Shafted By The Big Boys

[Dr Good Soul]

After running this venue for many years & always being on the first friday EVERY MONTH

the C I S decide to run an allnighter in greater manchester .

This had the effect of being the least turn out EVER for a soul nite at Heywood

Many thanks

Steve A.

[Pete S]

What or who is CIS?

[shute]

What or who is CIS?

the CIS is venue in Manchester original run by NCSC

[Guest Kate S]

Being 'small' promoters ourselves, we know how you feel - and also being Heywood fans who can't get there often, we'd hate to see the venue go as so many of the quality ones have over the past couple of years - probably for the same reason, too. ker-chiiing!

please keep on keepin on!

Kate

[Guest woolie mark]

What or who is CIS?

chris waterman

....who is a top bloke and wouldn't deliberately undermine a local event - in fact chris circulates publicity for other promoters events, even when they potentially clash with his own

what you should have done steve was to make contact with chris and to link your two events - i feel sure chris would have worked out something for your punters arriving late at his niter

my local club (boogaloo) clashed with the 100 club last weekend - but rather than competing, the two events complimented each other and most of us went on to the 100 club

[Jumpinjoan]

What's the matter... no one wish you happy birthday?

Hate to piss on your chips... but CIS was far from rammed... maybe somewhere else shafted both of you!

[Rob Wigley]

We know chris and marcelle and the CIS was a "one off" with Ronnie Walker.

We have also run small Soul nights over many years and obviously larger venues and weekenders as well.

If we had "packers" we put money to one side to make up for the times when we were not going to be as busy.

CIS is not the only All-Nighter in your area this weekend, "Souldham" or whatever its called is on tonight in Oldham and I think is a mainly Oldies based event. So this may have had something to do with it as well.

I'm afraid "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"

How many punters were you down last night ? how many do you normally get in ?

remember people have Christmas "Do's" from work and these are mainly on a friday as well !

We do feel for you and know what its like to try and run a regular do, but try not to pin the blame on one event or promoter. Ronnie Walker was excellent last night and there were many travellers in the CIS from all over the country.

They did not strike me as a local soul night crowd anyway, but if it took 20 or 30 punters away from your event and you loose another 20 or 30 because of the other event then it can make a difference.

Hope the next one is better for you

Rob & karen

[Citizen P]

Heywood would normally draw 120 to 150 or so, last night was down by a good 50%.

Usually compete with Prestwich which is also 1st Friday-except usually December when they have their anniversary Nighters, this has in the past normally pulled another 80 or so to the Civic.

Now, there is a re-union Nighter at the CIS, fair enough I always enjoyed the Nights down there and would probably gone if it had been on a Saturday-as it usually was.

I presume that only a Friday was the only option for this do so which one- well ,last one would probs be good, between Christmas and New Year, Third one errr Bury and Brighouse, second one---Lowton--first one-Prestwich and Heywood oh well.

But hang on Prestwich isn't on.

Touchdown, Crowd goes wild.

Oh and while we're whinging, who's knob do you have to suck to get a mention on the radio???

And, after all that-apart from the numbers-I enjoyed it -so there

Tony

[Rob Wigley]

Oh and while we're whinging, who's knob do you have to suck to get a mention on the radio???

Not sure which radio you mean , but several soul shows I know of in your area i think all you have to do is drop them an e-mail and most will quite happily give your venue a plug. (pm me and i will point you in the right direction)

12 years on and you must be doing something right, however i suspect when you started there was hardly owt on in your area. You are up against some well know competion.

And, after all that-apart from the numbers-I enjoyed it -so there

Thats all that matters.

Rob

Tony

[Guest]

We know chris and marcelle and the CIS was a "one off" with Ronnie Walker.

We have also run small Soul nights over many years and obviously larger venues and weekenders as well.

If we had "packers" we put money to one side to make up for the times when we were not going to be as busy.

CIS is not the only All-Nighter in your area this weekend, "Souldham" or whatever its called is on tonight in Oldham and I think is a mainly Oldies based event. So this may have had something to do with it as well.

