Tiered Scale......

[thema...@gmail.com]

It would be helpful to read this first
http://groups.google.com/group/clubmusicians/browse_thread/thread/b30fd6ec2a2e703d?hl=en
So you see where I am coming from with the following;

Why a tiered minimum pay? So everyone can play and be part of the
union.

Lets say Pros want a $200 minimum pay (obviously you who can sell out
will get much more) But Hobbyists just want to play, and the "trying
to make it" crowd want "exposure" and a few bucks. This is considered
by the Pros to be why the union isn't working for them. No?

What if the clubs were to agree to the following?

"A" level clubs agree to a minimum pay of $200 (TBD) per musician
(plus the 10% leader fee) other compensation to be negotiable by the
band. Like 10% of the drink profit or head count, or whatever.
Details.

"B" level clubs pay a $100 minimum (plus the above options)

"C" level clubs Pay a $50 minimum (etc)

"D" level clubs don't promise to pay, just like they do now......and union
people DON'T play there.

So now there is room for everyone. There is a sensible goal for the
musicians to get them selves moved up in the clubs while not hurting
the pay scale for those that have the experience and headliner
(headcount) clout to get into the club tiers above them.

Obviously the scale has to shift for what type of establishment, IE
club, Restaurant etc, but the theory stays the same.

So why would the clubs not just be "D" clubs? What is their motivation
to be "A" clubs?
Well if we create an environment, and movement, away from that by
opening up the possibility to make a few bucks to those that rise to
the occasion, the wheat will separate from the chaff. A movement means
that there is an awareness that bands do not want to play at "D" level
clubs, and that being a "D" level club is an embarrassing place to be
as only the worst of (or newest) bands play there. Club goers cant
expect much at a "D" club and they know it.

How to create a movement? Well if one new Hobbyist joins the union
under these premises, (Right here guys) and even one club can be sold
on this (can be done even with out this) then there is a movement. You
sustain it with the press.

I am convinced that there are writers at our hip local rags that will
totally support ANY idea that makes the scene better. The union can be
represented that it has changed its structure to be better for
everyone (including the clubs) and there is a big movement in that
direction. If the media say its so, it is so. More media follows.
After that, rallies, union events, etc carry it forward. More bands
and groups join, I mean why not if you play once a Quarter at "C"
clubs, you break even on it.

Selling it to the clubs has to happen at the same time. We need to
have reasons it benefits them. Real world numbers. Not easy for sure
but, if we are prepared we can do it. It will take research. We need
to find out what the objections to the plan is before they do. Talking
to them BEFORE asking them to rank themselves would be wise. Go to
them totally ready to SELL it to them.

If they refuse. The answer is simply OK, let us know when you change
your mind. We will be back soon. By the way, we will publicly be
listing you on our "D" list.

Eventually they won't have a choice. But you have to get the musicians
joining the union, or even just supporting it to have any "weight"
added to the argument.

If you think this idea has no merit I would think it better to start a
new thread with your idea instead of putting it here. If you have
suggestions on what would help THIS idea, post away. If you see holes
in this argument and want to see if we can figure them out. Post that
here. If you think it justs sucks, ignore it..........it will go away on its
own.

Ideas on what will make this beneficial (sell-able) to the Hobbyists
and the clubs would be MOST helpful.

[velva...@gmail.com]

Call me When your up. Beauty sleeping.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: thema...@gmail.com

Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 20:20:26
To:Club Musicians <clubmu...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Tiered Scale......

[Herring, Krista]

 

I really like this idea!  (Who posted? No name.) It is very well thought out, and innovative.  This is the most headway I’ve seen in this conversation.  So, it looks like the main motivator here will be media, and the reputation of a club being put on the line.  We need some good talkers behind this one. 

 

Also, I applaud the ability to create the potential for membership expansion within the union simultaneously.  I do think an idea such as this one is important for the union to support, as it gives a tangible basis for why we should even be paying money for these memberships in the first place.  If the union is not helping us find work/get paid, then why join, right?

 

I encourage more responses on this idea. J

 

-Krista

 

---

From: Krista Herring [mailto:heart...@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 8:09 AM
To: Herring, Krista
Subject: FW: Tiered Scale......

 

> To: clubmu...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: Tiered Scale......
> From: velva...@gmail.com
> Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2007 16:59:36 +0000

---

You keep typing, we keep giving. Download Messenger and join the i’m Initiative now. Join in!

[vi...@vinceadame.com]

I think there's something here and may I add politely that I submitted
a strikingly similar idea earlier on Dec.5th under Ross's original
thread "What Should Minimum Scale Be?" But I do think the mama has
developed some forward thinking.

Things do have to change,

Vince

On Dec 7, 8:20 pm, themama...@gmail.com wrote:
> It would be helpful to read this firsthttp://groups.google.com/group/clubmusicians/browse_thread/thread/b30...

[thema...@gmail.com]

My Name is Todd Jensen,

I am a Hobbyists looking for a sensible way to make the union work for
the Hobbyists on up.

The idea I had was a lot different before bouncing it of off Ross
(thank you Ross). Mainly that I was thinking in terms of tiering the
musicians, but Ross thought I meant to tier the clubs.
That.........turns out to make a lot more sense, and inspired ideas on
how to do it. He educated me a lot on what the union does. I would not
try to claim credit for the idea. I just put it into words. I'm sure
lots of folks have good ideas here.

> > and the clubs would be MOST helpful.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -