Sound (Board) Advice

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 16:19 (GMT) Post subject: Sound (Board) Advice

Hey hey VA's,

About a year before cutting my current Animation demo, I'd setup a Sound Board on my site as a "proof of concept" idea.

At this point, I either want to revise it, or scrap it, so would like your advice - both on the concept and the vo samples in it...

Please click here to view the Sound Board.
(give it a bit to load... longer if you're on dial-up)

Thanks all - I really appreciate your experienced opinions,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Todd Ellis · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 18:10 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe - Like the concept - love the voices - hate the buttons.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 18:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe, I think overall it's a very clever idea. Clever and cute enough that you got me to bounce around and listen to a handful.

As a web designer/graphic artist, I'd greatly size down the buttons (less is more) and make 'em look a bit nicer. This will hopefully speed up your preload time, too. Are you using a preloader? Folks on slower connections won't wait for the thing to load, I'm afraid.

Also, some of your voices are cute, but many are... well.... just so-so. I still have to wonder if ANYONE ever hires for specific impersonations any more? I know we OCCASIONALLY see the "Need a Schwarzeneggar..." lead come thru here, but those are awfully few and far in-between.

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 20:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Todd and Scott,

Thanks large for taking a look/listen.

From your feedback, and a few others I trust, it sounds like I should cut back on the quantity of audios, and retool the look and feel (esp. the buttons). Glad to know it's a good concept, and a keeper.

Clear direction - gotta love it!

Thanks again,
Joe

George Karnes · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 21:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Joe-
I think Todd an Scott are on the money.

When you reduce the Qty, try to liven up the buttons. Animate them or use avatar like pictures.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007, 21:47 (GMT) Post subject: Voice Board

While I - as usual - agree with Scott that there are precious few character needs for Dudley Dooright or Shaggy impersonations, your case is a different from the rest of us in that you put yourself out there as Joe Actor.
So, even though some of the bits are too short or off-the-mark, I think it all gives you some extra mileage as a performer...an entertainer.
So I'd vote to pretty well leave it be, with a redesign as suggested; to make it more appealing.
And maybe redo some of the bits...replacing some obsoletes with currents.
In 15 years, for example, I have never heard anywhere a cry for Desi Arnaz.
Voice On!

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 15:12 (GMT) Post subject:

George: good suggestions on the buttons - I'll have to sharpen my Flash skills a bit, but heck, why not?

Robert: Yeah, I do stray a bit from the pack. You're right, I should punch that feature up - could get me more work in animation. As for Desi, nope... no requests yet, but I'm hopefull Wink

I did get 2 Ahnold gigs last year tho - go figure,
Joe

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 16:34 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe,

If I might provide a thought.

Looking at the way you have the voices broken into sections, instead of loading the entire thing at once. Try a tab bar or section buttons that would load the sections as they are clicked.

Consuming the pie in slices instead of cramming the whole pie in at once.

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 18:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 18:11 (GMT) Post subject:

Joe,

I have meaning to say something about this. Everytime I read one of your posts and look at your avitar, I imagine you actually screeming out everyone of your posts and laugh.

That is probably not to far off the mark is it Question

Speaking of Pie, that reminds me that I have some terrific cheese cake I bought from Sam's Club the other day.

Let me go take care of that before I forget.

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007, 19:51 (GMT) Post subject: