Got a webcam? Need 2-3 testimonials for client

[volcanicmarketing]

We are helping a client convert their written testimonials to video. We are looking for warriors who can convey the testimonials that you will be given in a convincing manner. It shouldn't look like you are reading the script verbatim.

No professional video equipment needed. Any digital camera/webcam with decent/good quality will do. 2-3 minute videos. That is all.

The testimonial script from the client is provided. MUST speak english. An accent is ok. Men and women needed.

Paying $15 per video testimonial, 2-3 minutes in length. We have several clients who need this work done, so this could be an ongoing relationship.

Please reply asap.

Thanks

[Andyhenry]

You didn't mention whether the people would get to test/use the product they're giving testimonials for. I'm not being funny but paying people to say they've used your product and it works great is illegal in most countries.

[Nick Brighton]

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

You didn't mention whether the people would get to test/use the product they're giving testimonials for. I'm not being funny but paying people to say they've used your product and it works great is illegal in most countries.

And to add to that, I believe that even if you have legit testimonials, you can be sued heavily for libel and other deviations of the law by reenacting the expressions and quotes of others without prior consent.

In other words, do you have permission from the original testimonial providers for them to be reenacted on camera by an "actor"?

[volcanicmarketing]

Do you have a home in foreclosure? If not, then you have probably not used this service. All of their testimonials are verified and they have contact info for all of their people. We've called and verified.

So, nothing illegal going on here. Just helping them convert to a video format

[volcanicmarketing]

My gosh, are all the warriors in here suddenly attorneys? We're perfectly in compliance, and that is our concern. If you dont want to bid on this project, then dont. We dont need your legal advice

[volcanicmarketing]

Yes we have permission from all the people who have given testimonials. That's the first thing we did

[CurtisN]

The fact of the matter is: you're paying for testimonials, and that's a big no-no. It doesn't matter that you have permission or if the testimonials are real.

[volcanicmarketing]

Geeze, I guess all the warriors here suddenly do have their law degrees and are practicing attorneys. There is nothing wrong with paying for someone to provide a testimonial, when it is disclosed to the original giver of the testimonial and they have given permission. How do you think infomercials are done? All these wannabe attorneys....give me a break

[Andyhenry]

Rather than getting pissed that people are asking the question and trying to save you from getting in deep **** - maybe you could just say thanks and leave it at that.

The fact that people bring up these issues is not because they have their head up their ass and think they're attourneys - it's because this is a community and they don't want you or anyone else to get themselves in massive trouble for doing something unlawful.

You don't have to get pissy with people. It was YOU that came here asking for people do this so surely you expected them to at least ask due-diligence questions?

These responses are just feedback about the way you stated your post - nothing more.

If you'd answered the questions more professionaly I would have been happy to help you out.

This is another example of people getting a bad impression of this forum - when what really happened was that the community just raised legitimate concerns but got a pissy response.

Andy

[BillOliver]

Can this be got around by the 'actor' stating right up front:
"Terry C. from Chicago Illinois says ........"

I'm about to do some videos of my own and I'd be willing to do about 3-5 for FREE just for the practice PROVIDED I started that way.

[volcanicmarketing]

Bill-
Yes it can. Andy doesnt know what he is talking about. Our attorney has ok'd everything. Like I said, this is how infomercials are done.

I'm only upset because self-righteous people like Andy dont listen when I tell them that we have gotten everything checked out and done legally. Since he's not an attorney, and our attorney has reviewed and ok'd everything, then he's got no business saying it's not 'legal'.

I guess I should have stated up front that I had all of those permissions done already. Maybe that would have avoided the onslought of 'warrior' forum attorneys

[Andyhenry]

Originally Posted by volcanicmarketing

Bill-
Yes it can. Andy doesnt know what he is talking about. Our attorney has ok'd everything. Like I said, this is how infomercials are done.

I'm only upset because self-righteous people like Andy dont listen when I tell them that we have gotten everything checked out and done legally. Since he's not an attorney, and our attorney has reviewed and ok'd everything, then he's got no business saying it's not 'legal'.

I guess I should have stated up front that I had all of those permissions done already. Maybe that would have avoided the onslought of 'warrior' forum attorneys

Don't talk ****. YES you should've stated that stuff up front (and had proof if asked for)

then you wouldn't get me or anyone else calling you out on it.

Just be big enough to get on with it and don't throw a hissy fit.

[Nick Brighton]

Originally Posted by volcanicmarketing

Bill-
Yes it can. Andy doesnt know what he is talking about.

In Andy's defence, he wasn't claiming it was legal or illegal. Neither was I. You see, the problem is many folks ask similiar questions which if answered could contribute to a sticky legal situation.

In your case, that's cool because obviously you've already taken care of that. My point, like Andy's, was merely looking out for you.

Don't worry, it won't happen again I'm sure.

I'm only upset because self-righteous people like Andy dont listen when I tell them that we have gotten everything checked out and done legally.

See above.

I guess I should have stated up front that I had all of those permissions done already. Maybe that would have avoided the onslought of 'warrior' forum attorneys

Jeez, what is it with the attitude in this forum right now? Nobody's out to get you buddy, in fact you're merely disrespecting the good nature of people simply taking a precautious "watching your back" attitude...

Have a little respect - some people who may have otherwise helped you happen to know quite a lot about online business and could help you in the future.

Well, would have I should say.

[volcanicmarketing]

Nick, I'm not trying to be an asshole here. I really appreciate most of the folks here in the warrior forum, but what bugged me here is that I was not asking for legal advice. If I want legal advice, I will speak with my attorney, not people on the warrior forum.

It just irks me that all these jackasses come out of the woodwork and want to give legal advice EVEN AFTER I said we already set things up correctly. I dont give a **** about someone's legal advice from the warrior forum, and that's just what pissed me off. All the replies to this post had nothing to do with my original post.

Since no one here is an attorney, (and I have had a lot of experience dealing with attorneys) they dont know **** when it comes to this stuff, and that's what is so annoying. Geez

[Josh Anderson]

If you could see it from an outsider's perspective it looked like you were coming here asking people to pretend they were someone else and give a video testimonial.

Regardless of the law it did not sound that legit and when people voice concerns about anonymous posters, who have not been members long, proposing questionable practices...

The way you have responded does not lend much to your credibility.

Since no one here is an attorney,

There are many warriors who are attorneys. You are right that no one should rely on the legal advice of warriors giving their opinions alone...

However, I'd much rather see warriors point out questionable issues like the one your post brings up than stay quiet. This is a discussion forum and you posted a thread for discussion and one of the issues obviously is how can someone legitimately and legally use an actor in a video testimonial.

Also just because you say you have spoken with a lawyer, even if you have, does not mean the lawyer you spoke with has it right. Lets hope for your sake that your lawyer advises you correctly.

Recently a popular bizopp company had some lawyer on video saying how everything was legit... not much more than a month later Federal Agents raided their offices and shut down the operation ;-)

So besides avoiding relying on legal advice in the forum warriors should also avoid legal claims like the one you made about your request being legit and verified by your lawyer without first consulting their own attorney.

Its also just smart to avoid providing video testimonials to anonymous requesters for products that you have never used. You risk your name, your brand, and your credibility... this is best left to actors and not business owners who's names, brands, and credibility are their most valuable assets.

My suggestion... if you want to hire an actor with a web cam post it to a talent board where voice artists and actors are looking for work.