, I'm afraid that you posted a negative- for me- on the first shot at breaking the news.

You said that he has already been in touch with some manufacturers.

My question would be: Why? That is, if this association is aimed at Karaoke Hosts, then I would not wish to see ANY involvement or control by anyone who is NOT a Karaoke Host.

If the association is an all encompassing one, with intent to include mfrs., I see a conflict of objectives.

I'm not completely knocking this attempt- yet, and am willing to wait and see just exactly what the objectives are and how they would be implemented. However, that first bit of information certainly makes me wary.
Chris, one favor, if I may ask: You know how I am - right or wrong - about opening links. Would you be kind enough to share the name of the gentleman in question?

Thanks in advance for your Luddite tolerance...

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

he does not post his name, just as the NKA.
and c'mon Joe, you keep saying you wont open links on your work computer, don't you own a non work computer?

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

While I agree whole heartedly that manufactures do not define the karaoke industry, and that it's a HUGE mistake for them to try to, they are a part of it. A third party where manus, kjs, venues and singers alike JOIN and all contribute would be the only way I can see it working. Leave out an part and it's just another Manu agenda push.

I can give you folks some information. This is William Beasley, he is a certified Sound Choice and Chartbuster (RIP) KJ, and though I don't personally know him, he is a Facebook friend. He was involved with the Karaoke World Championship in NC, but posted about a month ago that he was through with karaoke due to piracy. He is one of the KJs I posted about that was certified by SC and CB but has no shows. Not sure what this is all about but looks like he's changed his mind about being through with karaoke.

Here's the URL to their website... http://www.karaokeunited.com/
Currently, there's not much information in there. From the looks of it right now, it's mostly one big Advertisement. They are taking Sign-ups for members beginning on January 1, 2014.

Rick, if he is a facebook friend maybe suggest what I did, the certs are what kept me from getting shows against pirates.
Nothing more than a suggestion for someone you know.

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

Paradigm Karaoke, I'm with you on that one. There are 7 "certified" KJs in the Raleigh/Durham market and I believe 3 of them with 2 shows or less. That whole concept was sold as a magic bullet, when in reality, the venues just don't care. None of them were named in the suits that were filed in that area and, as I've posted before, one of the KJs filed against is right back working at one of the places he was busted, and he is still involved with legal action with SC.

I'll say it again, civil sanctions were not enough to stop them, the venues could care less about the whole "certified" thing and until KJs start having huge monetary pain or lose something more than a $185 hard drive, nothing will change. Mainly because the government doesn't care either.

From everything I know from others who do know him, William is a nice guy, and a reliable fill-in for folks when they need him. Not sure where he's headed with this association thing but if the only people who join are just joiners, can't see what will be accomplished. There is nothing I can find about the purpose of the association.

I sent an e-mail to William, and got the following response:

Hi,

I am interested in joining. I would like more information about the NKA, such as a Mission Statement, and proposed Goals, and possible Plans of Action on how you intend to reach those goals.


Thank you Steven. In additon Vendor, Advisory Board and Membership applications will open up online on January 1, 2014.

Sincerly
William Beasley

I see he took the time to answer all of your questions.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

And he answered them in such amazing detail!

But at least you got a quick response...better than no response I guess.

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

Maybe he doesn't have a mission statement or proposed goals or any plan of action yet? Who knows? Looks like we'll just have to wait and see what info he comes forth with after Jan 1st.

Guys I'm going to say don't give it another thought. It's not going to be anything you'd think it would be considering the source. William works part-time at the sports arena and has no karaoke shows.

The one glaring problem to all of this is no matter if a host tries to do everything right and obtain certification, it really counts for little in the real karaoke world. At best maybe in some areas with some venues it is a plus, but not the universal magic bullet every host is seeking. Quite the contrary actually playing down the certification angle is better at least in some hosts experience.

In part it can be seen due to a backlash against this whole manu legal process approach to solving the problem of piracy. It is very true the hosts are independent by nature, self starters to be successful. The ultimate small business owner who is out everyday running and promoting his or her own interests. This is not a job for someone who is looking to some large government agency or private association to solve all of the problems involved with running and maintaining an active business concern.

While the idea of some type of association or host guild is noble, it breaks down when trying to create some kind of practical organization that can be responsive to all hosts. The only hosts that would be interested in such an organization are the legal ones, according to some estimates only 10% of the total hosts or less. Unless you can form some type of big tent that includes all hosts the organization would not be effective.

I do not see this taking off or being helpful to KJ's. It seems that most of the responses about this organization are negative ones. The person behind this alleged organization couldn't even be bothered to answers Cue's questions. Not very professional.

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

If he doesn't have a mission statement, proposed goals or plan of action than what the hell is he doing promoting this bogus organization?

If your going to come here to promote this, you better be able to offer more than just the "coming soon" crap. Doesn't sound very credible to me. And why the hell couldn't he answer Cue's questions???

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Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.