October 2014 OWC - Who Wrote What guesses

Quoted from khamanna

Cause it's written by a woman.

And it can't be Marnie - Marnie's is Nathan Green.

Could be Janet. But she wrote either The Price or Be Careful What You Wish For. I think the second is hers.

Dena's left. But I don't think Head is hers, I don't even know why.

You then!

Don could be mixing the genders with the names he attaches to scripts.

I've got a few guesses:

Isle of the Dead - Renee (RJ)
Forsworcennes - DS
Impropriety - Dustin
RayW - Halloween Baby!

And, some more later...

Quoted from khamanna

I'm interested in why you think it must be written by a woman?

Men can write about women too, can't they?

Quite a few of my scripts have female protag's. I especially tend to use women for horror, not literally, well, yes, literally... but not...

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

I'm interested in why you think it must be written by a woman?

Men can write about women too, can't they?

Sure men can. And they do. It's got to do with the theme in this one.

I can tell a woman's writing usually by how whimsical it is, even when writing horror. There are exceptions. I'd regard Pia as being one of them.

I do know who wrote Head... it became kinda obvious as time went on, to be honest. I could always be wrong, I suppose.

Interesting, Kham.

I can kind of see that. We'll see.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I thought you wrote Halloween Hijack, Khamanna.

I can see why - yeah I like that sort of thing.

I've only read a few so here goes...

First person I thought of for Pins & Needles? This is a stretch, but I'm gonna say Mark Lyons popped in for this one. Just feels like his writing.

Da Horns had Jeff's smell all over it, but the Cajun woman's dialogue seems like Bert, so I'm gonna guess collaboration on that one.

And Halloween Baby! The Musical? No telling what nut job wrote that one.

Steve

Dr. Nasty...Rendevous

Eh, I actually *don't* think Head is written by a woman. Despite the little soliloquy about "what's wrong with men these days", my gut reaction is that a woman wouldn't have written the end that way. Yes, there are clearly exceptions to the rule. And if it is a woman, I'd bet on Pia.

Of course, I could be totally wrong.

My bet on the writer of Head is *maybe* Jeff. Maybe.

Jesus, all this guessing has made me second guess if I actually wrote mine...

I guess not..

Or maybe..

Quoted from Stumpzian

Dr. Nasty...Rendevous

Hey, were you down the pub last Friday? No, I'm sure it was an Asian dwarf who trying to steal my sausage. I emphasise that is not a euphemism.

You don't see many of them around. At least not round my way.

Nope. I didn't write Dr. Nasty. Or even Mr. Nasty.

R

Rendevous wrote Stick the Tornado Where The Sun Don't Shine.

Hmm, maybe Wonka for The Tornado Loves You...

And:

The Nightmare Door - Steve Miles
Conversion - Steve Miles or Reef
Be Careful What You Wish For - Deena

Quoted from IamGlenn

Jesus, all this guessing has made me second guess if I actually wrote mine...

No. I wrote yours. You remember now, don't you. There was me, and the Asian dwarf, and the sausage. I'll leave it there.

R

Quoted from khamanna

Ok, I'm ready.
So, here it goes:

Darren - Operation Sleepwalker

Beep! Try again, Thanks for playing.
Hint--> Don didn't pick my alias.

Quoted from LC

Hmm, maybe Wonka for The Tornado Loves You...

I was sorta thinking Reef for Tornado.

And Johnny O' for Pins & Needles??

Are writers allowed to comment on their own scripts (thereby throwing people off the trail)?

Quoted from Stumpzian

Are writers allowed to comment on their own scripts (thereby throwing people off the trail)?

Oh yes, lots of writers do that. Got be nifty at it I reckon, though. Don't want to give the game away. ;) And, what Pia said.

Quoted from SAC

Da Horns had Jeff's smell all over it, but the Cajun woman's dialogue seems like Bert, so I'm gonna guess collaboration on that one.

Ha...I do dabble in accents, and I have written a script about lesbians.

But alas, I did not play this round. None are mine. My big idea came too late.

I am wishing I had entered, though. From what I've read, this is a very good batch.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Most people will do that, but...if you do now, then we know which one you wrote. ;D

I was thinking I could eliminate a writer (while guessing) if he or she had commented on a particular script.

Tough call�

I might be able to peg some via style, but that�s not in stone either, so I�m guessing�

Darren and LC will both have something smart and clever, Darren moving more towards the psychological aspects of writing.

Rendevous is most likely surreal and/or funny.

Dustin� hard to peg cause of the versatility, but it will probably be something gritty and in your face, with a WTF moment.

Johnny and Daniel could both bring the deep mindfuq, however, since they�ve both chimed into what I would have guessed� I�m lost.

Khamannah and Reef Dreamer will carry overtones of a relationship in disarray.

Janet and Deena� hard to say, but I think I know Janet�s

Ray� I have one in mind, but I won�t think out loud in case it�s not, if it isn�t �?

A few I would have pegged to Chris (Heretic), or Mohammad (nawazm11), however, they�re both AWOL this round, so I�m not sure whose those are.

I'm still here, Rick, and I do have an entry in the comp so I don't doubt you've guessed me out, our tone and writing style is very similar. From the ones I've read though, there's one that I'm leaning towards which I think is yours.

I think I have Dustin and Jeff's script on my radar, but I've still got A LOT of reading left to do. Will try and finish them all on the weekend, so hopefully the names aren't released before that.

