Proformance i've noticed EVERY one of your responses saying you should ignore piracy because if you don't then your business is lacking or your goals are messed up. I'm sorry but you are simply incorrect. I want to rid this industry of as much of the piracy as possible and i do some works towards that goal and yet my company is still thriving and growing by leaps and bounds, and i'm friends with almost every host locally. I don't have a problem with you stating your opinion but believe me we all know your position. And to be honest a couple times i understand your point and appreciate you input, but there is one area you need to realize you should let go. The fight against piracy has begun, it's finally being united in states all of the country and amongst manufacturers and KJ's alike and for the first time is a more united effort.
Lone, I am reading what he's posting with a slightly different slant. What I'm getting isn't that he's against the fight against piracy ( actually, I don't know ANYONE who would feel that way), but merely saying that one can't put all blame for shows that don't make it onto the shoulders of a single common denominator.
In other words, what happens if every pirate is shut down and a host still can't get bookings or run a show that lasts more than a month. Who will be the next common enemy?
The top hosts in my area are as undamaged by piracy as I am. On the other hand, the less skilled hosts are certainly taking a hit from them- but they are taking a hit from me too, and I charge MORE than they do. They are also taking a hit from other good hosts. They are also taking a hit because their venues overcharge, or because of the economy, or because they are just plain lousy at what they do.
Of course I get venues who ask me why the other guy is so much cheaper than I- and I tell them:
1) Not that they really care ( or at least they don't react much), but I tell them that I am legal and their venues will not be troubled because of an illegal music source.
2) I tell them that I am disc based, and will also be happy to play customers' original mfr. discs ( this is a biggie in my area, and most of the PC hosts don't provide this service here.)
3) I tell them I have been successful in this area for decades- ( BTW, my definition of a successful show is one that has run for at least one year + and was/is still bringing folks in and profitable for the venue).
4) I give them a list of references - a full track record of past and current venues- as well as private and event venue references.
5) I ask them to come to one of my shows and witness what I do and how I do it.
6) I base my fee on the income I feel can be generated at that type and size venue, the day of the week, and location. A fair price for generating profits.
BTW- I'm ALSO honest enough to tell them if I don't feel the venue can make money on this type of entertainment ( imagine a 15 seat old man bar 50 miles from nowhere). Part of being successful is to pick the proper venues. It's the combination of venue AND Host that makes or breaks a show.
7) I tell them at the outset: Give me six weeks, same day each week, uninterrupted. If I'm successful, we continue on. If not, we part friends and no hard feelings.
I rarely walk away from a face-to-face without a booking.
Back to Pro's post. I'm just reading it as though piracy can be a PITA, it is not the only problem a host may be having if there are no bookings or short runs. I read nothing ( from my perspective only) that said he is against fighting piracy.