NotaPushyMum.Com

Having seen a few positive things written on here from people who found Star Now useful I signed up on behalf of my DD who is 12. However I can see now in order to apply for things we would need to put up profile pictures and give phone numbers and other personal details. I am a very concerned about privacy and not having this information in the public domain. What would other users recommend. Do they use real names and identifiable locations? What privacy settings are available?

balassa

There are obviously certain risks involved in this whole buisness you're right to be cautious. Is it worth you contacting the starnow team? They are very good.

In fact thanks for this posting, I looked at ds's starnow page with fresh eyes and realised I did need to modify some of the information to make it safer. thinking that maybe too much information was given. Have now altered it. Thanks again.

I notice not all the children have pictures up. Does anyone know if it is possible to have a profile picture that was only sent when applying for specific things.
Although on a slightly different tangent: I read on another forum that videos posted on You Tube are not always watched by the intended audience. Five year olds dance classes or boys ballet auditions are sometimes most watched by the older men. I did check this out as there is a video statistics button you can press and in some cases it is true. Frisbee for lots of reasons you are right to be cautious.

You can use the 'Hide my profile' option. Your profile won't be visible publicly, but advertisers will still be able to view your profile when you apply to casting calls. I prefer this option, it means you don't get found in the talent directory or get unsolicited approaches, but you control who sees your children's details.

That sounds a lot better, now will have to choose between the 1,3,6 month options.

..and don't forget you can always upload video's to youtube "unlisted", I know that doesn't necessarily help with the STAR NOW profile but if you're trying to send an audition tape to a specific person without the world having access to it - that's the way to do it!

This is a good point - I try to make it so no detailed location info is included - ie I don't put the name of their theatre groups down etc - it is a tricky one isn't it!

I think we need to strike a balance between sensibility and overreaction ...
sometimes I think society in general sees everyone as a potential paedophile in waiting..I simply don't think this is the case.
It is my telephone number, my email that is the contact on Starnow, no videos or photos of my son in compromising positions are uploaded to his Starnow account. As has been mentioned previously, there is an element of risk involved in a business where we are actively pushing our children's skills, looks and abilities in order to gain employment and opportunities. I simply don't believe that a paedophile is going to wait outside his performing arts school with a view to snatch him, and in any case, his family are always there to meet him!
I would guess that the bulk of us responsible parents in this industry are MORE proactive in safeguarding our children than perhaps other parents who are not as aware of the risks, for example, not leaving them on photoshoots etc. Also many of us are registered chaperones, again fully trained and aware of our responsibilities.
My Dad wasn't even allowed to take photos of his grandsons in the local park without being verbally attacked by a group of ignorant and stupid mothers who made him feel like the filthiest pervert in the world...things are getting out of hand!
yes act with common sense, but don't overreact...This is a general observation only, not aimed at anyone as we are all parents and have to do the best we can!

Its a toughie, isnt it?

All the research tells us that, if kids are targeted, it tends to be by people they and their families know and trust. Usually family members. Yet we remain concerned about 'stranger danger'.

Do you know what concerns me most? People who dont necessarily make themselves known but who post unpleasant comments on line, on sites like YouTube. Flo is more street-wise about this than I am (well, she is 9!), but I find internet 'trolls' (I think thats what they're called?) really disturbing.

Anyway, I use the YouTube setting that allows people to view her videos as long as they have the url link - so they're not totally accessible to the general public.

And I'm sure we're all sensible about dropping kids off, picking them up and chaperoning....or are we? I guess its always worth being aware of the weak links.

Deb x