Whichever wins is my entry. Lol.

I've only read 2 so far. Will try to read more or possibly all.

I won't even try to guess since its been a while. Lol

Gave

Quoted from Stumpzian

Are writers allowed to comment on their own scripts (thereby throwing people off the trail)?

I used to do that, but most of the time people knew what I wrote anyway.
Either that or nobody gave a fudge.

Quoted from Gum

Tough call…
Darren and LC will both have something smart and clever, Darren moving more towards the psychological aspects of writing.
.

Well done, sir. And then some. ;D

I have a bunch more to read, but I'm pretty sure I know a few already. With so many entries, it's tough to guess unless one's writing really stands out.

I apologize for my heinous effort and am quite embarrassed about it.

I'm going to try and read a bunch today.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I apologize for my heinous effort and am quite embarrassed about it.

This means you've done fairly well... otherwise you'd be crying for sympathy votes like you did last time.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

This means you've done fairly well... otherwise you'd be crying for sympathy votes like you did last time.

No, not true at all, Dustin.  I have no problem manning up to a very weak effort - wish others, like yourself could do the same.

I don't ever ask for sympathy votes, nor would I ever want them.  If peeps like what I wrote, that's great.  If they didn't, that's OK as well.  What matters to me is whether or not I like what I wrote, and in this case, I'm embarrassed by it.

BUT, I didn't take the piss this time around...I just ran out of time, and have no one to blame except myself.

As always, looking forward to the big reveal, so we can all step back and praise your amazing effort.   ;D ;D ;D  Well...you wish, huh?  You get me?

I remember the last Halloween OWC, when you wrote that really, really bad Samhain, Romanian Style, so bad I awarded it a triple face palm. Before that though, after getting a few bad reviews you made a post about how it seems like you'd written a pisser that year. Immediately, your 'friends' rallied around you and started giving the script some encouraging reviews.

I'm wondering... did that genuinely make you feel better or were you aware it was bullshit all along?

In regards to my own script this time around... it's already optioned, to me. The use of special effects will look good in my portfolio.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

This means you've done fairly well... otherwise you'd be crying for sympathy votes like you did last time.

This is the second time in a few days you've called people out for trying to get "votes". Don took down your comment about people PM'ing each other to get reads and "votes". Not sure HOW you know what's in people's PM's since the "P" in PM means "PRIVATE". But no one here is trying to get people to vote for their entry. No one. I think this is what you've convinced yourself is happening to justify why you haven't done better.

Back on track...I just read another one that made me change my mind on who wrote what. I just want to know who wrote "Halloween Baby!". That kicked azzzzz!!

Well, Dustin, as usual, you can't help but write about me, attack me, or just let things die.

So, I'll respond again, since I know you enjoy this back and forth so much.

Personally, I liked my Samhein script.  Apparently, others did as well.  Remember, you chose to wait till the writers were revealed before you decided to spend hours on your detailed, scathing review, including picture inserts.  It was quite comical, and I thank you for taking that time, as I got many laughs over it.

So, you've already optioned your OWC script, which you just wrote last week?  That's impressive, bro.  I bet you pulled in some amount with 2 digits..or more likely, zero digits.

I look so forward to reading it, if I haven't already.  Maybe, we'll have a first this go'round - a positive review?  I'm hoping for you, bro.  You're such a friendly, good natured little chap - you deserve at least 1 evey now and then.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Well put, Marnie.

I'm quite sure Dustin has begged everyone he can for a positive review, and maybe he'll get a couple.

For the record, not a single person knows what I wrote...not a one, and I'll keep it that way until we're all revealed. A few have asked and I told them I didn't feel comfortable telling them.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Who left the cage open?

Marnie, I'm enjoying a little back and forth with my good friend, Jeff.

I couldn't care less what any of you do. It doesn't make your story any better, it just makes you feel better. I'm merely pointing out the obvious. An undeniable, logical fact. The fact that you're so quick to deny it doesn't say much for your innocence.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Yes I did enjoy taking your script apart. I have to admit. I'd seen you do it to so many others that I relished the opportunity and enjoyed every minute of it. You made it all too easy for me. I was able to pick holes in almost every line.

However, if you've written Da Horns, I'll have to accept that you can write after all. I'll be very surprised... because I sensed a real story teller behind that script. If it is you... well done.

Come on, folks. I enjoy Dustin v. Dreamscale as much as the next guy, but let's keep things civil 'round here.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

An undeniable, logical fact.

Suspicions, maybe...but this is hyperbole.

Speaking in such broad certitudes is when people start throwing eggs at you, Dustin.

People are trying to have fun here. Don't be such a wet blanket.

One thing I'm curious about is the number of views. Some scripts have 600 to 800-plus views while others have far fewer.
The only explanation would have to be the title, right? A catchy title means more people click on it?

I've only read a third of them, probably won't get to the rest till after the weekend.

That honestly puts me out of voting for much of anything, but I hope the reviews I'll eventually post are taken well.

Best wishes, everyone.
Good luck with your writer guessing. ;)

Quoted from Stumpzian

You will find that -- approximately -- the number of posts on a thread corresponds to the number of views.

The scripts posted earlier are (for now) more likely to be higher on either count.

Quoted from bert

Suspicions, maybe...but this is hyperbole.

Speaking in such broad certitudes is when people start throwing eggs at you, Dustin.

