|
|
|
|||
jimmyrook New user 15 Posts 
|
I get booked to perform via an entertainment company, the pay is good the shows aren't as steady as I would like but its ok. On Thursday they called me up and asked if there was anyway I could perform at a last minute show for a summer camp. I agreed and they agency sent an someone over to the show with a table and mic stand (since I didn't have time to grab mine) when I got to the show everything was set up all I needed to do was unload my equipment and set up my mic and amp. the agency worker helped me carry in my amp and then had to leave. at the end of the show I asked one of the senior camp workers "is it possible if I can borrow one or two young men to assist me carrying my amp out to my car" they said no problem and two people came and helped me out. a day later I got a phone call from the agency owner telling me the camp had called him and said I demand someone carry my equipment for me and that I was out of line and they would never use his company again. I apologized to the owner and told him I did not demand anything, that is not like me I would never do that period. on the phone he sounded ****ed at me. do you guys think I was out of line asking for some help? And how should I deal with the agency owner? thanks for your help.
|
|
Gordyboy Loyal user British Columbia, Canada 216 Posts
|
I can't see that you did anything wrong, certainly not the way you explain it anyway. Since you used an agent (and I don't), I don't know if it's possible for you to communicate directly with the client. If it is possible, I would draft a letter to them, making it obvious that a copy is going to them and also one to the agency. In the letter, I would be very humble, and I would explain that the agency has contacted you and conveyed the fact that they were upset that you had demanded that someone carry your equipment for you. I would apologize that someone had mistaken my polite request asking if it would be possible for assistance as a demand, and suggest that perhaps there had been some miscommunication among the parties involved.
Again apologize for perhaps wording your request for assistance poorly, and hope to work together in the future blah blah blah. Then send a copy to the client and a copy to the agency. |
daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts
|
Jimmy,
Gordy's got it spot on. Be proactive and take the high road. You did nothing wrong as you've told it, and rather than let (mis)perceptions persist to become reality and hurt things in the long run, take appropriate action to rectify it. Gordy's suggestion, wording, tone etc are perfect IMHO. Don't let it sit.
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
|
jimmyrook New user 15 Posts
|
I really apperciate the advise- how does this sound?
Dear Sir or Madam: My name is Frank Imparato, also known as Jimmy Rook of Jimmy Rook Magic. I am writing in regards to a misunderstanding that occurred between my company and a representative of the city of Coconut Creek at the conclusion of my show on June 25, 2008. Our talent agency, Lawrence of Florida Entertainment and Events, has conveyed to me that we received a complaint regarding our requests made to camp counselors after the show. I would like to apologize for any miscommunication between myself and city representatives at that time. It is certainly not Jimmy Rook Magic’s intention to place any undue or unreasonable demands on our clients. If any of our requests appeared to have crossed the line, we sincerely apologize. We value the feedback of all our clients, positive or negative, and we believe that this feedback helps us to grow towards becoming the best entertainment company we can be. Thank you for your time and understanding in this issue. Sincerely, Jimmy Rook |
|
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 22791 Posts
|
The key words are "not as you explain it" and with that condition, you did nothing wrong.
But it is not about what you think you do unfortunatly, it is about how it is "percieved". One person who you ask for help, can take it wrong, then they say it to a higher up, and suddenly you are a jerk, and you did NOTHING wrong! That is a horrible thing, and not your fault. Try to take as high a road as possible on this one. It is sort of like that "telephone game" played as kids. By the time it gets to the end it is another phrase entirley. That bites. Sorry to hear it happened.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Josh Riel Inner circle of hell 1995 Posts
|
Also (Again, assuming it is as you put it), people will sometimes use the easiest scapegoat.
If the place you did the show was unhappy with the person who booked you, they might have used you as an excuse to go with someone else. It might have nothing to do with you at all. Or your representation may have some beef with you and decided to use this as his "Out". Unfortunately many people are cowards and cannot face a person with the truth and has to resort to deception to get where they want to be. But at the end of the day, you are the one who has to face and fix (If possible) the situation.
Magic is doing improbable things with odd items that, under normal circumstances, would be unnessecary and quite often undesirable.
|
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24330 Posts
|
Quote:
On 2008-07-02 14:03, jimmyrook wrote: The way this is worded, it appears that you own the booking agency. Perhaps you should reword the reference to the booking agency as follows: Quote:
The agency which booked me, Lawrence of Florida Entertainment and Events, has conveyed to me that they received a complaint regarding a request I made to camp counselors after the show. Do not use the "editorial we" unless you have a multi-person act. It sounds as if you are trying to share the blame for a misunderstanding. Avoid passive voice, because it is weak. Be sure that you send a copy of this to the booking agent as well as to the people in charge of the show. You might want to detail exactly what you said and how the counselors reacted to it at the time. It could be that someone else has ticked these people off, and you are just the last straw.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
|
daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts
|
The thing that stands out for me the most is no detail whatsoever of the request. I would not suggest a long, drawn out retelling, but a one or two sentence description of making a request to help move a small piece of equipment was misinterpreted as a demand for... would help to lay it all out, and be complete. Not to mention it's now been a week since your posting, and some amount of time before that since the actual event, and some time before they get the letter, and without a specific reference, they might even say "what the heck is this guy going on about?" because they probably have already put the issue to bed in their minds...
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
|
Gordyboy Loyal user British Columbia, Canada 216 Posts
|
Since the message they gave the agent and the message you received may not be the same, I would be more specific as to what the complaint was. If you tell them what the agency has told you, you may be surprised to find that they say it's not what they said. Something like:
**************** The agency has contacted me and conveyed the fact that you are upset that I demanded that someone carry my equipment for me. I intended it to be a polite request asking if it would be possible for assistance, and I apologize that it was mistaken as an unreasonable demand, no doubt because I worded my request poorly. The agency has told me that you've stated that you will never use their service again because of this misunderstanding. I hope you will accept this apology and continue to use <Name of Agency> for future entertainment. I know that it's important to them that their clients are happy, and I hope to be able to continue working with them as well. **************** Make sure a copy goes to the client and to the agent, that way everyone knows what was said. |
|
daver Elite user Jupiter, FL 436 Posts
|
I like that. Clear communication, specifics without being drawn-out and to the point. Very cool...
Dave
What's the difference between a magician and a deck of cards? A deck of cards has FOUR suits... |
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Right or Wrong? » » Right or Wrong? (0 Likes) | |
Posted: Jun 28, 2008 03:58 am 
| [ Top of Page ] |
|
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2026 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
|
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < 
|