DJ VooDoo
I met with an event company today to maybe do some contract work with them. 1st I want to say I was very impressed with the level or professionalism and organization of this company. The company seems very successful and possibly a good source of revenue.
Something was said by the owner that I could not let go. When it was asked what program do I use, I told him VDJ. He didnt look too happy about it and said something like it might be ok for weddings. We got past that and moved on. We were looking over events where we can work together to feel each other out. He brought up an event where the party was going to move down stairs to a club so he will prob hire a club Dj. I told him I have Djed in clubs before it is no problem. His response to me was they dont allow VDJ in the club. When it was said I didnt say anything but on the way home it really burned me up.
I've been Djing for 23 years. Started on tables, moved to CDs and now on laptops. I put my time in. I know how to Dj. To think that one Dj is better than the other over what Dj software he uses is very closed minded. There is so much more to Djing than what software we use.
I prob took this to heart more than I should of but I am tired of this debate over software and equipment. So i declined to work with him over this. I know some how I might regret this but I guess that is the price for standing behind your beliefs.
Something was said by the owner that I could not let go. When it was asked what program do I use, I told him VDJ. He didnt look too happy about it and said something like it might be ok for weddings. We got past that and moved on. We were looking over events where we can work together to feel each other out. He brought up an event where the party was going to move down stairs to a club so he will prob hire a club Dj. I told him I have Djed in clubs before it is no problem. His response to me was they dont allow VDJ in the club. When it was said I didnt say anything but on the way home it really burned me up.
I've been Djing for 23 years. Started on tables, moved to CDs and now on laptops. I put my time in. I know how to Dj. To think that one Dj is better than the other over what Dj software he uses is very closed minded. There is so much more to Djing than what software we use.
I prob took this to heart more than I should of but I am tired of this debate over software and equipment. So i declined to work with him over this. I know some how I might regret this but I guess that is the price for standing behind your beliefs.
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 12:49 am
wildcountryclub
you can tell him i said he's an idiot and if i was going to use substandard gear i would put seraturd in here instead of using VirtualDJ for the last 12 years
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10496068_10152276565195735_2430216532518132561_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2dc2e0f99a2e943f1f19da4619d3a3ab&oe=5C28901D
you DON'T put unreliable software in a club this size and you need versatile software to keep up with demands of a varied crowd when you play multi-genre.
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10496068_10152276565195735_2430216532518132561_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2dc2e0f99a2e943f1f19da4619d3a3ab&oe=5C28901D
you DON'T put unreliable software in a club this size and you need versatile software to keep up with demands of a varied crowd when you play multi-genre.
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 1:23 am
klausmogensen
I own Rekordbox DJ, Serato Pro and Traktor Pro as well
(it's actually hard not to own Rekordbox DJ and Serato Pro, since one of those gets thrown at you for free whenever you buy new higher end gear)
No, they are not as good or stable as VDJ
But if I really wanted a gig, and they had a policy about the software used, I would simply shake my head at their stupidity, switch to the software they wanted used in their club, do the gig, and then switch back to VDJ for the next gig
(it's actually hard not to own Rekordbox DJ and Serato Pro, since one of those gets thrown at you for free whenever you buy new higher end gear)
No, they are not as good or stable as VDJ
But if I really wanted a gig, and they had a policy about the software used, I would simply shake my head at their stupidity, switch to the software they wanted used in their club, do the gig, and then switch back to VDJ for the next gig
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 7:01 am
groovindj
That's a good point. Software is cheap enough (or free) to have all the major players installed on the same computer, so if some idiot insists that you have to use RekTrakrato, you can do so.
I have them all installed on my gig laptop. Luckily I've never been in a situation where another DJ or a venue manager has insisted on use of other software, but it's better to have them and not need them (etc)....
I have them all installed on my gig laptop. Luckily I've never been in a situation where another DJ or a venue manager has insisted on use of other software, but it's better to have them and not need them (etc)....
