“I will give you my personal prediction on what will implode first: Blogs containing information that serves no one but the writer, and his/her inner circle without fact-checking.”
Steven Lowell
The dust has finally settled.
Give it a few months, and last week’s discussion will rise out of the ashes and begin a new life somewhere else.
Same topic. Different voices, perhaps.
Steven’s remark about self-serving blogs and bloggers did make me think about my vision for this blog. Believe it or not: I have one, and it goes like this:
The Nethervoice blog is a platform and playground for ideas, dialogue and discourse about things personal and professional related but not limited to voice-overs and freelancing.
That covers pretty much everything, doesn’t it? Now, let me also tell you what it is not.
This blog is not some grand podium built to glorify my personal accomplishments or to sell Mr. Strikwerda’s amazing pipes. Why would anyone want to read about that? Not me!
If you’re interested in the technical side of voice-overs, you have to look elsewhere too. Although I’m fascinated with the tools of the trade, I am not a gearhead or audio specialist. I don’t receive free products from companies, take them out of the box, dangle them in front of a camera and post it as a “review.”
It’s true, I did write a series about building my voice-over booth on a budget, but I did not seek or receive any compensation for mentioning products, manufacturers or stores.
This blog is not a source of fair and unbiased industry news either.
In essence, it is nothing but a blog revolving around one man and his ideas and experiences and a bunch of friends who like to chime in every once in a while. If you’re looking for objective, investigative journalism, you’ve come to the wrong place.
Just like a lot of other stuff you’ll read online or in the papers, my articles are usually a mix of subjective opinion based on personal selection and interpretation of data. If you’d like to fact-check my sources, all you need to do is click on a few links that are embedded in the articles.
Nobody has to agree with anything I write.
My readers are intelligent enough to understand that it would be foolish to generalize my personal stories and turn them into an overall verdict on the issue at hand.
I don’t consider myself to be an authority or expert. My opinion is one of many, and one quick look at Bob Souer’s blog roll will tell you that I’m certainly not the only blogger in this voiceover town. Of course I’m tickled to see that some people seem to care about what I have to say, but that’s as far as it goes.
I strive to inform, I attempt to entertain and yes… I also like to rock the boat every once in a while. As a voiceover professional, it is my job to be outspoken. I don’t feel comfortable standing on the sidelines.
Unlike Steven Lowell, I am not a paid spokesperson for a company. I don’t pretend to proclaim and promote an objective, universal truth. This is my personal platform and I can be as passionate and opinionated as I want. I represent no one but myself.
So, why do I take a day out of every week to write this blog?
The short answer: Because I feel like it.
The moment it becomes just another chore, I will stop and take up billiards or Bingo.
Here’s another reason: I love to write and I think I have something to say that -at times- is moderately insightful and interesting. At least, that’s what my readers keep on telling me.
As you may know, most of my stories start out as simple Notes to Self. The series about building a voice-over studio is a perfect example.
It took me many months before I was ready to start building my own studio. During that time, I had compiled a wealth of information and I thought it might be useful to share it with you. Now it’s available as a booklet on my shopping page. Sharing is important to me.
Over the years, I have benefited so much from the kindness, knowledge and insights of friends and colleagues. I wouldn’t be where I am today, had it not been for their advice and encouragement. In a way, I am repaying my debt to them by publishing this blog.
Thanks to my writings, I’ve also made countless new friends from all corners of this planet. Many of them won’t publicly comment on my articles, but each and every week they email me with questions and observations.
As far as the future goes, I’m branching out. Most of you already know that I write on all things international for Internet Voice Coach. I also conduct interviews with colleagues across the globe. The Edge Studio asked if I would be their International Marketing Coach and I said “yes.”
Recently, I started recording three-minute vignettes for the International Freelancers Academy on building your business. There’s also a book on the way.
I’m not telling you this to impress you. Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn if you think this is impressive or not. The fact is, I love my work and I love writing about it.
As long as I still have music in me, I will continue to sing my songs.
And if people think it’s just a bunch of blah-blah, they’ll find other blogs to read, and this one will eventually implode.
