rockcaptain said:
Most mobile DJs I have met are bitter and they are doing what they do because they couldn't make in on the radio.
I don't want to make it on the radio. Your business is in the toilet financially, and the bigwigs know nothing and treat people like garbage. I played the game. I talk to people in the business.
As for my talent, I come up with things to talk about that most of the jocks I hear on the radio couldn't dream of. I drive all over Northern New England, and I hear people reading index cards. I turn on Kiss 108, and I don't hear a joke about current events or a funny phone call, I hear some silly website plug (yes, I know it's the aforementioned know-nothing executive that makes them do it.)
I read and research trivia questions on a variety of subjects. I give people something to talk about while keeping them in the bar for two hours and increasing beer and food sales. I host some of the most well-attended events at our company, and will make $35,000 this year while still having my daytime free to pursue other interests.
How can you comment on the industry? You haven't been in it for years (I am assuming, I don't know you and I don't know your history in the biz). Were you ever on the air? Or were you just "running the board for 6 dollars an hour".
I was not on-air. I wanted to be, but the PD did not recognize my talent even to the degree where I might have been tossed an overnight bone to show my mettle. Worked out better that I didn't.
And you belittling those who "dress up and kiss people's asses for a living" shows your ignorance of the business. Hey, they are in the business and they are making a living. Both of which does not apply to you.
How's the weather up there on Mount Radio? I'm also in a business and I'm making a living.
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I was right out of high school and desperate to get into radio. At that point I would have paid them to let me work there. That is passion for the industry. I knew I was good enough to make it and I would do anything I could to get my foot in the door. I didn't work free for long, they saw the value in having me around and started paying me. But sometimes you have to prove your worth.
That's true. That's why I worked overnight shifts for six bucks in high school. Did absolutely nothing for my career.
In response to DG, no job is beneath anybody in 2009. If I needed a second job, I'd take the six bucks an hour again and work overnights in radio. I just wouldn't do it for FREE.