REFLECTIONS – THE DEEJAYMAGS

Since I referred to 'Marketing' in the previous article, I believe that continuing with the topic I'm about to propose—given its similarity in content—can help create a truly substantial debate, as the previous article didn't receive any comments from you (at least not until today, Sunday, February 10, 2010). I'm sure that, based on the large number of comments I received on the day of the gala in Madrid, more than one of you will now have a lot to say about that evening. Am I wrong? I hope not…

I'm SO happy to see that DJs, those of us so often criticized by 'normal people' – those who never go to clubs because they'd shut them all down, since they're just full of 'bad vibes' and vice, alcohol, drugs, easy sex, little conversation, few values, and deafening noise – still have our appeal. Let the inevitable, close-minded doomsayers know that there are people who follow DJs and/or Dance, Electronic, and Underground music; that the awards ceremony held annually by the publication you're holding (or on your screen) has just taken place; and that these awards wouldn't exist if it weren't for DJs/Producers/Performers/Divas/Vocalists/Promoters, or the 'nightlife/record label/radio scene' in general. That's why we should ALL be happy when an event where the common denominator is the DJ and its 'derivatives' attracts so many people, even if it's on a cold and unpleasant Wednesday in February.

I'm sharing all this because, as I said, this event brings you closer to people, and although it might sound a bit cheesy, for me the best reward is meeting so many people who congratulate you on your work, who follow you and respect you (everyone does, in my case). More than a "you're the best," it's a "I follow you and I like what you do." In such a virtual world, where many of us communicate via phone, email, chat, text, etc., it's always good to see that real interaction with people, being able to look them in the eye and see what they say and how they say it, is ESSENTIAL to appreciate the feedback on your work, the work of all of us who dedicate ourselves body and soul to our profession. I was happy to see how the Sutil Sensations radio program is still followed, and that it's not just heard, it's listened to! (which is VERY different!). Above all, I'm also thrilled to know that the podcast is being downloaded regularly, by all of us who are already a bit like that small/big Sutil family. Awesome!

Another thing I noticed is that this written section is also followed, and that people really like the critical tone I try to maintain in these pages, always in a constructive way so that things can improve. I received positive responses, and, paradoxically, many of them were related to the last article published in January of this year: LONG LIVE MARKETING!? I must say that the recent experience made it easy for me to respond to all the kind comments I received: "Why don't you leave your comment about it on my website?" I asked without hesitation and in a very friendly way to all my interlocutors. "You tell me what you think and you don't publish it online?" I assure you that I greatly appreciated all the conversations I had, but I'm a little saddened not to have received any comments on the aforementioned reflection. And that's why I've described my experience at Deejaymags.

However, one of the usual tactics at these kinds of events is to offer scathing opinions about them. I'm deliberately omitting the debate about whether the awards are rigged, as I assume that results validated before a notary public don't allow for this kind of unfounded reasoning. I don't even want to think what would happen if the opposite were proven! That's why I consider the numerous declarations of truthfulness and legality on this matter to be completely credible. But the usual gossip always surfaces: that this person wasn't nominated, that this person voted for themselves by creating multiple accounts, etc., that all of this doesn't correspond to reality... Now that the euphoria of success has subsided, today, in this article where I've allowed myself a bit of navel-gazing, I think it's a good time to share our thoughts on these awards and the reasons behind the winners.

Everything could be summarized through the following questions: 'Are the results of the Deejay magazine awards 'real'?', 'Do they reflect the reality of the Clubber/Dance scene in the country?', or on the contrary, are these awards based on each nominee's successful campaign and their ability to garner enough votes to win? Did everyone with expertise and opinions about the nominees or the Clubber world actually vote? Are there large segments of the Clubber community that Deejaymags couldn't care less about? Are all the right people there, or are all the right people there? And, on another note, we could add… 'What do you think about Nacho Vidal co-hosting this year's awards? Was it a good choice?' It certainly sparked a lot of controversy when the news was announced…
There's a lot to discuss here, isn't there? Shall we open the debate?

Undoubtedly, sometimes there are some rather curious results, but (I repeat), far from considering 'that they are the result of a fix', the important thing is that we think about what these results are trying to tell us, and even whether we agree with them, or with the voting system, or the criteria of those who vote.

I look forward to your comments, and I hope my contribution will be as constructive, respectful, and sincere as possible. Let's keep fostering a rich and meaningful debate!