Scheduling [was Re: Karaoke...March 7th...DJ Beach if available]

[Malia]

I just found out that Jandai Writer has a 2-hr murder mystery event scheduled at 4pm, and several karaoke people are involved in it.  Any ideas for working around this?

Re-schedule Karaoke to 6pm which is it's, (more or less), usual time.    We, (the Karaoke team), are more flexible. We have to be while other events are  timed to conflict with others. The calender here is not just for Karaoke events. Anyone in our Community can use it and it is a very good tool for arranging timings of events. I think the time is rapidly approaching whereby organisers can no longer pick a time and date "out of the air" for their event. There is so much going on in SL now that it needs more careful thought.

Sorry, but I feel the need to play devil's advocate on this subject.  (Please, please don't take offense; I may be the ONLY one who sees things this way.  But hey, at least my mom thinks I'm special.)

Kit said "several karaoke people" are involved in another event, and Dich says that karaoke should move to accommodate the other event.  This seems to imply several things:

1) ... that if one is a "karaoke person", then one is obligated to attend karaoke every week, regardless of other interests or commitments.  (Obligation = fun?)

2) ... that another event in the URU community takes precedent over karaoke, which I don't agree with.  Our community is really quite strong and I think we can easily support multiple or overlapping events.  (We did in the Cavern.) 

3) ... that anything other than the 6pm "usual time" is not sanctioned by "the Karaoke team" (whoever that consists of).  Many members of the URU community are excluded at this time due to timezones (6pm SLT is about 2am in Europe), RL family commitments, or other reasons. (Due to life changes I now fall into this group, and would welcome karaoke on other days/times.)

If my opinions are way off in left field, so be it... you can tell me to go jump into the Lake... but I won't drink the water!

[Sean]

I completely agree with you.  Also, on the 6pm time.  I've now djed a karaoke that started at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm slt.  I had the best turnout at 4pm and the worst at 6pm, 10-15 fewer people compared to the 4pm time slot.  I do have a crazy thought though, as no matter what time is picked there will always be someone who can't make it and I know there is nothing that can be done about that, but if we recorded karaoke we could then re-broadcast it once our twice for those who couldn't make it live.  Its a very simple process to do this.  Just an idea though.

[DaytonaKit]

This is not about one event taking precedence over another.  This is about supporting the efforts of others.  The reason why I brought it up is because I don't want people to feel like they have to "choose" if they can help it.  No one is obligated to attend karaoke every weekend.  But should we really make people have to choose one even or another when a compromise can be reached?  If there was no way for the DJ to schedule karaoke other than 4pm, then that would be fine.  We'd all survive and move on.  But if we can work out alternatives, then why not?

As for "sanctioned time", didn't we abolish that last summer and let the D'ni-J schedule the time week by week?  The comment that 6pm is the "usual time" was making a reference to the familiarity of that time since that's when it was scheduled in the past.  Am I mistaken in this?

Yes, conflicts happen, both in RL and SL, but that's just how it happens.  But Jandai has been planning this event for about a month now, and karaoke happens every week.  We can be flexible in this, especially since Jandai has helped us out in the past with DJ'ing.  And if the change in time doesn't work for some people, it'll work for them later.  (And if anybody knows about difficulty in scheduling, it's certainly Jandai.  I can't imagine the headache it gave her to try to put everything together for her event.)

I can still remember when I scheduled karaoke at the same time as the opening of the D'ni Museum of Arts.  I was in the wrong for that.  Deann and Bobo had put considerable work into putting together not only the museum but the premiere as well, and it was an event that was not going to be repeated.  I'd rather not see that mistake happen again if I can help it.  And yes, our community is strong enough to handle multiple events, we've been doing it for some time.  But again, karaoke is weekly and this other event is a one-time deal.  In short, I don't think it's worth the conflict.

