VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:38 am Post subject: Help to negate "free" projects

IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY POSTING THIS, I APOLOGIZE!!!! FEEL FREE TO REMOVE IF IT CROSSES ANY LINES! THANKS!

I received the following lead on Voice123.com this morning:
RE: US PSYCHIC HEALING WELLNESS NATIONAL RADIO NETWORK
LTK14405684441X

This radio network... a syndicator in the US radio industry and group owner of multiple US radio stations is seeking non-US based talent to record a one time session of network IDs for a new lifestyle, healing and wellness radio network. This network will be aired on US AM & FM radio as well as a worldwide internet feed. The project is only one page will exist on our network forever. This would be fantastic promotion for anyone who is European, Asian or anyone without a US accent. We are looking for multiple voices- male and female.

**NOTE: This one time, 10 minute session would be cut in exchange for the promotional power it would gain the talent. The first session would be free and future sessions would pay. Please know there is NO pay for the first session.
***************************************************
I sent the following note to Voice123's Customer Service regarding this lead, and I implore everyone to send similar emails to Customer Service if this type of lead is troublesome. The more of us that bring our disdain to their attention, the better likelihood they might do something about leads like this, like not allow them.
***
Hi there,

I hope this email finds you well.

I'm writing concerning the above referenced project. It was posted that while this is a national buyout in perpetuity, essentially, they aren't willing to pay anything. Nothing.

I'm sorry, but voice123 really should not allow these kinds of projects to be posted. In the freelance world, where we, the talent, are working hard to obtain a fair rate and have the client understand the necessity of paying a fair rate, a project like this simply lowers the bar... to the ground.

How would you like it if you were asked to work, on a big project (considering this is national, so let's say this is a big project) for free? I doubt it. Don't expect us to. And if there are people who are willing to, they shouldn't be allowed to use this site. They're undercutting the market.

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Thanks!
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:47 am Post subject:

BTW, ummm... with all due respect, please, no lectures about why I shouldn't use a pay to play site. I will continue to use them b/c I do get work from them... and I don't think they're going anywhere in the freelance world. They're here to stay. However, my point is, I feel it is up to Voice123 to take action on this kind of thing, and not allow it.

I believe Voices.com has such a policy. I don't think I've ever seen a "free" project on their site.

Anyway, this post was to perhaps get those who do use the p2p sites to send a note to Customer Service.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

imaginator · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:56 am Post subject:

i'm totally with you, hip chick.

but take care. i recently had my demos removed from a different pay-to-pay outfit and my sign-up fee was forfieted when i dared mention them in less than glowing terms on this board.

(it isn't v123, but PM me and i'll give you the name.)
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www.voices2go.com
"Mr. Warm & Friendly Voice...with Character!"
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CarynClark · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:01 am Post subject:

Wow, that's crazy!!!!!! I'm sorry to hear that!

But, you know, I've always supported Alex's and Voice123's efforts, and have had a chance to get to know Alex just a little bit. I'm simply trying to get a grass roots thing going to send Customer Service some emails regarding this type of project. I don't think that's out of line.

And, I didn't send my note directly to Alex b/c I thought he'd appreciate it if I went through the proper channels (customer service). But, I thought about it.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:18 am Post subject:

Update: after reading imaginator's post, I did send my note to Alex, explaining my efforts. I don't think it should stop anyone from sending notes to Customer Service though. I do believe the more people they hear it from, the more seriously they'll take it.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Edo · Guest

Hey Caryn,

The line that keeps running through my mind... WHAT FUTURE SESSIONS? Do they get booked/confirmed at the same time? Yeah right...

This guy (who by birth is used to go Dutch... disregard this stupid remark please) TOTALLY AGREES with you and the contents of your mail to V123. And to think that there's multi-millions of bucks (and euros) going on in the "psychic world"... quite a nerve to ask for free services when they make a bundle in the blink of an eye!

The post should have been published with a V123-editor's remark that it is NOT in the interest of the voicetalents to post messages like this. I will warn my Dutch collegues to not respond to this disgraceful request.

It's time somebody stood up... you did! Thank you for it.

Big hug!
xxx

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:37 am Post subject:

Caryn, this kind of stuff really belongs on the Savvy board, or straight to Alex.
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DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

CarynClark · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:39 am Post subject:

Ok, sorry DB.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Bailey · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:55 am Post subject:

marko · Guest

In my experiences with V123 for the last 5 years, I've seen a steady decline in just about every area. Their customer service is the absolute WORST I've ever encountered anywhere. Amazingly biased and overly client-friendly at all costs. Did I mention over priced?

I feel better now, thank you. Sorry, Deirdre.

Smile

Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:

my philosphy (which was stated on savvy) was that it's a bit disconcerting to see people paying $ to audition for jobs with no pay. Put another way, to watch for-profit clients ask paying customers (which is what the talent on V123 are), professional voice actors, to be non-profit.

There's just something wrong in that statement and philosophy.

Just my $0.02 though.
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Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

RayAnime · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:30 pm Post subject:

Yoda--I agree totally. If talents are paying to use a job service, I don't think that service should post jobs that expect the talent to work for free. It is truly unbelievable how undervalued creative services have become, and this sort of thing only worsens it.

I'd be less irritated if this were a student project. Big companies/stations playing the "foot in the door" card make me so angry. I wonder how they would feel if their advertisers treated them like this?

"Well, you are a new station so we don't really want to pay you anything for the ad time yet, but for every 15 seconds you give us we will recommend to 15 new people (including but not limited to Doris in accounting, our next door neighbors, the cool guy down at the record shop--though he counts for 2--etc) that they listen to your station, and isn't that exposure more valuable than silly old money anyway?"

UGH.