UPSU.net - Replies to forum topic "Union going down hill"

Reply 71 to "Union going down hill" by Charlee

Charlee — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:51:52 GMT

miniminogue wrote:
If you dont like the union dont go, simple as!! dont keep bitchin about it

the prob is not that.as a student you need to have your opinions in the union! cos a main reason ppl come to portsmouth uni is the union as well! so if every1 start ignorin it then it will just close.

so
ppl
keep bitchin it up! B)

Reply 70 to "Union going down hill" by ece50232

ece50232 — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:13:25 GMT

First step is to stop charing Portsmouth NUS card holders for entry.

Wednesdays are pretty much as good as you'd expect, I've never been to a quiet Wednesday.

Friday and Saturdays the union is competeing with all the other clubs in Portsmouth. With Time moving into Commercial Road, route doing a Student night on Wednesdays the Union is going to have to up its game to compete.

The colour of the walls doesn't make a venue good. While its nice to have a funky club layout its not really an option while the univerisity want to use it as venue/exam space.

One consideration would be to buy some (or use the existing) pack away floors/stage. I think creating a seperate seating area would give lux a better feel.

From a commercial point of view a companies two biggest expenses are staff & and rent. The rent you can't do much about. Staff however is a whole different matter. From what I understand the union is to heavily staffed. And not where it matters (bar staff)

I'd love to get my hands on the unions book and find out what it makes and breaks on and kick some people into touch!

Reply 69 to "Union going down hill" by luke.thompson

luke.thompson — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 16:31:44 GMT

Live bands are the way forward, not one hit wonders like beatfreaks, body rocks Chesny tho..... Proper decent acts....

MY Chemical romance.....well i can dream...

Reply 68 to "Union going down hill" by dukeicon

dukeicon — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:41:17 GMT

for live bands its also a case of who you know....
I know many promoters that will be able to get live bands into the union, and that would be willing to do it, Which I have suggested, but I don't think people are listening. A shame really.......

Reply 67 to "Union going down hill" by Emlin

Emlin — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 12:02:24 GMT

The live bands scene is an interesting thing, I think however that as far as touring local bands and top bands go, you have to be on the right circuit, as the unions new refurb has put them at a somewhat new venue to hold acts in I believe they're working on getting on the circuit for things like that, or atleast that's one of the discussions I had last year :)

Reply 66 to "Union going down hill" by hixey101

hixey101 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:49:07 GMT

in addition to my other comments, whoever said about live bands made a good point. why dont we have them?? i dont understand. LUX would make a really good venue!

Reply 65 to "Union going down hill" by luke.thompson

luke.thompson — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 20:22:35 GMT

The Union is open during the day. The building opens at 8am weekdays with waterhole serving from 11am.
It will shut at 9pm (except wed and fri where there are club nights on) So that is plenty of time for a few beers at lunch and then some more.
....point well made!!
'your not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on'

well ive been there a few times at Lunch and at 3 and it definately WASNT open.

Reply 64 to "Union going down hill" by matt4446

matt4446 — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 13:04:21 GMT

Jamie see http://www.upsu.net/news/article/student_life/campaigns/74,1403.htm
you'll notice that the union is open to 11pm on a saturday ... whether we like it or not.

Reply 63 to "Union going down hill" by jamie_bale

jamie_bale — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 12:27:18 GMT

why did the union shut at 11 last night? we were all on our way there (about 20 of us) and the guy was like we are just about to close. you go on about people not coming but we were on our way and i no other people were yet you shut it?

Reply 62 to "Union going down hill" by laa_dee_daa

laa_dee_daa — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:20:44 GMT

the new opening hours crap! atleast it should be open to 11p on the days without club nights.

Reply 61 to "Union going down hill" by jadey baby!

jadey baby! — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 16:52:34 GMT

Reply 60 to "Union going down hill" by Luize

Luize — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:28:58 GMT

luke.thompson wrote:
K well the union firstly needs to be open through the day so when i get out of lectures withe me mates i can come down and have a few beers at lunch,

The Union is open during the day. The building opens at 8am weekdays with waterhole serving from 11am.
It will shut at 9pm (except wed and fri where there are club nights on) So that is plenty of time for a few beers at lunch and then some more.

Reply 59 to "Union going down hill" by luke.thompson

luke.thompson — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:50:37 GMT

K well the union firstly needs to be open through the day so when i get out of lectures withe me mates i can come down and have a few beers at lunch, it also needs to be open Sat night with LIVE BANDS, SPECIAL NIGHTS....

THe Beach PArty was the only amazing night i have had there (hypnotyist the exception and beach party was okish (beatfreaks did jack all).

I think the union looks fantastic although there needs to be separation from Bar and dance floor as it is just once massive mash of people which looks very ugly, WHERE ARE THE LAYERS? Layers are what make ROute 66 and Time so amazing and allways full. adopt this idea.

HAVE SOME ROCK NIGHTS -- My Chemical Romance, Lost Prophets, Guns N Roses. that kinda event rather than boring as ever dance over and over....

