Q How do you start the rotation?
The first request slip received establishes the start of the rotation. The rotation continues through the list of singers (which includes first-time singers) before it returns to the starting point.
Q How do you mix new singers into your rotation?
Singers turning in their first slip will be added to the end of the rotation with singers in the currently established rotation.
RULE What if people submit slips under different names?
Anyone discovered submitting slips under different names to intentionally defeat the rotation rules is removed from the rotation immediately. We understand that sometimes customers use stage names or funny names as a joke, and we will play along to add to the entertainment value of the show. However, when someone purposely changes their name for the expressed purpose of singing ahead of everyone else in a fair rotation, it will not be tolerated. There are plenty of law-abiding citizens out there who are waiting patiently to sing and have a good time.
Q How do you keep the rotation in order?
A business standard has always been "First Come, First Served." We encourage this and go one step further for our customers: we hold a customer's spot in the rotation using their old slip as a guide until it reaches the front. This gives them time to look for another song. If they choose not to sing again, the slip is removed. Their spot in the rotation will be there the next time around.
Q How do you handle people who like to sing duets as well as solos?
This is by far the most difficult thing to keep straight in a rotation—there is no perfect way to handle it. As fairly as possible, we count duet songs as a turn for one of the people singing. Simply let the host know whose turn this duet will count against! Or we will just use the first of the two names on the songslip.
RULE How about people who grab the mic while other people are singing?
Aside from being downright disrespectful, we gently remind the person that they may sing only at the request of the current singer. We keep microphones protected from temptation. If someone still chooses to barge in and sing, their slip is moved to the end of the rotation and they are reminded that the duet counts as their turn. Over the years this policy has been completely successful, and customers wait patiently for their own moment to shine.
Q What if someone leaves the establishment and returns later?
We normally keep a singer's old slip in the rotation for one full cycle. In a long rotation, there may be an hour before you are called again. If you are seen leaving the establishment (Many karaoke whores do), and show back up right before your turn, you will find that your songslip has been removed from the rotation.
Q How often does the karaoke host sing during the rotation?
As a Karaoke host, our job is to provide entertainment through the singers in the establishment, or through the creative introduction of songs by the host when needed. The paying customers are the most important people and they always come first. For this reason, the host removes himself from the rotation as soon as enough singers are available (usually 12-15 customers).