What are the qualities that make the ideal VJ?<\/p>\n
Leo S. Wahyudi, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
There is a lot of prestige about being a VJ. Hey, who wouldn't
\nwant all their relatives, friends and the people who gave them
\nthe brush off in high school to watch them on TV day in and day
\nout.<\/p>\n
But not so fast: What if being a VJ meant being clumped in a
\ngroup of people who were known for being pretty dudes who were
\nduds when it came to knowledge about the music they were
\nintroducing?<\/p>\n
We asked some Jakarta teens to tell us what they think.<\/p>\n
Dita, 16, student of a private senior high school<\/p>\n
Being a VJ is a good way to learn about speaking better and
\ncreativity. I guess VJs like Daniel, for instance, have the
\npotential and they are also good looking.<\/p>\n
The ideal, I guess, is someone who is good looking but also
\ncompetent.<\/p>\n
Those two factors should be balanced even though physical
\nattractiveness is not the ultimate criteria. The most important
\nthing is they can grab the public's attention, and then fame will
\ncome along with it.<\/p>\n
Not everyone can do that. So, those who have the chance to be
\nVJs should do it to the best of their ability. Thus, being a VJ
\nstill has the potential to promote the image of Indonesia, like
\nthe former VJs did.<\/p>\n
Boni, 15, student of a private senior high school<\/p>\n
I think the recent VJs on MTV are good. The former VJs, in a
\nway, were just going on their looks. It looks like it's more
\nselective today. I mean, there is criteria to measure how bright
\nthey are so they come off as smart on screen. I reckon that the
\nVJs are smarter and better now, closer to the ideal.<\/p>\n
There are two prominent VJs, Shanti and Ari, who could go
\ninternational. They in many ways represent the best of Indonesian
\nVJs.<\/p>\n
However, being a VJ is not a permanent occupation. Most VJs
\nuse the opportunity as a stepping stone to another job. Shanti
\nused her status as a VJ to go into a singing career.<\/p>\n
I would not consider being a VJ to be the ultimate career
\ngoal.<\/p>\n
Doni, 16, student of a state-run senior high school<\/p>\n
I think being a VJ is similar to being a TV presenter. But
\nit's a bit more prestigious to be a VJ because you reach a larger
\naudience.<\/p>\n
And the other thing is that most people want that prestigious
\nimage, despite the fact that TV presenters are actually far
\nsmarter.<\/p>\n
Frankly, I'm struck by the fact that some of the VJs seem a
\nbit stupid. Their English competence is really not up to
\nrequirements; they would do better hosting Salam Dangdut (a show
\nfeaturing local music).<\/p>\n
They still have a long way to go global. I admire some
\nMalaysian VJs' excellent English. Being a VJ could be a real
\nprofession to pursue, but it's a finite thing, like being a
\nmodel. Reach a certain age, and you have to look for a new job.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, to be a good VJ takes a lot of experience. And
\nif they quit being a VJ, they could always go into being a
\nproducer.<\/p>\n
Dewi Purnama Sari, 20, the first year student of private college
\nThe competition to become a VJ is getting tighter with higher
\nprerequisites. I don't think it's all about charm today -- you
\nalso have to have brains.<\/p>\n
I'm sure that MTV, with its reputation, has set tight criteria
\nto select the most appropriate VJ, regardless of the fun that
\ngoes into the selection.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, their command of English is somewhat clumsy.
\nWell, it's OK for the domestic market, they're not so bad then.
\nBut, when compared to the international scale of VJs, the ones
\nhere are still far behind.<\/p>\n
Their knowledge of music and the way they deliver the programs
\nseems to be inadequate to reach international standards.<\/p>\n
However, it does not mean it is impossible to compete ...
\nThere are many talented youngsters here.<\/p>\n
Kikie, 19, first year student of a private university<\/p>\n
I'm afraid I haven't watched the latest selected VJ, but I'm
\npretty sure just looking look will not be enough to do well.<\/p>\n
I am sometimes impressed with their broader knowledge when
\nthey are on TV. But, on the other hand, I'm skeptical. I wonder
\nif their knowledge is only due to the script before them.<\/p>\n
Being a VJ draws people, even though it's short-lived, but you
\nhave to have the background for the job.<\/p>\n
Anyway, I admire former VJ Sarah Sechan, who had the whole
\npackage: brains, charisma and good looks.<\/p>\n
Denny, 18, recently graduated from a private senior high school<\/p>\n
Being a VJ would be challenging. I'm sure it's not that easy
\nto be a VJ, let alone to pass the tight selection process. Well,
\nI guess the tighter the selection process, the more young people
\ntake the challenge.<\/p>\n
However, I think that shortlisted candidates should be the
\nbest qualified, and that intelligence should be prioritized over
\nphysical appearance.<\/p>\n
I wish I could be like them. But I have to catch up a lot of
\nknowledge and smarts. I know that it's not enough just to be good
\nlooking, right?<\/p>",
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