Spotlight in Focus

Hi,

Over a month ago I tweeted that I would be happy for Spotlight not to include me in their printed directory in return for a lower membership fee. It is my opinion and judging by the response to my tweet the opinion of many others, that the printed directory has become an outdated and unnecessary part of our industry as we favour the online services. It would, therefore, have little baring on my career should I be excluded from the book. Yet, I am paying more now than I was when the book was common place and relayed upon.

This tweet received a considerable response from both my followers, the followers of those who ReTweeted it and via Facebook. It was also noticed and commented upon by Spotlight themselves, who asked me to write them an email detailing my point further.

Here is the email that I sent on the 13th September 2012:

Dear Spotlight,

Following on from our exchange via twitter this afternoon, I thought I'd write out my ideas in full. As you (whoever was tweeting) mentioned, it's difficult to have a full discussion when restricted to 140 characters.

My idea is simple and I think would be widely welcomed by your customers. I suggested on twitter that I would be happy to be excluded from the hard copy of Spotlight's directory for a smaller membership fee. This would create a two tier fee structure with members choosing to opt in or out of the book.

The reason I believe this to be a good cost saving solution is that having asked many industry professionals over the past few months agents, casting directors and actors alike all seem to exclusively use your online services. Very few of them still used or even purchased the book. They found it quicker, easier and more manageable to conduct their business online. I have therefore reasoned that my exclusion from the book and exclusivity to the site wouldn't be detrimental to my career prospects.

When posting this idea via social networks, the support and agreement I received was quite overwhelming.

It was pointed out to me by the Spotlight Tweeter that the cost of the book is negligible when compared with the cost of technological investment and innovation made by the company. This is great and I'm glad that steps are being taken to bring Spotlight right up to date and in line with other companies advancements.

For example, a well designed App would be an excellent addition. But I'm certain this is already in development.

It does seem, however that the proofing, printing and distribution of the book represents a cost that is becoming increasingly unnecessary given how your user ship is choosing to partake of your service.

Spotlight is a necessary and unavoidable expense and provides an invaluable service to our industry. I would therefore like it to respond to how Spotlight's users actually use it. The costs of running an online business are never as high as when a physical component is included such as a book, CD or shop premises.

I thank you for your time and would urge you to consider this addition to your service as it would help many thousands of actors and industry professionals who tighten their belts when renewal time arrives.

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you again.

Best Wishes,

Jon Robyns.

Here is their response on the 14th September 2012:

Dear Jon,

Thank you for your email, and for taking the time to send us your feedback.

I will ensure it is passed on to the relevant Spotlight manager for review, and you will then receive a more detailed response.

Kind regards,

Jo MacLeod
SPOTLIGHT

I have heard nothing from them since.

I leave it to you to decide if this is the response of a company who are too busy serving our best interests and have little time to become engaged in an argument with one disgruntled customer, or whether it is a dismissal from a company who are unwilling to listen a genuine concern from it own members.

Thanks for reading.

Jon.