Champions in Finland from the 2001 season just before inviting the world.
These are from some of our earliest comments. The full text of our correspondance with
everyone (excluding hosts) prints to more than 200 pages. If you want your letter to
show up on this page, indicate this when you write.
Here are some comments etc. we are receiving:
From Katy Boyett:
Please let your finalists know that, if they need a place to practice, "Ellis Island is their best bet"!
Dear Ms. Boyett,
Please advise on other Las Vegas karaoke companies?
(Everyone so far seems to agree that Las Vegas is centraly located, and thus an ideal location for the KWCUSA USA final. Ellis Island is the first Las Vegas karaoke venue I have contacted directly,
and they politely declined. Anyone have someone in mind to host the finals in Las Vegas in May of 2004?)
Frank
Ilana sent this:
We are a whole family of karaoke singers. I am Ilana. I'm 11 yrs. old. My sister is 10 yrs. old. My parent's are Barry and Irene. We all love to sing karaoke. We all go to the karaoke club and sing. my parent's are excellent singers. My sister and I both have great voices. We would like to get involved in this karaoke contest. We feel that one of us will win if we do, that's how good we sing. Thanks and get back to us please on how we go about getting involved with this contest.
Thanks very much,
Ilana
Hi Ilana,
I'm sorry to have to tell you but you are not quite old enough yet to meet the age requirements to be eligible to compete (in Finland.) However, your parents are welcome to compete and I have added their
email addresses to the KWCUSA Yahoo Group (it's how we keep folks informed of events.)
I am keeping an open mind to the idea of perhaps a junior version of
this contest someday, but right now folks running the show in Finland say you must
be at least sixteen, and many of our contests will be held at establishments where
you must be 18 or even 21.
I, (as manager of the USA portion) am not setting any age limitations on you or
your sister.
I am telling you that you might not be able to compete in most of the
contests and this will prevent you from advancing to any finals. But you are
welcome to tell your Karaoke Club (owners) about this contest and suggest that
they host one of the contests (or more). While you may not get a chance to sing
in your city, county, state, or regional finals, you could still compete at
your local Karaoke Club for the fun of it (if it is okay with the person hosting the
contest.)
Looking forward to hearing from you again in about ten years, till then keep singing!
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
NEWS! Hey everyone, check out what is new for the younger (ages 6-11 and 12-15) singers! Click HERE! We are doing our best to include everyone by adding
new divisions including a special one for those aged 16-20 to be merged with the regular adults
along the way.
Jacqueline asks us...
Please give me more information on the backround music for songs. Whether it should cd's or cassettes. Does it have to be a karaoke cd or regular cd. etc.
Thank you,
Jacqueline M.
Hi Jacqueline,
Your host or venue will have a selection of music which they call their "book". The book is
actually just a list of all their music, organized by group or song title and often both. You select
your music from their book and let them know which ones you wish to sing. CD+G is the most common format,
but there are others so if you wish to bring your own, check first with the host to make sure you get
the right kind for their machine, and that they permit you to bring your own. If you are heading to Finland,
you will want to bring along six songs, and I am sure CD+G format will be fine with KWC. Karaoke music does
not have the lead vocals as that is the part you will be singing, and it has graphics and words
which are scrolled on tv monitor. Your host will have the music to go along with their book, and they may
have more back at their shop.
Check with your host if you have a special song you like, and go from there.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
Jade S. writes
I have been singing karaoke for the past 10 years and I love it. I am totally addicted.
Cool.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From "ToooBad":
Hello Mr. Davies: My name is Tom Blanton. In the Georgia area I'm known as "ToooBad". I've been involved with karaoke in Georgia since the late 80's. My company "BIG Enterprises" helped coordinate various local, state and national karaoke contest. BIG is currently the founders and producers of the "Annual Georgia State Karaoke Music Awards" that will be in it's 7th year in 2003. (www.BigKaraoke.com) I have been published in magazines, TV, newsletters and other media along with facilitating our "BIG Showcase" programs in clubs throughout the country. If the skills that I bring to the table can be of used STATE WIDE please feel free to contact me at 770-642-05552. Leave a message if no one answers. Our business keeps our lines tied up for long periods of time. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cordially,
Amber
I hereby invite you to join the KWCUSA Yahoo Group.
