Last week, I was a part of a very popular facebook voice over group and someone new joined and asked a question about P2P sites.
She was then barraged with negativity and a great percentage of it was aimed at her. A few of the other vo actors came to address the negativity but overall it was almost EXPECTED and even laughed at.
Here's a word of warning to all newer vo actors out there.
Make sure you get advice from SPECIFIC people.
If you are asking questions about P2P, you can cut through all the crap by saying something like, "I only want responses from people who are currently using or had currently been a member of that site over the past year" or "I would only like to ask non-union members to respond".
As a rule, all union members will spew bile at any and all p2p sites. It's within their right, in essence smaller jobs are something they can't do because their union and won't do because it's too small priced of a job. Sure, they can talk about how it's "ruining" the market or you're getting screwed out of money. But, the fact is, it exists. And, we are not marketers. We are not small business owners. We are actors trying to figure it out.
I find it sad that vo actors seem to disrespect those who are interested in joining their ranks. It angers me that "negativity" can be shielded by "honesty".
A VO actor also took the opportunity to post and market an article of his, entitled "Giving Pearls to Swine". A lovely analogy making him this godly creature gifting the pigs of voice over his amazing advice.
I have respect for all voice actors. But, nobody knows the path to being successful. I have a website, www.everythingvoiceover.com that provides great information for new voice over talent. BUT, it's from my perspective. These are suggestions. I would never degrade someone for asking or berate someone for choosing another path.
That's the scary but amazing thing about voice over. It's the wild west. Everyone is trying different things and some are working and some aren't.
Keep your head up guys.