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 7:14 am
wickedmix
you could always find a skin that mimics the other software if you really want to :-)
I am sure these ideas have come from some place and probably not the promoter your were speaking with but some other person influencing them that they trust so no point in trying changing their mind.
I am sure these ideas have come from some place and probably not the promoter your were speaking with but some other person influencing them that they trust so no point in trying changing their mind.
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 11:47 am
DJ VooDoo
I view this almost like racism but in the Dj world. It such ignorance and stupidity. I did think about downloading and learning Serato just to spite them but then I thought if I did that then I am giving in to their stupidity.
I just couldn't do it.
I just couldn't do it.
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 3:25 pm
freppa
I´m surprised that they didn´t ask you what computer you use.
If the djs´s only using serato they probably only using macs aswell.
You will be better of that place with that kind of manager.
If the djs´s only using serato they probably only using macs aswell.
You will be better of that place with that kind of manager.
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 5:27 pm
Rico Berserker
just go take a look at the serato forum it's a joke with their richie hawtin wannabe attitude.. glad i am back with vdj . it's not worth the energy to convince him .. let him hire overpiced dj's with their so called (real )gear let him go broke .. you take over the place win win
geposted Sun 02 Sep 18 @ 11:03 pm
JOSETHEDJ
Thanks for sharing your story DJ VooDoo. What a name!
The way I would have handled the situation is by saying, I turned down a gig because the manager asked me what brand of DJ software I use. I have a "red velvet policy." Heck, in my 30 years of experience, I've turned down more high end jobs that I care to think about.
Just focus on your next event. Life is too short!
The way I would have handled the situation is by saying, I turned down a gig because the manager asked me what brand of DJ software I use. I have a "red velvet policy." Heck, in my 30 years of experience, I've turned down more high end jobs that I care to think about.
Just focus on your next event. Life is too short!
geposted Mon 03 Sep 18 @ 11:17 am
bagpuss
I would've asked him the simple question: What's your primary concern with VDJ? Whatever his response, he'd have been in trouble, because on the question of substance VDJ is comparable to everything else in the major areas.
Of course the issue with reputation isn't imagined, it's very real, it just gets swept under the carpet whenever a user raises the issue (which is at least once a week). This is about style rather not substance.
geposted Mon 03 Sep 18 @ 1:02 pm
groovindj
bagpuss wrote :
the issue with reputation
the issue with reputation
If people want to believe that their choice of software is better, then let them. As the saying goes, you can't fix stupid.
geposted Mon 03 Sep 18 @ 7:54 pm
A Man and His Music
Well, I can tell you I would have handled it very differently, and there would have been a lot of profanity included. That's because you can't speak intelligently to stupid people. It would have went something like this; "What, are you pucking stupid, or just a donkey hole? Do you know what kind of hammer your carpenter uses, or does it matter? All great artist don't use the same brushes or canvas, so can you tell the difference? No, shut the @#$% up, and take your little gig somewhere else. Had I known I was going to be talking to an idiot, I would have stayed home." It would have been worst, but you get the idea.
Not everyone is at the same point in their career as I am (wait, I've always been like this), so don't try this at home. As Groovin said, you can't fix stupid, and I don't even try.
Not everyone is at the same point in their career as I am (wait, I've always been like this), so don't try this at home. As Groovin said, you can't fix stupid, and I don't even try.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 1:48 am
jamm nation
Been DJing since 1975, started at age 16. Don't do the math, I am 59 and still out there. My opinion, don't waste your time and energy because stupid people don't know they are stupid. Even though I don't like to call people stupid, sometimes........
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 2:20 am
Don Moir
DJ VooDoo wrote :
I met with an event company today to maybe do some contract work with them. 1st I want to say I was very impressed with the level or professionalism and organization of this company. The company seems very successful and possibly a good source of revenue.