HAVE A FOAM PARTY -- Guarenteed the entire world will come if you do! so much fun

GET SOME LIVE BANDS -- OkGo, THe PAddingtons, THe Bravery are all fantastic and have played local venues alot down in pompey! WHY WERE THEY NOT AT THE UNION>? You union staff seem to be missing the boat time and time again.

Be unique, be the Union you used to be and stop trying to be something your not.

Reply 58 to "Union going down hill" by jadey baby!

jadey baby! — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:49:27 GMT

AH BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT THE WATER HOLE IS NOW OPEN IN THE EVENINGS TILL 9? ....SEE PEOPLE DO TAKE NOTE AND ACTION!! WORD OF MOUTH AND STUDENT SUPPORT ...COME ON PEOPLE BE A LITTLE BIT MORE PRO-ACTIVE!! B)

Reply 57 to "Union going down hill" by jamie_bale

jamie_bale — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:36:27 GMT

I would definately come to an alternative night if the union put one on, it would just have to be advertised enough, i dont understand why the union doesnt have people that put flyers under ev1 in halls doors cos i no time/envy and other clubs do it.

Reply 56 to "Union going down hill" by milannium

milannium — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:07:44 GMT

Dont worry im just trying to add some light humour to the discussion. dont take anything i say seriously...ever!

Reply 55 to "Union going down hill" by hixey101

hixey101 — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:06:32 GMT

OK, This is my idea. As a student who enjoys listening to 'Alternative' music when I go out, i.e a bit of Indie, rock,metal,industrial,alt dnb, I really enjoy going to Monday nights at Route 66 for their Alternative night. It is pretty much packed every week.
Why on earth doesnt the union do an alternative night maybe on thursday/saturday (not like last year when they tried to compete with Route by putting it on a monday - derr) I cant think of one good reason why they dont trial it again, except this time do it on the right night and only open CO2 to start off with and see how it goes from there.
I can honestly say that this would bring people in, especially if you call it an Indie night, because this attracts people from all 'Scenes'.
I know your going to give me some reason why it cant be done but I just thoguht it bring it up because ive been meaning to for a while now.
Anyone who thinks its a good idea, say so.

Reply 54 to "Union going down hill" by laa_dee_daa

laa_dee_daa — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:09:52 GMT

whose getting stressed? not me...lol.. all i did was give my opinion on the union and that of quite a few ppl i know .. i dont feel passionately about it...wasnt looking to offend anyone, argue, just giving my view.

Message edited by: laa_dee_daa at: 20/11/2006 17:12

Reply 53 to "Union going down hill" by miniminogue

miniminogue — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 14:01:39 GMT

laa_dee_daa wrote:
duh did i not say we dont go... and as ive said before... stop taking it persoanlly that some of us hate it... but what wud ever change if ppl didnt give their opinion??

someones gettin a little stressed me thinks :P

Message edited by: miniminogue at: 20/11/2006 14:02

Reply 52 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 13:44:52 GMT

milannium wrote:
i love it when people feel so passionately about the important things in life :silly:

Agreed!

Reply 51 to "Union going down hill" by milannium

milannium — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:38:31 GMT

i love it when people feel so passionately about the important things in life :silly:

Reply 50 to "Union going down hill" by laa_dee_daa

laa_dee_daa — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 20:05:16 GMT

miniminogue wrote:
If you dont like the union dont go, simple as!! dont keep bitchin about it

duh did i not say we dont go... and as ive said before... stop taking it persoanlly that some of us hate it... but what wud ever change if ppl didnt give their opinion??

Reply 49 to "Union going down hill" by Luize

Luize — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:06:43 GMT

laa_dee_daa wrote:

if the bar-staff moved any slower they would be dead. Alot of them are just not any good at the job.. no common sense.. a complete inability to work under pressure or to make more than one drink at a time.

Friday and Saturday nights the barstaff aren't slow at all, if you have a bar that is 4 deep then it might seem slower because you will have to wait for longer to get served (and Route on a Monday night is the place where I have had to wait the longest to get a drink)

i dont no why you cant take your drink to the toilet with you... but im sure theres some stupid health and safety excuse, they want you to leave your drinks on a table outside the toilet.... so it can be spiked... health and safety?????

That topic has been discussed before on her. It's a health and safety issue for you not to take the drink it.... I woudln't want splash back in my drink (mainly from the guys) or spilliages.

they need MORE barstaff.

Putting more barstaff on won't get you served any quicker...there are only a certain amount of tills and T bars. More staff generally leads to people tripping up over each other and it actually being slower.

I do agree that the place is too light, why not try co2, It's darker and so I guess would have a better feel to it.
The Union could be a lot worse.

Reply 48 to "Union going down hill" by Entertainments

Entertainments — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 16:10:24 GMT

Emlin wrote:
yeah its really gone down hill, this not opening on saturday malarky is pathetic, "the best union in the country"

well it certinaly wont be soon, it'll be the "only union in the country than never opens"!

they need to make some serious changes, and they're not putting students as a priority, the union as a company (run by the university) is more interested with its money than its students, well they'll soon start to notice that alot people will bad mouth this uni about it, things like this on the forum and peoples word of mouth will really spell it out for any wannabe pompey students for next year and they'll take their business elsewhere. They wont come to a university that doesnt have a good reputation, i certinaly would have reconsidered joining this univeristy if i was coming next year.