[DaytonaKit]

I completely agree with you.  Also, on the 6pm time.  I've now djed a karaoke that started at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm slt.  I had the best turnout at 4pm and the worst at 6pm, 10-15 fewer people compared to the 4pm time slot.  I do have a crazy thought though, as no matter what time is picked there will always be someone who can't make it and I know there is nothing that can be done about that, but if we recorded karaoke we could then re-broadcast it once our twice for those who couldn't make it live.  Its a very simple process to do this.  Just an idea though.

I don't have the software to do this, and I don't trust my computer to try it out.  But if anybody's willing to do so and they can make the parties, then by all means let's give it a go!

[Sean]

I completely agree with you.  Also, on the 6pm time.  I've now djed a karaoke that started at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm slt.  I had the best turnout at 4pm and the worst at 6pm, 10-15 fewer people compared to the 4pm time slot.  I do have a crazy thought though, as no matter what time is picked there will always be someone who can't make it and I know there is nothing that can be done about that, but if we recorded karaoke we could then re-broadcast it once our twice for those who couldn't make it live.  Its a very simple process to do this.  Just an idea though.

I don't have the software to do this, and I don't trust my computer to try it out.  But if anybody's willing to do so and they can make the parties, then by all means let's give it a go!

The software is free (Audacity) and if I remember I will try it out this Saturday.

[Sean]

Here are my thoughts on scheduling.  None of this is new.  Its been like this for a long time, but I felt it needed to be re-stated.

The start time for karaoke is in the hands of the DJ NOT the host.  When you schedule a date to host karaoke you should not post a time as it is not your decision to make unless of course you are DJing.

Also, if you say a person is going to DJ you must of already confirmed they are available and willing to DJ for that event.  As in when you schedule a date do not say someone is DJing if you havn't even talked to them about doing this.

Things look pretty good through the end of April, but there are a couple scheduled dates after this that have "if available" people listed as DJing and times listed.  Until a DJ is confirmed and time chose by the DJ I would like to edit out that information.

[Malia]

Kit, please understand that was just *MY PERSONAL* reaction to what was posted, and how it was worded.  (Hence the disclaimer at the beginning of my post!)  In my mind, the second post read as "We have to..." rather than "I think...", which triggered my Rebel Against Authority response.

By no means am I saying that we should not play nice with others!  Exceptions can certainly be made for other events, if it seems reasonable and doesn't put the host or DJ in a tight spot.  I just don't want to see us locked into 6pm every week.  As you know, the late evening time has been my "pet peeve" since we were still in the Cavern... nothing new there.  Dich may have meant the "usual time" in terms of familiarity, but I wanted to get further clarification about the time issue.

Nor do I really want a set of implied "well, that's the way it's always been done" rules or "so-and-so thinks this so I shouldn't say anything" to cut off potential discussion of a subject.  I considered deleting my post instead of submitting it, so as not to stir the waters, but I decided that posting it was the right thing to do. 

As we have just demonstrated, a few words can be interpreted many ways, so it is important to question things that are not clear. 

Sean, your note about the DJ not the host picking the time leaves me with a question, how do we ensure that we have both a host and a DJ available at the same time?  For example, Host X is willing but only from 6-8pm, but DJ Y wants to spin from 4-6pm.  (Maybe in the comments of the calendar entry, whoever is volunteering to host could clarify whether their availability is limited or anytime?)

I have to agree about the "if available" comments, it definitely seems discouraging to other DJ's who might want that date.

[Dichromus Benoir-Miles (aka DJ Dich)]

  Dich may have meant the "usual time" in terms of familiarity, but I wanted to get further clarification about the time issue.

Yes, I did. 

I have to agree about the "if available" comments, it definitely seems discouraging to other DJ's who might want that date.

All the host has to do is ask the DJ his or her availability for an event and "book" the DJ for it. I don't understand why this is not happening. Dj's are very approachable y'know. 

