Topic: Tapers: Should we be guest listed if someone asks you to tape a show

[MSTaper]

I'm talking about local shows, the $5-$10 shows that you might or might not go to anyway.
If it's a band I really like, I'll pay the cover and tape.
 
It's not so much the money, but the work involved AFTER the show, especially when there are three bands to transfer, track, upload, etc. Even if you don't upload it, there's a fair amount of time and work involved. Is it too much to expect to be placed on the guest list for this?


MSTaper

[acidjack]

I'm talking about local shows, the $5-$10 shows that you might or might not go to anyway.
If it's a band I really like, I'll pay the cover and tape.
 
It's not so much the money, but the work involved AFTER the show, especially when there are three bands to transfer, track, upload, etc. Even if you don't upload it, there's a fair amount of time and work involved. Is it too much to expect to be placed on the guest list for this?


MSTaper

I'm always happy to pay to go to shows I want to go to, but I have no problem accepting a guest list spot.  If a band asks me rather than the other way around, I tend to assume that means they're guest listing me, and I usually confirm that.  You're performing a service; they don't have to "pay" you (you're not a professional, anyway) but if they think enough of your recordings to ask you to come, the least they can do is use one of their list spots for you.

[page]

I'm talking about local shows, the $5-$10 shows that you might or might not go to anyway.
If it's a band I really like, I'll pay the cover and tape.
 
It's not so much the money, but the work involved AFTER the show, especially when there are three bands to transfer, track, upload, etc. Even if you don't upload it, there's a fair amount of time and work involved. Is it too much to expect to be placed on the guest list for this?


MSTaper

I'm always happy to pay to go to shows I want to go to, but I have no problem accepting a guest list spot.  If a band asks me rather than the other way around, I tend to assume that means they're guest listing me, and I usually confirm that.  You're performing a service; they don't have to "pay" you (you're not a professional, anyway) but if they think enough of your recordings to ask you to come, the least they can do is use one of their list spots for you.

Ditto, the litmus test I use is "is this work" in the same vein as the saying; "work is things we would not normally do"

If I want to go to the show, I go and pay my way. If it's work (and I'm on the hook to produce a product of some sort afterward), I don't pay to get in. Second, if it is work, the group that guestlists or provides compensation is the group I'm focused on recording and producing something for in a timely manner. The rest (opening acts, other headliners, etc) aren't within scope and I'll do stuff when I get a chance.

This is actually why I try and avoid guestlisting; I don't owe anyone anything at that point so if the equipment dies or it doesn't turn out, I'm in the good. It also puts more money in the bands pocket or the venues which helps the smaller places.

[newplanet7]

If I like the band, and would have gone anyway? I'll pay 5-10 bucks to help out my friends.
If the band asks and I'm indifferent? I need to learn to say no. I record, wish I could leave, and never get around to mastering/tracking/encoding it.
If the ticket is in the 20-30 range? I'll go for guestlist every time. If I like some of the merch, I'll give them money that way.

YES!!!!!!!

I'm always happy to pay to go to shows I want to go to, but I have no problem accepting a guest list spot.  If a band asks me rather than the other way around, I tend to assume that means they're guest listing me, and I usually confirm that.  You're performing a service; they don't have to "pay" you (you're not a professional, anyway) but if they think enough of your recordings to ask you to come, the least they can do is use one of their list spots for you.

Spot on.

[ScoobieKW]

If I like the band, and would have gone anyway? I'll pay 5-10 bucks to help out my friends.

If the band asks and I'm indifferent? I need to learn to say no. I record, wish I could leave, and never get around to mastering/tracking/encoding it.

If the ticket is in the 20-30 range? I'll go for guestlist every time. If I like some of the merch, I'll give them money that way.

[hoppedup]

If you're asked to tape, I think a guest list spot is in order.  A +1 or some beers is a nice bonus.

I've been to local shows with smaller bands where I was on the list and the crowd was very light. In that case I go back to the door and pay the cover, especially if I know the band is working for the door.

I have taken guest list spots for shows I normally wouldn't have gone to (Little Feat comes to mind, $32) but knew I would enjoy.

I do get peeved when I'm supposed to be on the list and get bumped by wives, girlfriends, or groupies. I do understand they are providing a service that I am unwilling to perform.

[John Willett]

I'm talking about local shows, the $5-$10 shows that you might or might not go to anyway.
If it's a band I really like, I'll pay the cover and tape.
 
It's not so much the money, but the work involved AFTER the show, especially when there are three bands to transfer, track, upload, etc. Even if you don't upload it, there's a fair amount of time and work involved. Is it too much to expect to be placed on the guest list for this?

If the band, or their management have asked you to tape the show, you should get free entry - no question.

You are not going to the show for your pleasure, you are going to do a job of work to record the show.

[stevetoney]

Agreed...and I've gone to a show or two where they asked me to record, but then when I got to the door I wasn't on the list, so I turned around and went home rather than paid.  It's kinda the principal of the thing.  I'm on my time when you've asked me to come, so getting in w/o paying is the ante.  Kinda rude if I drive to the venue to discover you didn't even put me on the list.  So, the lesson learned from those experiences is to make sure a guest list spot is the agreement up front so there's no misunderstanding.  If they want you to pay, I'd be up front saying no thanks.

[SxPxDxCx]

For cheap shows like that it depends on who is playing and what kind of relationship I have with them.  If they asked me to come down and record it's nice to get on the list but if there are other bands on the bill or out of town bands I don't ever mind paying the cover. 

[Chuck]

As John pointed out. If they ask you to do work, they should give you something.

When I was a working news photographer I got asked to shoot weddings all the time. I always asked for something in return.

If you do a job for free that someone usually does and should get paid for, you dilute the market for the professionals that make money performing that work.

So, If I shot weddings for free, I took away from the guys that actually make a living doing it.

[MSTaper]

If you're asked to tape, I think a guest list spot is in order.  A +1 or some beers is a nice bonus.

I've been to local shows with smaller bands where I was on the list and the crowd was very light. In that case I go back to the door and pay the cover, especially if I know the band is working for the door.

I have taken guest list spots for shows I normally wouldn't have gone to (Little Feat comes to mind, $32) but knew I would enjoy.

I do get peeved when I'm supposed to be on the list and get bumped by wives, girlfriends, or groupies. I do understand they are providing a service that I am unwilling to perform.

I see a lot of this where I live. Certain bands here do guest list me, but others will guest list people who just stand around and talk. I'm working before, during and after. That should be worth $5. But when I plan to go, like last weekend, I don't mind paying the $5 because I know these guys need it. Plus, it was a really good show. A guy promoting a local show asked if I was coming (and taping). I get this every now and then and while $5 isn't much, it adds up if you are asked to come to several shows. Not to mention, I know how much work it will take after the fact, which is the real issue.

MSTaper

[bryonsos]

If you're asked to tape, I think a guest list spot is in order.  A +1 or some beers is a nice bonus.

I've been to local shows with smaller bands where I was on the list and the crowd was very light. In that case I go back to the door and pay the cover, especially if I know the band is working for the door.

I have taken guest list spots for shows I normally wouldn't have gone to (Little Feat comes to mind, $32) but knew I would enjoy.

I do get peeved when I'm supposed to be on the list and get bumped by wives, girlfriends, or groupies. I do understand they are providing a service that I am unwilling to perform.

I see a lot of this where I live. Certain bands here do guest list me, but others will guest list people who just stand around and talk. I'm working before, during and after. That should be worth $5. But when I plan to go, like last weekend, I don't mind paying the $5 because I know these guys need it. Plus, it was a really good show. A guy promoting a local show asked if I was coming (and taping). I get this every now and then and while $5 isn't much, it adds up if you are asked to come to several shows. Not to mention, I know how much work it will take after the fact, which is the real issue.

MSTaper

The only thing I have to add is if you ask me to tape, I want to be walked in early so I can get the sweet spot, sort out SBD feed etc., that's worth more to me than a $5 cover.

[yltfan]

The only thing I have to add is if you ask me to tape, I want to be walked in early so I can get the sweet spot, sort out SBD feed etc., that's worth more to me than a $5 cover.

This.
You want me to tape, you need to make sure I don't get any hassles.

[MSTaper]

The only thing I have to add is if you ask me to tape, I want to be walked in early so I can get the sweet spot, sort out SBD feed etc., that's worth more to me than a $5 cover.

This.
You want me to tape, you need to make sure I don't get any hassles.

Great point!

[ellaguru]

i generally show up when the band does so ive never really had to pay a cover