JoeActor: web site question...

Joe J Thomas

Hey Pro People,

I'm re-working my web site a bit, and would like some advice.

I was considering putting some mini company logos on the front page. These would be for companies I've worked for, either directly or through a production house.

Any legal issues with doing this?
I've seen it on other VO web sites and just wondered...

Also, any general "fix it up" comments on my site would be much appreciated...

Here's the link: JoeActor.com

Thanks much,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Freddie Molina

Bob Bergen

Robert Jadah · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007, 19:19 (GMT) Post subject:

Nice site, Joe J; clean, neat, simple.
I was kind of thinking along similar lines, but wanted to use logos of companies I haven't worked for.
Now that would be an impressive display.

Voice On!

Anthony Williams · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007, 20:40 (GMT) Post subject: hi

Joe,

Thats Free Advertising!!! I bet they'll be more than happy to have you do it

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

I'm going to weigh in that this is NOT a good idea. Let's say State Farm Insurance goes to your site and you've already done a spot for a competitor, Allstate. State Farm isn't going to hire you if you're working for their competish.

Or you did a Subway spot and Quizno's is looking. You may be in a contractual agreement that you won't be able to do a spot for another brand in the same category for some length of time. It presents a conflict of interest. Having logos on your site screams "I did so-and-so's gig, so I'm NOT available to do YOUR gig."

Instead of logos of places you've worked for, just collect the examples of material that best showcase the commercial styles you do--and put them in your demo!

Don't advertise the companies you're working for. Advertise YOURSELF.

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007, 14:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Wow, good points on both sides of this issue... No wonder I'm confused!

Thanks to everyone so far for your opinions.

I'm sure there are more viewpoints out there...

What say Ye All?

Joe

Nikki Saco · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007, 03:01 (GMT) Post subject:

I totally agree with Maya. Unless you're a spokesperson and already exclusive with a company whose logo you want to use, you risk alienating potential clients.

Also, logos are generally copyrighted. You definitely don't want to add them without getting written permission or you'll also risk alienating the clients you already have. You'll probably get permission because, as Anthony says, it's free advertising, but it's not a slam dunk. Companies like to see what web sites will feature their logo to make sure the content isn't objectionable. I think you're in the clear as far as your content.

Your news ticker is a nice touch. Your gallery is terrific. So handsome!

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007, 03:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe,

Seriously, you need animated graphics, flashing text of varying sizes and colors on top of a nice textured tiled background. Also if you could include some cool music or even better yet your demo reel that plays every time the page loads. All of this would be swell.

Seriously!

Fine Print: I cannot and shall not be held responsible for any undesired results resulting from any adivce in whole or in part that has been despensed by me (Keith D. Milby). I just simply will not be held responsible.

Jody Ortiz · **Voice123 Team Member** Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 19

Joe, What I do on my site is get feedback from my clients and post a link to their site so they get free advertising. If you offer to do something like that it gives potential clients more confidence in your abilities...this is for my writing though, so it's not the same type of work, but the concept is the same. Works great for me... Smile

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007, 14:06 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007, 14:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Jody Ortiz · **Voice123 Team Member** Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 19

Yes, I guess there are risks...I'm just a writer for companies and not their voice...good luck!!!

Anthony Reece · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007, 02:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Joe,

Well according to my high powered legal suits working for me full-time these days protecting me from 'law suits' filed by people who I charge more than $25 to voice a spot for, Laughing

the web is "public domain" thus using their logo is fair practice, not to mention you did do work for them so it also is fair right usage as with using clips on your demo I beleive, but all they can really do is say drop our logo and you drop them later.

So long as you do not infringe on the logo as your own. e.g. steal the walmart log and make it your name with the star in the middle.

I do feel it adds some credibility to you for those 'people' who feel the need to see "others" used you as to confirm, yep, he must be good Wink

Client testimonials are good as it is FREE adv.

Anthony

Grant Holmes · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007, 14:04 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's my 12 cents.

DO use the logos if you have permission.
DON'T if you don't.

If you do, it is highly unlikely that Mobil will chase you down with a cease and disiest, but you never know. Its a respect thing. Over the years I've never had a client turn me down to use their name/etc for testimonials, but I always asked first.

While I appreciate what Maya said about say Exxon seeing Mobil on your site, then not hiring you... I'd be surprised if that happened. Unless you were Don L doing Geiko, I could understand why State Farm wouldn't want you. They want talent. Plus, what's the difference between mentioning them and using their logo?

One last thing I mentioned in Julie's forum, but can't find the post to link to. While we think our efforts are benign and promotional "Free Advertising" mentioned above.... And maybe it is... You can bet Mobil, Exxon, Geiko or you and I wouldn't want "Free Advertising" on a terrorists web site, Porn site, or just something we don't agree with.

It's why logos ARE copyrighted and WHY you should ask permission. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that you don't even LIST a client on your site without permission. Nothing worse then them being surprised by a phone call.