Most respectfully,
Frank Davies
From Amber:
My Name is Amber and I'd love to be a contestant. Please feel free
to e-mail me.
Cordially,
Amber
I hereby invite you to join the KWCUSA Yahoo Group.
Most respectfully,
Frank Davies
Carol Railton writes:
This sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of work. I
have just launched
www.freshflowercard.com.
I would like to discuss
gifting a freshflowercard
to the winner (about $30). In
exchange would like to get a mention on your site
with a link to my site.
Hi Carol,
You got it!
Thank you on behalf of all the contestants.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From Riverside California another wrote:
I am a very talented singer, songwriter, poet, painter, comedian, dancer, choreographer...anything artistic! But what I really love to do is sing. I am a great Reba McEntire singer and I crave the positive attention I get when I sing. It makes others happy and is very rewarding and theraputic in so many ways. I feel it is my calling. I am a perfectionist, which really helps create a great sounding performance.I have so much to share and feel time is running out. I still have a bit of youth left and am still in shape and look good enough to get out there! I cry when I watch E! TV and see how others made it because I want to be out there giving all I have, too. Also, I saw 4 finalists on a recent talent show and they sounded awful to me! I know I could do much better. I can also write skits, pupeteer, and could put together music videos and dance routines for stage if I could just get out of this hole and meet someone who could hear and see my talent for the gift that it is. I'm tired of wasting it and singing for just myself! Any info on local TV or any talent/karaoke contests is very much appreciated! Thanks for reading all this!
Hello,
Sounds like you're looking to break into the industry. If so, I suggest hitting the pavement
and do some serious job hunting. Get a 3 song demo and send it out. Get involved with local
music groups who get paid. Do not kick back and wait to be discovered. Singers sing. It is
better to spend the day singing for low wages than not to work if this is your chosen profession.
I have heard good and bad about showcases, and E.T.'s Cosmic Karaoke has been involved with one
which turned out well enough to repeat the experience. Not a contest, you pay to sing and it is
broadcast as a show on tv. Try out for local groups and events. Often such requests for singers
are posted at music stores. Go find your local musicians union, they can often find you some work.
If you want a job, treat it as such. If you want fun, here we are!
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From Gold Coast, Australia:
Hi. I am in Australia and have been looking for more competitions to enter but find it very hard to do so (besides the BBX) because of lack of information. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed ready the posts here, especially Joe's thoughts on competition 'rigging'. I had just recently entered a competition which I felt was rigged. Missing out on 3rd place by half a point to a guy who's mother was on the judging panel. Thanks for your insights Joe. It puts everything into a clearer perspective.
Bridget
Hi Bridget,
Yea, Joe is telling it like he sees it eh?
You too. (Even if 'mama' did her best, she still
will NATURALY think her offspring out sings the rest.
This contest is just now going international and
has it's roots in Finland. Australia, I'm proud
to announce, has just joined. I have had the
privilege of working with your Ric Gold in trying
our best to hammer out a set of rules common to
Australia and the USA.
Ric is the man to contact. He is in charge of
all of Australia and can steer you in the right
direction. I notice that he has a YahooGroup,
I'm not sure if he has anything posted online
yet or not. His website is:
www.karaokeclubaustralia.com
Or you might write him (Ric Gold) directly at:
Eactionnet@aol.com
And offer to help him if you can?
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
Joe wrote::
Hello my name is Joe and I have been in a few state
competitions but nothing that was serious, how
serious is this world championship and how do I get a chance
in audtioning for them.
Thank You
Joe
Hi Joe,
It is just for fun. 'Serious' is incongruent with
'Karaoke'. If this all works out, this will be THE
karaoke world competition.
There is no audition. This is a competition.
Sign up with a local host to enter.
If you can't find one, tell the host's you know
to get busy and contact us.
Check the website for updates and more details.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From Maple Shade New Jersey someone wrote:
I would like all the info regarding being a regional manager as well as being a judge and hosting contests.....thank you..