Message edited by: Emlin at: 03/11/2006 00:40

Things are changing fokes! I believe that your views have been heard and even taken into consideration, It's not my place to confirm opening hours etc but the people who have voiced an opinion have made a difference! All I can say is watch this space ;)

Message edited by: entertainments at: 19/11/2006 16:12

Reply 47 to "Union going down hill" by miniminogue

miniminogue — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:32:08 GMT

If you dont like the union dont go, simple as!! dont keep bitchin about it!!!

Reply 46 to "Union going down hill" by Entertainments

Entertainments — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 13:43:44 GMT

laa_dee_daa wrote:
firstly it is over-priced! if u dont agree then thts ok... but it is...lol
its not the same as most places in portsmouth... yea maybe on the weekend it is.. but in the week u can go to route for example - free entry, cheap drinks.. and it shouldnt be the same price as normal places!

i didnt say all of the staff are incapable just most of them...lol.. sorry i dont mean that in a rude way but like the the other day in the waterhole my friend ordered a drink at the bar (their were about 2 others waiting) and pays... then the girl just walks off and starts serving someone else...then halfway through serving hem looks back at us and goes.."oh sorry i didnt even make ur drinks yet did i??"

and i will not be supporting MY 'so-called union' coz its a rip-off, the atmosphere is crap and there is a danger i might sober up waiting for a drink! ahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

fair enough layout aint gonna change... but they could make it abit darker abit more like a nightclub.

i dont know what u do when u go to the toilet.... but i sure dont piss in my drink or anyone elses drink...yea the security bloke is watching all the drinks without taking his eye off them ALL NIGHT! .. im sure he is! lol and im not a skank!

yes more staff increases the costs.. but if they employed a handfull of capable staff... which meant when ppl go to the union they know theyre gonna get served before xmas... and was abit cheaper..like im not saying drinks should be 50p or something. then maybe more people would go... and then they wud make more money! its not rocket science. ... why does route have a que a mile long outside it on a monday.....???? MUSIC PPL LIKE ....CHEEEEEAAAAPPP DRINKS... and average waiting time to be served! and i spose they make a loss do they??

and im not just talking about the nightclub. the Union as a whole is rubbish.. what do they offer as in to support us and benefit us?? actually no i do think they do have some good stuff... but its never advertised successfully.

look, for those who love union thats great!! im not like trying to say u shouldnt.. or trying to be like personal to anyone....im just saying theres a hell of alot of people who hate it. and nothing can ever change unless ppl spk up.!

Message edited by: laa_dee_daa at: 19/11/2006 11:42

Don�t agree with some of your comments but I do agree with others, the club is too light and being white as well, not good, Not sure if you noticed that I was able to have CO2 painted Black and red this year. Big difference and a step in the right direction, obviously would have liked to have done the same to LUX but does make in un-useable during the day, and remember it�s not only the university who use LUX in day Student societies use it a lot as well.

It�s been mentioned about Drapes, a proposal was put through the system last year for draping, The cost of the drapes was an issue, but it wasn�t an insurmountable one, the bigger issue was the logistics of putting them up and taking them down, as working at height directives insist we use scaffold towers and trained personnel every time we move them, the proposal is still outstanding whilst we look at other options.

The bigger problem is the huge amount of light from the bar, we are looking at changing this lighting arrangement in the very near future which will reduce the light levels and hopefully have a positive effect on the atmosphere in the club.

From the entertainments point of view, we want and need to make the Union more popular, I currently have a forum called �fergie� where I�m attempting to increase the perception of Friday nights, Basically hoping to get fergie in for a two hour set on Friday the 8th, entrance should be about �3, now you tell me who else in town offers a deal like that on a Friday night? Check out the forum and if your interested leave some feed back!

Message edited by: entertainments at: 19/11/2006 13:45

Reply 45 to "Union going down hill" by laa_dee_daa

laa_dee_daa — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 11:31:57 GMT

firstly it is over-priced! if u dont agree then thts ok... but it is...lol
its not the same as most places in portsmouth... yea maybe on the weekend it is.. but in the week u can go to route for example - free entry, cheap drinks.. and it shouldnt be the same price as normal places!

i didnt say all of the staff are incapable just most of them...lol.. sorry i dont mean that in a rude way but like the the other day in the waterhole my friend ordered a drink at the bar (their were about 2 others waiting) and pays... then the girl just walks off and starts serving someone else...then halfway through serving hem looks back at us and goes.."oh sorry i didnt even make ur drinks yet did i??"

and i will not be supporting MY 'so-called union' coz its a rip-off, the atmosphere is crap and there is a danger i might sober up waiting for a drink! ahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

fair enough layout aint gonna change... but they could make it abit darker abit more like a nightclub.

i dont know what u do when u go to the toilet.... but i sure dont piss in my drink or anyone elses drink...yea the security bloke is watching all the drinks without taking his eye off them ALL NIGHT! .. im sure he is! lol and im not a skank!

