Steve, as I instigated the event guess I should reply in some way. The modern room was to placate some who wanted a room for 1 type of music, i didnt get involved with equipment, djs or running order. Thats not a cop out and remember talking with you on the night about your set time (and your dress code) and understood your glum looks when I ventured in there.
I'm not sure what the fact most were local djs has to do with it, tho as I told you at time I woulda put you on a bit later,
I havnt been aware of the boot thing that transpired that day/night so apologies.
regard this debate our main room was 100 original that night and remains so. When I started the club nearly 6 years ago we allowed some boots to encourage the younger djs to play at the monthly events, many obtain boots early in their collections either via freebies from older mates spreading the word or more usually through lack of awareness.
The club and collections has grown stronger now no need for any boots. Except unreleased on a carver or sawdust etc. Some argue why not allow cds then, think this makes the dj a little lazy and tempted to play more than one track off a cd, A set should reflect the djs passion and work he put into sourcing and structuring his sets.
Offering overplayed past there sell by boots or copying a cd tracklist is apathetic and not why we all got into this scene in the first place.
The music I first heard for the most part I still love (hence our occasional oldies night and always play a few every time) but I want to be educated along the way and introduced to new arists and sounds, keeping things edgy not comfy otherwise its just a non stop reminisce world, with "magpie" djs taking the easy option from others hard graft.
No need for reputable dealers, anoraks or djs willing to continue taking risks anymore!. At the other extreme I also get peed off with djs who seem unable to play anything under say a £ 1000,again they dont take time to look to adding something fresh unheard and probably cheap to their playlist.
There will always be a place for djs/clubs who play boots, I just wish they advertised this fact beforehand. "Serious" nights can also include cheap records and people up for a laugh
Btw this year were probably reintroducing a modern room, which I will keep an eye on, the only new releases will be
nu soul.