To Tip, Or Not To Tip The DJ? I've been asked over the years whether it is appropriate or expected to tip a DJ who is working in a club or bar. Here are a few things to keep in mind. - In general, DJs don't expect to get tipped. They are compensated by the bar based on pre-arranged terms with management; and unlike waiters or bartenders they don't expect to get a significant portion of their night's pay from tips. Depending on the location of the DJ booth, tipping the DJ may in fact be a near physical impossibility. - Appreciation, in any form, is always welcomed. Whether via spoken words, a thumbs up, a note on a napkin, or that universal head nod of approval, DJs love to hear from their audience that there is appreciation for what is being played. And if direct personal communications aren't possible, an email note or posting on MySpace or Facebook is just as cool. - In-Kind Praise ain't bad either. If the DJ is "wearing you out!"­ and that's a good thing ­ and you feel compelled to offer to buy her a beer or a shot, then by all means, do so. If you want to present a Dead President or two or five or twenty, well that's fine as well. - If you treat the DJ like a jukebox If you feel the absolute need to request a song, first of all don't get all pissy and rude if the DJ says he doesn't have the track and/or can't get to it. If the DJ indicates that he will play it, then maybe think about reaching for your wallet. [Note: A smile, especially a flirty one, as well as "please" and "thank you" will probably suffice.] - Use some common sense! If there is a tip jar staring you dead in the face and the DJ has graciously played 3 or 4 of your requested songs, then you better dig deep in those pockets (or pocketbook). If he answers your desperate plea to play your "most favorite song" next, dig even deeper. If he's in a magnanimous mood and changes up the musical vibe ­ i.e. from dance/house music to radio pop and hip-hop ­ expressly for YOU, then a tip is mandatory, in my opinion, and you might think about double digits.