yes more staff increases the costs.. but if they employed a handfull of capable staff... which meant when ppl go to the union they know theyre gonna get served before xmas... and was abit cheaper..like im not saying drinks should be 50p or something. then maybe more people would go... and then they wud make more money! its not rocket science. ... why does route have a que a mile long outside it on a monday.....???? MUSIC PPL LIKE ....CHEEEEEAAAAPPP DRINKS... and average waiting time to be served! and i spose they make a loss do they??

and im not just talking about the nightclub. the Union as a whole is rubbish.. what do they offer as in to support us and benefit us?? actually no i do think they do have some good stuff... but its never advertised successfully.

look, for those who love union thats great!! im not like trying to say u shouldnt.. or trying to be like personal to anyone....im just saying theres a hell of alot of people who hate it. and nothing can ever change unless ppl spk up.!

Message edited by: laa_dee_daa at: 19/11/2006 11:42

Reply 44 to "Union going down hill" by tomworman

tomworman — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 20:28:45 GMT

laa_dee_daa wrote:

its over-priced.
Not really. Its about the same price as anywhere else in Portsmouth

the layout is rubbish.. too bright...feels like an office.. not a nightclub..
This has been a bone of contention for the last year or 2 but it aint gonna change anytime soon, thats the universities fault as they want it as a conference center (during summer holidays) and exam hall (during term time) not the unions.

if the bar-staff moved any slower they would be dead. Alot of them are just not any good at the job.. no common sense.. a complete inability to work under pressure or to make more than one drink at a time.
Thats a bit of a sweeping statement, the staff who have served me have been very good, and are far better than some of the other pubs and clubs in Portsmouth. For the new staff it took them a while to settle in but good on them for giving it ago

i dont no why you cant take your drink to the toilet with you... but im sure theres some stupid health and safety excuse, they want you to leave your drinks on a table outside the toilet.... so it can be spiked... health and safety?????
Aaaah, another scank who wants piss in there pint. As for spiking you drink, i'd like to see someone spike a drink that is next to a member of the security staff. See here for more info on this topic.

they need MORE barstaff.
And you claim the drinks are over priced - more staff = higher prices

I offers very little to the students here.. and i have heard a few ppl go as far to say they are thinking about transferring to other universities, because there is just so little going for our student union.
Perhaps by going to the events the union does put on you will be supporting YOUR union and they will be able to afford to put on more acts ?

:S

Reply 43 to "Union going down hill" by laa_dee_daa

laa_dee_daa — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:59:55 GMT

its over-priced.

they layout is rubbish.. too bright...feels like an office.. not a nightclub..

if the bar-staff moved any slower they would be dead. Alot of them are just not any good at the job.. no common sense.. a complete inability to work under pressure or to make more than one drink at a time.

i dont no why you cant take your drink to the toilet with you... but im sure theres some stupid health and safety excuse, they want you to leave your drinks on a table outside the toilet.... so it can be spiked... health and safety?????

they need MORE barstaff.

I offers very little to the students here.. and i have heard a few ppl go as far to say they are thinking about transferring to other universities, because there is just so little going for our student union.

:S

Reply 42 to "Union going down hill" by liamsmith17

liamsmith17 — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 12:17:40 GMT

peterhooley wrote:

Flat rate Friday Kicks in for the whole building on Friday, at 9 for the Waterhole or when the upstairs opens at 9.

Im either very confused or Flat Rate Fridays doesn�t exist. I was paying �1.80 all night for snakebite.

Reply 41 to "Union going down hill" by J_A

J_A — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:34:06 GMT

Charlee wrote:
2003 was the best year E.V.E.R!!
afterwards started gettin worst and worst

How very Constructive!:P

Reply 40 to "Union going down hill" by Charlee

Charlee — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:13:31 GMT

2003 was the best year E.V.E.R!!
afterwards started gettin worst and worst

Reply 39 to "Union going down hill" by peterhooley

peterhooley — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 20:04:53 GMT

I'll take the rap on this one,in my sleep deprived state I made it confusing. The RAMP is for the waterhole as an early evening promotion to give something to people on their way home from Uni or at the beginning of their night.

It's a bit of a treat that we throw in as and when, it can appear on any day, so you need to keep your eyes peeled or make sure you're signed up the for the weekly E flyer (visit www.upsu.net/sociallife if you're not)

Flat rate Friday Kicks in for the whole building on Friday, at 9 for the Waterhole or when the upstairs opens at 9.

Reply 38 to "Union going down hill" by J_A

J_A — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 15:55:46 GMT

Upstairs the drinks were Flat rate prices .... not sure what happened downstairs :unsure:

Reply 37 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:30:20 GMT

liamsmith17 wrote:
i think someone is telling fibs

it says on the "Ramp flyer" 9pm 0% discount carling �1.70

http://www.upsu.net/images/stories/site_graphics/page_graphics/socialise/06_07/ramp_final_copy.jpg

so the drink prices are still the same when i get there at 10

Message edited by: liamsmith17 at: 10/11/2006 18:08

Odd - I agree I thought it would be FRF's prices in Waterhole.

