Ask and you might get

[fingertrouble]

Suggest and ye definitely shall.

I've had a few people recently DEMANDING or pestering me for certain Radio Clash shows, wanting to know release dates etc, or recently someone sending me an email with:

subject: Space Disco II
body: Please.

being the total message.

This pisses me off. I don't like expectations and/or demands placed upon me for a show I do in my spare time, for no money. It's also why I get antsy about credit on my stuff, cos I know I won't get the fame and fortune ;-) But it always falls flat with me, I tend to want to do the show slower or do the exact opposite.

Note there's a difference between 'When is this show coming out?' Or 'Please stop umming and erring' (yep got both of those in the past) and suggesting that you'd like to hear more Meat Beat Manifesto, or maybe a show on X would be good; or I should check out this tune or this artist. I like those.

It's people asking or expecting and demanding the kind of response that only people paid to do it can fulfil or be expected to fulfil - ultimately I do it for me, and if I don't want to do that I plain won't.

I don't know why people can't see why DEMANDING stuff (and forcefully or rudely) from someone doing this for free, or at the very least asking without giving anything back, is wrong.

Comments

[arthole.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. I had one listener who would send me MP3s and tell me - not ask - to put them in the next KTF mix. I finally had to set him straight, that while I appreciated his listening and his enthusiasm, that I am not a jukebox and maybe he should learn how to mix so he put together the songs he liked. He got the message.

[timbearcub.livejournal.com]

Yeah I've had that, especially when DJing IRL - the classic you MUST play this or even the please play this track for this girl - not had the here's the CD yet ;-)

I'm less bothered by those cos it's clear you are being paid or at least you are there in part to help people have a good time (although if you are DJing for free I think you can play the ''I'm playing what I want, pay me and I'll play what you want' card) - but on a podcast it's less than clear.

If this is what old media people have to put up with, I really feel sorry for them!