I tried to take some time before writing this to reflect and “cool off” so to speak, so that I didn’t come off harsh. I did, and in doing so was able to collect my thoughts and opinions in a cleared manner. Here it goes:
So last night, I decided to check out Campus Thursday’s at SPLASH. I have been going since I started clubbing and had a few writers along with me in the area, so I decided to check it out and perhaps write a review. I should preface this by stating that I absolutely love SPLASH. It’s our gay establishment. It’s our dream club, our own “Babylon” with glitter and muscled dancers and great music. It’s not perfect, but as a patron I would like to offer some constructive criticism so they (management) can make SPLASH everything gays hope for and want in a club.
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My main issue is the door at SPLASH. The door and door staff are essential parts, cornerstones really, of any establishment. They are the first face and interaction any potential club goer witnesses before even stepping foot inside. The door staff REPRESENTS the club and anything they say or do can be (quite logically) assumed as the establishment’s policy and attitude. I understand that door staff ( security, etc) have a primary function and that is safety: screen patrons, make sure no one is too drunk or can causes harm, and no one violates noise ordinances and the law, as well as guiding patrons inside. This is a difficult job because they have to tread a line, somewhere between being protector and enforcer, but that’s WHY CLUBS NEED TO FIND THE BEST DOOR STAFF POSSIBLE. They exist–people who can be severe and enforce safety without disrespecting and alienating patrons at the same time. Doing so is imperative in the nightlife industry because at the end of the day it’s a luxury industry. It’s not essential. And, if you treat your patrons like shit, they can AND will go elsewhere. No one needs the drama, so don’t bring it. The sooner establishments realize this…the better their business will be. Simple. I have seen issues at the door at SPLASH before and decided not to address them because I figured it was a one-time issue. However, I have noticed a pattern and have heard complaints here and there from friends and readers…and witnessed first hand last night how rude and unneccessary the entire process of entering SPLASH can be.
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I entered SPLASH at 1am, exactly, brandished my invite, which I had on my phone and walked in without a problem. Standing behind me were my writers, who happen to be female. Now, let’s address this: females should not be punished for being females at ANY gay club. They shouldn’t be barred from entering or subject to ridiculous and arbitrary covers. It’s not fair because guy or girl, gay or straight…you are losing a patron. As my female friends, who also received the SAME ubiquitous Campus Thursday invite as I did, displayed it to the door staff…they paused and decided to dishonor the promotion and charge them $15. My question is why? Why put so much time and effort into promoting a party, soliciting thousands of people (gay, straight, male and female) to disclose their name and email for a promotions list and then dishonor what it says in plain text? Is that fair? One would argue that it isn’t fair. There have been discrepancies in the past regarding this “invite”: covers have been “wrong” and drink specials have been non-existent when confronted by bartenders. Please, amend this discrepancy. Patrons love the idea, but SPLASH has to honor it, otherwise it’s misleading/false advertising.
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Still, there is a more serious issue, which needs to be addressed and that’s respecting patrons. After my writers decided not to pay the inflated door price, I met with them outside (in the roped area that wasn’t blocking traffic) and asked what happened. During this discussion, a member of SPLASH who identified himself as security said, “Don’t cause any trouble, and don’t step over the rope or I WILL KICK YOU OUT.” When I responded and obliged he said… “Think I’m playing…you wanna get kicked out, huh.” First of all, why kick me out when I’m already out? Was I jeopardizing anyone’s safety? Or were you just grossly trying to display some false act of power? It was unnecessary, rude and patronizing. I am not a child. I might be young, but at the end of the day I am a college-educated, working professional and a customer! So spare me any lectures. A simple, “Please step back” would have sufficed. Now, a couple of months ago I witnessed a small, twinkish boy around 5′5″ being forcibly grabbed and told “Next time I see you on line I will PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!!!” The man who berated this boy (who was a non threat, maybe a little drunk, but not belligerent at all), was about 6′2″ and heavy built. Was there need to threaten this patron with violence or was it, again, a gross display of power and anger? Completely unnecessary.
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I looked over my writers invites and asked them to try again, thinking it may have been a simple error. We approached the door and asked, “Isn’t the price $5 after,” and were quickly told “It doesn’t work like that!” My question is: then how exactly does this work? Is it just we can charge however we please and don’t care about the promotions, which bring us thousands of willing customers? Because that seems ineffective and swindling-like. Afterward, I parted with my writers and proceeded to walk in alone and cover the party myself. When I approached the register/stamp handlers, I said “that should really be changed…that e-mail.” Then, I turned around and said, “And, I’m sorry if I…,” when I was cut off by the handler who snapped ” Leave me the fuck alone…I’m dealing with money…got a problem and I’ll have you kicked out.” I was seriously going to apologize on my behalf for the mix up, I felt guilty because I try to contact venues prior to my arrival, still how many other patrons were told the same thing regarding this invite? His response was rude and offensive. You are counting small bills so you can’t accept an apology? I didn’t touch him or even walk near his personal space or the register, so his response was ridiculous. After the ordeal, I decided to immediately leave and go to Barracuda, which displays a consistently friendlier attitude toward patrons.
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I started PinkEntry.com as a site to give GLBTs information about clubs that RESPECTED THEM and THEIR BUSINESS…a true pink entry. Not an entry experience, which is offensive. It get’s sticky having to state this sometimes, but I care about these establishments and want what’s best for both clubs and clubgoers. Again, I absolutely adore SPLASH and their presence in the gay nightlife scene (I love them!); however, certain policies should be fixed. No one needs to be bullied when they are trying to have fun. Gays have been bullied enough (school, home, politics) do we really need it from our clubs?
…I didn’t think so.
