Good point. I am grouping them in that manner. But Im cognizant of the fact that they are individuals. I do this all with a smile on my face and an obviously playful approach. Might have done well to mention that in the post, which was also for fun. I have a well-established reputation at the club and in town as one of the most, if not the most, pleasing and down-to-earth technicians to work with. Im also the class clown. I didnt get into this line of work to sweat optics or live in fear of a power structure. I got into this line of work to make music better and have fun doing it. There isnt a show I work that a performer or guest tech or tour/production manager doesnt go out of their way to thank me for being kind, patient, and helpful. I take more pride in that than my mixing. To me, a pleasing mix is the bare minimum. I extend the same courteousness to every patron that I deal with. Im a house manager when Im not mixing, and perfectly happy to handle any situation that arises with compassionate wisdom and a quiet confidence. It is not, however, required of me to be a loser. I am allowed and encouraged to be myself. Coolest fucking dude in the club. Lover, hater, shallow, deepas complex and rich in spirit and intellect as all humans should feel empowered to be. Last night the opener thanked me after a great soundcheck. My response was Ahh fuck off! and everyone on stage laughed before dapping me up on their way off stage. I play the part I was born to play and Im happy that way. If I wanted to feel forced to use fake enthusiasm and be in constant in fear of losing my job for the slightest misstep Id work somewhere else. Fuck, Id work in corporate again. I quit my pandemic-era day job a year ago to get away from that. Its unhealthy and, frankly, acquiescent to capitalism and its undue burdens; put on people who I have no desire to emulate. Im happier doing music and being fun in a place where every night is a new challenge with a life-affirming payoff. Powerpoint just doesnt hit the same way. But sure, I represent the club or whatever. And in so doing Im permitted to come at people from a place of authenticity, without pandering to them in a desperate attempt to retain their patronage. We have a reputation as a venue, too, and its a good one. That rep is inclusive of our production quality and our people. It would be shortchanging our patrons, new and old, to alter any of that or put on a corporate front.