Hi,
I have posted everything to the site's pages. Please check them out, they number about twenty
and cover all aspects of the contest including some which are related to managing and others
relating to judging and more relating to hosting. To stay informed about contest events by email, join the
KWCUSA Yahoo Group.
Check with them if you have a special song you like, and go from there.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From Candy:
Hello is this contest over?
Candy,
Hi Candy,
Nope.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
From Jerry Headlee and Mary Jane Cobb:
(Requesting to manage region 5)
Our top-notch Mackie sound, superior song variety and strong following make us a great choice! We host five shows weekly and two establishments currently use our rental systems. We're also opening a karaoke store in the near future, so our communication abilities will expand considerably. We can be reached at (763) 862-2544 or through e-mail at hotlickskaraoke@msn.com
Jerry Headlee and Mary Jane Cobb
Sounds good to me, as we still need a manager for both your state and your region.
Write back and let me know what your website address is and any other information
which should be posted on the region 5 page. I am
putting your contact information on the page now.
Best of luck!
Frank Davies
From Melvin:
Hello,
My name is Melvin. I am interested in finding venues that host the contests. I live in South Florida and I was the 2000 State Rep. in the National Singing Championship. Please let me know what the closest venue is to me.
Thank you.
Melvin Davison
Congratulations on that! You have been added to the KWCUSA YahooGroup and it
looks like Florida will be one tough state to compete in (judging by the response I am getting; must be the oranges?)
Best of luck!
Frank Davies
Randy H. writes:
Hello,
My name is Randy H. I am 31 and live in the Tampa, Florida area. I am interested in competing in the next contest and would like more information. Like where and when.
Thank you.
Randy
I will keep you informed. I am putting everyone into the YahooGroup which I am using to send out this stuff and will send
more information to all through the group. If we have the hosts and venues (lined up by the hosts or vice versa) and all is going well, then we can start in August 2002.
Contact the hosts in your area and tell them about us. This is so new they
may not have heard of it yet. Tell them please. You can even email them a quick
link from our home page.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
María writes:
Hi, Frank!
Thank you for sending me info about your Karaoke
Championship.
I live close to one of the biggest Casinos in North
Idaho, called Coeur d'Alene Casino. This Casino has
sponsored big events in the past, including a
regional Karaoke Contest.
But this contest was held 4 years ago, and singers
in this area will love to compete again, and
specially at a National and International levels, like
you offer.
The Coeur d'Alene Casino Karaoke Supervisor is
Richard Lovelace and phone no. 208-964-5683 or call
the Casino at 1-800-523-2464 and ask for him or the
Event's manager through the Casino operator by
dialing 0 after the toll free number. Try also
CDACASINO.COM and send info of your website.
I am a singer and I would like to compete in Idaho,
Washington, Montana or California.
I will let you know of other places for possible
sponsor contact.
Thank you,
María B.
A big THANK YOU María!
And attention, all you karaoke business owners in that area.
Opportunity is knocking where María is singing. So sign up as
a host, put on your top hat and start contacting venues who will
be willing to work with you in this contest. Let's all network
here and take as much initiative as María has.
On our forms page you will find some business cards you
can use when involved in this contest. Tell us else what you need!
(The following is an update: I have contacted the Casino and am waiting
for a reply. -F.)
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
Alex from Canada writes:
Hi,
I would like to participate in contest, I live in canada Vancouver b.c.
If you know about contest in my city please let me know.
Thanks,
Alex
I will keep you informed. I have no objections to your entering the
USA portion of the contest. Check the headquarters in Finland from time to time. They
have added Norway and England as I write this, and the rest of the nations
(excepting the USA and Finland) are waiting for someone or some company
to volunteer their services as national manager.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
Chartbuster Karaoke has a question.
I would like to hear more about this contest.
Would you call me or Adam Lutts?
Looking forward to talking to you.
Norbert Stovall
CEO
Chartbuster Karaoke
Thanks for the request, but I just can't do that, (yet.)
It is a matter of funding. A donation to my paypal account could
change this (should anyone wish to contribute to sort of get things
off the ground.)
Until then, have a look around the site and I am sure most of the
questions (for which I have answers) are here.
Your help or sponsorship will go a long ways.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
This letter is from Michigan...
I just wanted to add, I knew that I want to be a singer ever since I was 4. I am ready to show the world what I have.
Love,
Sarah Oakley
We are all anxious to hear you sing in the competition and
have your chance to show the world too! Best of luck to you and
all the others who are signing up now. We will keep you informed.
Thanks for the information concerning the World
Karaoke Championships. I do not know in what shape
or form we can assist you at this point in time, but
please keep me in the loop and we will consider
something for the future. I have already passed on
some of the information you sent me to some of our
KJ customers and I expect many of them will be
contacting you to donate support.
Best Regards,
David Delage
Sales & Marketing Representative,
Eatsleepmusic Corporation
Eatsleepmusic Sales (877) 867-8668 ext. 275
Music Mansion Sales (800) 880-6434 davidd@eatsleepmusic.com
Any advice will be very welcome, as I am 'winging it'.
Feel free to write anytime. I will post your comments
at the contest with a link back to your sites.
And keep 'em singing!
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
Dear Frank Davies:
I am happy to help the Karaoke World Champions
competition as an
internationally recognized lawyer on the team.
Hope to keep in touch.
Thanks.
Regards.
Chulwoo Lee.
lchulwoo@hotmail.com
Thank you for your offer of help.
I accept, and await any advice you may
give. I now welcome
you to the team as legal counsel.
I have some questions for you when you are
able (time-wise) to give them some consideration.
Your legal talents
will be of great value, and your wisdom could prevent
some mistakes. We are free to take your advice.
I hope this will be challenging and fun for you.
-Frank
From Australia, we are asked if we would like to hold the competition there.
karaokeroadshow.com
BBX AUSTRALIAN KARAOKE CHAMPIONSHIPS. For the second year running BBX has been the main sponsor of this prestigious competition which has been running for the past 5 years right throughout Australia, from the Burswood Casino in Perth down into Adelaide and Vicoria and back up the coast to as far as The Discovery Bay Resort on the Sunshine Coast. This competition has over 2000 entrants that vie each year to win a trip to the U.S.A. and sing on America's most watched talent show `FAST TRACK TO FAME', this show goes out to over 38 million viewers weekly! Each year one lucky Australian singer gets the chance to be seen by America's talent scouts who are forever seeking that special talent, this is the show that discovered `BOYZ II MEN'. The competition is in place all over the country and any enquires regarding the show can be made to Rick Powell on 0414 43 5848. Rick Powell.
E.T.'s Cosmic Karaoke & DJ has participated in the
FAST TRACK TO FAME (photo: Yelm Showcase) in the past.
Our contest is not to find the next superstar, but to help a couple
of singers make it to Finland for the Karaoke World Championships Contest
to represent the United States of America.
I will suggest rotating the Karaoke World Championships Contest Finals from nation to nation. (-F.)
Additional comment...
I have just learned that Finland is currently negotiating for singing
contracts for the winners and that the first place prize is 1700 Euros.
(Is that from the song "Euro, euro, it's off to work we go"? -F.)
Joe writes:
Hate to say it, but I seriously doubt you'll get any
of the "bigger"
companies to join this. The whole thing is a scam
in the end.
Here is some interesting reading for you & you
decide for yourself. Not
trying to be a smart ass, just trying to warn you
what you might be getting
into. Not sure what they are calling it this year,
but once they get a bad
rap, they do change the name & try to make it look
even more respectable
than the last year & many people get burned in the
end including the
companies that run them. Sorry these aren't actual
links, but you can copy
& paste to view.
Thanks Joe, we will! And the links you sent are just fine and posted just above. (-F.)
Joe Writes again and his next letter has been modified by us to be a list,
but we have not changed his words:
I am pretty good friends with several companies (which I will not name at this time simply because I would be surprised if they joined) that I know for a fact would not join into any type of "national" contest or any type of contest (unless the bar forces them to do so) simply because of contest histories.
Most contest aren't rigged but always appear to be. There is absolutely no fair way to judge.
Most judges (even though they may say they like everything, they generally don't) don't have a clue what to listen for in vocal quality (enunciation, tonal quality, timing, etc.), if stage presence is required in the judging, it is no longer just a "singing" contest but an all out "talent" contest which can ace out a really good singer with no presence for a mediocre singer with killer presence.
If audience response is involved, it turns into who brought the most friends in contest which can ace out good singers. If song difficulty is involved, how does a judge determine how hard a song is, some songs are easier to one person than another.
There will always be judges that may like somebody a little more personally or will accept a drink or 2 from a contestant (or contestants messenger if judges aren't supposed to talk to contestants) so their score will be just a bit higher than everyone elses.
Then you get the judges who get a couple of drinks & don't really pay attention anyways, just right down numbers to "get it over with".
Then you get your contest hoppers, the ones that come in for the contest, almost always win (unless it's rigged so one of the regulars will win) simply because they are that good & should be performing at the Tacoma Dome instead of going to a bar, & leave all the regulars that have supported you being pissed at the judges &/or the company & bar, then you'll never see that person again & you just have the chance of losing customers because of it, but if this ringer doesn't win, he goes bad mouthing this contest to everyone he can, so now you have a potential for losing future customers because you are now developing a bad reputation.
Not allowing the contestants to see the judges sheets &/or knowing which judge, judged what.
Unfair entry policies, allowing professional singers (anyone who knowingly gets paid to sing), karaoke hosts from the company putting on the show, employees of the bar that is holding the contest, family members of employees of the karaoke company & bar holding the contest.
Allowing late entries once the contest has started.
Mainly they wouldn't do it simply for their customers, they don't want their customers to get their feelings hurt (which ALWAYS will happen with risk of losing them as customers). I know contests are supposed to be fun & they do start out that way, but once the end of qualifying rounds start to near, you either get more serious contestants that really get mad when they don't qualify because time is running short or people are bored with it that they don't bother coming in because the contest is taking away from their singing time. No i'm not a disgruntled contest loser. I have not ever entered a contest nor plan to do so, not because I don't think I could win rather than the fact I don't want to be placed in any of the situations above. I have judged several contests in the past which I would never do again as well since judges are low lifes in the eyes of the losing contestants. There are other ways to bring customers in, run games that everyone (singers & non-singers alike) have the same chance of winning. Progressive pot games are really good, but then you get smaller crowds when the pots are smaller. Good luck in the endeavor & do hope it turns out to be a success for you.
Joe
Wow Joe, mega excellent good points! This has helped by pointing out every pitfall. Now, some suggestions for solving these is in
order. I will post the tentative rules for comment later. We want this to
be fun, and not unfair. This is not a stepping stone to a job as a singer,
just a contest for fun, and the USA finalists are not being promised a
fabulous prize, only some help getting to the World Championships in Finland. (-F.)
Additional comment (repeated from above)...
I have just learned that Finland is currently negotiating for singing
contracts for the winners and that the first place prize is 1700 Euros.
(Is that from the song "Euro, euro, it's off to work we go"? -F.)
Hi Frank,
I will
send you my ideas and other important concerns and
considerations of pulling
this together.
Thanks for your enthusiasm, who knows, we could still help each
other and
learn from the experience!
Thank you for the compliment on the website. I, am the
webmaster.
I have a
few concerns that would definitely have to be addressed, and as
well I do
not proceed ahead without a plan of action:
1) I have never organized a contest before and I think it would
be wise to
seek advise from those who are knowledgeable and willing to
share tips,
ideas etc.
2) Find someone who knows about marketing and getting sponsors
to cover the
majority of the costs and prizes.
3) Find a legal advisor and someone to review contest rules and
other forms
with binding and legal issues. The last thing you want is to be
liable for
something. It is also important to instill confidence in the
participants of
how the money is being managed, and equally important to work
with competent
people within the "team".
4) We would need a national treasurer (for each country
obviously) and a
representative from each state/province to manage the activities
and finals
resulting from the Local/Municipal level. Who is going to be
responsible for
paying people? How will they get paid, how will it all be
documented/kept
track of, and what is the cost of all this administration? (This
is where
sponsorship and volunteers really makes a difference in helping
to cover
some expenses).
I don't thing everyone getting $1.00 per participant is
motivation enough. I
don't think everybody needs to get paid, however advertising
exposure or a
barter of some sort may be compensation enough for some. In
addition, think
about who will be doing the most work! Make sure those people,
including
yourself are compensated. My one other thought on that is that
it would be
nice to have enough money for the national Reps/Organizers to
attend the
International Contest!
I have more thoughts but the more I think about them the bigger
my ideas and
concerns get!
Managing Partner,
Webmaster & Director of Computer Services JS MUSIC PRODUCTIONS
(416) 425-8888 or direct at (416) 487-5971
April, I hope you decide to manage
the Canadian portion of this contest as you are a talented
webmaster and I believe you would do an excellent job on
behalf of your fellow Canadians. Do stay in touch!(-F.)
Hi Frank:
Your project sounds very exciting and reminds me of
the work we did with Ujena Swimwear and Sports Illustrated back in the
eighties. Until I would have a clear definition of the perimeters of the
contest, time line, geography and demographics plus the production,
management and promotional budgets that you've earmarked would I even venture to say whether or not we would be able to fulfill your needs.
Kindly provide us this information and we'll review it as a potential
project we will both benefit. With our vast experience in project
management, venue negotiation, public relations and entertainment we are the perfect company to handle your needs in a professional world class manner. Please let us know what your vision is and we'll look forward to the future.
Best Wishes,
Darryl Scotti
CEO/Founder/Director
Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. www.TheGreatEvent.com
darryl@thegreatevent.com
our reply...
Hi Darryl,
We are writing the parameters now.
We hope to have everything finalized by mid-summer,
in time to begin the preliminaries.
The final winners (2) will need to be sent to
Finland for four days of competition in July
of 2003. This is the goal.
Your feedback will help. Your participation
could be the key to making this work.
This first year will be
crucial in determining if we can make this a
yearly event. We need to reach the go-getters
such as yourself and delegate authority to
them to manage regions (or states.) We have
drawn a map, set up a webring, FAQ, poll,
links, and comments pages etc.
This is about 2 weeks old (my participation.)
You can help write the rules, as they are
up to us to invent. We need to have our
USA finals next year in the late spring.
We are in a position to hand you a tremendous
portion of this if you wish to take it on.
Our thinking was to divide the USA into 5
regions with 10 states each. We are most
concerned with finding these 5 regional
managers.
As for demographics, the KWC is open to
16 year olds and up, but with the majority
of venues being drinking establishments, we
believe we will not be able to accommodate
the minors this first year, but plan to
correct this if possible in coming years.
Darryl, how much would you like to take
on? A region, a state, or did you wish to
work beside me at the national level?
We can use the help you seem to be tentatively offering. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
KWC/USA manager
fjdavies@yahoo.com
Darryl writes back...
Hi Frank, I'm willing to talk about this project with you, but without a confirmed or designated budget it would be difficult to bring my team in without a guarantee of income. As you know time is everything and my team members are accountable to me for their time.
How do I motivate them while I accept a project without a budget? Certainly as a producer we are capable of putting this on the map but without underwriting it may be a moot point.
Have you considered approaching a corporate underwriter i.e. Panasonic, or another Japanese or Korean Karaoke manufacturer, an apparel retailer or a national beverage supplier all stand to benefit from a promotion like this.
Before you can approach a national sponsor or a competent production management company the following components of the promotion should be in place:
1. Feasibility report
2. Market analysis
3. Commercial viability
4. Trend analysis
5. Risk and return business model
6. Terms and conditions Ask yourself:
1. What is it you're trying to do?
2. What is the big picture?
3. How does it benefit a corporate sponsor?
4. How do you attract the largest audience?
5. How does it make a profit? and how much profit can it make?
6. How can it positively effect the lives of the contestants and the winners by being part of this promotion?
This is a preliminary road map to the beginning stages of creating a viable promotion that can grow exponentially in time. With the right planning and sponsorship all things are possible. Case in point. Have you ever heard of the Great Duck Race benefiting everything from the homeless to the sick?