I'm afraid "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"

How many punters were you down last night ? how many do you normally get in ?

remember people have Christmas "Do's" from work and these are mainly on a friday as well !

We do feel for you and know what its like to try and run a regular do, but try not to pin the blame on one event or promoter. Ronnie Walker was excellent last night and there were many travellers in the CIS from all over the country.

They did not strike me as a local soul night crowd anyway, but if it took 20 or 30 punters away from your event and you loose another 20 or 30 because of the other event then it can make a difference.

Hope the next one is better for you

Rob & karen

Never a truer word spoken ......

It is unfortunately a fact of life these days , that a promotion will clash with another or others : example - running on one particular night as my last promotional venture ( The Corner Pocket at Mexborough ) , were 8 other choices of venue within a 20 mile radius ......

Having this happen urinates you off , but that is the cross that we all have to bear as promoters ......

Malc Burton

Example :

[soulsalmon]

After running this venue for many years & always being on the first friday EVERY MONTH

the C I S decide to run an allnighter in greater manchester .

This had the effect of being the least turn out EVER for a soul nite at Heywood

Many thanks

Steve A.

Ste ,dont worry about it ,just one of those unfortunate coincidences,apart from CIs it was also little scotty's 50th bash and oldham is on tonight(not a lot of spare cash floating about this time of year).Sorry couldnt make it for your birthday, but myself and mr Henderson on nights all weekend(hard work being a male escort ).Hope you had a good one.

ATB

Salmon

[Chalky]

Heywood would normally draw 120 to 150 or so, last night was down by a good 50%.

Usually compete with Prestwich which is also 1st Friday-except usually December when they have their anniversary Nighters, this has in the past normally pulled another 80 or so to the Civic.

Tony

If usually up against Prestwich which I understand is still a sell out practically (not been for some time) then competition last night would have been no diffferent would it?

[Dave Thorley]

It's impossible to run a nite nowdays without there being something near. Hope you keep on with the event. Did put up a thing in events asking peeps to put up 2008 dates, so we all could try to avoid each other. Was suprised how few took the chance to post their dates for next year. It's still there if you want to join in

[Citizen P]

Ste ,dont worry about it ,just one of those unfortunate coincidences,apart from CIs it was also little scotty's 50th bash and oldham is on tonight(not a lot of spare cash floating about this time of year).Sorry couldnt make it for your birthday, but myself and mr Henderson on nights all weekend(hard work being a male escort ).Hope you had a good one.

ATB

Salmon

Crikey Salmon,

I never realised you were a Male Escort!

No wonder you're always skint.

ATB

Tony

Edited December 8, 2007 by tonyp

[Citizen P]

The Happy Chap himself,

oh and Jock.

Tony

[Mark Bicknell]

Heywood would normally draw 120 to 150 or so, last night was down by a good 50%.

Usually compete with Prestwich which is also 1st Friday-except usually December when they have their anniversary Nighters, this has in the past normally pulled another 80 or so to the Civic.

Now, there is a re-union Nighter at the CIS, fair enough I always enjoyed the Nights down there and would probably gone if it had been on a Saturday-as it usually was.

I presume that only a Friday was the only option for this do so which one- well ,last one would probs be good, between Christmas and New Year, Third one errr Bury and Brighouse, second one---Lowton--first one-Prestwich and Heywood oh well.

But hang on Prestwich isn't on.

Touchdown, Crowd goes wild.

Oh and while we're whinging, who's knob do you have to suck to get a mention on the radio???

And, after all that-apart from the numbers-I enjoyed it -so there

Tony

Tony, no one's mate is the answer, I present for Starpoint Radio now and of course had almost seven years on Solar, I constantly invite everyone promoters etc. to provide me with venue information which I will read out, this service is free of charge and I apply it to people who can be bothered to supply the information, Starpoint is a commercial station and Chris Waterman the promoter of the CIS event took out paid advertising with the station leading up to the event last night again this service is there for everyone who promotes and cares to put their hand in their pockets and pay for it, you may remember I did give your event a mention when you kindly asked me to DJ a couple of years ago when I was still at Solar, I give all events I play a mention on my show and one's I don't DJ at, I try to give a detailed event what's on when I can but if I read out all the events that are currently on then I would end up playing about two records in a two hour show.

