Ashlie,
    I can understand your angst to a certain point.  However, remember a few things, please.

1.  Just because a person said on SS that SS isn't the place for this sort of conversation doesn't mean they are right.  In fact, we, as writers, have a duty to the public, so, I'd say they are wrong.

For ex.  There are certain things that we  NEVER put in a script because the public is dumb enough to do it.  Case in point:  There was a movie, can't recall the title, where in order to prove how "tough" you were, you had to lie down in the street where a car could hit you.  That was all fine and dandy, until people started dying because they copied what they saw in the film.

I take care to make sure that I don't accidentally write something that could get someone killed.

2.  Just because one person said or did something doesn't mean that the majority agree with them.  In fact, my experience on here is that all of the regulars are really down to earth people and a few others who have had some success are just as helpful and down to earth, willing to dive in next to you if need be to help in some way.  

It seems like a family sort of atmosphere.  Even if that family rips apart your story.  Like I've said far too many times, but, it's true:  I'd rather hear it hear when I can fix it, then have the story get passed over by a person who can further my career for the exact same reason.  

I know my last entry doesn't show it, but, I know I'm a much better writer today than when I first got here.  I've learned so much from some of the people here.

The last thing that I wanted to say is that it might be hard to dive into a OWC writing about the opposite sex in a genre you know next to nothing about.  You had talked about doing research, but, you can't do that much in a OWC.  

I know I wish I had a lot more time, and space, to work on my idea.  But, and I think this is true for many, my story doesn't reflect how I see and interact with women.  

Sometimes, an assignment is just an assignment, just like a dream is just a dream.

Dan

I really wish you and Zack would stop apologizing about your scripts. I get that we all struggled on this one....some more than others....I've been getting skewered, personally.

On the Into the Goodnight thread you said you were embarrassed to even be in the same competition,  Zack.

??? What the hell are you talking about? I've not once apologized about my script. I'm proud of what I wrote, no matter what others think of it.

~Zack~

I'll apologise for mine  

Someone has too

Apology accepted, brother!  

I'll apologize for Stevie's!  

And I'll apologize for Mark's script.