Seems a pretty obvious side effect to me and I've seen it on the boards myself. People start crying then others chime in, all caring, like the considerate human beings they are, try to figure out which script and then give a nicer review.

As yet another side effect there will always be two or three that will discuss their entries privately amongst themselves.

It's human nature... undeniable as far as I'm concerned.

Quoted from bert

You will find that -- approximately -- the number of posts on a thread corresponds to the number of views.

The scripts posted earlier are (for now) more likely to be higher on either count.

Take the most recent, Humanity. Sixteen posts, 307 views. The number of views beyond the 16 posts are just people looking at comments?

Quoted from Stumpzian

I done did the spreadsheet for that a few OWCs back just to confirm/refute test the exact same hypothesis.
There's little correlation between thread views and much of anything of value.

Instead, the high view count means some writers have OCD and just hafta read and reread their own reviews in process like crack rats.
It runs up the count crazy.
It's their time, can't hold it against them. Don't judge.

Also, if there's a comment war going on that'll also jack up the comments since everyone likes to spectate over a good cat fight.

Like I said: nothing useful, data gibberish.

RayW: Thanks, makes sense.

I'd like to read the script for the nice little clip you have there.

Quoted from Stumpzian

Take the most recent, Humanity. Sixteen posts, 307 views.

That thread is different.  That author "outed" themselves -- and though I deleted it, I suspect many saw it.

Add to this the fact that the author has read nothing -- zilch -- and followed it up with a pretty obvious sock-puppet review (#15)* -- and people have been kind of avoiding that thread.

I know I am.  I loathe the people that "play" and read nothing.  I make no bones about it.  If I read one by "accident", I go back and delete my review after the author is revealed.

----------------------------------

*edit:  I suspect, but cannot be sure.  Me, avoiding hyperbole haha.

I've only been around for 3 months, can't say I have good enough knowledge of the members and their writing style. Quite strongly leaning towards thinking "The Head" is IAmGlenn's. I could probably make an estimated guess on 2 other scripts, but I think I'll keep them to myself.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

You are totally wrong. I didn't enter. :)

Darn it! Foiled again! :P

Interesting thread. I thought I'd chime in even if I'm not overly familiar with everyone.

CONVERSION - smart pseudo science stuff made me think my fellow Canuck, Asfaras
SPIRAL so much action adventure ... Mo or Legion
THE PRICE solid writing and emotion.... Wonkavite
HALLOWEEN BABY so playful, hard to call.... marnie, khamanna
SOUL CLEANER maybe Alex aka Prussian
JUSTICE AT SUNDOWN effective simple concept, lots s of elements just plain deliver.... Dustin

LOV'D SAKE could be anyone, Shakespeare elements... could be Wonkavite, Marnie
TORNADO LOVES YOU so out there could be Mo/legion/asfaras but romance throws me
HEAD Johnny cuz its so nutso, LC?
fair trade, those bodyparts, shock... Dustin

I havent read all yet, still making my way... pleasantly surprised though... lots of good concepts and creativity on display...

im probably way off on some, im still absorbing your styles and getting use to your voices...I just had to make a stab once I noticed this post...

take care all
Dan

Good thread.

My thought for the day...

DON - any chance of posting the writers names so we can have a fuller attempt? Just a thought.

SS should, as a whole, try and chill out a tad more. Yes, be honest. Yes, be competitive,. But as group try and work together. :D

There are so many successes that have come from SS. It's amazing.

This thread fits the bill. A friendly attempt to try and see who wrote what.

I have a few to go but so far I can say that several have tried to guess me...and that feels good. Thanks.

Are they right are they wrong...time will tell.

I will post some ideas later but best finish the reads.

BERT - when you gona join in? I don't think you have taken part since I joined. Would be nice to see you back, but I do appreciate the effort you do apply.

Ok Darren.

another stab - you wrote the crazy one. Impropriety.
?

So, what will you do if I'm correct? Won't answer my question? You said "no" for the first one. If you don't answer we'll know it's you!

DJS did not write Impropriety...

Quoted from Dreamscale

DJS did not write Impropriety...

So it was you that wrote it? I can't imagine you actually liking anyone else's script, so it makes sense.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

So it was you that wrote it? I can't imagine you actually liking anyone else's script, so it makes sense.

As is usually the case, you are incorrect once again, Dustin.

Don't you get tired of constantly making an ass of yourself? Really? C'mon, bro...

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

BERT - when you gona join in? I don't think you have taken part since I joined. Would be nice to see you back, but I do appreciate the effort you do apply.

Thanks, Reef.  Don made me quit playing because I always win.

Y'all get that's a joke, right?

Fact is, I am not a fast writer, and these darn things seldom align with my schedule.  I need time.

And it sucks, too, because I had a really unique idea that refused to flesh itself out until the Saturday after submissions -- while I was mowing the yard -- which is when I always do my best thinking.

Cheers to those writing and reading, though -- it's you guys keep the engine running.

Quoted from bert

while I was mowing the yard -- which is when I always do my best thinking,

Now that has to be a euphemism.

This is the theory that is mine. That I thought of. Yes it is.

R

Quoted from Stumpzian

Are writers allowed to comment on their own scripts (thereby throwing people off the trail)?

Only if they can live with the shame and look themselves in the mirror. Some do.

R

OMG I can't even begin to guess who the writers are in these! You guys are better than me!!!! :)

It was fun.

