[jonathanm]

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

1) Thorough evaluation of security personnel prior to hireing.

Absolutely. And do not let your security have more clout than you. If hiring a company or people you dont know, have a meeting with the boss in private long before the party and explain that the priority is gangs, weapons, dealers & idiots, etc, and you want anyone found with small personal amounts dealt with quietly, respectfully and smoothly. You can tell by the response you get if you want to work with this person. If not, keep looking. Too many promoters (especially younger ones) do not want to have this conversation with a head of security, especially if its an off duty cop. But it must be done!! BTW, I think Big Karls post explains the discrepancies with different peoples experiences. I was treated politely and respectfully, though patted down and my cigarette pack was inspected. Sounds like I dealt with him.

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

2) No matter how much promoted, still possibly cut some stages to endorse a higher concentration of people at the other stages.

Also, make areas smaller...if less people show it will feel fuller and keep people together and the vibe alive. Sometimes when me and my crew have thrown parties in spaces too big, we've just curtained off excess areas with some black material and some barriers. If you do get a mega turnout, 2 minutes and the curtains are gone. This would have been easy to do in those huge cow shed / aircraft hangars at MEMF. It wouldnt have fixed the rattly metal roofs though, lol.

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

3) Due to demand 1-DAY passes should be introduced.

yup

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

4) (My opinion) Introduce one indoor chillout stage dedicated to ambient, lounge and chill music. Consider and actual headliner such as Steve Roach. At least talk to people to see who would be interested.

And / Or a general sit down area, not necessarily a "stage", preferably with a bar (clutches brown bag again). Somewhere where people can meet, chill, prepare, cool down, and TALK to other people.

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

5) (My opnion) More live preformers. You know that African tribal music where they get together with a bunch of drums and what not....yeah.....that would be cool. lol

always good. (I'm a long time drummer, lol)

Originally Posted by Xenzaka

That looks about wrap, please anyone feel free to give your input, Infared might be running this nonsense but the magic comes from the people and the crews together. =)

Respect!

Well said. Couple of things.....

Like I mentioned before, why not make it non profit? Like a co-op sort of set up. Keep everything open and transparent, especially finances. Anyone can get involved and have a say. The downside is there will need to be a lot of tedious meetings and discussions, but the upside is everyone will work together and there won't be these discussions (here and at medm) about whether people are shady or not. You will either ALL make a small profit or ALL make a small loss. Nobody will lose their house or their rep.

"Fonz" - I believe you. You're a skilled DJ and promoter. You saw this coming. They wouldnt sign your contract. OK. Well, fuck that shit. Are you a giver or a taker? If you've got something you can bring to this, then lay off the negativity and help your peers out. Your own reputation will benefit, and the rest of the midwest scene will benefit too. But nobody benefits from your contribution so far. ESPECIALLY you. You just look like a miserable cunt. The time you spent on your boycott the MEMF gif could have been spent on the phone to half a dozen of your crew saying "yo, these guys need all the help they can get. lets bring our shit."

I'll leave you with some words displayed on a sign at the court trials of the famous (in europe) exodus collective, responsible for some of the best free parties you've never seen.....

1. This is going to be huge - realise it. Grow fins and swim

2. Listen to new people

3. Share responsibility

4. Nip egos and attitudes in the bud - no power struggle

5. Communications stop ructions - talk

6. If you are feeling stressed pass the job on and go!

7. Never laugh at fat bastards in clouds

and a quote from the same crew.......

DIY culture relies on people doing things without payment. We operate with a different set of rules - most people put in work with the only reward being the personal satisfaction of seeing other people having a good time. You don't have to listen to rave music * we have poets, all sorts. People from all walks of life all coming together, that¹s what it's about.

Thanks,

J

Oh, and in case a few of you think I still don't "add up", I threw up a few things to show you I (and my crew, "cause & effect") are real....

http://picasaweb.google.com/mrjonathanmiles/DJStuff


(oh, and as you'll see from the photos, alcoholism is common in Northern England, lol)