Still got a ways to go, but the writing going on in this OWC is outstanding. There's a few styles that aren't for me, but nothing completely unreadable or hard to understand. Just thought I'd express that. Great efforts so far. Reading more...

Quoted from Max Btw, has anyone ever reacted badly to having their OWC script shat on? Some guy posted a feature in the comedy section and snapped when somebody criticized it.

I would not limit it to the OWC.

Some people have reacted badly when shat upon. Yours truly included. It is the nature of the beast (someone is calling your baby ugly). What you will find is that SS criticism varies from very kind and soft to very mean and harsh and everything in between. However, regardless of tone, the criticism here is almost always valuable. Getting used to the harsh end of the spectrum takes time, but something that one most do if they are to improve their writing.

I happened to read the post you were referring to the other day ("Santa" something or another). After seeing the author's diatribe after the critique I simply moved him to my - "do not review" list. He was not looking for a critique. He was looking for praise.

It's one of those things. Unfortunately, as the contest goes on, people are busy just trying to get it over with and get through the scripts (generalization, but accurate) so reviews become curt, less detailed and typically angrier (although, that may have to do more with similar ideas than anything else).

It does feel a bit daunting when you see 36 scripts uploaded and you only have, what, a week to read them?  Not sure on the exact time frame or how this all works, but it does make you feel like you're on a time limit and need to burrow through the "weaker" entries in order to discover the "good ones".
I know my reviews are not even reviews, they're just "this was good, liked this, didn't like that" and I'm out. Apologies for that, but I suppose this is what some producers or the people that look for scripts for producers have to go through on a daily basis.

Quoted from SteveDiablo It does feel a bit daunting when you see 36 scripts uploaded and you only have, what, a week to read them?

No one said you have to read all of them. I'm contemplating reading only two or maybe three quarters of them, but trying to give better feedback. Feedback with some suggestions on how to improve the script. Not just a "I hated/loved this. Good job."

Quoted from Grandma Bear No one said you have to read all of them. I'm contemplating reading only two or maybe three quarters of them, but trying to give better feedback. Feedback with some suggestions on how to improve the script. Not just a "I hated/loved this. Good job."

Great idea.
Yes, I think I will go with that, I'm never gonna be able to read every single script posted. I might if I just give "YES" or "NO" comments, like I have been doing, but what good is that to anyone?

I will try and just set a few aside and try to write a decent review on them.

It is a challenge in itself to read these things when you just don't have that much time.

I did notice a lot of scripts posted felt very similar in style, not quite a screenplay style I'm fond of , but a style the majority seem to prefer which is interesting.

Another note: Maybe I am taking this a bit too seriously. It's a fun challenge that I think is awesome. Why try to act like I'm Ebert and Roeper?  
At the same time, I don't think I can offer that much help, I'm not an experienced writer and when I read the posts above what I've said, it just bangs that home even more. I don't even know what half of you are talking about...

I'll try my best, but I feel a bit silly trying to tell someone how to write a script when I'm not on that level.

A note to first timers - my reviews are always short and to the point. I sorta leave it to others to give a more detailed look.

Anyone who wants me to read theirs if I haven't already, PM me. Also can give a longer review if you want. Cheers

What's with the "musak" or "muzak" word this OWC?
Is there some strange agreement or something?

Kham, 'muzak' is otherwise known as elevator music. Oxford Dictionary def: Recorded light background music played through speakers in public places - particularly elevators, and it's usually particularly bad. That last bit about it being bad was my edit.

That explains it! Thanks, Libby. I thought it's another word made up by the community - just like "pisser".

Suggestion of the week, from Steve Miles...

"Thinking I might start a DING! tally…  "

There's always an informal theme, or common description in these things. I recall the over growing weeds in the gothic horror. OWC

Still, to this day, anytime I hear an elevator ding, all I can think of is the end of The Cabin in the Woods...

I just say elevator music, Muzak is far too cool for me.

Almost finished.

A few I have read but won't comment on for my reasons - including laziness, as well as politeness - but most I will.

I thought this challenge could be quite claustrophobic but as so many scripts are set outside, or indeed nowhere near a lift, it hasn't been that bad.

There have been some decent efforts, and some with decent potential.

We all have to remember the MOST amount of time we have was seven days.

In reality many folk had much less. From knowing about the OWC to submitting was around five days for me and I would imagine some worked with less. Then it's the time available to write, read, reflect.

Hopefully, the positive aspect with this challenge is that many should be filmable. In theory. >

I think a lot of the anger comes when writers read harsh reviews on their own scripts, they then dole out the same treatment to another writer.

I notice it every OWC. At first everyone is nice (aside from Jeff). The writers that get good reviews may be extra complimentary to a story that doesn't warrant it. The writers that get bad reviews are extra harsh.

Remember, this site is full of writers. Aside from the odd bit of advice now and again, our opinions do not count.