I guess at first the owner was intelligent and then became stupid without knowing why he made the decision he did. I am not a DJ so don't use Serato or VDJ for that purpose. I download Serato about once per year to see where they are at. Seems it does not change much over the years. The video plugin has always been a disaster so just talking about audio part. Maybe his decision was based on a simpler program that does not change much and maybe his thinking was more stable because of it. Maybe fewer ways for DJ to screw up. We don't know the reason but seems the owner probably spent some time coming up with his decision based on the above. Or did he suddenly become stupid?
DJ VooDoo wrote :
I've been Djing for 23 years. Started on tables, moved to CDs and now on laptops. I put my time in. I know how to Dj. To think that one Dj is better than the other over what Dj software he uses is very closed minded. There is so much more to Djing than what software we use.
In that amount of time, you probably had heard that some companies have specific policies. You probably could have researched it before hand but seems you showed up unprepared. I think that it is true that that there much more than just the software. But why not be versed in more than one software product if that is your business?
DJ VooDoo wrote :
I prob took this to heart more than I should of but I am tired of this debate over software and equipment. So i declined to work with him over this. I know some how I might regret this but I guess that is the price for standing behind your beliefs.
Many companies have policies you might not agree with. You don't have to work there. You have chosen to blame the successful and well organized owner for his choice without even knowing why.
Maybe if you had gotten your foot in the door, you might have been able to convince him to use VDJ if you could demonstrate that you could put on a much better show by using it. I think the bottom line would be customer enjoyment and increased revenue. Could you demonstrate that?
A different thought from an outsider besides everyone else is stupid.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 2:20 am
A Man and His Music
Don, you used a lot of maybe's in your post. Maybe if you were a DJ, you might understand. Maybe he knows how to use other software, but choose's to use what he thinks is a superior product. I own all three VDJ, Serato, and just got Rekordbox with a controller I won. Maybe working for an idiot is not worth getting your foot in the door, he will be an idiot next week also. Maybe stick to software development, because you are good at it.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 3:00 am
djjohnnyrox
So let me get this straight He's not worried about your sound system He's not concerned with the age of or type of laptop you use he's not concerned with the vehicle you show up with He's concerned that you use virtual dj That's funny
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 3:21 am
Don Moir
Just what I thought. You don't want any perspective except your own. I don't have to be a DJ to know you don't go unprepared to a job interview. The owner does not sound like an idiot to me based on the other parts of his business. I gave you some maybes but you decided he was an idiot without knowing and I guess that is smart. We don't know any of the other details. We just know the club owner appears to run a successful business. He is probably not a DJ either and just knows what has worked for him.
Just sounded like a missed opportunity to me. Doesn't matter I guess. Why come on and wine about it if you don't want to work for a place like that.
Just sounded like a missed opportunity to me. Doesn't matter I guess. Why come on and wine about it if you don't want to work for a place like that.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 3:37 am
A Man and His Music
As stated, you are not a DJ, and have not dealt with as many event planners and club owners, as some of us. Re-read his post. For you to say he was not prepared, is quite presumptuous. I don't know this DJ, but he sounds like someone how has been around for awhile. His post seemed very intelligent, and as a DJ, I clearly saw where he was coming from. He was letting other DJ's know of an experience that he had. He was not "whining". I believe he acted very professional in the interview, when this person made a stupid statement. I would not have been so accommodating. You also assume that just because the guy owns a club, he's not an idiot. Again, as most DJ's know, this is not always the case. But, it is his club and can say whatever he wants.
Let me give you another example. As a scientist, we have to record everything. They even collect lab books on a regular basis, to record all of your work. You can not go back and change any of your experiments. However, they don't care where the Hydrochloric acid that you used came from. Do you have any idea how many companies make Hydrochloric acid? They don't care what beaker you used, micro pipet, or scale that you used. This has absolutely no bearing on the multi-billion dollar influenza vaccine that we produced.