Just a mistake maybe? Either way, if the prices *are* cheaper after the Ramp ends, because of the FRF promotion, it'll be a nice surprise ;o)

Reply 36 to "Union going down hill" by DJ_Kray

DJ_Kray — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:13:49 GMT

i was under the impression that it was the same prices as last year maybe the ramp flyer is just 4 the waterhole

Reply 35 to "Union going down hill" by liamsmith17

liamsmith17 — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:04:29 GMT

i think someone is telling fibs

it says on the "Ramp flyer" 9pm 0% discount carling �1.70

http://www.upsu.net/images/stories/site_graphics/page_graphics/socialise/06_07/ramp_final_copy.jpg

so the drink prices are still the same when i get there at 10

Message edited by: liamsmith17 at: 10/11/2006 18:08

Reply 34 to "Union going down hill" by DJ_Kray

DJ_Kray — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:47:55 GMT

tomworman wrote:
liamsmith17 wrote:
Any way bring back FLAT RATE FRIDAYS because that worked last year

FLAT RATE FRIDAYS IS BACK its just re-branded as Flirt.

We just need to get the word about that the drinks prices have gone back down

Reply 33 to "Union going down hill" by tomworman

tomworman — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:58:21 GMT

liamsmith17 wrote:
Any way bring back FLAT RATE FRIDAYS because that worked last year

FLAT RATE FRIDAYS IS BACK its just re-branded as Flirt.

Reply 32 to "Union going down hill" by liamsmith17

liamsmith17 — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 22:08:49 GMT

haha ABBA tribute on a dance night :laugh:

Any way bring back FLAT RATE FRIDAYS because that worked last year

Reply 31 to "Union going down hill" by ijpemby

ijpemby — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:54:12 GMT

Is he the same guy off John craven newsround??? Wo he is the man has a point we are here to be taught, plus i dont see where the moaning is coming from here the man said that the Alan Fletcher could be returning, it may only be clutching at straws as its is just a maybe. But that night alone should keep the funds and the students happy until the new year even valentine day.

Reply 30 to "Union going down hill" by J_A

J_A — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:49:11 GMT

Having worked around the union for the last year or so, I feel I�m in a reasonably good position to comment on this!

Unfortunately it seems the union�s problems are reaching a vicious circle of decline. People hear the union is closed, people then don�t go, thus meaning more money is lost & the union forced to cut back opening hours even more!

There are two initial problems that strike me. 1, there doesn�t seem to be enough promotion for nights in general, - something relatively easy to solve � posters in Halls, flyers & just generally getting the word out there (something everyone can do!)
2, the University not supporting students & working on a purely financial basis to keep the union open, rather than looking at its students well being!

Last week I produced a radio show on Pure about the cutbacks in opening hours, I managed to get a statement from John Craven (the vice chancellor of the university (the bloke at the top)) and it reads as follows:

Statement regarding Student�s union opening hours

The University wants to encourage as many students as possible to use the Students' Union Building. However, we are able to open the bars and catering facilities only at those times when the demand is sufficient to cover the costs.

In past years, the bars and catering have made significant losses which we cannot subsidise at the expense of our teaching programmes.

We have been working with the Students' Union to establish when it would be sensible to open the building�s bars and catering facilities. We have also agreed to help fund the costs of opening the building for special events such as the Fairtrade Fashion Show held there recently.

Discussions are continuing, and we would strongly urge students to use the building when it is open to ensure that we can maintain the level of service, and increase it wherever possible.

John Craven, Vice-Chancellor

OK, so this is slightly off topic to the success of events at the union, but it all ties in! A union that is seen as open & welcoming is surly going to have a decent night life!?

The only way we are going to be able to get the union busy on a regular basis, is if you support it! � Go Now & tell ya friends to come to the union!

Reply 29 to "Union going down hill" by peachyraver

peachyraver — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 01:56:28 GMT

i really thought after last year, when the union had some difficult times geting numbers in, they would at least have the sense to change lux a bit back to its good old self.

the fact they done nothing (although CO2 is looking much better this year) goes to show the university are not prepared to invest in the union for the good of the student on a night out. the longer this goes on and 'club lux' stay the way it is the union will go from bad to worse. still the university really wont be bothered- they stil have a big open space to house exams/conferences/mmetings.

Reply 28 to "Union going down hill" by DJ_Kray

DJ_Kray — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 23:43:45 GMT

Hi I have to totally agree with Alex h and tom woman.
I have been djing at the uni for 7 years now and have seen so much change, so much promise (the new uni) and the uni in the last couple of years really lose its way. Now I have to be careful with what I say coz I work there.

Its so hard being a dj at the union compared to a regular club as, a lot of people expect unions to always be cheesy which it certainly should be on some nights then we have to try to please the die hard music fans (which the union should also cater for), and the first person when a night is not busy most people look to is the dj (although you guys have been pretty nice on the forum in understanding the unions other problems)

I have to contend with such things as you have all mentioned, as the club being painted white little or no promotion for the nights and varying drinks prices (altough i do belive fridays are now back to flat rate prices which is amazing), abba being put on a dance music night, along with other clubs only running 1 cheep student night per week so being able to under cut us. All of the management is really working, so hard to get the place back to its best. All I can ask is, you all keep supporting us and we will keep trying to get the uni back to how it should be.