[DaytonaKit]

I think my response to you was a bit of knee-jerk reaction on my part as well, Malia.  I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to voice your concerns, that's what this is all about.  And it was your idea to use flex-scheduling with the DJs, and even though I had my concerns about it at first, it's proven to be very successful.  As of this post at 6am in the morning my time, I think the best approach for now is to encourage more people to use the calendar.  In the meantime, since everybody is doing a great job of facilitating the karaoke parties themselves, it's perhaps time for me to on paying closer attention to other events going on in our SL/URU community in an effort to catch and mediate future scheduling issues.   

Dich, I agree with you.  We're sliding back into the habit of hosting w/o arranging a DJ, when it's so easy to ask and arrange to begin with.  Now I can see that some people might ask a DJ and the DJ may need to check their schedules and get back with them.  If that's the case, I don't have a problem with hosts going ahead and booking the event tentatively.  But they need a deadline to either verify the DJ or allow someone else to host in order to be fair to everybody.  Perhaps 2-4 weeks before an event is sufficient?  As for Malia's observation regarding host/DJ times, it's the job of the host to be available to the DJ, which means they need to be there.  If something urgent comes up and the host can't make it, they need to have someone with land rights to cover for them.  Otherwise, if the time that the DJ sets won't work for them, then they need to allow someone else to host.

My stance regarding this stems from previous karaoke parties in which someone with land rights was not there to switch the server information and take care of other land issues.  The first time it happened, it was at Siren Bevin and everything worked out fine.  When it happened again at the Museum Park, a major incident occurred.  I would rather not repeat these events, which is why I take the stance that the host must be "present to win."

I think perhaps we need to publish a list of available DJs for karaoke.  Another possibility is to train more people to DJ - setting up their player, etc...  Maybe we can set up and hold "D'ni-J Orientations" and invite the public to attend?

Any thoughts on this?

[Sean]

As for Malia's observation regarding host/DJ times, it's the job of the host to be available to the DJ, which means they need to be there.  If something urgent comes up and the host can't make it, they need to have someone with land rights to cover for them.  Otherwise, if the time that the DJ sets won't work for them, then they need to allow someone else to host.

My stance regarding this stems from previous karaoke parties in which someone with land rights was not there to switch the server information and take care of other land issues.  The first time it happened, it was at Siren Bevin and everything worked out fine.  When it happened again at the Museum Park, a major incident occurred.  I would rather not repeat these events, which is why I take the stance that the host must be "present to win."

There is a simple solution to this in my mind.  Have the DJ do the initial scheduling of karaoke with the time picked out and from that whoever is available to host can reply saying and it will be here.  This way the host/hostess will know up front OK karaoke is at this time this week can't do that but this other week I am available, so I'll host this other week.

I think perhaps we need to publish a list of available DJs for karaoke.

I think publishing a list is a great idea.

Another possibility is to train more people to DJ - setting up their player, etc...  Maybe we can set up and hold "D'ni-J Orientations" and invite the public to attend?

Any thoughts on this?

I would be more than happy to do this and considering my more than very open availability atm I would even be able to do this a couple times to accommodate different people's schedules.

[DaytonaKit]

So what you're saying is that the DJs step up and schedule the karaoke "when" first, then the hosts follow and schedule the "where"?  This is a possibility, and it could help smooth the process considerably.  At the same time, I also like the idea of having the hosts ask the DJs, then scheduling.  Dich's comment did bring up the reality that those who DJ like to be approached and asked, rather than needing to run in and save the day, so to speak.  Let's have the community speak on that before we decide for certain, but I'm open to anything.

And the possibility of having 2 different karaoke parties might also work, one in the morning and one in the evening.  It doesn't have to be the same DJ both times, since all the DJs have access to cards.  We may have to set a deadline for submitting karaoke cards, which will not be easy.  I myself will confess to being a last-minute singer.  But if it will help more people be involved with not just karaoke but other events, then let's do it.

[Jandai]

I'm going to chime in here.

I like the idea of either DJ or Host booking a date on the calendar - that could work.  I am used to being approached myself, but find it difficult to say yes weeks in advance due to my roster.

