I OFFENDED Voices.com. And Here’s WHY…

[@CraigWilliamsVoiceover]

What a very dignified and well thought out response Paul. Bravo!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, my friend. Much appreciated.

[@Penelope416]

I like how you held them accountable, but offered solutions to help them become a better company.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks for noticing, Penelope. ❤

[@SusheelChandradhas]

Paul, this is such a clear and well-thought-out response. You have my respect and thanks.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks so much, Susheel. Very sweet of you.

[@narratorjamesvo]

Paul, once again I thank you for your outstanding workmanship and very thorough explanations. After watching this video, I was reminded of my time in the Army as a Staff Sergeant. We had a creed that is to be not just memorized, but lived by as well; the NCO Creed. It is comprised of three paragraphs, and I believe is also very applicable to civilian life as well. If more CEO's like David adhered to its principles, companies would be more efficient. The following is a selection from that very creed, and I feel it parallels what you are sharing with us in this video: "I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety. Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind-accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment." If any NCO did not fulfill his or her roles according to the creed, then they were held accountable and future infractions were met with reduction in rank and pay.

[@vo-pro]

Having a creed means his deep and clear why. Thanks for the kind words, for sharing this with us, and most importantly, for your service, sir.

[@MichaelVernyVO]

Very clear and concise. I particularly like how you list off the actionable items that can be followed while doing it in a "matter of fact" tone. Thank you for all you do in support of this fantastic community.

[@vo-pro]

And thanks for watching and contributing, Michael.

[@BegleBoothStudios]

Thank you Paul, for being a righteous voice and bright light of inspiration and help for all of us voice actors.

[@vo-pro]

You’re very kind, Nate.

[@fowziyyahthepoet1074]

Thank you very much for this information. You just saved me $500 and a world of unnecessary drama. I was feeling sceptical about spending that much money and not really understanding what's really going on.

[@vo-pro]

Anytime.

[@wavstudionet]

4:07 Paul's dog felt the impact of his words.

[@BannerSound]

Joe Paterno AND Bill Cosby....

[@TerryDanielVoiceoverTutorials]

Another stellar video, Paul! Thank you for not being afraid to speak out!

[@vo-pro]

I appreciate that, Terry. Thanks for your support and for the kind words.

[@layahoffman]

Much respect Paul, your clear and concise commentary echos my own frustration with this platform. Thank you for putting it out in the world.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks so much, Laya. You’re a pro’s pro and it means a lot coming from you. You’re super kind to reach out.

[@sharondurkee9770]

Hi, Paul:. I just found this video and it was extraordinarily insightful. I worked in voice over back in the 90's, when we had reel to reel and the client would come in, tell me what they wanted, and we'd knock it out together in the studio. This new realm has thrown me for a loop. Every point you made is something that I, a newbie to this new age of voice over noticed. Jobs that pay $5, scam artists whom, after I've submitted an audition, offer me a "full time narrator" position. All I need to do is contact a "manager" at a fake email address. This will be my second business that I've started, and I now plan to go after it as I did in the past.....through personal contact and creative marketing. Thank you again for providing this valuable information.

[@vo-pro]

Best of luck, Sharon. Let me know if I can help.

[@DiabolicalAngel]

Whew, what an elegant takedown! Well done, Paul.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks. 👊

[@BrianNordinVO]

Nicely stated, Paul. If VDC were to implement the actions you've laid out, I'd consider returning. However, based on past actions, I don't expect any of those items you mentioned to happen. And it's a shame, too, as VDC is a monster in our industry and could be a major force for good if they chose to be.

[@vo-pro]

My point exactly, Brian. Thanks for watching and contributing to the conversation.

[@karliwalker7572]

So well said, Paul 👏 thank you for not only detailing the offenses but offering actionable solutions 🤩

[@vo-pro]

It’s my pleasure, Karli.

[@RomisDIYProjects]

Paul.. G.O.A.T.! Paul for President!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Romi, but I have no desire to be president of anything. 😊

[@jonathongrant2857]

This is excellent. It's curious why so many people are offended by being accused of what they are doing.

[@vo-pro]

Often, it’s posturing. They know damned right well what they’re doing. Thanks for the kind words and for contributing, Jonathan.

[@davidgilbertvo]

Just seeing this amazing breakdown today, Paul!! I'm curious what/if any response you received from David.

[@vo-pro]

None.

[@davidgilbertvo]

@@vo-pro Didn't expect to hear a response. Very well articulated. I've always felt that any P2P model that continues to accept membership fees when there are fewer jobs than talent so there will always be VA's who sign up and never get work. Giving an agent a commission on work is one thing. Charging for it would be another. Regardless, they're here and not going away. So it's now just picking the better ones and moving on.

