So, being supported by the corporations who pay me, I should say something as to the topic of karaoke etiquette... It is often times something that is discarded as not important or lame.  
My mind recalls a common idea of a girl at a club that just goes to dance, and doesn't want to deal with all the strings of the venue, the drama of guys hitting on her, and the social restrictions placed on her by her relationship status.  "I Just Want To DANCE !!!" can often be heard from the mouth of one of these individuals who honestly came to do one thing.  

And so it can be with Karaoke.  There are plenty of people out there that just want to sing, perform, and Rock The Mic... without all the limitations and guidelines provided them.  I will see this displayed by individuals upset that they cannot be on stage more often, or people who take their performance as literal as an American Idol audition.  But in the end fail to realize that there is some responsibility placed on them for the opportunity TO SING.  Karaoke songs, equipment, lights, microphones, speakers, screens, computers all have something in common: They Cost Money!  And so does the cost to bring them to the consumers, paid for by the venue.  In most places around The Karaoke Nation, venues will charge for you to enter the place, and the bigger more popular shows require you to TIP (a term not found native in Utah) a Karaoke DJ every time you get on the stage.  Luckily, most venues in Utah pay for the karaoke in hopes of boosting sales, NOT to make an obscene amount of money off a cover. They usually just want a little support, and a nice tip for the server.  

You could ask: "What does this mean to a ME as a Karaoke Singer?"  Well, it means that if you are not getting charged a cover, then BUY SOMETHING !!!  Most places do not have the kindness and generousity to let you live or rent for free, and restaurants are no different.  If you are going to attend a free night of entertainment somewhere, at least support the place that you are benefiting from.  A lot of times, the venue wil even have specials that make it easy to save some dough and have a good time, thus keeping the show going and everyone having a great time.  

Again, a fast recap: Remember to do your part to keep these great karaoke shows alive.  Buy Something From The Place Paying For Karaoke, or The Show May End... Keep On Rockin'.