In my opinion there is a difference between the two...

The DJ......... is to me an entertainer.

Those who are good at their craft have a wide range of styles and tempos at their disposal and will work hard to keep the dance floor busy. This involves carrying a large number of records, maybe 200 - 400, and may include records that are not always to their own personal taste but are popular with the masses. They are good at assessing what is required prior to their spot and would feel confident DJing at a wide variety of venues.

The Collector.............wears his heart on his sleeve.

He wants to share records with you that reflect his own personal taste, and hopes you will like them. Happy to turn up with an 80 box. Usually chosen by a promoter who thinks their style will suit his particular venue.

As I approach old age, I am more selective as to which venues I attend. I like to hear new sounds in order to maintain my levels of interest, and I like to chat with folk more knowledgable than myself who share similar tastes.

At one time it would have been the DJ, but now, it has to be the Collector........

It's a combo of the two really though isn't it Steve?

Most DJ's kicked off as collectors and went onto deejaying through that, so the majority of DJ's are still inherently collectors even if their public guise is as a 'DJ'. The difference is, as a DJ you're duty bound to entertain a lot of different people so you need a wider range of records to play plus plenty of 'dancefloor certs' to ensure that most people are kept happy. So most DJ's need a bigger selection of records but they should still have their own unique records or one-offs which defines their set.

Ian D

Plenty of DJs who aren't what I'd really call collectors Ian - just trophy record hunters after the same 'in demand' titles.....hot boxers etc.....sorry.