A few weeks ago, I spoke about Voice123 and the issues encountered by users of the site. At that time, I approached the re-launch from a glass-half-full perspective, believing that the positive things I was being told behind the scenes by Voice123 leadership would bear out over time.
I will not defend the rollout of the new version. We may not fully grasp the technical challenges faced by the Voice123 team, the complexity of the work being done on things that, to us, seem like they should be simple fixes, or the staffing and manpower issues that this company faces. Nevertheless, as paying customers who represent the site’s sole source of revenue, I think we can all agree that Voice123 talent deserved better, both in terms of functionality and communication.
As of right now, there are still many issues that are in flux and that need to be fixed. I will address those shortly.
For the moment, however, I am pleased that I can report some good news today.
Since the rollout, I have been in constant contact with Voice123 CEO Rolf Veldman and other team members and have been feeding back all of the concerns I have seen posted online and my issues and perspectives. As you can imagine, these conversations have sometimes been heated, though cordial. Ultimately, however, promises made to me are beginning to be kept.
About Voice123 Changes
Platinum talent will be pleased to learn that as of just a few hours ago, the system for inviting Platinum talent to jobs has been restored to its previous form, in that all Platinum talent will now receive all job postings that match their profile the moment they are posted, at the same time, regardless of where Voice123’s algorithm may “rank” a given talent. While this affects only a minority of Voice123’s membership base, it represents a major promise fulfilled by management, restoring the value to a tier that elite talent is paying between five and six thousand dollars a year to be a part of. Note that this will apply only to jobs posted since the change was made today, so if you are a Platinum talent, there may still be a few stray jobs in the queue posted earlier but are only now being approved. Those will still be governed by the sorting algorithm. About 75% of the jobs I’ve been invited to in the past few hours have reflected the change, which should increase to 100% over the next day.
The watermark that Voice123 had added to auditions has been removed as of yesterday. It may be replaced with something optional or less obtrusive at some point.
Right-clicking functionality has been restored as of late last week.
There seem to be far fewer network errors and bugs, though some stray ones are still popping up.
What Still Needs Work
Naturally, these fixes have not resolved all of the issues talent has been experiencing. The biggest outstanding question is how buyers are outlining usage in their posts. I’d love to see them go to a simple and mandatory check box system, but they continue to resist this idea. However, they are planning to adjust things in the coming days and weeks to try to steer clients to give more information, which could take many forms. I’ll report back when I know more, but rest assured that I continue to hammer at this issue in every meeting, along with many other members.
Next up, in my opinion, is removing the mystery surrounding how their algorithm is sorting audition distribution for Premium subscribers. I believe we are getting through to them on this, and hope and expect that a webinar from Voice123 with precise detail of the algorithm’s principles and functionality will be forthcoming. Paying talent have the right to know how the system works. For the moment, the best advice for Premium members continues to revolve around being highly selective in your auditioning choices. Keep an eye on the Invitations tab when you click on a job, where you’ll find your rating (top ten percent, the bottom fifty percent, etc..) This is not visible to the buyers, but it will help you determine whether the way you are using the site is working or not vis-a-vis the algorithm.
The questions surrounding budgets listed as “up to” and the controversial “negotiable” toggle are being addressed. Whether these are removed or more options are added, (such as a TBD button and the ability to add text to the quote box, or even a restoration of the previous budgeting choices,) is not yet certain, but the proactive questions I’m getting suggest that this is an important action item for them based on our feedback.
General functionality issues are very much on their radar. Given the workload, I expect these will be resolved slowly but surely.
What You Can Do
Don’t stop giving them your feedback through whatever methods are available. When you run into bugs, report them. Make your voice heard.
Things are not perfect. They may not be for some time yet. But I am deeply heartened as I look out over the online casting landscape at the moment to see the voices of talent affecting change. Sites are communicating with us about the things we find important. Some of the greatest transgressors are perhaps seeing the error of their ways. New players are popping up with previously unseen frequency and committing to transparency and ethical conduct in unheard-of ways five years ago. This is because of you. Because you refuse to be silent. Because you refuse to allow our industry to be swallowed by the gig-economy maw that has consumed so many others. Because you have the courage to stand up and declare your worth. Because you have recognized that while the march of technology can’t be stopped, it can be mastered and controlled when we stand our ground. Don’t stop now. The future of this industry belongs to all of us.