Mobile Beat Sold to Ryan Burger

[Chris Wagner]

I guess you just don't like being called out, Wolfie. I find it most interesting that several posts back you would even bring Mark Ferrell into the discussion of Ryan Burger possibly buying out Mobile Beat. He has nothing to do with it, but you seem to want to discuss him in this thread.

Incidentally, since you asked, the Chicago Chapter of the ADJA won Chapter of the Year. We started in April 2004 and now have 73 PAYING members. We feature monthly meetings, holiday parties, sponsor local ACS Relay For Life events, gear swaps, and raised $1100 for Hurricane Katrina victims. That's part of what I've helped to do here in Chicago with the 72 other PAYING members who find it worthwhile.

You asked about a solution. I gave you a solution several posts ago. I said you should subscribe to Mobile Beat and/or attend some recent Mobile Beat conventions before you speak about them negatively. It's kinda like the guy who doesn't like the president, but also doesn't vote. I think the saying "sh!t or get off the pot" might apply.

Good luck to you and thanks for trying to bring down all that is good in this industry. You're a great liason.

[Glenn Miller]

Wolfie there is always alternatives, there is DJ Times for reading, and for shows, there is A.C. and Jam's CPSDJ Show. Occasionally the Canadians throw out DJ World.

Then there is DJNN for news, and DJ Zone for online articles. So if idon't like one side, there are always alternatives.

And Chris, Paying members do not make an association, an association is what members make of it. CODJA has over 500 active members, they don't pay dues, but they are active and purchase only benefits they need. USODJA was formed the same way, so most associations with paying members do so just for the marketing aspect and do not benefit or participate in their association, your last ADJA election was a testament to that....

And before you think I am slaming ADJA, because I am Canadian, I recently joined the ADJA, so see I too am trying to be part of the solution and work with the various groups, but I also spew the reality of the situation. ADJA needs better member participation to grow.

I think I am an honourary member in Name, if Bruce has not thrown me out net....LOL (Don't get the magazine anymore for some reason....lol) But even NAME members need to participate more, I see members with ADJA in their sigs, but I hardly see NAME logos in any..... I know their members are out there but they seem to be hiding.

[Chris Wagner]

Hi Glenn:

We can definitely agree that member involvement in any association is key. There are far more passive members in associations than active members. From other non-DJ associations I've been involved with, I can say that is also true. But a few active members working towards improving the industry in an association are much more valuable than 10 who just sit idly by.

My point about our 73 PAYING members at the local level wasn't intended to slam a non-paying association. Rather, I meant it in the context that we have to offer real content and value to our members for all those people to shell out $200 every year. $200 isn't a ton of money anymore, but it is enough for a business owner to think "what is my return on investment for $200?" We're putting on convention-caliber meetings each month and luckily we've been able to draw a great number of Chicago's best DJs to the Chicago ADJA.

Glenn, thank you for your input. The last ADJA election wasn't perfect and a small portion of the membership voted. Participation and involvement will always be an issue in associations... we can only hope to add excitement and build pride for our trade associations.