[@vo-pro]

@@davidgilbertvo I agree but the larger issue is the commoditization of the work and the need to educate talent on knowing what the work is worth and standing up for it/not accepting shitty rates. 👍

[@davidgilbertvo]

@@vo-pro True. Rates are both a buyer and seller education issue as well. Can't change the minds of those who don't care, only those who don't know. This should be a key priority of any voice actor community/union/membership organization. Just like we used to see Smokey the Bear do PSA's, we need a coordinated campaign to educate people to what it truly takes to be a good voice actor, why it costs what it does, and the benefits to the buyers. Clearly. Succinctly. And powerfully. Doing it one by one is fine, but it will take a looooong time that way.

[@vo-pro]

@@davidgilbertvo I agree and am actively working on that. 👍

[@TrayDyer38]

717 subscribers in 6 months! That takes a lot of hustle. Your a machine!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, KD. I’m very fortunate to receive the support that I have.

[@ConnorQuinnvo]

Well thought out and solid presentation. Thank you for posting, Paul.

[@vo-pro]

And thanks for watching, Connor.

[@mrbensvoicebox]

Hi Paul. Why not take it a step further and open a competing company under the moral and ethical points you so well outlined? I for one would be happy to be involved. in the setup.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Ben. Others already have. Cast Voices, VO Planet, and Bodalgo are all run ethically.

[@SuzD0n]

Found this video via the voice acting community over on Reddit. Brilliantly put. Thank you for posting this.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks for the kind words and for letting me know, Suz. I’m not on Reddit so I wonder who posted it there. Whoever it was, I’m grateful.

[@SuzD0n]

@@vo-pro there's a few VA/VO communities over there, (reasonably friendly) and we always benefit from the voice of of experience. And share quality content, of course.

[@vo-pro]

That’s great to know. I’m not historically a Reddit guy, but I’ll have to delve. Thanks for the heads up, Suz. I really really appreciate it. 😊

[@portiacue5320]

Paul, you are a sparkling gem to our industry. 👌🏿👏🏽🌹

[@vo-pro]

You’re very kind, Portia. Thank you.

[@brucespargo]

Paul have you had any response from Voices?

[@vo-pro]

None.

[@HolmesVoice]

Extremely well said. Thank you.

[@vo-pro]

Glad it was helpful, David.

[@douglasparks8430]

Brassies. Kudos. It needed to be said, Paul.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Douglas.

[@seansiegler]

The fact that talent can't actually develop and build relationships with clients on VDC is what does it for me. If they actually cared about talent, they would let that happen. I left VDC earlier this year and will never go back (unless your huge list of changes actually happens.)

[@vo-pro]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Sean. My list isn’t huge. It’s only 5 items. And there’s actually been some movement I wasn’t aware of. Stay tuned for this week’s video.

[@larrywalsh6185]

Nicely done Paul! You ROCK as an industry leader!

[@vo-pro]

You’re super kind to say that, Larry. Thanks.

[@brettcollin3693]

Good to know as someone just starting out...

[@vo-pro]

That’s the whole point. 😊

[@scottburns9350]

Ka-💥!! Well put Paul!

[@vo-pro]

🤣👍

[@KayBess]

SO good. Thank you.

[@vo-pro]

Thank you, Kay. As always, you’re very kind.

[@NCCME]

We’ll said, Paul.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks. 😊

[@pavilu]

Very well said indeed!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Pavi. 😊

[@WolfWilliamsVO]

Now that's a gauntlet throw for your behind.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Wolf.

[@nevinstoltz]

Amen Paul!

[@vo-pro]

Thank you, Nevin.

[@voiceofferlon]

Well done Paul, well done!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Ferlon. 👍

[@artokeefe1262]

Well Done!!!! Bravo!!!!!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, brother.

[@kristinkirby1362]

Jumping up and down!!

[@vo-pro]

Careful! 😂

[@jonathandgardner8435]

I wanted to stand up and cheer.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Jon. When I stand up, no one can tell. 🤣

[@AlexMisiti]

Great video, Paul!

[@vo-pro]

Many thanks, Alex.

[@joywest1078]

BOOM!

[@vo-pro]

🤣

[@gsuttonvo]

Nailed it.

[@vo-pro]

Thanks, Greg!

[@soundattention]

Hear hear!!!!

[@vo-pro]

Thanks for watching, Patrick. Hope to see you this weekend.

[@soundattention]

@@vo-pro I'll be cheering on, remotely! (My category is a "hallway award" anyhow... as in, "Head on out to the hallway for a happy snap with a trophy")

[@vo-pro]

@@soundattention So is mine, but I've never been so I'm going to just have fun.

[@soundattention]

@@vo-pro Can't wait to see your pics from the red carpet!

[@troyholdenvoices]

Bullseye