I think I owe you and apology.
Sorry, but I can’t stop talking about why I am going to stop talking… about why I’m leaving the voice over industry.
One of the reasons I’m breaking up with voice overs is that some in my community can’t cope with criticism. They label people like me (of which there are very few) as “being negative” and “discouraging.”
In my book, having a critical, inquisitive mind has nothing to do with being negative.
Ultimately, we need cheerleaders as well as people who point out shortcomings. Nothing and no one is perfect, including me. There is always room to make things better!
Perhaps it’s because I’ve been a journalist for so many years that I question authority and challenge the powers that be. But in the voice over community I see a lot of people kiss the feet of the movers and shakers. People are so afraid to bite the hands that, one day, may feed them.
BEING DISLIKED
I’ve been friends with an influential, well-known person in voice overs for many years. He’s a guy who can make things happen, if you know what I mean. One day he told me why he appreciated our friendship. He said:
“Paul, you’re one of the very few people who doesn’t want anything from me.”
I’ve always been outspoken, regardless of the consequences. I may have lost a few opportunities because of this attitude, but I’d rather be disliked for who I am, than admired for who I am not.
When I stopped blogging last year, and removed myself from practically every voice over group on the internet, something unexpected happened:
N o t h i ng !
Truth be told, I had to get used to not writing new content every week, but I didn’t miss the predictable discourse and banter in voice over groups (and I think they didn’t miss me either). Out of sight, out of mind. Not having to keep up with whatever is going on, was liberating. I’m not going to lie. I like being out of the bubble!
It also freed up valuable time to explore things outside of VO; time I used to reflect on what I had accomplished as someone who was seen by some as a thought leader, instigator, and influencer.
I’ll tell you what… publishing a blog for twenty some years that was widely read and talked about was great for my SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It put this unknown Dutch guy with the silly European accent on the map, and helped him make many meaningful connections.
The popularity of my website helped me attract clients so I didn’t have to chase them as much. This brought in lots of work, sometimes more than I could handle. In that respect I have to give my critics credit. The more they talked about me, the more visits my website got. Controversy leads to clicks. It was a boon to my business.
PAYING IT FORWARD
But believe me when I tell you that I never wrote for the clicks. These clicks were just a welcome byproduct. I started writing because I had something to say. I wanted to share what I had learned, just as others had helped me by sharing their experience. Free of charge.
I spent many hours a week on my blog because in some way I wanted to move the needle in my community. After all, informed people tend to make better decisions. But looking back I wonder what I’ve accomplished. I fought for fair and reasonable rates, yet the FIVERRization of the industry continues.
I asked my colleagues to get a spine, yet so many have sold out. In blog post after blog post I tried to teach them about their worth and about what it means to be a professional, and yet the hacks have taken over. These are the people who don’t know what they don’t know, and act as if they do.
Look up these two words: Dunning Kruger.
I’ve tried to change some minds, but you can’t lead a horse to water if it doesn’t realize it needs to drink.
Those who want to believe all the BS from the folks that are trying to sell them something, don’t like it if someone’s dashing their dreams.
“Don’t be so negative, Paul. You’re such a drag. Go back to where you came from.”
Well, I’m going, with my head held up high.
I’ve had enough.
I am done!
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