I hope this has shed some light on the issue. Consider it friendly and free advise. I'm sure you have already put thought into this project and it's true that most advise is only as good as the price you pay for it. Certainly this stands true when it comes to production and project management.
Frank, stay positive and focused knowing all things are possible in the right persons hands. Are you that person? I'll run this by the team, let us know if you have any more information to offer that will help us decide in your favor.
Best Wishes,
Darryl Scotti CEO/Founder/Director
Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. www.TheGreatEvent.com
darryl@thegreatevent.com
our next reply...
Thanks again.
I will put together the documents you suggest.
And yes, I just may be the one to make this happen as; I do not
host nor sing karaoke; I webmaster for more than one
karaoke company; I am willing to designate authority;
I listen to the advice of my colleagues who often know more
about the subject at hand than I do (I learned this from the original
Mr. Ford. who is reputed to have said that he surrounded himself with
people smarter than he was.) But most important is perhaps
my (sort of) motto "never quit". Next year we WILL have
a pair of USA Final qualifiers to the Karaoke World Champions
competition simply because I have the authority to grant the title
of "KWC/USA Final qualifier" and fully intend to do so.
Give me a few days to put together some stats and plans, then check
back here for the links to them. (This may help EVERYONE involved
in the process of finding sponsors and media coverage. If anyone
has a great resource for stats on karaoke, send them! If you are an
expert in any area mentioned above please fell free to write with your
suggestions or offer of help, and in the mean time, I'm on it boss!)
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
KWC/USA manager
fjdavies@yahoo.com
p.s. Here is one interesting statistic from the year 2000. This is I believe the origin of karaoke in fact. 20 million viewers weekly.
NHK has been airing its popular Nodojiman amateur songfest since 1946, first on radio and now on television. The highly rated program reaches more than 20 million viewers every Sunday with its 12:15 p.m. broadcasts. Click here for more information.
I would like to talk to you before I decide anything.
If you're like me...
...I hate contests but...
...unless it is very beneficial to both.
You could call me
I would like to talk to you first before I decide.
We can talk out everything about this contest.
Dear Frank I went to your web site and checked over the info on the contest but I would like to ask a few questions..... Exactly what does this consist of? I guess you can say I am the Most requested KJ in southern ILL but in being that I have a schedule that is not stop with shows and no way could I interrupt that.
In managing the central region what would I have to do?
drive to each state? etc... I have dealt with Fast Track to Fame and was not at all pleased with them and the final results but then again this is not for fame..... I have a very large following but need to know more details thanks Simply Sunshine Karaoke SSK Porductions www.simplysunshinekaraoke.com
Excatly what does this consist of? In managing the central region what would I have to do? drive to each state? We (you and me and the others who join us) will be the USA portion of the contest. We can and will make it the way we want it to be. It is our intention to send a pair of USA finalists to Finland for four days to represent the USA in the Karaoke World Finals. They have been doing this for years and have the support of their Prime Minister. That is the supreme goal. To manage your region you will need to be available and offer your assistence to the States included. This can be done through email, telephone and by putting up the information at your site. I will help in any way you need.
A proper chain of command will reduce your work load.
State managers will report to you and you will organize the final regional competition (you need not host the event yourself, but may.) I have no problem with these events being part of your regular schedule. You may elect to take on the hosting of individual competitions and include the contest with others. When we have things in place we will go after the sponsors.
You are welcome to co-brand the competitons. In short, we want this to be fun for you as well as the singers. We are inventing as we go, so your input will shape this grand event.
Your opinion is very important to me, please stay in contact. Finland is taking this to the world right now. I have been in contact with Australian and Canadian firms so this looks like something which could grow year after year. We will be pleased if you decide to participate on any level. And delighted if you decide to volunteer as a regional manager. This is not something intended to drain your financial resources, but I will not promise you a rose garden either. After this first year we will know what we are doing and how much profit is to be made.