Perhaps that wouldn’t be too bad.
It’s always better to end with a bang.
Paul Strikwerda ©nethervoice
…I have to admit I got a little concerned while reading the articles title (which is why you should always read the whole thing)! I hope you continue to “feel like it” because your voice on the landscape is one that is sorely needed. As a voracious reader and adventurous voice artist, I need to be challenged, provoked and inspired towards my goals with useful information and thought-provoking ideas. Thank you for being a good “uncle” and driving us all to at least THINK about what we say and do in the VO business.
Write on, my friend…
It will be an absolute pleasure to keep provoking, amusing and informing our community and beyond. Every court deserves a jester and I will proudly wear my silly hat!
…wait–what? I thought I was the court jester…
There’s room for more than one, Herb. It wouldn’t be as silly without you!
Instead of a whimper..
Paul, you called it. Steve is great guy and entitled to his opinion. Yet here I agree his objectivity was clouded by the ink on his paycheck.
You properly stated your case with back-up opinion and your witty take on reality. Great columnists are fun to read. That’s why you read it. Put yourself in that category. I may be somewhat self-serving with what I write and discuss on EWABS. That’s my job. You offer a perspective. What’s an examination of reality without some meta-perspective. Especially wise, astute observations like yours.
Steve has been helpful to me when it came to optimizing my V123 profile. That he knows. He was astute in his expertise then, and I trust him with that today, as should other customers of his employers very successful P2P.
Keep your hat on.
:-3)
You got it, Dan. Thanks for sharing your expertise together with George on the EWABS channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ewabs
I don’t experience your shows as being self-serving at all. I’d rather call it Community Service!
PS for the uninitiated: EWABS stands for East West Audio Body Shop, an interactive, online talk show for voice actors with their own home voice over studios.
Hey Paul,
I hope you continue writing. Yours is one of the few blogs I read on a regular basis. Why? Because it is your personal thoughts on whatever topic you choose. (plus, you write good, er… well!)
The blogs I’ve stopped reading? Here’s a short list:
*) selling something directly (pushy, pushy, pushy)
*) giving you free info (so they can sell you something later)
*) technical info and comparisons (I’ll google it if I need to know, or better yet – buy a book)
*) bad writing (plenty of those)
*) topics that don’t interest me
When you remove all the techno-garbage-selling-venting-attention-grabbing blogs, it’s amazing how few are left.
In the end, the ones that interest me are ones with a personal story and an expression of one’s inner self, thoughts, or feelings.
Ever watch “The Next Food Network Star”? (trust me, it’s related 😉
They’re not looking for the best chef.
They’re not looking for the most knowledge.
They’re looking for good, personal stories and a personality that the viewers can connect with. (although you do have to know how to cook).
Whatever it is that makes your blog work, keep at it.
Be reading you,
Joe
Before I became a Netflix fan, I watched the Food Network regularly. I love to cook and I did enjoy the Iron Chef battles as well as Alton Brown’s scientific and witty approach to making meals.
Every blog has its own chef and secret recipe. It’s impossible to please each guest to our restaurant. We all have different tastes and takes on the world around us.
As long as I can find interesting ingredients, I’ll keep on cookin’!
Ooohhh, Bingo!
Bingo makes me sad… a bunch of people waiting aimlessly till there number’s up.
Oooh, Strikwerda pun!
When I read the blog title my first thought was, “Bummer”… followed closely by my second thought… “Hey, I wonder if he’s selling any of his equipment?” 😉
Paul, glad to see you’re keeping at it. As others have mentioned, yours is one of the few blogs I take the time to read.
Apologies for the bait-and-switch headline, Dave. When I think of an opener, I always look for a “hook” to draw people in. It’s not my intention to mislead them. I just want them to notice my article and check it out.
No apology needed, my friend. You accomplished your purpose. I wasn’t at all disappointed with the “plot twist”. 🙂 Write on…
I’ve enjoyed following your blog. I’ve valued the information, appreciated the insights and enjoyed the humor. I also think that they are words. They are words that do not require the the pitch or scrunity or gravitas of words that move financial markets, displace populations or cause loss of life. Continue to express yourself because you feel like it. I expect I’ll continue to enjoy reading. Bingo and billards are there when you don’t. Steve, as you note, is in a somewhat different position. There is an entity that is a business that is often under a public assualt. Sometimes the criticism is worth noting and often not. It should be expected that he will defend his business. He should both listen and defend wisely.
I applaud your comments happily!
Good for you Paul. It is your blog and you have every right to do what you want with it and say what you will. Keep up the good work.
Dan Friedman
http://www.sound4vo.com
http://www.procommvoices.com
I hesitated posting this particular article because it might come across as a justification for what I do. You’re right: it’s my personal platform and I don’t need to fit into someone else’s definition of what or how I should write.
Part of my job as an author has to do with managing expectations. I guess that’s what I’m doing in this post.
Your blog is on my blog roll for a very good reason, Dan. I’m already looking forward to the next installment!
Glad to see the opening title was not what it first lead me to think. Always enjoy your blog and hope you continue to speak your mind. Keep tapping away at that keypad.
I’m not a voiceover person, and I read your blog. I predict you will always want to sound off on whatever’s on your mind. If I have a vote, I say keep blogging. You are enriching us all.
Thank you, Joe. I definitely will! There’s a reason why there’s a link to your Money Book for Freelancers (written with Deniese Kiernan) on my blog. Rumor has it that New Jersey has gotten much warmer after you published your novel “Jersey Heat”.
You know the next step: Turn it into a spoken book!
Bravo, Paul… I also read your blog for all the reasons you state, and I feel similarly entitled in MY blog to write as I please…and because I want to.
Were you referring to me, though, as someone who “…receive(s) free products from companies, take them out of the box, dangle them in front of a camera and post it as a “review”?….’cause I don’t get free products (i.e., the recent iODock), and my “reviews” are like yours — the unadorned relating of personal opinions with no expectation of compensation.
Blogs are the great soapbox of the digital era. IF they ever go away, or become usurped, I fear we’re in trouble for the freedom of ideas generated therein.
Thanks Paul!
Dave Courvoisier
Nope, Dave. I wasn’t referring to you when describing product reviews. I don’t know how things work in the USA, but when I worked for Dutch Radio, I was not allowed to accept anything from anyone. Is that the policy at your station too?
Perhaps I should disclose that I am an Internet Voice Coach affiliate. That means that every time someone signs up for this site after clicking on the link on my blog, I get paid a small amount of money. I would contribute to IVC anyway, but I believe an affiliate program is a nice way to show appreciation for the work I do for this site. I’m also a fan and affiliate of George Whittam’s Eldorado Recording Services.
I’ll be on my soap box for as long as people care to listen to me. Sometimes I’ll be singing in the rain. Standing on a soap box, that will be an interesting experience!
Whether a blog is self-serving or not is irrelevant as to whether or not its author should continue writing it. There’s nothing wrong with a self-serving blog, is there? It’s simply the digital age’s version of a public journal. Having said that, however, I have to say I’ve enjoyed your blog because of its broad appeal to more than just its creator; indeed, I’ve learned things about my profession, about you, and about life in general. Is it serving as a great marketing tool? That’s up to you to decide – but even if it’s not, it still serves a purpose, does it not? And considering the interent itself was created out of a desire to increase communication between people, I’d say a blog is one of the last things that should ever disappear from the web!
Stay on your “soapbox,” Paul. I enjoy reading your perspective on a variety of issues.
I will, Leslie. Even if it gets slippery!
First… I agree with you Herb (First commenter)
Paul is sort of like a big brother to me! Or at least that’s a feeling I get reading his work.
On the one hand, Paul, you shouldn’t have to defend yourself in your own blog. Blogs are one person’s or company’s opinion. A reader can take it or leave it. But above all blogs have to be meaningful and catch the reader’s imagination. As your titles usually do right at the get go!
On the other hand, I’m glad you did defend yourself here. It serves as a reminder that the internet is a free-for-all and better never become regulated by any government, organization or individual. We are all more enlightened by blogging… reading, writing or responding. Your’s is popular because it’s content is always something special. This was a necessary topic stimulating some good commentary. Written in your own special way. Keep it up, my friend! In the words of Tom Petty..”I won’t back down.”
Btw, kudos to you for your support of Kiva and “micro-loans”. What a brilliant and simple concept that is helping to improve our world. So much so that economist/banker, Muhammad Yunus received the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for originating the idea and putting it into practice.
Thanks for your heartwarming response, Rick. On one hand I felt that I don’t have to justify or explain my choices on this blog. On the other hand I think it’s good to stress the difference between fact-driven journalism and pure opinion. This doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t fact-check my work. Whenever I sink my teeth into a topic, I do my homework. No matter how thin one slices the cheese, there will always be two sides.
:::standing (ok, sitting properly postured) ovation:::
So glad you’re not ending your blog (had me scared for a minute!). I’ve learned a lot and grown from your insights, but certainly, if you felt it was no longer the right place to start the conversation for you, I wouldn’t want you to feel compelled. I’ve definitely gone from a place of “writing to market” to “writing to stay sane” with mine, which means direction and consistency is a goal, not a rule. Keep on keeping it real – we appreciate it!
As soon as I feel I have nothing left to say, I will call it a day. Rest assured: I don’t see that day coming any time soon. Thanks for your kind words, Dana. Content matters most. I don’t write for search engines. And yes, on some days this blog keeps me sane.
Sane? That’s pushing it my friend.
Sane no more!
That’s more like it!
I echo your sentiments there Paul – except I might substitute “family” for “blog” in the last sentence.
Some well thought comments posted here! However, the best recent blog title goes to Derek Chappell for his August 19th post: Get Off Your Ass, Or Kiss It Goodbye:)
Blogging and social media are hard work and that’s probably why there really aren’t that many VO blogs with original material.
Best,
Ralph Hass
That’s one kick-ass headline! I’ll sit on that one for a while!
Ich lese jeder Ausgabe von Double Dutch! Ich moechte aber wissen, warum hast du nie etwas auf Deutsch oder Hollaendisch geschrieben? Dass waere mal lustig!
Liebe Gruesse,
Carl im Kolorado
Beste Carl,
Nederlands is mijn moedertaal en Duits m’n tweede taal. Het aantal mensen in de wereld dat Engels spreekt is vele malen groter. Door in het Engels te schrijven kan ik dus meer lezers bereiken.
Er is een LinkedIn groep voor Nederlandse stemacteurs en ik heb zo af en toe contact met hen.
Voorlopig blijf ik dit blog in het Engels publiceren.
Alles Gute,
Paul
Dear Paul,
Please continue writing down your thoughts and visions. The fact that you write because you like to and not because you have to, provides all that you write down with the flavours of sincerity and independency. And that’s exactly the reason why I so much like to read them all.
Jaap (Schiedam, Netherlands)
Dat is fijn om te horen, Jaap. Je hebt misschien gemerkt dat ik mijn oudere artikelen systematisch aan her herpubliceren ben. Toen ik de oorspronkelijke versie van dit stukje las, zag ik dat ik nog refereerde aan m’n oude Double Dutch blog. Dat heb ik nu veranderd. Ik ben blij dat m’n schrijfsels nog steeds in goede aarde vallen. Als een instrument nier resoneert, komt er maar een heel mager geluid uit.
Thankfully as others have said, you aren’t throwing in the towel, hanging it up, or sticking a fork in it, because you are nowhere near done entertaining or informing us. I visit your site and blog frequently for your musings and info, add to that, you have a who’s who following that are equally informative. I shudder at the thought that any one of you would stop offering helpful advice through blogs or webinars due to the fear of appearing self serving. Now put down the tulips, and scamper back up onto that soapbox!
As long as there’s still music inside of me, I will keep on playing, Lee. Thank you for your kind comments!