So it's nothing to do with knob sucking here more to do with communication, like I say I will gladly read out any and all events if the information is supplied to me but I'm buggered if I'm gonna chase people or random select venues to promote on the show, simple really send me details and I will read it out don't and I won't or I can't if I don't have the details or information, don't assume as presenters we somehow only read out or supply information for selective gigs as this is simply not true, I promote, review, preview, records, CD's, Magazines, venues in a fair across the board manner for all companies, promotions and venues.

Yes I promote gigs I'm DJ'ing at as it cuts both ways but I also invite anyone to supply the details for a mention or plug.

Regards - Mark Bicknell - Starpoint Radio - Tha Soul Shack www.starpointradio.com

Edited December 9, 2007 by Mark Bicknell

[Citizen P]

Tony, no one's mate is the answer, I present for Starpoint Radio now and of course had almost seven years on Solar, I constantly invite everyone promoters etc. to provide me with venue information which I will read out, this service is free of charge and I apply it to people who can be bothered to supply the information, Starpoint is a commercial station and Chris Waterman the promoter of the CIS event took out paid advertising with the station leading up to the event last night again this service is there for everyone who promotes and cares to put their hand in their pockets and pay for it, you may remember I did give your event a mention when you kindly asked me to DJ a couple of years ago when I was still at Solar, I give all events I play a mention on my show and one's I don't DJ at, I try to give a detailed event what's on when I can but if I read out all the events that are currently on then I would end up playing about two records in a two hour show.

So it's nothing to do with knob sucking here more to do with communication, like I say I will gladly read out any and all events if the information is supplied to me but I'm buggered if I'm gonna chase people or random select venues to promote on the show, simple really send me details and I will read it out don't and I won't or I can't if I don't have the details or information, don't assume as presenters we somehow only read out or supply information for selective gigs as this is simply not true, I promote, review, preview, records, CD's, Magazines, venues in a fair across the board manner for all companies, promotions and venues.

Yes I promote gigs I'm DJ'ing at as it cuts both ways but I also invite anyone to supply the details for a mention or plug.

Regards - Mark Bicknell - Starpoint Radio - Tha Soul Shack www.starpointradio.com

Mark, your knob never even crossed my mind.

I was thinkin' more of the the one I've sent many emails, texts, flyers etc to, without ever gettin a shout.

From now on I wont be aRSed, just have to take the rough with the smooth.

ATB

Tony

Edited December 9, 2007 by tonyp

[Craig W]

We held Little Scottys 50th here at The Connaught Hotel in wolverhampton on Friday and were worried about the turnout as a lot of our regulars were travelling up to Manchester for the allnighter and also clashing with around 6 other local events on the night , but had a huge turnout considering and our best night there in 18 months. Very strange and surprising to say the least.

[Mike]

thread moved from lookbacks to here as per below

lookbacks supposed to be about lookbacks at single events

as it says here

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?act=SR&f=39

1. Threads - Threads are for talking about the individual event only - if wish to discuss more general topics be it promoters, clashes, other events, areas etc then ask that members please start a new thread in the relevant forums

cheers

mike

[Guest wAvy]

wow - peeps really do read the Heywood threads!!!!

it was quiet to say the least; i thought i'd accidentally put a spell on the place after you givin us them wands Tony! other than that - i was in the toilet most of the night! no - not on the toilet in the toilet - yes actually in it!

wAvy

[Guest Marcelle]

CIS Manchester was booked originaly for Sat 8th December over 12months ago.

We did not pick this date out of the "hat" it was the date Chris launched NCS @ the CIS in 2003, & as such we wanted to do the reunion on if not on the precise date than as near as possible.

The date change was totally out of our control as the Management of CIS had a more "profitable" offer from SONY "Big Boys" to hold their Christmas Dance in the CIS on the Saturday.