Quoted from rendevous

Only if they can live with the shame and look themselves in the mirror. Some do.

R

It was you I was thinking of. Glad to know you wouldn't do such a thing.

Quoted from rendevous

Only if they can live with the shame and look themselves in the mirror. Some do. R

I tend to stay away from mirrors, but I sure can review my own scripts. In fact, you really should for 2 reasons...

You can bring up mistakes you see and admit to them...and...

If you review every single script, like many do, it wold seem odd to omit just 1...your own. It's a dead give away for those that pay attention.

Quoted from Stumpzian

It was you I was thinking of. Glad to know you wouldn't do such a thing.

Ooh. It's nice to be thought of. Especially so highly.

At this pont I would pretend to question your certainty. But that'd be stupid. And silly. So it was extremely difficult for me not to.

Now, where's my sausage? Ah yes, it's mowing the lawn. I might go and help erm... trim the edges.

R

Quoted from rendevous

Ah yes, it's mowing the lawn.

You disappoint me.

I should think that you of all people would know that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Mommy issues, perhaps.

Quoted from bert

You disappoint me.

I should think that you of all people would know that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Mommy issues, perhaps.

Oh dear.

Yes. Now it all makes sense. But it's the slender shape and resemblance to cucumbers that interests me.

I suspect you might have daddy issues. Which is why you spend so much time mowing the lawn. With a cigar.

R

I hear that in Thailand you can both mow the lawn AND smoke a cigar!

Crazy.

Couple hours just opened on my dance card.
I might be able to get another third of these read.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Or you can pretend to like your own script. Like you do.

Who said I omitted just one? And since when did you review every script? You don't. You just babble on about how much you didn't like it and why you think it's so bad. Oh it's terrible. Lord, save the children.

You don't even read them. You just glance at the first page or two then copy and paste the same old wank over each of them. Have you read Kafka? No, you thought the writing was awkward and badly phrased. You're a troll.

R

Quoted from rendevous

Thanks, A-Hole. Go suck on your goat's sausage and spew some more sing song mumbo jumbo while enjoying that.

You get me? Huh? You get me now? Here's a smiley for you, too ;D

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

SS should, as a whole, try and chill out a tad more. Yes, be honest. Yes, be competitive,. But as group try and work together. :D

Well that didn't last long. :'(

Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one....

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

Well that didn't last long. :'(Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one....

It never does, Bill, especially when we have the likes of Ren and Dustin.

You are a dreamer, but to be more exact, you're a reef dreamer, and as far as I can tell, that doesn't make you a bad person. ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from khamanna

First of all, that's not fair. All the entries are crazy!
Some entries makes you wonder if the writers are a step away from the staightjacket!
Oh, and the answer is no.

Quoted from Dreamscale

DJS did not write Impropriety...

That's right! I wrote the one with the

and the

with the

That should clear stuff up!

Quoted from Last Fountain

Good start.

Folks don't get upset if I put you down for Clunker...haven't havent had time to relfect

Reynard. - Steve miles
Ring of fire - JEFF, had him down for another as well
Peanut butter - Daren selley
Danny ... - renedvous
Conversion - Kham or Marnie
Mr nasty - Ren, again....or Ryan
Da horns...Dena, pale yellow..or the other one I thought of

After that...well I'll keep thinking

Maybe Jeff wrote - Shout At The Devil
Appears to be a very tempered review on SATD - considering the criticism count.

And, although I had her pegged for Be Careful What You Wish For, I'm now thinking:

Da Horns - Deena

Just fishing around, of course.

Btw, I've noted quite a few people think I wrote HEAD - that'd be a 'no'.

What will be funny to read is if Dustin gave Jeff a favourable review and Jeff gave Dustin a favourable review. ;D

The odds of that from Jeff are never favourable, no matter how good the story.

I always give Dustin  a glowing review, as I think he's a fantastic writer.  One of my favorite little ditties of his was the shark script.  Amazing effort!

Maybe Jeff did write Shout at the Devil, but then again, probably he didn't.

Maybe Jeff wrote Peanut Butter Kisses, but then again, maybe he wrote Ring of Fire.

Jeff did not write Je Me Sais Paz, Cozko...oh wait...or did he, as he does like to use foreign languages in his scripts.

Finally, is it possible Jeff wrote the Hitler pisser?  Anything is possible on Hallwo...oh wait...are we allowed to say it this year?  Oh sorry, that was several years ago we weren't...on HALLOWEEN!!!

Happy Halloween to all, and that, I mean seriously.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from DustinBowcot

The odds of that from Jeff are never favourable, no matter how good the story.

Bro, if we're talking about one of your scripts, it's pretty clear we don't need to be saying anything about a good story. You get me? ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale

...as he does like to use foreign languages in his scripts.

AKA... poor English.

Bugger!

Life intervenes.
Barely almost halfway done.

Grrrrrr...

About harsh reviews, this is a subject that's been beaten to death. I don't think anyone minds negative but constructive reviews. It's when they're laced with insults that pisses people off. There's no reason for it.

And then there are the completely nonconstructive reviews laced with insults to the story and the writer. IMO people giving those should be suspended from reviewing for a while.

Quoted from mmmarnie

... And then there are the completely nonconstructive reviews laced with insults to the story and the writer. IMO people giving those should be suspended from reviewing for a while.

