In July I'll have been registered for this site for one year. I already have a pet peeve. In far too many instances I'll see a thread where a writer posts their work - gets some comments and never comments back (e.g., thanks. or - I disagree because, etc.).

When I worked for a living, we had a phrase - Seagull Manager. It meant someone who just swooped in, shit all over everyone and then disappeared. There are too many instances of Seagull scripts/posts. Someone drops something - gets feedback - never to be heard from again.

I think I'm must just be feeling particularity pissy today. But I think I am going to hesitate to read or post until I see some evidence that the individual posting the script or actual inquiry is actually around.

Did I mentioned I haven't smoked today. This could be withdrawal symtoms.

I hear you, but not everyone who posts a script here knows that there is a forum where people might be commenting on their scripts. Also, some people just want the exposure to potential filmmakers browsing for scripts to shoot. They couldn't care less about what us board members think of their work. I hardly ever read a script by someone I don't recognize as a board member.  

My take.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear I hear you, but not everyone who posts a script here knows that there is a forum where people might be commenting on their scripts. Also, some people just want the exposure to potential filmmakers browsing for scripts to shoot. They couldn't care less about what us board members think of their work. I hardly ever read a script by someone I don't recognize as a board member.   My take.

Makes sense Pia -thanks.

Now where are my cigarettes - I must have left a pack around somewhere.

As Pia said... not everyone knows there is a forum... I didn't!

Think I'd posted three shorts before I realised, and then went round apologising to the regs who'd commented.

Some writers just want to post their scripts as part of their marketing, it's a decent source of leads... and again they don't necessarily want/think they need feedback.

You can lead the writer to SS but you can't make em comment

Anthony

Fuck these seagul, fucktards.  Seriously...no excuse.  Same with the OWC asswipers.  Fuck 'em all!!!

What Pia and Anthony said. It's always going to happen because some people only post their scripts for exposure - not for feedback. It's a credit to Don script posters can do just that with no obligation, and elect not to become forum members. And of course, some people don't realize there is actually a discussion forum straight off.

Dave, you're right - the only way you can avoid speaking into thin air is by avoiding commenting on an 'unknown author's' work - unless you feel particularly generous that day and love the work, and want to comment regardless.

Jeff, sounds like you need a drink...Or something?

Quoted from Max Random question here Libs, because I'm drunk as fuck atm. Ever seen the film "Chopper"? Based on Mark "Chopper" Read. Aussie ting innit, btw, check "The Horseman" out as well, Aussie film which I like.

Oh yes, Chopper Read is infamous.

Eric Bana is pretty good in my book too. Dramatic roles like this one put him on the map. Before this he was only known as a comedian, and a very good one at that!  

Haven't seen The Horseman, will take your word for it.

He was funny, but also a killer, can't forget that.

Quoted from LC Dave, you're right - the only way you can avoid speaking into thin air is by avoiding commenting on an 'unknown author's' work - unless you feel particularly generous that day and love the work, and want to comment regardless.

Think this is a good approach.

Quoted from LC He was funny, but also a killer, can't forget that.

He only killed fellow scum crims like himself Lib, lol. If only that happened more often and innocents weren't harmed.

Eric Bana is a passionate fan of my footy team St Kilda too and wears his heart on his sleeve for them.

Oh and eldave? Seagull is a sporting slang term here in Oz too - it references an Aussie a Rules player who hangs around the contest and receives the easy ball lol.

Quoted from eldave1 Think this is a good approach.

Yeah, I commented on a new script just because I was in a good mood.  Sometimes when you put a few comments, and then a new writer finds the forum, they look at what was posted.  Not all do, but I want to help as much as I've been helped here.

If I'm in a reviewing mood I'll often review it without even thinking about wether or not the writer is active... of course regs get prioritised

Dave

Feeling "pissy" or not I think all active members here would agree with you, it is annoying. However, there is a way to negate it by doing as others have suggested: Only comment on work whose writer's name you've seen around the boards.

Its the only thing I look at when choosing scripts to read. I avoid loglines as they often give too much away. Same goes for reading other people's comments. Going in completely blind with no preconceptions is the best approach to reviewing I've found.

I don't really buy the "most don't know there is a discussion board" reasoning. Yes, Anthony backed it up by his admission but he soon realized and remedied the situation. I'd assume that the vast majority of people who find the "submit your script" link and submit, take the time to explore the site a little where it wouldn't take long to find the discussion boards. The link is on the home page.

Yet there are a few "Seagull scripts" posted weekly.

I reckon its more a product of the other reason mentioned. Some people submit them for exposure to filmmakers, not feedback. Which I think is fine too, that's their choice...just don't be the one who wastes time posting comments on its board.

Just want to add, I learned my lesson the hard way once when I gave an in-depth review to a relative newb who promptly shat on my advice and told me I knew nothing - then PM'd me later to tell me he was sorry and was redrafting with all of my suggestions - not that he was sorry enough to make his apology public.  

It's the risk you take. If I have the time I'll still delve deeper with a script which shows promise, or that I love, or that is not that great and can do with some pointers. It does depend on mood and it's always nice if that someone is at least receptive and makes an appearance. And, I'll usually only do that when scripts from the regulars are scarce - far better to know you're going to get a back and forth dialogue.

Do you really think the site has a problem? I think it's quite active as it is. Lots of submissions, lots of good feedback. I wouldn't change what's not broken.

Other sites mention that SS has a reputation for being a bit "clique." Again,  I don't see a problem with the site,  but maybe that's an area of concern to focus on. I dunno. Can something be "un-clique'd?"