VO Peer Pressure?

[heyyojojo]

I shared your original Fiverr video in the Voiceover Pro group on Facebook. The Elitists in there went to war on me and anyone else who agreed that the market has changed. We (especially I) was told that we're destroying the business. I've never seen a more snobbish gang of "pros" in my life. I received several PMs from members who supported me, but who didn't want to say so in public out of fear of being "shunned" by the community. I think this is a real problem in the VO community as a whole, and I'm glad you're bringing this up.

[bobbaker]

Perfectly said...Fiverr has taken me to six figures and I only started working there about 6 months ago. It actually blows my mind.

[sarahmcenerney]

Thank you for this POSITIVE message! I too have been a part of an online "vo pro forum". The amount of ridicule and condescension for those who are seeking guidance was AWFUL! I was so sad to see this kind of thing happen.. someone asking a simple question literally ganged up on and shamed publicly! I wish the best for all of them, but I decided to exit the group and seek a more POSITIVE, MENTORING group.. this is exactly what I find Bill's videos and advice to be! The internet can be a very divisive, negative place.. but it can also be a place to learn and share our experiences.. Its up to US to turn the channel!

[totallyfrozen]

This is one reason why I love this channel so much Bill brings to light issues I didn’t even know existed in the “voiceover community”. I’ve always looked at it like voiceovers is a business and business is competitive. Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t even know what “black balled by the VO community” means. You audition and get hired to do VO work by paying clients. If another VO artists doesn’t like your work, what does that even matter? You’re self-employed.
Does the CLIENT like your work? That’s what matters, I think.

[HostAndrewColon]

We have to stop living for other people who have nothing to do with our lives. We have to do what works for us...if it doesn't work for you, don't do it. Otherwise, mind your own business.

[DaneReidVoiceOver]

I actually agree. You can't pay the bills with opinion. And I also know talent making really good money from Fiverr. But I wonder what the average is making. What separates the bottom from top earners? I've never asked Fiverr talent either but how many projects do you do to earn that multi thousand dollar a month income from Fiverr? How do you transition from 50 dollar jobs to charging 500 for the same job? There are definitely a lot of questions to consider in this debate.

[BillAnciaux]

Such a relevant topic. I respect people on both sides of this issue. As you suggest, I don’t think this is an argument that can be or needs to be won. There’s no governing body nor any professional standards one must agree to in order to pursue voiceover work. The industry will never return to what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Pointing fingers is a waste of time. We all have to adjust to sustain a successful business or reach our goals. I do believe there are plenty of paths to success and plenty of work to go around. Just my two cents.

[thenarrator]

That's exactly what pushed me away from Fiverr.... You're right. I need to try again.

[ajablue]

Thanks for this, Bill. You've been saying exactly what I need to hear lately.

[richcraftstudios]

"dissuade, discourage, and intimidate" and disparage. I've had so-called coaches make fun of what I've accomplished and with whom. Not overtly, but definitely it was there in the fine print.

[carmenwrestlingwithlife]

Hi Bill did you join Sag-Aftra? If so, is it ok with the union to get work on Fiverr? TY

[TroyWHudson]

Another great video Bill, articulating what I've been saying for awhile - the naysayers and critics are not paying my bills they are only noise I choose to filter out.

[mikehatak]

I just recently went through something similar. The shame and peer pressure to not be on Fiverr and other places like it are ridiculous. I make good money on Fiverr doing VO's as well as from other clients and other marketing channels. Where ever the money comes from is good for me. The "old school" VO's out there seem to be trying to keep the jobs to themselves. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if a lot of these Fiverr "naysayers" are actually on Fiverr but with different names. Do what you need to for yourself and your family... All those other people aren't paying your bills, you are.

[scoremoore]

Voice over face book group is not good, last year I was in one, I submitted a voice over demo, they basically told me I was trash and I should get out of here, so I left. Take this from Bill do no be concern with what other people are saying. If you've ever heard that bully's don't regret their actions, just speak to the people that was once bullied, their up there while the bully is picking up scraps.