Deflated after negative unsolicited "critique" from VO Universe member

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Permalink Reply by Barry Trussell on July 1, 2009 at 7:37pm

Lisa-
In the original postings (marketing for fun and profit group) of the subject you, in a very professional way, told the partcular person (publicly in the discussion) that the public critique wasn't cool or welcome, and a personal email would've been better. I agree 100%. Now you're bringing it up AGAIN in new discussion and making something that isn't a big deal....a big deal. I really liked your first approach to things better I have to say. Stay on the positive side and don't sweat the small stuff. :)

In that same time you could have called a new client :)

-barry

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Permalink Reply by Barry Trussell on July 1, 2009 at 7:57pm

And I like you demos just fine Lisa. Of course the only people that really matter on the subject of demos are The Clients. They pay the bills, they get an opinion. Other voice talent aren't going to give you checks, so don't let anyone's opinion get you down. You've got talent. I think you're gonna do just fine .
-barry

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Erhard on July 3, 2009 at 8:35am

Thanks for the positive critique Barry and sound advice!

Lisa

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Erhard on July 3, 2009 at 8:37am

Barry,

I brought it up AGAIN because I felt I needed to. It was difficult to deal with. I'm glad I brought it up here and I appreciate the discussion as everyone here must be able to relate.

Thanks again for your thoughts,

Lisa

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Permalink Reply by Joe Van Riper on July 3, 2009 at 7:48am

"It takes all kinds..." One of the most valuable pieces of advice I ever got was this: What others say to you is only valid if you agree with them. Every value judgment, both negative and positive, is coming from someone else's bag, and you have no idea what the motivation is behind it. So stick with what you know about yourself, and don't let the words of others affect you unless you agree with what they say. (And remember... that goes for praise as well as criticism!) That whole philosophy is commonly summed up in two words: ______ 'em!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Erhard on July 3, 2009 at 8:28am

Joe,

Thanks for the advice. Well said!!!

Much appreciated!

Lisa :)

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Permalink Reply by Mike Elmore on July 27, 2009 at 8:25pm

That's an interesting philosophy. Because my VO career wasn't anything to write home about...then I sought out coaching.....it was a jagged pill to swallow...some of the things I heard from them. Some of them I absoLUTELY didn't agree with.... But I was "new"..lol> I took their advice....tweaked my demos WAY up...and now I make a nice living in the VO arena (took several years).
My view is that it is sometimes good to learn from others that have perfected formulas thru trial and error. Might save ya a ton of time, energy, money....etc. I wouldn't go as far as to say that what someone else says is only valid if you agree with them. But it's an interesting point to ponder. Best of luck with what ever route you take~~

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Permalink Reply by Trish Basanyi on July 8, 2009 at 2:23am

I can't even believe what I'm reading.

Lisa, after apologizing TWICE both publicly and privately, and exchanging a few personal emails I thought we had put this to bed. I guess not. I'm disappointed that you've ignored the fact that in all 3 exchanges including the original post, I specifically said the critique I gave was not meant to be harsh or meant with malice, they were meant with the best of intentions and I was simply trying to help. The words I used were very professional and pointed out specifics as to how I thought the demo could be made better. I said NOTHING of your talent level, made no rude comments, insults, or anything of the like, and don't appreciate you eluding to that in this post. I answered your original question about Voices/Voice123.com and then simply offered a few suggestions as to what could improve your sound and demos before you invest in either site. I brought up the fact that you have radio imaging scattered throughout your commercial demo, and this was not recommended. Anyone in this business long enough should agree with me on that. I also mentioned that I thought you could show a better variety of reads. Again, I never said anything of your talent level, it was simply a suggestion. You're right, it was unsolicited and for that I apologize, but I was merely looking out for you as a fellow talent. You haven't been on the site long, but that's what we normally do here.

Many of the people that replied to this post know me well from here (you can call me an "eejit" anytime, Philip ;), and I have a feeling they would not be so harsh if they had seen the original post. I've been on this site for over a year now and as far as I know, I'm not known for being insensitive or rude and didn't plan on starting now.

What's odd is that you asked me to delete the original post, which I did, quite promptly, saying it was "humiliating", and then you go and humiliate yourself by offering up the fact that I critiqued you in the first place to everyone anyway, by posting this very message.

I'm sorry that I had to re-iterate the original post, but when I saw this one I felt I needed to defend myself.

Thanks for everyone's time.

--Trish Basanyi

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Permalink Reply by Philip Banks on July 8, 2009 at 5:48am

Trish, you're an "eejit", but I still love you xxx

Why is a Critic an eejit? Try telling your best male friend what you REALLY think of his ridiculous car or try telling your new girlfriend that her $5,000 implants make her look like a melon smuggler and see if they appreciate your honesty and candour.

For anyone on the receiving end of a demo appraisal they don't like bear in mind two things - They'll get worse and most people will say nothing, they simply won't hire you.

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Permalink Reply by George Washington III on July 20, 2009 at 6:18pm

Lisa, I have a saying for things like this...

"F*** 'em if they can't take a joke."

You do what you do, and go on about your business. If you want their opinion, you'll squeeze their head for it.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Elmore on July 27, 2009 at 10:58pm

I guess I missed the "joke" part...lol..good phrase but usually there is a joke involved I thought when this is used>

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Permalink Reply by Ladie Most {let's tweet} on July 23, 2009 at 7:48pm

Heyy there Lisa, Very well said!! I look at life this way....everyone will always have something to say no matter how good or bad you may be but the things in life that are unchanging >>>"The Facts & The Truth"!
So worry not of nay sayers...just Focus with "RELENTLESS POSITIVITY"!!! Most of us here are Students of Life and VO=)

Ladie Mo$t...

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