Message edited by: dj_kray at: 05/11/2006 23:49

Reply 27 to "Union going down hill" by milannium

milannium — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 21:16:36 GMT

this topic has been rinsed and dried :dry:

Reply 26 to "Union going down hill" by ecrago

ecrago — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:50:35 GMT

Last year it was dead half the time, stop complaining and go there!

Reply 25 to "Union going down hill" by Emlin

Emlin — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 01:37:37 GMT

quick comment about flyering, having worked handing out fyers for the union myself, you have to remember that not everyone you hand a flyer to out there is a student, the union is only for students... so unless your going to change the door policy, you've already lost alot of potential customers and wasted alot of money handing out pointless flyers :whistle:

Reply 24 to "Union going down hill" by peachyraver

peachyraver — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 01:08:41 GMT

i think the union relies too much on the students to support it. we should be tempted by good djs and acts to go to the union, not just out of a habit and convenience.

it was obvious it was going to go down hill when the whole of club lux got ripped out and turned into a white washed exam hall.

the union for some reason still doesnt know how to promote its own individual nights. all the other clubs have flyer teams out on the streets persuading people to come to their nights, while the union sticks up a few half arsed posters on the walls hoping people will take notice.

fridays is the only night with good music, but i dont think many people have a clue about what difference it is to wednesdays.

i think it would be an absolute joke if the union only bothered opening a couple of times a week in the future. how can a purpose �6million student union only built a few years ago attract so little of the 17,000 or so students it was designed to cater for?

Reply 23 to "Union going down hill" by tomworman

tomworman — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:33:10 GMT

AlexH wrote:
In my humble (personal) opinion - and this is not an official line at all, Fridays have been built up as a successful dance music night over the last 18 months.

Because of this, if the Union were to put on a headline act that wasn't dance music-orientated on a Friday night, especially when Saturdays are perfect for more commercial/cheesy headline acts, it would only serve to confuse the night's music policy further.

Fridays will work well as a dance night if its music policy is kept in line with a dance night - that includes RnB/hip-hop (ideally in its own room, so people who just want to hear this kind of music can rely on the Union to put on a good night for them) - and maybe a bit of drum and bass - which can go well with dance music in Lux.

Saturday's Kinky night is a great opportunity for the Union to stretch its cheesier legs and get some great headline acts in - acts in the past have included Carl Kennedy (or is it "Karl"?) and the Chip Shop Boys - and would then cater for a different crowd.

End result? Fridays and Saturdays don't compete for the same market, so both nights grow.

In other words, getting Carl Kennedy in on a Friday might be a quick fix to get numbers up on a Friday, but it would almost certainly destroy any credibility the night has already built up for its strong dance music-orientated music policy. However, getting an act like Karl (I'm sure it's a "K") in on a Saturday would be a great night out, and everyone would know exactly what kind of music (and atmosphere) to expect.

Sorry to write an essay, and sorry if I'm just repeating myself or rambling, but I hope that will help you come up with some great suggestions for Entertainments on how to improve the nights.

/al

Message edited by: alexh at: 04/11/2006 14:41

What he said !!! Totally agree, its about promoting the seperate nights in there own rights, friday night works well as a dance night, its just a case of building up a crowd after the abba error. Saturday should be the night where big acts are brought in and has a good mix of all music genres, especially as it is possible to have 2 DJ's on a Saturday in Lux with Mark comparing and Rob DJing it allows an opportunity for crowd participation and interaction. IMHO.

Reply 22 to "Union going down hill" by Entertainments

Entertainments — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:22:16 GMT

ijpemby wrote:
Ive just come back from the dire union ALREADY, it was that bad and i think if you Bring back dr Karl Kennedy aka Alan Fletcher to pompy the there will be floods here, he's on tour right now so book him

Am waiting to hear back from his agents for a Christmas time booking, will post hear as soon as I have information!

Sorry to those of you out there who hate cheeze but have had lots of feed back and people love this guy! Have to go with the masses on this one!

Reply 21 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 14:39:49 GMT

In my humble (personal) opinion - and this is not an official line at all, Fridays have been built up as a successful dance music night over the last 18 months.

Because of this, if the Union were to put on a headline act that wasn't dance music-orientated on a Friday night, especially when Saturdays are perfect for more commercial/cheesy headline acts, it would only serve to confuse the night's music policy further.

Fridays will work well as a dance night if its music policy is kept in line with a dance night - that includes RnB/hip-hop (ideally in its own room, so people who just want to hear this kind of music can rely on the Union to put on a good night for them) - and maybe a bit of drum and bass - which can go well with dance music in Lux.

Saturday's Kinky night is a great opportunity for the Union to stretch its cheesier legs and get some great headline acts in - acts in the past have included Carl Kennedy (or is it "Karl"?) and the Chip Shop Boys - and would then cater for a different crowd.

