Karaoke Forums

I seem to recall this subject being discussed here a few years ago, but it was brought to my attention again recently, and I'd like to get up-to-date opinions from members here.

Last Thursday evening we had our biggest attendance of the year with the following day being a holiday (Good Friday), and most folks not having to work in the morning. As we were approaching the end of night shut-down, and with several singers left in the rotation, I was approached by a young man, a twenty-something, who wanted to sing and was obviously "three sheets to the wind". I told him that there would be no time to get him in, whereupon he offered me $20 to "slip him in". When I told him I couldn't do that, he upped the ante to $50. He wasn't belligerent, but definitely surprised that I wouldn't accept what I consider to be a bribe.

My "regulars" know that I don't deviate from the posted rotation, but every once in a while someone thinks they can "game" the system... everything from "It's my birthday." to "I have to leave in ten minutes." to "You missed me." to "I'll buy you a drink." to "I'll show you my ta-tas." to various amounts of $$ incentives.

I made it my policy a long time ago that I wouldn't alienate those in the rotation by inserting someone before they would normally be positioned.

What is your policy? What "incentives" have you been offered, if any?

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Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

[font=Times New Roman]"Growing Old may be mandatory... but growing UP is still optional."[/font]

I let my software control the rotation for me. No amount of money will change the rotation.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Unfortunately, many try to be selfish and steal the show by bribing the host. In southern Florida, it happens all the time, especially during tourist season. I make announcements during that time of year and let everyone know that trying to move yourself up in rotation will not happen under any circumstances, and yet, there's always some turd that comes up with a sweaty $20 dollar bill or more.

My regulars get a kick out of these jerkwads and appreciate me being fair and honest. It means alot to me and them both. On another note, over the years, I've had owners/managers of restaurants ask me to let their friends sing and when I tell them my policy some have been understanding and some not so much.

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Sound Choice and Chartbuster Certified

i will accept tips, but not bribes.
about 3 weeks ago i turned down $100 to make a new singer next and it blew his mind. i told him i had people waiting for over an hour and a half to sing and it would be really messed up to put a new person in before them, which he agreed with, then i told him not taking bribes is part of WHY it is such a long rotation.

once regulars see you get bribed, you are done. i love other hosts taking bribes, it always sends more people to my shows when they take them.

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens