There’s always some sort of risk when you leave yourself open for comments from customers. One of the things I have mentioned here and there when it comes to the design of the new database is transparency. We all want a voice casting site built upon transparency. What does it mean to be transparent? It means not having to sit around and try to dissect how or if someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

People want to know what is going on and it’s pretty hard for you guys to stay interested in a web site you can neither touch nor see. So it is my job, in the interest of transparency, to keep you informed about all of the things that are going on in and around the site. So I thought today with this post, we’d let you know what customers have been saying about us and the site as it stands so far. This is how people feel about what we’re doing.

Of course I started off the week with an unhappy customer. My first really unhappy customer. Supposedly this person who was trying to join the database had been in voice over for 30+ years, had voiced over 6000 narrations and offers their services and broad swath of knowledge to the public as a voice over coach.

So I was a little mystified when they lacked the basic knowledge (or desire) of how to edit their demo down to a manageable size so they could upload it to the server. Instead of asking me nicely for help, they wrote me in an accusatory tone saying:

“you are not allowing me to enter after I submit my user and password.”

To which I responded,

“The problem is the “-” in your user name. I will reset the account. Watch for a new email with the new login information. Let me know if you don’t get the new email. “

Their response:

“o.k.

I signed in and filled in all th blanks..

BUT..you are now telling me that one or both of my files..mp 3 and or jpeg.  Are too big.

I’m not a computer wiz and do not know how to make them smaller..both have been accepted by everyone else I \send them too.

So????”

To which I responded, after I had researched this person and found out they marketed themselves as a voice over coach:

“you are now telling me that one or both of my files..mp 3 and./or jpeg.  Are too big”

I’m not telling you – the system is telling you they’re too big. It very clearly states in many more than one place, that the files must be 1 MB in size.

“I’m not a computer wiz and do not know how to make them smaller”

It might be time to learn how, but if you are nice – we might be willing to make them smaller for you.

“..both have been accepted by everyone else I send them too. “

May be – but if you cannot tell, we are not like everyone else. I’ll take a look at the files and see what we can do.

You are on record as saying:

“My voice has been used prominently on ABC, NBC and CBS as well as numerous television channels..both on-air and cable.

I have voiced over 6 thousand narrative projects and too many commercials to keep track of.”

One would think with credentials like that you would have adequate knowledge of how to edit audio files and pictures by now.”

Their response:

“AHHH Michael..what a wonderful know it all attitude you have.

In the true professional world of broadcasting..engineers did the engineering..voice talent did the voiciing.

Too bad you never experienced such things.”

To which, after my years as an air talent for Westwood One in the number 8 radio market in the country, I responded:

“No, I never experienced such things. I was forced to learn it all  myself.
So, with all show and tell of penises aside, would you like help resizing your files or not? “

Their response:

“No Thank you. I would not feel comfortable being involved with the likes of you.”

To which I responded:

“I’m afraid I share the same sentiments.. Have a nice day.”

There you have it. MineWurx Studio Customer Service in action.

Moral of the story… Don’t try to con us. We research everybody who submits information to the database. Be nice to us when you need help and we will bend over backwards to help you out. Writing us notes with “You did this” and “You did that” probably won’t get you very far, and watch out what you send to us in an email because we might just post it for everyone to see, dummy. Now, go back to coaching your voice over students on how to submit for auditions via carrier pigeon.

A while back, an established voice over talent told me on another forum, that it was “time for a spine” when we were talking about launching the new voice casting database. So, I can’t help but ask… Spine enough for you?

So – given that customer relations pitfall – one could only hope that things would begin to look a little brighter… Let’s see what our other voice over casting web site customers had to say about us in the past week…

the new website looks great, very professional

It worked perfectly, as I was able to upload my demo and photo with no problem.

Thanks much, Mike!   You’re doing a great service.

Wow, thanks.

Thanks Michael

Great!  With that kind of response time, I’m definitely interested in seeing more of your casting site ideas..

Thanks for this. I appreciate it!

Hi Micheal, Thank you so much. I look forward to doing business through the site.

No worries, very straightforward. Thanks!

Lordy, you work as fast and effectively as a Michael Minetree sales pitch. Thank you.

Thank you…I just checked it and it looks good.

Thanks, Michael.

Thanks for taking care of it and I wish your new endeavor great success!

Thank you Michael. Looking forward to what’s to come.

Thanks for your efforts thus far with everything.

Thanks for checking on me!

Hi Michael, Thanks for the kind offer.

Thank you so much!!!!!  I really appreciate your help Michael.

Congratulations on your launch. It looks like there will be a lot af great info on the site (there already is, actually).

That’s great. Thanks.

Thanks, Michael. The new ID worked fine, and I’m all set.

You Rock! Thank you.

Thanks Michael. I appreciate it.

Thanks again Michael.

I really appreciate that Michael. Thank you again.

Great stuff.

Hey Mike, Great news on your site.

Thank you so much.  You are a very giving person.

Supa!

Hi Michael,

That is a very generous offer.

Thank you Michael! I appreciate the time you’re taking with this!

HA!  Sweet!

I really like what you’re doing over there and appreciate all the effort you’re taking to revolutionize this thing!

That’s the ticket!   Thanks Michael!

Thanks for your help Michael….and GREAT SITE!

smooth operation, Michael….nice going!

All set and thank you!

looks like you guys are on to something!  I just signed up!  Easy to do… !!!

Look forward to the launch of your site and hope to continue to be a part of it!

And it looks beautiful.  You are doing a great job!  I’m so excited to be a part of this.  Thank YOU!

Hi Michael.  Great opportunity!  Thanks so much for opening it up to us.

SCROOOOOOBBBBBYYYYDOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Super, Lookin forward to it. Hope it works out well for all.

Very cool!  Thank you…

thank you for the effort your going to

Thanks buddy

I guess we must be doing something right. We’ll just have to take a wait and see attitude, seeing as how attitude must be our middle name.

Care to join the voice casting website?