Google Yourself!

In a continuation of my rant regarding your "web presence".... I'd like to suggest that my fellow actors take advatange of the Internet in new ways. Do a "Web First Impression" check... and clean up any links you might not want out there! Here's a checklist:

1. Google yourself -- In the google.com search bar, type in your name with QUOTATION marks around it. For example, "Robin Thede" not Robin Thede. This will narrow down your results to just things that relate to you (unless you have a really common name, but it will still help).

2. Evaluate the links that come up and adjust pages that you have access to....such as Facebook or Myspace. Sometimes, you will be shocked at what comes up! A rude comment someone left on your myspace, a picture someone tagged you in that may not be flattering, etc.

3. IMMEDIATELY delete comments (made by you or others), pictures, and other elements that may alarm potential employers (i.e. Casting Directors, agents, etc.). You only have 15 SECONDS to make a first good impression in this business!

4. If there are links that you simply can't do anything about (old movies you did, other people's pages, etc.), then create more pages -- get yourself listed on IMDB.com (The Internet Movie Database), TVGuide.com, myspace, facebook, whatever.... to help push out negative page listings. This may take a while but it's crucial that you are aware of what your web presence is before those who hire you do.

A note about IMDB.com -- keep close track of this site and make sure your past TV and Film jobs are listed here. Even some shorts or student films can be listed on this valuable site, so click "UPDATE INFO" at the bottom of your individual page and add credits as instructed. If you can't find the program you are looking for, talk to the producers about getting it listed on IMDB.

As an example, here's my profile... Robin's IMDB Page