Having 2 Karaoke's on one day could also help with scheduling conflicts, but could result in lower numbers - depending on whether numbers are an issue or not. (usually only an issue as far as too many...Homesteads and the like).

My only problem with the conflict with my event and Karaoke, was that I did check the calendar when I had to set a time, and there was not a DJ, nor a time set.  I had to set a time up a month in advance as it is part of another group's Horror Fest and my time is within their scheduled events.  I have advertised my event in D'ni Refugees and my own group for weeks, so people had to know I had something on at that time.  I didn't know until after the conflict came to light that I could have put my event onto the Karaoke calendar as well, as I thought it was for Karaoke only.  Next time I will do that.

[Malia]

So what you're saying is that the DJs step up and schedule the karaoke "when" first, then the hosts follow and schedule the "where"?  This is a possibility, and it could help smooth the process considerably.  At the same time, I also like the idea of having the hosts ask the DJs, then scheduling.  Dich's comment did bring up the reality that those who DJ like to be approached and asked, rather than needing to run in and save the day, so to speak. 

I would like to be allowed to put in a bid for an open date as a DJ.  I'm afraid if I have to wait for a host to ask me, I might never get to DJ again...   I agree with what Kit and Sean have proposed, having the DJ select the party TIME, regardless of who actually opens the calendar entry.

And the possibility of having 2 different karaoke parties might also work, one in the morning and one in the evening.  It doesn't have to be the same DJ both times, since all the DJs have access to cards.

Perhaps they don't even have to be on the same day, for example Saturday night and Sunday morning.  My intention was not really to make an alternate party happen every week, just occasionally when/if someone feels like doing it.

Just for the heek of it, I might suggest an occasional "rogue" karaoke party that could play entirely DJ's choice out of URU member songs that are listed as public on Singsnap/Simsonstage.  It would be fun to hear those old recordings from our Cavern days, and to remember some URU friends who are not in SL with us.

Somewhere above it was suggested to maintain a list of DJs, that is a great idea.  Sean, is there something in the site setup that would allow this to be easily done in its own page, or would a forum thread maintained by the person who started it be easiest?  One idea that comes to mind is to add a form field or check box in the profile that would show up and be "sortable" when viewing the member list, but I don't know if that is implementable or not.

[Sean]

Somewhere above it was suggested to maintain a list of DJs, that is a great idea.  Sean, is there something in the site setup that would allow this to be easily done in its own page, or would a forum thread maintained by the person who started it be easiest?  One idea that comes to mind is to add a form field or check box in the profile that would show up and be "sortable" when viewing the member list, but I don't know if that is implementable or not.[/color]

I have an idea I will look into and will post if it works or not.  I have 2 different ideas, so if the first doesn't work out I know the second one will, but the 1st idea is the better way.  Is that vague enough? LOLOL  I don't want to get people's hopes up in case it doesn't work.

I will be attempting to record this Saturday's karaoke party and will rebroadcast it once or twice over the next week if it works.  /me crosses his fingers

[Sean]

Somewhere above it was suggested to maintain a list of DJs, that is a great idea.  Sean, is there something in the site setup that would allow this to be easily done in its own page, or would a forum thread maintained by the person who started it be easiest?  One idea that comes to mind is to add a form field or check box in the profile that would show up and be "sortable" when viewing the member list, but I don't know if that is implementable or not.[/color]

I have an idea I will look into and will post if it works or not.  I have 2 different ideas, so if the first doesn't work out I know the second one will, but the 1st idea is the better way.  Is that vague enough? LOLOL  I don't want to get people's hopes up in case it doesn't work.

I have added a new user group called D'ni-J and have added a few people to it.  If I'm forgetting anyone please let me know.  The list of D'ni-J's is viewable by clicking the "Staff List" link along the top of the page.  It will also show as your position on the Members page and under your name next to your posts unless you are a moderator or admin.  You also will get 5 green stars by your name and your name will be in green on the list of online members, again unless you are a moderator or admin.  Though, if you are an admin you can change your active group to D'ni-J if you want to.