Agree. Reviews like: 'I couldn't get past page one...' are not constructive in any way - blowing their own trumpet re how expert a writer/reviewer they themselves are, and poorly disguised as providing feedback.

If you've not got anything constructive to say, close the script and don't review at all.

Negative comments often breed a bandwagon mentality i.e., more bad reviews.

Quoted from LC

What will be funny to read is if Dustin gave Jeff a favourable review and Jeff gave Dustin a favourable review. ;D

;D ;D ;D

I bet those two are just screwing around with us and collaborated on an entry.

Haven't made it to all the scripts yet, but I'm kind of surprised that there haven't been any out and out pissers like there were last year. The only script that I thought possibly ventured into p-take territory was Cold Alone, but even then I wasn't sure. I don't think Jeff wrote Shout at the Devil, just didn't seem like his style, despite the giant flaccid penis. In fact, if he wrote one, I haven't stumbled upon it yet.

A few preliminary guesses, subject to change.

Head - Glenn D
Be Careful what you Wish For - Marnie or Janet
DemonStar - Ray W.
This Tornado - Marnie or LC
Nathan Green - Khamanna
Spiral - Darren Seeley
Justice at Sundown - Dustin

You'd think Jeff didn't write Shout at the Devil, but it does have some of his signature moves... my guess is it's a hybrid.

Quoted from Ryan1

Spiral - Darren Seeley

Vegas Odds are not increasing.

Viewing all this going on is quite fun - this place really hasn't changed. :)

All I will say is it's very obvious to me that Jeff rush-wrote Je Me Sais
Pas Cozco. Fair enough if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty certain I'm not.

Oh, and I'll repeat this on the thread once the names are revealed, it thanks to all who took the time to read my entry. I shot for a specific tone and idea that sprang to mind as soon as I read the requirements, and I'm happy that at least some enjoyed it for what it was. Fully knew it wouldn't be for everyone!

Oooooh DS and Ryan guessing I wrote Head..

Glad people are guessing I wrote something. Can only be a good thing right? And Head was a pretty good tale.

But, nope not me

;)

Quoted from JonnyBoy

All I will say is it's very obvious to me that Jeff rush-wrote Je Me Sais
Pas Cozco. Fair enough if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty certain I'm not.

Okay, hadn't read this script yet. But after getting through it, yes, I'd have to concur that Jeff inflicted this one on the masses. This sentence here...

Quoted Text

Hugs Frenchman Costco, but there's a tint of sadness and pity on Frenchman Cozco's face.

...pretty much says it all. ::)

Quoted from LC

Reviews like: 'I couldn't get past page one...' are not constructive in any way...

Eh... I have mixed POVs on this.

One the one hand if a writer submitted to this OWC looking for feedback on how to improve their nascent craftwork then your statement is of course valid. A remark that a fellow forum member rage quit on page X provides no useful information going forward.

Fail, but fail WHY?! ??)
Dunno. All we know is fail. Equals useless.

However, on the other hand when writers submit to actual open calls for submissions to be produced via DIY or agent and they eventually hear back "No, thank you" or some variation of "Our producers have chosen to go in a different direction" then you're not even going to have the satisfaction of knowing at just what point they put down your submission in the reject pile. Viewed in this light it's good to know about when someone would call BS on your script.

So there is some benefit there.
Those of us who've been at this awhile don't really need detailed format and construct assistance. We can see where our stories are weak when ten reviewers point out the same spots.

I've read only sixteen of these submissions so far.
Read every word provided. Am almost never "confused" by anything.
Unclear writing will be be clear on screen, so rough spots don't matter much.
I will quit if a writer disrespects my time or the craft, however. But so far so good.
Fortunately, all have been close-enough formatted, and the stories have merit.
Most have been fairly decent submissions.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I've seen you give reviews like that too. People in glass houses... and all that.

Quoted from RayW

Exactly. I am referring here only to peer reviews within this OWC.

You send your scripts out to professionals you have to roll with the punches. And there's not going to be any debate. That's a given.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

I've seen you give reviews like that too. People in glass houses... and all that.

Please find one where I don't mention at least WHY I had a hard time reading and PLEASE...find ONE where I insult the writer by making fun of what they wrote. Good luck. I can find at least 10 of those in this OWC alone where you either bail with no explanation and/or insult the writer by making fun of their story. It's completely disrespectful and also discouraging to newer writers.

Whatever. This is like talking to a brick wall. Sorry we got off the subject here. Again.

@Ryan...I wish I wrote "This Tornado". I loved that one!!

Quoted from mmmarnie

I can find at least 10 of those in this OWC alone where you either bail with no explanation and/or insult the writer by making fun of their story.

I'd like to take you up on that challenge. Name eleven where I've done that. I've never bailed without a reason and I usually read far more than one page. I make fun only when there is fun to be made, like flying pills for example or a haunted blazer. That's two where I've had a little fun.

One of them being yours if your reaction is anything to go by. Typical response from you to cry when you get a review you don't like. Most just take it on the chin. You cry for sympathy. As soon as you did that there was a flood of positive reviews in the blazer thread. I'm not saying you told anybody, you didn't have to... they saw you crying, figured it was the blazer thread and went in with a heavily biased opinion, then reviewed accordingly.

You did the same thing with the Memories thread. Boo hoo... waa waa... just suck it up instead of whining about other people's reviews.