End result? Fridays and Saturdays don't compete for the same market, so both nights grow.

In other words, getting Carl Kennedy in on a Friday might be a quick fix to get numbers up on a Friday, but it would almost certainly destroy any credibility the night has already built up for its strong dance music-orientated music policy. However, getting an act like Karl (I'm sure it's a "K") in on a Saturday would be a great night out, and everyone would know exactly what kind of music (and atmosphere) to expect.

Sorry to write an essay, and sorry if I'm just repeating myself or rambling, but I hope that will help you come up with some great suggestions for Entertainments on how to improve the nights.

/al

Message edited by: alexh at: 04/11/2006 14:41

Reply 20 to "Union going down hill" by davelipscombe

davelipscombe — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 13:26:48 GMT

DJ_Mark wrote:
Lets open up the floor to a few ideas.

davelipscombe, what would be a good incentive that would persuade you to come to the SU? We're totally open minded, so anything is possible. Those in change will no doubt look into any sensible ideas and see if their financally possible.

in fairness, it's not just the club nights - i find them ok, not that i go to them that often.

its just the fact that half the time its closed, when it never used to be - e.g. evenings and weekends. in my first year the union was essential - im not saying i know what would improve it, but something needs to be done, otherwise i can see it getting worse and worse.

like i said, on a monday after my society meets, we have to go down guildhall, rather than go to the waterhole, which would be a lot more convenient, not to mention persuasion for a lot more people to socialise in a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. we regularly have 40 members attending on a monday night - surely thats enough for the waterhole to make some money?

one of the things ive always wanted to see is more gigs at the union - something which so many others seem to do so well. yet with the guildhall, wedgewood rooms and pyramids the union seems to be somewhat excluded.

in all fairness im not sure where im going here - it just seems a shame that the union seems to be changing, and not necessarily for the best. it seems to be more about finance and money than the students of portsmouth, which is sad... :(

Message edited by: davelipscombe at: 04/11/2006 13:28

Message edited by: davelipscombe at: 04/11/2006 13:29

Reply 19 to "Union going down hill" by liamsmith17

liamsmith17 — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:56:41 GMT

it doesent matter what the entertainment is it just needs to be promoted better. Flat Rate Fridays was a good example of good promotion, it took time but soon got going

Reply 18 to "Union going down hill" by ijpemby

ijpemby — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:33:41 GMT

Pat sharp was at the union along with dr karl and chappers and wow i wish i was here last year, must of been an amazing daveline up last year, thats your problem all there been so far is judge jules and beatfreaks dancers and im guessing its more of the same till xmas, where have all the z list celebs gone!

Reply 17 to "Union going down hill" by tomworman

tomworman — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 11:47:08 GMT

smirnoff82 wrote:
Where's the photographer gone?? (Oh the memories of checking the photo gallery on a Thursday to see the drunkness that had occurred the night before!!) It seems to be losing the sparkle that it once had...

Pete, waiting to hear back from you on this one, sent you a reply to your e-mail, not heard anything. Feel free to contact me anytime, all my details are on my website.

Reply 16 to "Union going down hill" by smirnoff82

smirnoff82 — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 10:55:00 GMT

I used to go to the Union practically every night last year and it was fantastic!! A brilliant atmosphere and some mad nights out... what's happened?!?

I have been several times this year (including last night, which was DEAD!) and they have all been rubbish!!! Where's the atmosphere gone?? Where's the photographer gone?? (Oh the memories of checking the photo gallery on a Thursday to see the drunkness that had occurred the night before!!) It seems to be losing the sparkle that it once had...

I agree that the music type and DJ doesn't really matter, but where are the acts??? (think Scott Mills, Karl Kennedy, Pat Sharpe, Chappers & Dave etc etc...) None of these seems to be even on the cards, let alone booked!!

I was thinking about going to the Xmas Ball, but at �30 a ticket, I don't know if I am prepared to take the gamble becasue the entertainment will probably be crap and it'll just be a waste of money, going on the performance of the Union so far this year.

If the Uni want to make money back they should have a long hard look at other universities (for example, the Bournemouth Student Union (The Old Firestation) is sub-let out and they hold some wicked gigs (think bands like The Automatic, James Morrisson and the like...)).

I used to proud to say I was going to the Union for a night out, or that I was a student of Pompey Uni, with the best Union in the country... wish I could feel that way now!

One of the only reasons to go now, is the fact that they serve snakeyb (but saying that, The Reg does too, and the atmosphere there is a MILLION times better!!)

I am loving the new hot doorstaff though... the one plus to, at best, a rather average night out.

(Oooo sorry for the rant!!)

Reply 15 to "Union going down hill" by tomworman

tomworman — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 02:38:14 GMT

As someone said in another thread, its about who your with not what music is playing. I've just come back from the union, admittedly i am sh!t faced as its my birthday, the union was empty but i had the best time. Room to dance on the dance floor, cut some shapes etc, quick service at the bar, instant service at the shooters bar, and a good crowd of mates. What ever people say, i believe it is totally about who you are with rather than what the DJ is playing that makes the union a good time.

