talent ratings

Thomas C. Gass · **Voice Talent** Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 179

Freddie,

that's one for you: when searching the database on "male, german", I'm coming up at the third place of 55 talents. Is that my rating? And if yes, why? How can customers make a rating? Is the rating depending on how many times your demos have been listened to or downloaded?

I simply don't get it....

Thomas

Freddie Molina · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007, 21:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Not to worry Thomas,

Actually I posted something that might help clarify, here´s the link:

http://voiceoversavvy.com/viewtopic.php?p=10916#10916

Robin Rowan

Greetings! I've asked V123 about a feedback system for months since I've now had four-FOUR!--clients who never paid (in two years). That's just too many. I would like other talents to know who they are and I have notified V123 about them each time. One guy even changed his company name, but I recognized his NAME and notified V123. Clients should have to post WHO they chose for the vo (this might discourage them from posting on all the v.o. sites) and WHEN the talent was paid. This information could be kept confidential by V123, but at least the client would have to give them a name and a date the talent was paid. This would also discourage unscrupulous clients from using demos for finals (use those watermarks!). I don't use contracts because I believe it scares people away, but I do state in an e-mail what the price is and always ask for a deadline for the final. How do other talents handle this?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Robin

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

That's way too many welchers, Robin.
My first observation would be that you may be dealing with slugs. They are usually identifiable by shifty, pay-peanuts but promise-the-moon postings. You may even be encouraging a slipshod partnership by bidding very low.
After being burned once, I have gone to a 50-50 arrangement whereby I do not record a single syllable until I have been paid half the agreed amount.
I believe that's fairly standard here, and any client shying away from that commitment is probably not worth working with.
Voice On!

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

ditto that. I too use that 50% now/50% when the job is finished logic, unless it is a TV station or large, well-known company. I use my judgement to decide if they are reputable.

I was asked by v123 to write an article about getting paid (after I got screwed once and decided that 50% now, 50% later was the way to go. It was ages ago - I'm not sure if it's even on the site anymore. And, I haven't read it in a while - it's probably oversimplified, but the basic premise is there.

I'm sorry that's happened to you so many times! I think that's a fine reason for us being able to rate talent seekers, if possible.

Freddie Molina

Robin Rowan

Thanks, Robert and Caryn, for your great replies. I do the 50/50 for larger jobs, or sometimes split into 3 parts for jobs over $1500 (also do this for out of country jobs). I stopped replying to jobs where the need is immediate (payment can be a problem) or anything that's below my normal rate. One client who I did vos for for a year and a half suddenly stopped paying me. What do you do then? Others are dream clients, for whom I would walk across hot coals in gasoline underwear!!! I have V123 to thank for several steady clients, although I didn't know it at the time.
One small tip: Since V123 clients are anonymous to us, ALWAYS ask for contact information BEFORE you record a word! And if they give you a web site, visit it and check them out!
All the best,
Robin

Mike McElwrath · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 33

I would agree that a client can give you negative feedback if you audition for a project that does not fit you capabilities in their eyes. Choose you auditions carefully. May the force be with you! Very Happy

Bobbin Beam · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007, 12:02 (GMT) Post subject: Talent Ratings

I've been thoroughly intrigued reading this thread. I feel that a 2 way rating would be beneficial. We should also see WHO we are replying to. Alex explained at the VOICE conference that V123 hides the client's name to prevent talent from direct contacts. Any pro knows they should not pursue the client directly... It's too pushy. The client doesn't have time, that's why they use this service.

However, talent should be able to check the Client's rating before electing to audition or accepting work. Thanks. Bobbin

Garry O'Neal · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007, 23:19 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Talent Ratings

Ronald T Robinson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1008

That's weird. Nobody's happy to hear from me!

I mean, it's not as if I'm trying to sell them this fine, little creampuff that was only driven to Scientology meetings... an organisation that I think will benefit both you and your family!

And for just 345.00 a month, you can also....! lügen

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

Rich Gates · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007, 05:37 (GMT) Post subject:

I will be honest. I am disturbed by this news. It's great that changes are going to come but the idea that an arbitrary ranking system could be affecting how I come up on searches is upsetting to someone who pays a yearly fee for what I thought was a level playing field.

If I had known up front about this hidden practice it would be one thing but finding out after the fact leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I suspect I will not be renewing once my membership expires.

Bobbin Beam · Posted: Sun May 20, 2007, 16:28 (GMT) Post subject: talent ratings

Hi again,
I have just a few things to say, but are critical to me, and perhaps many of us:

1) I've been reading thru this thread and still haven't learned what db is- I assume db refers to "database"?

2) I suspect that my ratings might not be very good because I have cut down or eliminated custom auditions because the uploaded quality of everything I send sounds distorted and/or out of phase. While my generic demos on the individual talent site here sound fine, my very nice high quality 128-160 kbps mp3 custom auditions that I spend time recording using protools, high end shure mic, behringer mixer, which sound perfect here before I upload sound terrible and I sense I won't get work from them because I sound like DARTH friggin Vader once I hear them back. I have discussed this problem ad nauseum with staff and tech folks there but have been told to wait for the New Voice 123 and the custom audition upload filter will be corrected. Which brings me to the next point.

3) I've been hearing for months on end (at least 6) about the NEW VOICE123 to no avail. What gives? I feel like my membership money is not being fully realized as I feel hindered completely by lack of quality issue. *referring to item 2