As a salon owner, I had color lines. However, if a stylist came to me for an interview, and had a large following, I would get the color line that she used. I would not carry the whole brand, but would not say to her that she had to use my line. She would have went somewhere else, as I would if a club tried to force me to use a product that I thought was inferior. There is nothing wrong with Serato. It just does not work for me. We all have a choice. I believe it is childish to badmouth the software, or any other equipment that someone uses, and don't have a problem saying it.
I only like carpenters that use Craftsmen tools, you can't use Harbor Freight tools to build my house. See how stupid that sounds?
Let me give you another example. As a scientist, we have to record everything. They even collect lab books on a regular basis, to record all of your work. You can not go back and change any of your experiments. However, they don't care where the Hydrochloric acid that you used came from. Do you have any idea how many companies make Hydrochloric acid? They don't care what beaker you used, micro pipet, or scale that you used. This has absolutely no bearing on the multi-billion dollar influenza vaccine that we produced.
As a salon owner, I had color lines. However, if a stylist came to me for an interview, and had a large following, I would get the color line that she used. I would not carry the whole brand, but would not say to her that she had to use my line. She would have went somewhere else, as I would if a club tried to force me to use a product that I thought was inferior. There is nothing wrong with Serato. It just does not work for me. We all have a choice. I believe it is childish to badmouth the software, or any other equipment that someone uses, and don't have a problem saying it.
I only like carpenters that use Craftsmen tools, you can't use Harbor Freight tools to build my house. See how stupid that sounds?
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 5:35 am
Don Moir
Sorry you seem to be changing your mind.
Figured this statement meant you were calling the owner an idiot
"Maybe working for an idiot is not worth getting your foot in the door, he will be an idiot next week also"
I just can't tell you if he is an idiot or not. His track record seems to say otherwise.
Some of the DJ's seem to say they are prepared for such a situation.
Some seem to say do the same thing the next time. Go in blind and walk out in huff if you cannot use VDJ. Doesn't matter what the pay scale or opportunity might be... Not even if 10 virgins goes with the deal...
What's your advice to the OP?
PS: I held part ownership of a club on the Dallas strip before. No biggie but not without some insight.
Figured this statement meant you were calling the owner an idiot
"Maybe working for an idiot is not worth getting your foot in the door, he will be an idiot next week also"
I just can't tell you if he is an idiot or not. His track record seems to say otherwise.
Some of the DJ's seem to say they are prepared for such a situation.
Some seem to say do the same thing the next time. Go in blind and walk out in huff if you cannot use VDJ. Doesn't matter what the pay scale or opportunity might be... Not even if 10 virgins goes with the deal...
What's your advice to the OP?
PS: I held part ownership of a club on the Dallas strip before. No biggie but not without some insight.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 6:29 am
DJ VooDoo
Hi Don, you are partly correct and I do respect your opinion. You are entitled to your own opinion without being ridiculed. He can run his company any way he sees fit. I respectfully declined his offer. I did it professionally. We did speak about the equipment. Oddly he did not ask about my transportation. I am in no way calling this man stupid or passing any judgement. I just couldn't be a part of it.
This was a personal decision for me. It was hard because I would have liked the extra income. If I was hurting bad enough for the money then I might have swallowed my moral or ethics (what ever you want to call it) and just did the work. Bottom line is this, I couldn't let it go. I felt if I just went along with it then I would have been saying it is ok to be bias (doesn't matter the reason). I felt I would have been apart or contributing to it.
I still think it is wrong to judge a Dj on what equipment they use (vinyl, CDs or laptop) or the software. As long as the end result is quality that is all that matters.
This was a personal decision for me. It was hard because I would have liked the extra income. If I was hurting bad enough for the money then I might have swallowed my moral or ethics (what ever you want to call it) and just did the work. Bottom line is this, I couldn't let it go. I felt if I just went along with it then I would have been saying it is ok to be bias (doesn't matter the reason). I felt I would have been apart or contributing to it.
I still think it is wrong to judge a Dj on what equipment they use (vinyl, CDs or laptop) or the software. As long as the end result is quality that is all that matters.
geposted Wed 05 Sep 18 @ 6:56 am