Care to 'wing it' with us? We'd love to have you!
And by the regional map I have made, I have Illinois in the " Great Lakes
Region" so let me know if you see a change to our map which needs to be made.
Sincerely,
Frank Davies
fjdavies@yahoo.com
KWC/USA Mgr.
We need contestants.
And we need Hosts for every event.
We need Karaoke businesses to participate as USA Regional Managers and to oversee and manage and organize the state competitions, others to conduct the state competitions, others
to host county competitions, others to host city wide championships and many individual karaoke hosts and sponsors
for preliminary competitions.
We need YOUR help to sponsor the contests and track the winners.
Host just a single local event, or manage the contest for an
entire region of the United States.
Existing local competitions are especially encouraged
to contact us immediately so that your event can be included
in the World Championships competition run offs as an official
event.
Are you the happening Karaoke Host in your area? Get your
events sanctioned as part of this contest, and send the winners on
the road to world karaoke domination, (and present them with
a 'local winners certificate' to participate in the next level of competition.)
Details will be posted here as they unfold so bookmark this page and check back often.
Entry fees will be based upon the response received.
We do not guarantee that they will be enough to fully
cover the expense of a round trip ticket and accommodations
to Finland for the winners, but we set them
at an amount which will (hopefully) permit this as well as
the offset the cost of competing in USA regionals.
A good response now will result in minimal entry fees.
Do the math.
A strong response now will result in TINY entry fees.
Do the math.
A Great response will result in adding some runner-up
prizes for (some of) those not going to Finland.
For any response, we promise to keep the administrative costs to a maximum of 50% of the entry fees, with the other (minimum of) 50% being distributed
to the contest participants. But we also guarantee that the
Grand Prize for USA (1 male and 1 female) Finalist Winners
will be given highest priority, and that if the entry fees
are less than the anticipated cost of the prize, then we
will simply award all of it as (2) cash prizes to offset
the winners trips to Finland.
The contest is open to everyone. If you sing, we will find a local event for you to enter.
Do you have a Karaoke Website? We need your help too!
You can participate in listing schedules for local competitions,
or regional events and display pictures and bios of the winners.
We will list your site here (or provide a link to the listings from here) so the singers will easily find
their local contest hosts and competitions (you.)
Join the fun! Let us know that you are interested.
We have just formed a YahooGroup to better communicate
with everyone.
This will enable
us to all communicate through our regular email program, or by
going directly to the KWC/USA Contest YahooGroup website.
Those using the form below will
have their names etc. added to our KWC/USA Contest YahooGroup so that they will be able to
stay informed with everyone else. Please use the form below when you have
a comment or would like to participate in the management or hosting or
sponsorship aspects of the contest.
If you wish to be a contestant send an email to: kwcusa-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
That will make you an official member of the KWC/USA Contest YahooGroup
and add your name to the mailing list for the contest. It is free and there
is nothing to download.
You may also subscribe by going to the site directly:
Those interested in management, hosting, sponsorship, or commenting,
please use this form below.
I'd like to be a USA regional manager.
I'd like to sponsor the state finals or semi finals.
I'd like to sponsor my county's finals.
I'd like to sponsor my cities finals.
I'd like to HOLD a contest at my establishment.
I'd like to HOST a contest locally.
Add me to E.T.'s COSMIC Karaoke & DJ newsletter.
Enter Your Web Site Address
Enter Your Email Address
Enter the (your) email address to be added our weekly Karaoke Newsletter. (E.T. sends a text letter to everyone in his address book, every week. Usually attaching a very cool picture.) This will keep you informed of events relating to the World Championships and sponsors in your area.
You will arrive at our links page after clicking.
Click your back button to return, but please do not
submit an address more than once. If you are under the age of 18,
get your parents permission before submitting. The contest will
be closed to minors under the age of 16 and special consent forms
and rules may apply to these youngest of contestants.
If you want to inquire about the 2002 Championships (now underway) you may call
03-714-2686 (Finland!) and inquire or visit the website http://www.khviihde.*fi/english.htm.
Telephone Frank at: (360) 357-5465 for contest information.
