From: someone@anywheret.net   
      
   "Jim D"  wrote in message news:2019032214014138297-Not@ThisAddresscom...   
      
   > Egos.   
      
   What about them? ;)   
      
   Simple reply: A *healthy* ego is a wonderful thing, but an *unhealthy* one   
   is Horrible!   
      
   > Once bands start working regularly, some sort of a decision process needs   
   > to come into being.   
      
   And  that Requires Maturity and Responsibility.   
      
   > You can't actually decide each and every thing, big and small, by   
   > comittee.   
      
   That depends. With a 110 piece symphony orchestra, of course not, but a 3   
   piece band is another matter.   
      
   > At some point someone needs to make decisions.   
      
   If that's because no one is interested, that's a Big problem already!   
      
   > Not necessarliy the same person in all areas, but some sort of decision /   
   > responsibily structure needs to come into existence.   
      
   I recall a particularly pleasant experience while working with loudspeakers.   
   I got together with three other engineers from another company to work out a   
   problem. The level of Professionalism, Maturity and genuine concern, and the   
   absence of ego problems, was so refreshing, and we solved the problem in   
   about half a day. THAT is the kind of *commitment* that makes things work,   
   and there's NO REASON why a Serious band can't do the very same thing!!!   
      
   > It's someone's responsibility to bring the pa cabs.  And someone's   
   > responsibility to make sure the band got paid at the end of the gig.   
      
   And don't forget the responsibility to play the instruments and sing, i.e.   
   perform ;)   
      
   > When a venue calls asking for a date, it's important that they can be   
   > given an answer. Then.  Or with an immediate callback.  Not, eh, we need   
   > to talk to the drummer and see if it's ok with his girlfriend if we play   
   > that day. Say stuff like that on the phone about a booking and as soon as   
   > they are off the phone with you, they are dialing the next band name in   
   > their card file.   
      
   Those details should be worked out Before any such call is received!   
   But of course, that requires yet another Critical element of Responsibility,   
   Maturity, and Professionalism - COMMUNICATION SKILLS...starting with   
   simply...Communicating in the first place!!!   
      
   > But someone making decisions will be met with resistance. Egos get in the   
   > way of letting decisions be made in a timely manner.   
      
   But what about those with ego problems already, who want to make all the   
   decisions?   
   I had that problem with the church I used to attend...Power Grabbers!   
      
   > On a commercial level, this sorts itself out.  Someone becomes the leader,   
   > ends up responsible for gigs and pay and taxes.  That person has to, at   
   > some point, establish they are in charge.   
      
   Those with ego problems should Never be in charge, of anything!   
      
   > After that process plays out, other band people wanting to challenge it   
   > have to be replaced.   
      
   What if there's a valid reason for challenging?   
      
   > Same as any business.   
      
   Complete with disgruntled employees.   
      
   > Bands aren't hippe communes. Or at least they won't be for long ...   
      
   Although I'm a hippie, I've only heard of 'communes', and not being a   
   Communist, I don't think all that much of the idea - sounds too   
   depersonalizing for my tastes ;)   
      
   > if anyone making any money matters.   
      
      
   JimD   
      
   Must the Root of All Evil be the motive for everything?   
      
   Ouisie   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)