VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:27 am Post subject: Guru.com opinions

I'd like to hear some opinions and experiences with getting jobs via Guru.com. Is it worth upgrading to a paying member? How about the additional cost for a Guru VENDOR membership?
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The Voice of Bob

KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:32 am Post subject:

Bob,

Are you already a member? I have the free account, and haven't seen many jobs posted worth jumping up and down over...
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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:09 am Post subject:

Kara,

I actually used them to find someone to do the graphics art work for the "branding" a few months back, so I had a seeker account, but I thought I would sign up as a talent just to see what all they have there. I'll watch it a while and see what they have. Thanks for your input!
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:16 am Post subject:

I've been using their free service for well over a year. I can't attach files to the free version so I can't audition. I've gotten no nibbles from responding to leads with my demos. YMMV
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Rognog · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:57 am Post subject:

I just joined a few weeks ago and the jobs have been, well, meh. The budgets are mostly low and the descriptions are pretty scary. Since it's free I'll try it for a few months and see if anything comes of it.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

I could be wrong but I believe the free accounts get the leftovers from the paid accounts. So we're getting the real dregs.

I'd be curious to know how the paid service stacks up. Anyone?
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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject:

not a paying member - but i DO get the free stuff ... which ain't much.
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asnively · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:00 pm Post subject:

The stuff I get is a hoot! Many of the posts exhibit a startling level of cluelessness, along the lines of "We don't have a script yet, but we think it will be about 341 words, and it should only take about five minutes for you to record, so bid accordingly. We're trying to keep it under $25, but it's easy money!"

In my inbox right now:

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:14 pm Post subject:

So why is it still in your inbox?
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asnively · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject:

Because I don't even bother logging into the site at all any more, and haven't in months. I just went to my in box and grabbed something at random that represents the dreck therein.
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dshetterly · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:42 pm Post subject:

I upgraded to "vendor" just a month ago. I happened to audition for a voice-mail job and it has led to a client with some fantastic potential, who is paying good rates.
On the other hand, I had someone I bid send me an email that seemed a little fishy, but since they were European I gave the odd English phrasing the benefit of the doubt. Then, she called my posted number at 10 on a Sunday morning and gave me a hard-sell fast-talking presentation on how I needed to form an LLC with her and "we'd make millions of dollars with the clients she has lined up" to do voice-over for websites that amounted to about .01/word. It was creepy, and I told her "I'd think about it", reported them to Guru and have never heard any more.
But you're right...the majority of them have little budget and even less "clue" as to what they want. Example from Saturday: a 5,000-7,000 word audio book to record with a budget of $300.

bobbinbeamo · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

I've had the free account for several months. So far I am not too impressed with the projects. Not considering an upgrade at this time.
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donrandall · Guest

I have been hooked up with 'em as a free member for two or maybe three years. If there is something to the suspicion that the paying members get better leads, then they need to show me what I'm missing. So far, I ain't impressed with what I've seen and certainly would not fork over any money without some reasonable expectation of a return.

I've talked with a couple of potential clients, either by email or - in one case, by phone - and I decided that I would no longer reply to any listings. For several months I have just deleted whatever shows up in my inbox without even opening them.

DaveChristi · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:23 pm Post subject:

I have been a free member for a long time. They had another name before Guru.com (something like freelancer... i dunno).

I have never seen a lead that I would jump for. Of course 99% of my work comes through other sources than the "Pay to Play" sites.
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Moe Egan · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 5:08 am Post subject:

I am a paying member of Guru...the leads I get...eh.
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