So You Want to be a DJ?

Ever dream of taking over the turntables to give listeners what YOU think they want to hear? You're not the only one. To appease this wish, websites like Turntable.fm have granted users the opportunity to do just that, all while hanging out and chatting with friends. Of course, you don't have to face the pressure of a public presence or the literal boos from audience participants when they don't dig your track. Only digital boos can be thrown in this virtual setting!

Finding success after the failed Stickybits, a previous network by founders Seth Goldstein and Billy Chasen, they discovered a recipe that caught on.

Even record labels shared interest, with companies such as Durham's Merge Records enlisting in a "Merge Party," promoting their tunes in their own room during the work day.

It doesn't stop there, either! You can take Turntable on the go with the iPhone app.

How does it all work? I find it simple for anyone who has ever had a digital presence or worked an avatar-based community. Once you join (signing in through both Twitter or Facebook is an option), you pick a character to represent yourself as a DJ. You can then proceed to meander from room to room, with statistics on listeners presented before you enter each room. Walk up to the booth to play your choice of tunes, or upload a song they don't have to spin it to the crowd! Be careful though — the audience isn't shy about letting you know whether you've made the right decision.

Though it's all in good fun, there are still points to be had. When people love your tunes, you'll earn points, eventually getting a chance to upgrade your avatar game.

The best part? You can always create your own private room and pick tunes to listen to for free!