VOICE 2008 MythBusters

You may have your own opinion about James Alburger and Penny Abshire, but in my book they are nothing if not honest and forthright.  On top of that, they've been around in the VO biz longer than most of us, and you don't maintain that kind of reputation without dealing fairly with your clients and associates.

That's why I appreciate the latest newsletter from the VOICE 2008 staff that dispels certain rumors with a full frontal assault.

I offer it below verbatim.  Furthermore, as I'm on their advance team, please call me on my cell:  702.610.6288 if I can answer a question about VOICE 2008.  I'll refer you directly to James 'n' Penny if I can't.
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If you've read some of the voiceover forum discussions about VOICE 2008, you might be wondering what's true and what isn't. There are a few self-proclaimed "reviewers" of VOICE 2008 who claim to know what's best for you and who are encouraging you to pass on what just might be one of the most significant events in your voiceover career. Most of what you might read is either flawed logic, inaccurate information, or complete fiction. Keep in mind that NOT ONE of these "reviewers" attended VOICE 2007 and NOT ONE of them has made even the slightest effort to call our office to get their facts straight. To give you the correct information so you can make an educated decision, we would like to set the record straight on a few things. We also want you to know that if you have any questions about the VOICE 2008 conference, you are more than welcome to call us! Our phone number is posted on the CONTACT page at www.voice-international.com.

MYTH:  Those who can't "do" - "teach."

FACT: The premise of this myth is that someone who is not successful in voiceover will just move into teaching as a way of making money. The premise also suggests that someone who teaches is somehow less professional than someone who works in the business and doesn't teach. The mere suggestion of this is an insult to anyone who teaches. Experience is important to be sure, but more important is the ability to communicate the information of how to achieve the desired results.

Every presenter at VOICE 2008 is a successful, qualified professional in their area of voiceover. Many of our presenters are at the "top of their game" as national voice talent with decades of experience. Every one of them is teaching at VOICE 2008 because they see an opportunity to "give back" and help their fellow voice actors to be better at what they do. These are professionals who do not see other voice talent as their competition. Rather, they recognize that in order to raise the quality of work for everyone, it is necessary to continue learning new skills. They have knowledge and experience to share and VOICE 2008 gives them an opportunity to do just that.

MYTH: Since the Presenters aren't being paid for their appearance at VOICE 2008, they'll just be selling stuff to make money - not really teaching. VOICE will just be a bunch of seminars designed to sell products and services.

FACT:  These 24 dedicated professionals are donating their time and talents to present at VOICE 2008 as a way of "giving back" to the voiceover community. Each of our Presenters understand the benefits of speaking at VOICE 2008 or they wouldn't be here! Although they are not compensated monetarily, they do receive other types of compensation. Their programs are intended to teach you skills and techniques you can use in your voiceover career - not to sell their products or services. If you want to see what services or products they offer, the Exhibit Hall is the place!

MYTH:  An event like VOICE doesn't have much to offer.

FACT:  Let's see.  24 of the top VO talent and coaches (not only from the United States, but from Canada, Britain and Sweden), all in one place teaching you the techniques they've used to become successful. Add to that the opportunity to meet other voice actors from around the world, talk to them about common problems and solutions (and make friends for life), see a room full of vendors in the Exhibit Hall, discover the newest technologies for home studios, attend a gala opening networking event with professionals from the L.A. area, enjoy an elegant banquet with professional entertainment and a special tribute - all in one of Los Angeles' most beautiful and historic hotels.......Whew!  Not much to offer?  What?

MYTH: The Promoters are making a TON of money!!

FACT: This myth assumes that the producers of VOICE are greedy and are taking advantage of attendees by charging a "high tuition". We did our very best to keep the tuition for VOICE the very lowest we could. We live in a capitalist society in which "making money" is an absolute necessity. Somehow the purveyors of this myth seem to believe that making money from anything intended to help people is a bad thing. From the onset, VOICE was created to help bring voiceover talent together in an effort to raise the standards of our work and to create a community. Believe what you will, but our prime motivation has never been to make a "ton of money." We simply want to cover our expenses and have a reasonable compensation for a full year of our time. As producers, we literally put our voiceover careers on "hold" for over a year in order to make the conference the best we can for you! A basic principal of business is that "he who takes the biggest risk is entitled to reap the biggest rewards." It costs a lot to put on an event like VOICE. To deny the producers compensation would be not only short-sighted, but completely unfair.

We hope this clears up some of the questions you may have had about VOICE.  If you still have things you'd like to ask about, please give us a call.

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CourVO