P.S. Go on Saturday Nights for the best time of your life, not that i'm bias or anything but, cheap drinks, and free entry, you cant moan at that !!! :woohoo:

Reply 14 to "Union going down hill" by milannium

milannium — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 01:31:36 GMT

I love going to the union!

Just an observation but it seems that the crowd in general in the union nights are more pretentious than at student nights in local venues (tiger, time, bluu etc) which have a more relaxed atmosphere. Could that be an issue with other people.

I dont give a flying *(&% what music is being played cos I'm too open minded to notice.

ps. Borat rocks!

Message edited by: milannium at: 04/11/2006 01:32

Reply 13 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 01:13:21 GMT

I've relocated this topic into the "On at the Union" forum as it's a more suitable place for this discussion I think :)

/al

Reply 12 to "Union going down hill" by ijpemby

ijpemby — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 23:03:10 GMT

Ive just come back from the dire union ALREADY, it was that bad and i think if you Bring back dr Karl Kennedy aka Alan Fletcher to pompy the there will be floods here, he's on tour right now so book him!!!!

Reply 11 to "Union going down hill" by Entertainments

Entertainments — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 21:49:10 GMT

Contrary to popular belief the Union want�s to open as often as possible but we can only do so if people come and support the Union. The entertainment department wants to put on the best nights possible, so the question is what do you want to see? Live music, big name DJs, House, R&B, Hip hop, cheesy PA�s! You tell me what would make you and your friends come to the Union and I�ll look into booking them if the draw is going to be big enough!

:)

Reply 10 to "Union going down hill" by DJ_Mark

DJ_Mark — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:05:28 GMT

Lets open up the floor to a few ideas.

davelipscombe, what would be a good incentive that would persuade you to come to the SU? We're totally open minded, so anything is possible. Those in change will no doubt look into any sensible ideas and see if their financally possible.

Reply 9 to "Union going down hill" by davelipscombe

davelipscombe — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:16:27 GMT

AlexH wrote:
Emlin: fella, chill :) The Union is open on a Saturday night at the moment.

Whether it continues to be open rests on whether people go or not! It's like any venue - if people don't go, it won't open!

Pop along this Saturday - you won't know if you don't like it until you try it. Much like Dr. Pepper. Or Bombay Mix... ;o)

in fairness though theres not too much incentive to go at the moment...

i know theres been financial difficulties, but they need to have a rethink of their business plan before it goes totally downhill...

Reply 8 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 01:32:53 GMT

Emlin: fella, chill :) The Union is open on a Saturday night at the moment.

Whether it continues to be open rests on whether people go or not! It's like any venue - if people don't go, it won't open!

Pop along this Saturday - you won't know if you don't like it until you try it. Much like Dr. Pepper. Or Bombay Mix... ;o)

Reply 7 to "Union going down hill" by Emlin

Emlin — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:38:28 GMT

yeah its really gone down hill, this not opening on saturday malarky is pathetic, "the best union in the country"

well it certinaly wont be soon, it'll be the "only union in the country than never opens"!

they need to make some serious changes, and they're not putting students as a priority, the union as a company (run by the university) is more interested with its money than its students, well they'll soon start to notice that alot people will bad mouth this uni about it, things like this on the forum and peoples word of mouth will really spell it out for any wannabe pompey students for next year and they'll take their business elsewhere. They wont come to a university that doesnt have a good reputation, i certinaly would have reconsidered joining this univeristy if i was coming next year.

Message edited by: Emlin at: 03/11/2006 00:40

Reply 6 to "Union going down hill" by davelipscombe

davelipscombe — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 21:04:33 GMT

coupled with the fact they're barely open anymore. used to enjoy popping down for lunch on a saturday/sunday.

on a monday the waterhole seems to start packing up around 6 - would be really nice to go for drinks after we've had our meeting, but no such luck!

Message edited by: davelipscombe at: 02/11/2006 21:05

Reply 5 to "Union going down hill" by chrissmith85

chrissmith85 — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:04:37 GMT

I used to love it when I first arrived here in 2003, loved the old layout, but ever since they white washed it, there's been doom on the cards...

Reply 4 to "Union going down hill" by AlexH

AlexH — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 12:13:58 GMT

craig_runt wrote:
Yeah, last year it was absolutely heaving every night

No it wasn't! There were lots of great nights, but plenty of dire ones too ;o)

Reply 3 to "Union going down hill" by craig_runt

craig_runt — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:47:43 GMT

Yeah, last year it was absolutely heaving every night, how could they be cutting it back??

Reply 2 to "Union going down hill" by addagrrr8

addagrrr8 — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 23:17:17 GMT

bring it back to the way it used to be!!

used to be packed every single night!

Reply 1 to "Union going down hill" by mattieboy

mattieboy — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:54:05 GMT

yeah ive thought the same about it going down hill, even heard they have stopped all professional medical cover on the main nights like purple wednesday!! seems they really dont care about student welfare either...
:dry:

Message edited by: mattieboy at: 25/10/2006 02:50