Having hosted, and having visited quite a few different karaoke venues as a patron. I think it is important for the host to communicate. I quite often drop in at a karaoke venue after a rehearsal or gig, of course I always hope to get a song in, and most times I do. I don't expect favours, but It helps if the host knows me :p, and I appreciate them giving me a song. I at times go out of my way to attend these places.
I don't mind venues with long rotations so long as the karaoke is enjoyable, entertaining and listenable.
I like Kev's system which gives a fair rotation, then slots a new singer in after 2 others who sing their second song.
I will vote more with my feet if the host sings too much or favours friends like the Wentworth, every now and then pop back to see if the situation has changed. Hosts shouldn't hog the mic, but at times may be required to assist a non confident singer.
In a place where the host rearranges rotation to avoid slow songs or long songs, I will watch and wait, try to sing a faster song myself. I think the host should communicate this as he does it, most patrons wouldn't mind waiting a song or too more, so long as they get to sing.
Karaoke tragics want that rush from singing, and karaoke virgins have already taken a huge step to put down a song in the first place.
Duets when both are good singers should be counted as one turn that round, but if a good singer is helping out a friend/non confident singer as a favour, they should be given a song by themselves.

Each venue is different, and sometimes a duty manager of the pub/club may request a singer sing another song, and the Host will usually comply and should communicate that as the singer is called up.

I think that a good host will communicate these things, and singers will understand, even if though they don't agree, but complaints will be minimal

Peace
Submitted by TMOZ on 14-05-2011

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