I'm sorry I found your story funny. I find a blazer suddenly appearing on a chair extremely funny. I really do. I would have honestly loved it if this was a spoof and the blazer was the thing to fear. Nathan coming into it seemed superfluous at that point. I gave you a great review... but I see you'd prefer bullshit.

I'll quickly name 5 where you rudely poke fun at the story and/or the writing: Nathan Green, PB Kisses, Mr. Nasty, Soul Cleaner, For Her Lov'd Sake.

And you're right about Memories. I only wanted positive reviews. I wanted people to blow smoke up my ass. I guess that's why it's only gotten 3 pro considers, made Quarters in Scriptapalooza, 2nd round at AFF and won an award in a film festival. -- Again...it's how you deliver your suggestions. If they're laced with insults that's all people hear. Anything constructive you have to say gets buried under all that negativity.

Okay - going out on a limb here with an OWC guess. The Price? Reef. Just wanna have it on record, in case I'm right. :)

Quoted from wonkavite

Okay - going out on a limb here with an OWC guess. The Price? Reef. Just wanna have it on record, in case I'm right. :)

Well there goes one of my guesses. I thought you write "The Price", Janet. :-/

Quoted from mmmarnie

5 is not at least 10. You said that like it would be easy. I poke fun at scripts all the time and yet still give them a consider. I also note that not one of them shows me bailing without a reason.

You only take it as insulting because you cannot handle negative comments on your work without crying for sympathy. You've done it twice now.

I have no idea who these pro's are and considers are worthless... Well done on the quarters, I'm going to enter Scriptapolooza this time around myself, it's a respectable comp. I wouldn't count second round on anything though, hardly all that is it. I'd be a little ashamed to bring up second round, truth be told. An award at some low rate festival is equally unimpressive to me.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

5 is not at least 10. You said that like it would be easy. I poke fun at scripts all the time and yet still give them a consider. I also note that not one of them shows me bailing without a reason.

I'll post more later if you'd like. LOL. I didn't go through every one but odds are, there are at least 5 more in there somewhere.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

I wouldn't count second round on anything though, hardly all that is it. I'd be a little ashamed to bring up second round, truth be told.

I'm not at all ashamed at being in the top 15% of almost 7000 entries. And the whole point being, I didn't get there by not listening to people's suggestions.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I'm not at all ashamed at being in the top 15% of almost 7000 entries. And the whole point being, I didn't get there by not listening to people's suggestions.

Read by people paid $15 a script. Some might say this stage is a lottery and that the story itself isn't read... if I was only being paid $15 a script for the early rounds I'd discard scripts based on the first page and up to ten. If they make it to ten without any flaws, I'd put them through.

In an ideal world criticism should always be constructive, but we all have to learn to take it.

You have two choices---get upset about it or accept it and weigh up whether there's any value to it, use it as inspiration to make the script even better.

One thing I will say about awards, festivals, competitions. Ultimately a script has to be selected to win the competition. Even then, it doesn't mean it's good enough to be made into a film. How many of the scripts that win even the biggest comps ever get made? Very few...and how many of those that do get made ever see any kind of real exposure?

A handful at best.

Screenwriting is very tough. You've not only got to be a great writer, you've got to be great at picking your subject matter. Use any criticism you receive positively...really push yourself to make your stuff really great.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

This is brought up during every OWC (not only by me) because the rudeness casts a negative vibe on something that should be fun. I should have known better than to say anything. It never changes.

As far as contests go, with a million screenwriters floating around out there and what little we have to grab onto as far as success, I think it's reasonable to be proud of your contest placements.

I don't think my reviews are rude. These are shorts, written in a week. There should be some fun to be had and I'll be the first person to concede when I've written a bad script. I wouldn't cry because somebody found something funny in my story. Indeed, I'm even likely to agree.

My feature reviews during the last 1+6 week are a completely different animal as I appreciate all the hard work that's gone into it.

Marnie, I'm pretty sure I remember reading that horror isn't your genre. That's fine... you have a skill for comedy... so what. You tried and in my opinion, it didn't work. While others would be clearly hiding behind the settee I'd have been sniggering watching your effort. Why does my opinion matter? Just let it wash over you.

Quoted from mmmarnie

...the rudeness casts a negative vibe on something that should be fun.

I mostly agree with that, but at the same time, this "rudeness" (defined loosely here) is just how some people may come off unintentionally on the web.

There is also a small population to whom this "rudeness" (defined loosely here) actually IS kind of fun -- in its way -- to spectators, as well. Even I am amused on the rare occasion.

Modding these boards is a constant judgment call, and I have always wondered why Movie Poet did not seem to have these problems.

Or did they, and I just missed it?

I am sure the "instant" feedback is part of it, of course, but it seems to be something more than that.

What do you Movie Poet veterans out there have to say on this? Do we just have a rowdier crowd here? Why are things so different?

I have always wanted to ask.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Well there goes one of my guesses. I thought you write "The Price", Janet. :-/

'Course, I COULD just be playing mind tricks and actually have written the Price, you know... :P

Heh heh heh.

Tee hee...tis the season for tricks, Janet! :)

I have another guess to toss in the ring: Catherine (cm hall) The Nightmare Door

Quoted from bert

At Movie Poet, Chris had zero tolerance for rudeness. He'd delete crappy comments before anyone could even see them. And that was fine for MP.

I once compared MP to SS by saying something like, MP is like a tea room, pinkies up, sipping away...while SS is like a pub, lots of alcohol and bar fights.

