Should we allow solicitation on the forum?

Freddie Molina

Hello everyone,

This morning we had a post on the forums offering services to VO talents. As it can be considered as solicitation, some of our dearest talents complained.

So this is the question, should we allow solicitation on the forum or do we want to limit the postings to community information.

The results of this poll will not be final, but they will help us find what’s best.

Scott Nilsen · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 231

I voted yes - but think it could be in a separate area so people can choose to go there or not.

Keith D. Milby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 570

I voted yes - That is of course how I got hooked with Colin who did production work for me on my demo.

It could be regulated and controlled, maybe approved before posting. I think the Buying and Selling is probably the perfect place for it.

My 2 bits and yes I should probably pay more, but thats all I got at the moment. Very Happy

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

I voted yes, but with limitations. The post must be in the proper area and must also be related to tools of the trade in the VO business and posted by a member. I also feel that it should be unique; not just a message that repeats just to be bumped.

Perhaps it can be a moderated thread where V123 can review it before it appears to the community in order to avoid abuse by the bad guy spammers...?

Wha'Dya Think?

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

As I mentioned over in the other post, it is beneficial to have the option of hiring another Savvy member that have skills that I might be lacking. Of course it would need to be industry related and posted by a premium member, from then on it's our choice whether we utilize their services. Having this option saves a lot of time surfing the web, looking for services from businesses that we have no knowledge of.

I.E
scott/web design
Colin/production
Chuck/IVR production

and I'm sure there are others with skill to share for a small fee.

Lynne

Keith D. Milby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 570

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007, 00:53 (GMT) Post subject:

Well... surprise... I voted NO. I can see how this would become an advertising bonanza. At the very least you should have to be a paying member of V123 to offer anything, but mostly I voted NO because of the huge backlash that I feel I've caused with a simple offer to help people with their demo for a very low price. I am now sorry I even offered. As usual, marketing dilutes and spoils the good intentioned folks. Money is the root of all evil.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

I vote yes. I don't mind if they're a paid-up member and they post in a thread that is labelled "Vo-related services" or somesuch. Advertising within the regular conversation threads should not be allowed.

I also think a forum rule should be set preemptively that advertising in one's signature should be limited to 1 line of type no larger or darker than the default post font.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007, 01:42 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy, is my sig too much? It's all regular type but I have (gasp) two links, one to voice, one to writing.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

It's just my personal preference, of course, but I'd rather see something like:

Hear more at... www.AffordableAnnouncer.com. And I write, too!

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Just to reiterate, maybe advertising a skill should come with the criteria of

Premium member
Industry related
over 100 auditions at v123 submitted.

This would eliminate those that just sign up to offer their services.

I would be sorry to see the likes of Colin withdrawing their most helpful offer.

Lynne

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007, 02:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Amy... done!
Lynne... pushin' 1400 answered.

Lynne Alston · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 743

Colin,
All I can say is WOW, thats a lot of work. You definitely earned the right to post services in my book.

I hope I made the last post clear, having someone sign up for premium membership just to be able to advertise a service would bother me, However, someone who has earned the right, such as Colin, to offer help, and be reimbursed for their time , are the kind of posts I would be looking at.

Chuck Douglas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 50

I am voting Yes, and not just because I started this whole thing.

I agree with the consensus that solicitation should be limited to Premium Members with a minimum of 100 or 200 leads answered, and moderated to allow only posting of services related to VO work.

I also like the signatures idea, but that is a separate issue I guess.

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

I also think that services offered to the VO community by V123 members should be limited to those of a non-sexual nature, no matter how desperate the booking situation gets around here.