LATE WINTER IVR SPECIAL!!! -- EMENCEE AUDIO SERVICES

Freddie Molina · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 19:44 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello everyone,

This is quite a tricky road. We totally understand everyone´s point of view. Let me look in to what possibilities we have regarding these kind of postings and will let you know.

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

I think it's a very valuable service. A lot of folks don't have the software to convert and optimize those weird mu law 8 bit files that IVR systems so often demand. I didn't see anything in his post about producing a demo for cheap (please correct me if I'm blind.)

I thought he was offering a service to VO folks where you can submit your raw IVR prompts as a single 16-bit file and he would chop up, optimize, and convert them to your clients specifications for cheap. Sounds great! I know I would have loved to have known about this guy last month when I was in unmitigated IVR Hell!

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

SECURITY TO AISLE SEVEN.....SECURITY TO AISLE SEVEN.....CODE TWO

At the risk of sounding like Ghandi or somebody, I suggest passive resistance.
Chuck is a premium member in good standing (and sounds pretty professional, to boot) so I personally have no problem with his trying to stir up some voice-related bucks at our communal site.
To me, it's a virtual water-cooler; so let him mention that his car's for sale.
The SPAM-intolerant can always just skip the posting.
I will, however, join the hue and cry about his general lack of non-profit posts.
Mathahandi On!

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

Chuck's car is for sale? Sweet! How much do you want for it, Chuck? Maybe I can record some prompts for you in trade...

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 19:52 (GMT) Post subject:

I recently turned down an IVR job because he didn't know his system at all and didn't know what I should give him. He started sending me thousand page tech manuals. I had to tell him... "I'm a VO, not a phone system technician!" Needless to say, I havn't heard back.

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 19:58 (GMT) Post subject:

After further review, I hereby officially recant my prior statements!!!

Colin, sorry for the drama bro. You have been a major contributor to the forum and I want you to know I appreciate that. Your production work is far better quality then the other guy anyway. I listened to his VO demos and they are just not that good. So, good luck to anyone that actually hires him for their demo.

Hope we are still P-Funks. Wink

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

Well, this is very far from my first post. I have posted on a few of the other forums, but to be sure not as much as I would like to. I have only been a member for a few months, and only within the past year joined V123. I assure everyone that this does not detract from my overall experience in the business.

As far as the post itself is concerned, it is tame compared to what I would call spam, or even inappropriate. After looking at some of the other forums out there, this is very very tame, and with good reason.

If you do not see the value in such a service, that is fine. But please do not make this personal by criticizing my character. I am not a pornographer or car salesman.

Thank you to all who have voice your support.

--Chuck

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 20:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Chuck... dude... I just now listened to your demos as well. They could use some improvement. NO that is NOT A PITCH, in fact I would decline the work on principle.

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Chuck,

This forum is a community like any other. I can't comment on you or your work because, frankly, I don't know you... and that's the real problem.

Picture this: a buddy of yours who's been doing construction comes to your front door and offers to help you repair your roof, for a fee. You know him, you've seen his work, you've shared a beer. His work is good, and you'd like to use him, so he's hired.

Now, compare that with this: a person you've never met before comes to your front door and offers to help you repair your roof, for a fee.

See the difference?

We don't know you, your work, or anything else about you. This thread is the first that any of us have even heard of you. So, the sales pitch is met with some resistance because you're an outsider...

The advice from our parents is still good today.

Don't talk to strangers (much less buy from one).

(soap box, De-Activate!),
Joe

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

Colin...thanx for the suggestion. I plan on redoing my demos as time goes on, but we all know that the custom demos are the ones that make the gig anyway.

My primary business is not marketing my own voice, but my IVR production services. As far as IVR is concerned, once it is heard on the phone my product speaks for itself. And that is what I am selling here, not VO demos as you are.

For a true example of our IVR services, you can call the NJ Food Stamp Info Line at 609-943-3155.

George Karnes · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 905

Wow,
I can't believe all the ruckus this has stirred up. Maybe Joe and I need to lighten up a little. Maybe Chuck needs to pull up a stool for a spell.

I am just bummed that contrary to Robert's posting he isn't a car salesman. I am always looking for someone who can get me a deal.

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

George, et.al:

I am very surprised at the excitement too, since my first post for my company on this forum back in November brought zero replies, even after several hundred viewings.

Maybe the sample file I have there helped people to realize that I wasn't just blowing wind. Maybe nobody really cared either way. I can't be sure.

My whole point, which seems to have been completely lost, is that IVR and prompt work for telephony are very different from any other medium. The nuances of the art are alien to most studios that are built and run to record music and radio voice spots.

Those who have had to produce them in any large quantity know what I mean.

I do not question anyone's professionalism in their field, please do not question mine. I may not be an excellent voice actor, but I am not a charlatan either.

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

Freddie Molina · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 22:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Colin Campbell · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007, 22:16 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm not sure I like the phrase "post for my company." Aren't we posting as individuals?