We had 2 choices .... & each choice would have consequences for NCS (Chris & I).

1. Cancel it totally for this year

In cancelling it we would have taken a finicial loss, as we had already paid in advance for a number of items. (but hey being labled BIG BOYS we could afford to take that loss !)

But more importantly to Chris & I, had we cancelled it we would have been letting someone down, who we have alot of respect for, a man who has given "us" the scene over many years pleasure with his talents not only as a Singer but as a Song Writer .... Mr Ronnie Walker.

2. Go ahead.

We knew that holding a Nighter on a Friday night in a HUGE EXPENSIVE Venue, was likely not to be as well attended & as such we were likely to lose money anyway.

(though we were pleasently surprised at how many people had travelled from all over the British Isles to be with us)

So either way holding the nighter on a Fri was going to cost us money.

So the decision was made & one that we wont apologise for, was based on that

WE were not willing to let Mr Ronnie Walker down.

Now as for clashing, well unfortuntly that has become more & more a "way of life" on the scene.

Sometimes "clashes" with NCS have been delibrate clashes by other promoters, & sometimes they have been because quite simply the other promoter has no choice in dates that they are given by the VENUE.

But either way "we" deal with it in the best way we can.

We have supported & will carry on supporting many promoters who have had to go on the same night as us "because the venue" dictates their dates & we have done this by ......

Pushing it on our site.

Offering to put out flyers & posters (in our venues & at other venues)

When we do our mail shots we include "their night" in our info.

We were the first Promotion to offer discouts, for people who wanted to "attend" both venues on the same night as long as they stayed till after 1am, before they came to us.

How many of the "big boys" offer other promotions that ?

Now as for the comment BIG BOYS I guess I maybe wrong in how I am reading what you mean by BIG BOYS, & if I am I apologise & I am sure you will correct me on this.

But if by "BIG BOYS" you mean "we do it for the money & have lots of cash to play about with" well as a promoter yourself you should realise that there aint alot of PROFIT if any in putting on a venue, it certaintly is not KERRCHING

If you are referring to the fact that NCS is "BIG NAME" on the scene well thats quite simply because Chris has spent 5 years running around the country promoting NCS, in the way we believe is the best way to promote NCS, including PAYING LOTS & LOTS of cash out for ADVERTISING in various ways, ie On the Scene, various radio shows, local papers ect ect ect .. & if he can do that so can "anyone" else.

Now as for "sucking knob" are you saying that Chris & I have done that to promote NCS ? if you are please be more specfic, I am sure we would like to know whose knob it was ?

well thats my rant over ....

Marcelle NCS & very proud to be !

[Guest dundeedavie]

After running this venue for many years & always being on the first friday EVERY MONTH

the C I S decide to run an allnighter in greater manchester .

This had the effect of being the least turn out EVER for a soul nite at Heywood

Many thanks

Steve A.

i wouldn't have said you were "shafted by the big boys " but rather someone put a do on that your punters preferred to go to ..only an opinion of course

[Citizen P]

The knob sucking bit was not aimed at you or any other promotor out there.

It was merely my observation that I have tried many times to get Heywood mentioned to no avail.

And can I also say that I for one would have been delighted to have come, had it been any other night than last Friday, especially as I am a huge fan of Ronnie Walker.

However, all your points are taken, and I will also state for the Record, that when i was co promoting a night elsewhere, all the offers of help were freely given by Chris.

I dont want to get into a slanging match, especially as I don't run this-,merely mouth off from time to time.

perhaps Ste and Chris should have a quiet natter re future dates.

I will stick all the Heywood ones up on the other thread in the next coupla days.

ATB

Tony

[spot]

Heywood would normally draw 120 to 150 or so, last night was down by a good 50%.

I know venues that would have been made up with 60-75 paying bodies, Boat, Ponds Forge, Corner Pocket.Also didn't Chris offer a reduction for punters who went to a local Soul Night first?? So like the saying, "Take the rough with the smooth" & it seems like this is the first time you've had a clash, I could be wrong?? I find it funny that promotors say, "I'm not in it to make money but for the love of the music", but as soon as they lose a bit/lot, they start whining, you know the risks if you don't like them, then don't do it, do you think a bookie would let you back in a one horse race, NO.

Oh and while we're whinging, who's knob do you have to suck to get a mention on the radio???

Now that will get you lots & lots of mentions & good publicity for you venue, me thinks not!!!!

Why not try Mark B's approach? Come on SS on a thread & mention where you Dj'ing & that you have a radio show (which I'm sure is really good.) or is it a station? Starlight Radio?? Anyway make sure you mention it loads & loads of times.

Tony

Edited December 10, 2007 by spot

[Mark Bicknell]

Heywood would normally draw 120 to 150 or so, last night was down by a good 50%.

I know venues that would have been made up with 60-75 paying bodies, Boat, Ponds Forge, Corner Pocket.Also didn't Chris offer a reduction for punters who went to a local Soul Night first?? So like the saying, "Take the rough with the smooth" & it seems like this is the first time you've had a clash, I could be wrong?? I find it funny that promotors say, "I'm not in it to make money but for the love of the music", but as soon as they lose a bit/lot, they start whining, you know the risks if you don't like them, then don't do it, do you think a bookie would let you back in a one horse race, NO.

Oh and while we're whinging, who's knob do you have to suck to get a mention on the radio???

Now that will get you lots & lots of mentions & good publicity for you venue, me thinks not!!!!

Why not try Mark B's approach? Come on SS on a thread & mention where you Dj'ing & that you have a radio show (which I'm sure is really good.) or is it a station? Starlight Radio?? Anyway make sure you mention it l

Reply and comments deleted.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Tony

I've not been to Heywood as it always CLASHES with the Earl of Doncaster but one of my best mates goes all the time & swears by it, he says it's different music there but then he doesn't get out much.

Take care & be safe & don't take life to serious,

Spot.

Edited December 10, 2007 by Mark Bicknell

[Guest Marcelle]

The knob sucking bit was not aimed at you or any other promotor out there.

It was merely my observation that I have tried many times to get Heywood mentioned to no avail.

Then "who" was it aimed at ?

Because after reading Steve A ..... post re "Big Boys" @ CIS (which is Chris & I)

Then Kate S who on another occassion referred to NCS being in it for the money "KERRCHING"

& yours about "knob sucking" it could easily be read that what Steve A, Kate S & you are saying is that

NSC is a BIG BOY organisation, that makes lots of kerchinng, by sucking knob, & that NCS dosnt care "who gets shoved out"

And that is the difficulty when "reading" someone else`s words, because it is so easy to misunderstand who "it is aimed at"

And can I also say that I for one would have been delighted to have come, had it been any other night than last Friday, especially as I am a huge fan of Ronnie Walker.

ME TOO ..... & it grows more & more each time I find out something more about him, or listen to another song that I havent heard before .....

However, all your points are taken, and I will also state for the Record, that when i was co promoting a night elsewhere, all the offers of help were freely given by Chris.

I dont want to get into a slanging match, especially as I don't run this-,merely mouth off from time to time.

It wont, well certaintly not by Chris & I.

Yes I was angry & hurt by the comments & did think "over the head girl take the higher ground"

but in all honesty Tony I have done that too much for too long.

perhaps Ste and Chris should have a quiet natter re future dates.

Yes .... if im not mistaken Chris has offered his support to Ste in the past, & would do again.

Marcelle xx

I will stick all the Heywood ones up on the other thread in the next coupla days.

ATB

Tony

[Guest Marcelle]

Sorry Spot I cant answer your post ....

But lets just put the record straight .... if my memory serves me well IT WAS GAIL who supported ME ......... & you & Chris carried the bags

what a night that was had a wonderful time on the dance floor great venue, top music & though not many people there it was a great night certaintly for me

(but was it only 4 hours booooooggggggyinnnnnnnnnnngggggggg)

ps I am in it for the money ..... just havent worked out how to get it hehehehe xxx

(im a shit buisness person)

[Dr Good Soul]

The point i was trying to get across was would the C I S event have

taken place on the First Friday, if Prestwich would have been on as it

usually is the other 11 months of the year.