I like that SS is scrappier. I'm a scrapper myself (obviously). But I draw the line at insulting people's work. That totally defeats the whole purpose of these challenges IMO.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

Use any criticism you receive positively...really push yourself to make your stuff really great.

True dat.  Writers need to grow the skin of a rhino if they expect to survive in this industry.  That's just a truth we have to accept.

But also, we should have enough faith in own writing - and knowledge of own chosen craft - to be able to distinguish solid, constructive criticism from intentionally destructive, toxic noise. (And from well-meant and thought out criticism that doesn't necessarily reflect your personal vision.)

Far easier said than done, of course.

...made harder by the fact that screenwriting is (to a certain extent) a matter of taste.  There are scripts that are hailed by classics by some, and beaten down as trash by others.  There ARE universal  constants.  Storytelling. Formatting. Characterization.  But there's a level of subjectivity too.

And that'll always be true.  Hey, there are stories out there I think are boring and/or crap.  But if someone else enjoys them, great. I won't say I like such stories.  And if asked, I'll give my respectful, criticial opinion.  But I'm not going to go on - say - a fan website for Twilight and tell them I'd rather get a root canal (or worse) than watch one of those movies.  Even if it's true!! :P

The most important thing is that every writer honestly seeks to improve themselves. And finds their particular audience.

Marnie I still think you should turn Nathan Green into the Blazer from Hell and spoof it. It was really good while I read it as a spoof. It got dull the moment Nathan entered the picture. Maybe it's your natural comedienne coming out but I was serious when I said it would make a great spoof. I watched a trailer for a similar thing once entitled, The Passive Aggressive Little Toaster.

I honestly don't feel that I insulted your work. I do feel that my review was constructive.

Quoted from wonkavite

destructively worthless, toxic noise.

;D A++ description!!

My issue really isn't with what people don't like, it's with rudeness and disrespect. I have a very, very low tolerance for it. Like when you hold the door open for someone and they walk right through without saying thank you...like you're the doorman. :P

Quoted from DustinBowcot

Nathan Green might not be Marnie's. That would be my guess too but you're talking like Marnie outed herself or something.

Quoted from bert

It used to be worse here actually.

At Mp you cant leave a comment without reading a script in full. I mean you cant say I didn't finish reading - all the comments for the month would be deleted if you do.

Quoted from khamanna

Nathan Green might not be Marnie's. That would be my guess too but you're talking like Marnie outed herself or something.

It's in the ether... she put out a distress call, her friends responded with nice reviews in the Nathan Green thread. It's what most people think, as do you. However, you're right, it might not be hers.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

To all my SS friends...SOS...Dustin hurt my feeling...I can't stop crying...please figure out what SP is mine and fill it with fluffy love...Thank you!

(yes, only one feeling)

Quoted from khamanna

It was really bad here for a while. I jumped ship then. I think you did too, Kham.

Quoted from khamanna

At Mp you cant leave a comment without reading a script in full. I mean you cant say I didn't finish reading - all the comments for the month would be deleted if you do.

I believe that should be past tense. One couldn't leave a comment...

Unbelievable that they'd delete the comments for the month. I bet the atmosphere was just great there, all fairy lights and tinsel. I think I had an account but the colour of the site put me off. Like an off yellow colour as I remember.

Quoted from mmmarnie

To all my SS friends...SOS...Dustin hurt my feeling...I can't stop crying...please figure out what SP is mine and fill it with fluffy love...Thank you!

That's it in a nutshell. Any time you cry about a review like that, that is exactly what you are saying to all of your friends. That's the subliminal message they pick up. The ones that care about you will naturally try to figure out which script is yours and help make you feel better.

You're a smart woman... surely you could figure that out for yourself.

When I tried it I had one friend approach me through PM... thanks for that mate. I was just doing it to put people off the scent of my script, but it's nice that he offered to run through my script more thoroughly. Nobody really ran to my aid though... more likely chuckling that I have been knocked off my high horse. Probably works better being a female... or making more friends, perhaps.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

You sure have me all sorted out, don't you. I guess I should see about that "manic depressive" diagnosis you gave me earlier this week, on the post Don deleted. ::)

Quoted from bert

What do you Movie Poet veterans out there have to say on this? Do we just have a rowdier crowd here? Why are things so different?

I have always wanted to ask.

In my opinion, the MP boards were always a little more civilized. Rarely did you ever even see a cuss word. Why? Not sure. A few years ago, I would've said because there was a more mature crowd there and we had a lot of youngsters here. Now, the youngsters seem to have gone, but we still have a rowdier crowd. Maybe the fact that MP has the word POET in it. Maybe that's what makes people act different. ;D

As far as the reviews at MP goes, I think they were just as harsh there. Sure, there were never any, I bailed after one page comments as they would be deleted, nor were there any profanity in the reviews, but I know from my own experience and comments on some of my scripts that the reviews could definitely be harsh. One reason among a couple of other I quit going there.

Oh, and, Dustin. The color there is hideous, but it's a screaming purple. :D

Quoted from mmmarnie

You sure have me all sorted out, don't you. I guess I should see about that "manic depressive" diagnosis you gave me earlier this week, on the post Don deleted. ::)

Marnie, I don't want to fight with you... and I don't want to insult you. It's fun with Jeff, but with you it gets dirty, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Comments affect you far more than they do Jeff. I say things the way I see them. I'm happy to be proven wrong.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

with you it gets dirty, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Now that's insulting!

