Paying the Piper. Or Not.

From Rock in China Wiki

Paying the Piper. Or Not.

Author: Jon Campbell

Published in: Foreign Devil column at PopMatters

Published on: 3 August 2005

url: http://popmatters.com/music/columns/campbell/050803.shtml

Introduction

Urban cool Beijingers are happy to spend their money on alcohol, karaoke, and high-end food. But when it comes to paying a cover to attend a live show, something happens: their sense of self-importance precludes their willingness to pay to be entertained by others.

I am told that the situation overseas is the same: Those working the door of an event — live show, DJ set or regular weekend party — have to deal with a large assortment of people intent on not having to pay. The notion is international, and, to a point understandable: I'd rather not part with my money. There's another international notion though: shame. And you would think — and hope — that a sense of it would prevent extended blubbering and begging at the door to an event trying to finagle one's way out of paying for a show that is not only worth paying for, but, like it or not, is something that has to be paid for. I can't speak for the doors of clubs around the world, but having been the guy at the door for a fair number of shows here, I can safely say that at your average Beijing door, there is no shame. No, there is no shame.

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