Just passionate about our venue that's all

Regards Steve.

[Guest Marcelle]

The point i was trying to get across was would the C I S event have

taken place on the First Friday, if Prestwich would have been on as it

usually is the other 11 months of the year.

Just passionate about our venue that's all

Regards Steve.

Then maybe that is the question you should have asked, so in answer to that ....

Oh most certaintly we would have gone ahead with it .... & as you are we are also very passionate about our promotions.

Marcelle

[Citizen P]

Then maybe that is the question you should have asked, so in answer to that ....

Oh most certaintly we would have gone ahead with it .... & as you are we are also very passionate about our promotions.

Marcelle

Can we now draw a line and get back to the music?

Tony

[Guest]

It's impossible to run a nite nowdays without there being something near. Hope you keep on with the event. Did put up a thing in events asking peeps to put up 2008 dates, so we all could try to avoid each other. Was suprised how few took the chance to post their dates for next year. It's still there if you want to join in

It is indeed nigh impossible Dave! Everytime we've done the Rowing Club do's in Bournemouth this year, somebody has got pissed off about it and this is in the Deepest South! Thing is, you put on your do, you try and make sure you don't lose money and then it's just up to the punters where they go is'nt it? I'd never begrudge anybody their personal choice and the sour resentments exhibited in certain corners this year are quite baffling to me.

Nobody has a monopoly on people's loyalties or hard earnt cash and punters should never be made to feel they owe people their attendance at the expense of freedom of choice. I know that sounded like a sentence out of the Dave Godin book of Soul journalism, (actually what's wrong with that?) but it is something I feel strongly about - it was bad enough in the old days with the jealousies and bitterness between the big venues, never mind people trying to replicate all that childish bollocks today. At the the end of the day, it's about great records and a good laugh. Too many people have always forgotten that and the trend seems to be continuing.

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

At the end of the day, if people are going to get precious and resentful about others doing exactly what they are doing themselves, then they should not bother in the first place!

[Guest Bearsy]

It is indeed nigh impossible Dave! Everytime we've done the Rowing Club do's in Bournemouth this year, somebody has got pissed off about it and this is in the Deepest South! Thing is, you put on your do, you try and make sure you don't lose money and then it's just up to the punters where they go is'nt it? I'd never begrudge anybody their personal choice and the sour resentments exhibited in certain corners this year are quite baffling to me.

Nobody has a monopoly on people's loyalties or hard earnt cash and punters should never be made to feel they owe people their attendance at the expense of freedom of choice. I know that sounded like a sentence out of the Dave Godin book of Soul journalism, (actually what's wrong with that?) but it is something I feel strongly about - it was bad enough in the old days with the jealousies and bitterness between the big venues, never mind people trying to replicate all that childish bollocks today. At the the end of the day, it's about great records and a good laugh. Too many people have always forgotten that and the trend seems to be continuing.

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

At the end of the day, if people are going to get precious and resentful about others doing exactly what they are doing themselves, then they should not bother in the first place!

Great post

[Guest]

The point i was trying to get across was would the C I S event have

taken place on the First Friday, if Prestwich would have been on as it

usually is the other 11 months of the year.

Just passionate about our venue that's all

Regards Steve.

Steve,

No offence and I do wish you all the best with heywood but I dont understand why you're not flyering your local venues, why you guys never seem to be at local venues watching attendances and whats happening in the area. I'm certainly not trying to tell you what to do or how to promote but we cant just look at previous year's figures and presume that it'll be the same. A lot is changing in our area. Prestwich has been quieter this year and is only just recovering, we've been quiet through the summer, we recovered in October but november was our quietest night ever too.

I've not seen a heywood flyer anywhere for a long time and I would have thought that we should be aiming to cover the same venues.

Anyway, you've certainly raised aware awareness of the venue. lol

Best wishes

Jayne.x

[Winnie :-)]

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

Great post

======================

There's far too much on, think we all agree on that, but the 'willing or able' to drive comment gives the impression that if someone had put themselves out then the 'bunch' of them might have been able to go out. Chorleysoul not trying to be funny, just the way it reads?

Winnie:-)

[spot]

It is indeed nigh impossible Dave! Everytime we've done the Rowing Club do's in Bournemouth this year, somebody has got pissed off about it and this is in the Deepest South! Thing is, you put on your do, you try and make sure you don't lose money and then it's just up to the punters where they go is'nt it? I'd never begrudge anybody their personal choice and the sour resentments exhibited in certain corners this year are quite baffling to me.

Nobody has a monopoly on people's loyalties or hard earnt cash and punters should never be made to feel they owe people their attendance at the expense of freedom of choice. I know that sounded like a sentence out of the Dave Godin book of Soul journalism, (actually what's wrong with that?) but it is something I feel strongly about - it was bad enough in the old days with the jealousies and bitterness between the big venues, never mind people trying to replicate all that childish bollocks today. At the the end of the day, it's about great records and a good laugh. Too many people have always forgotten that and the trend seems to be continuing.

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

At the end of the day, if people are going to get precious and resentful about others doing exactly what they are doing themselves, then they should not bother in the first place!

Got to agree with "Bearsy", what a great post, the word "Nail on the head" spring to mind. I thought we we're all grown up now? Well it says so on my passport. Also lets not forget how lucky we are to be around to still enjoy this music, a lot of mates aren't anymore, so lets be a bit more light hearted, eh??

Take care & be safe but remember to smile ,

Spot.

[Reg]

I'm certain that I heard a mention for Heywood on Richard's show either last Saturday or the one before..

[Guest]

I'm certain that I heard a mention for Heywood on Richard's show either last Saturday or the one before..

yes you did. I heard it too.

Jayne.

[Guest stash313]

Another point on the Richard thing.

His show has changed so much since the days of Jazz FM, if you remember when Smooth initially began they put an embargo on him mentioning events.

He's managed to get round this in some form but he still can't give a comprehensive round-up of whats going on in the North West because it is against Smooth's interests.

Richard also pre-records numerous shows throughout the year due to him being away, work commitments or whatever so if deadlines are missed in getting these into him its no-wonder you don't get a mention.

You may well have been texting an empty studio.

[Dave Thorley]

It is indeed nigh impossible Dave! Everytime we've done the Rowing Club do's in Bournemouth this year, somebody has got pissed off about it and this is in the Deepest South! Thing is, you put on your do, you try and make sure you don't lose money and then it's just up to the punters where they go is'nt it? I'd never begrudge anybody their personal choice and the sour resentments exhibited in certain corners this year are quite baffling to me.

Nobody has a monopoly on people's loyalties or hard earnt cash and punters should never be made to feel they owe people their attendance at the expense of freedom of choice. I know that sounded like a sentence out of the Dave Godin book of Soul journalism, (actually what's wrong with that?) but it is something I feel strongly about - it was bad enough in the old days with the jealousies and bitterness between the big venues, never mind people trying to replicate all that childish bollocks today. At the the end of the day, it's about great records and a good laugh. Too many people have always forgotten that and the trend seems to be continuing.

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

At the end of the day, if people are going to get precious and resentful about others doing exactly what they are doing themselves, then they should not bother in the first place!

I'm sorry you couldn't make it. We put this on at a low door tax with 2 rooms and a bunch dj's so peeps could have a get together. Was the only date we could find before Xmas, that clashed with the leased venues within reasonable traveling. End result, it went well, but I have to say more often than not, you do get nervous before you open the doors nowdays.

There is no answer to the crowded calender, you open your doors believing you have an event that will stand on it's own two feet. You promote to your best ability, provide great sound systems, choose a quality venue, then it is up to people to decide where they want to go. But you do need to have deep pockets, so you can cover losses if you get them. I understand that, and never complain if I do fork out, I'll never give up promoting cuz I Love Soul Music and love seeing happy faces.

Edited December 11, 2007 by Dave Thorley

[Guest]

Several of us in Southampton wanted to attend the recent Yate reunion you organised but we could not, simply again because there were so many alternatives that night. The only people willing or able to drive in our crowd were not going to Bisley or your Yate do, but to London instead....Result? a bunch of us sitting at home and emailing each other in massive frustation at 8.30 pm on a saturday night! Anyway, spoke to Greety and he said it was great, so even more gutted!

======================

There's far too much on, think we all agree on that, but the 'willing or able' to drive comment gives the impression that if someone had put themselves out then the 'bunch' of them might have been able to go out. Chorleysoul not trying to be funny, just the way it reads?

Winnie:-)

Oh dear, this always happens on forums. You attempt to address subjects in broad strokes but there is always someone who comes back and dissects the text and transposes the original question, into a completely different tense.

For whatever purpose I am never sure, but it is a fact of life on web forums on most subjects. The comment is usually a subtly loaded one and one which the original poster feels compelled to defend.

Okay. Simple. The two people who normally drive and do not drink etc, were going to London to an event four of us did not wish to attend. We wanted to go to the Yate do ideally, but of the four of us there was only one driver and he did not want to go if he could not have a drink - which is perfectly fair enough. Geographical and timing logistics, ensured there was no realistic public transport option and I am sure over the years, thousands of people have found themselves in similar situations. (Many years ago I would have hitched perhaps, but I'm a bit past all that now!).

It was just a simple illustration of how you can miss events you'd like to attend, because others wish to go elsewhere, which is as I have clearly pointed out, everybody's choice! I suppose what I was really trying to say was that it affects punters as well as promoters, but I would certainly never feel resentment to anybody whose decision affected my choice.

I am not being funny either, but it would be nice if we could keep debate focused on the central questions and subjects rather than nitpicking at non-existent sub-plots!

The slightly worrying thing from my perspective is when people start talking about being 'passionate about their venue' in the tense of debates like these. Ultimately 'passion' should be aimed at the music itself and the artists...

Once people apply too much of that aspect, to what they view as 'their' contribution to the world of soul, we enter the fragile, provocative arena of 'ego's' and boy, have they done enough damage over the years!

Edited December 12, 2007 by Chorley

[Winnie :-)]

Oh dear, this always happens on forums. You attempt to address subjects in broad strokes but there is always someone who comes back and dissects the text and transposes the original question, into a completely different tense.

For whatever purpose I am never sure, but it is a fact of life on web forums on most subjects. The comment is usually a subtly loaded one and one which the original poster feels compelled to defend.

Okay. Simple. The two people who normally drive and do not drink etc, were going to London to an event four of us did not wish to attend. We wanted to go to the Yate do ideally, but of the four of us there was only one driver and he did not want to go if he could not have a drink - which is perfectly fair enough. Geographical and timing logistics, ensured there was no realistic public transport option and I am sure over the years, thousands of people have found themselves in similar situations. (Many years ago I would have hitched perhaps, but I'm a bit past all that now!).

It was just a simple illustration of how you can miss events you'd like to attend, because others wish to go elsewhere, which is as I have clearly pointed out, everybody's choice! I suppose what I was really trying to say was that it affects punters as well as promoters, but I would certainly never feel resentment to anybody whose decision affected my choice.

I am not being funny either, but it would be nice if we could keep debate focused on the central questions and subjects rather than nitpicking at non-existent sub-plots!

The slightly worrying thing from my perspective is when people start talking about being 'passionate about their venue' in the tense of debates like these. Ultimately 'passion' should be aimed at the music itself and the artists...

Once people apply too much of that aspect, to what they view as 'their' contribution to the world of soul, we enter the fragile, provocative arena of 'ego's' and boy, have they done enough damage over the years!

===============

As I said Chorley it was the way your previous post read and my reply was certainly not designed to compel you to explain yourself

Winnie:-)

[Guest]

not fair to suggest theyve shafted you is it? too many nighters and not enough weekends?