Quoted from mmmarnie

Now that's insulting!

See... I can't actually tell if you're joking or not. It's just one story. I'm pretty sure you didn't like mine either and I haven't cried about it... aside from when I was pretending. I'm actually quite proud of my story. Quite a few don't get it or get all of it... but that's OK, because some things are in the subtext and not everyone is astute or sober enough to pick that up first time around.

You say, "with you it gets dirty, leaves a bad taste in my mouth." and I say "that's insulting" and you really don't know if I'm joking? Yikes. I thought it was a pretty good end to this back and forth we've had. You ended it...then I ended it with a little jokey. So cute and sweet. Burying the hatchet in each other's heads. Guess I'm not so good at comedy after all. (that was a joke, by the way)

In other news... I think Janet wrote the Hitler one.

Who wrote Je Me Sais Paz, Costco? ;D ;D ;D

Oh, ok, I didnt know Nathan Green was yours. Although I did guess it!

I really liked it - I say dont change a thing about it.

Quoted from khamanna

Oh, ok, I didnt know Nathan Green was yours. Although I did guess it!

I really liked it - I say dont change a thing about it.

I never said it was mine. Maybe it is...maybe it isn't. A couple have guessed differently.

Interesting to see what people think you wrote though.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I never said it was mine. Maybe it is...maybe it isn't. A couple have guessed differently.

Interesting to see what people think you wrote though.

At first I thought you wrote "Cold Alone"... then "Conversion". After I read "Nathan Green", the unbolded slugs weren't fooling me. :)

Ah, read that thread just now - I get it now. I thought it was yours because of the wording and the theme, not for that other stuff...

Well, this thread turned into a warzone. Guess Reef's quote from "Imagine" didn't help. ;)

On topic to the "harsh reviews":

I'm far from the greatest reviewer and along with that it's hard for me to make my reviews sound "right". So if anyone has interpreted my feedback in the wrong way, don't. My intentions are not to be uptight/insulting/overly harsh or patronising in any way, I simply try to give my honest thoughts on the script while hopefully being at least somewhat constructive.

Happy belated Halloween as well, folks.

Write Club.

This place has never been a pleasant community workshop since before I became a member.
It's an effing back-alley gladiator school.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Ah yes, I see it now. I had to get ready to go out. Saturday night is starting here in the UK. Glad we're cool again, thanks... and sorry.

What if we have the best reviewer nomination thist time round?

I actually followed one guy around, reading his comments. He was very thourough, and obviously didn't just scan the scripts and left very constructive comments on every read. I'm talking about EWall. Great job on your comments!

Don't know if he's reading.

Eric does do great reviews. I'll shout out Daniel too, really in depth and sincere. Rick's are always outside the box and a pleasure to read. Libby has a great attention to details. I think everyone does an outstanding job. Collectively, the notes you get here are better than paying for them.

You're not so bad yourself, Johnny :)
No seriously. I checked out your reviews - great stuff.

It's just if I had to single out one reviewer - I'd say this time around it's EWall for me.

Interesting thread that veers away every now and again.

I just wanted to agree with Khamanna. I think I noticed EWall reviews on another OWC. He does them really well. I think Asfaras takes time to participate and understand the machinations operating in subtext.

AND thanks Johnny for mentioning my reviews. Really. Thank you. I take a long time considering each one. Your comment means a lot. Occasionally I might get too suggesty or digress or swear or jest. But I always try and be constructive. I'll weigh bmovie fun with high brow artsy intellect. I still own and operate a video store so I get into every genre I can.

Everyone who reviews helps out. That's for sure. It's hard to find a reader. This site rules. And your friend usually wont tell you the script sucks. They probably feel obliged to compliment and read past page 1.

So kudos and respect to all readers and reviewers. I knonit helps me immensely.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

As far as the reviews at MP goes, I think they were just as harsh there. Sure, there were never any, I bailed after one page comments as they would be deleted, nor were there any profanity in the reviews, but I know from my own experience and comments on some of my scripts that the reviews could definitely be harsh. One reason among a couple of other I quit going there.

I didn't mind some of the reviews I got for my entrries when I was at MP. But there was one thing I noticed now and then which annoyed me from time to time. The inconsistancy in some reviewers. They would dislike a script for the same reasons they liked another. It was very wierd.

I hope it wasn't a factor in MP's downfall. I know bad peer reviewers with either an auter mindset or a political-religious bias (or both) is a factor in crippling Zoetrope SP wing.

When it comes to SS and OWC who doesn't like postive reviews? Sure, if they missed the boat by a country mile but still polished some apples, who's gonna get in a bind over it? Reviews on my stuff is usually mixed. It's nothing new.

This OWC has been better than most, where every script has high points.
Okay. maybe all but one.

I wouldn't be comfortable singling out any particular reviewer. Like Johnny says, collectively it's always excellent.

The last 7WC in particular had immense reviews from numerous people....all those directly involved and many that weren't.

It'd be nice if we had a thread where you could go to get more in depth reviews. Even for features. So those who enjoy review process could swap reads with others who give longer reviews.

Just an idea. For someone like me who is not interwoven into fabric of longtime users, or on the outside, it's hard to get reviews for my nonOWC stuff. I feel like part of the community here, don't get me wrong, I'm not shitting on anyone. This place is a great portal after all...

Dan

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

Not that I do not appreciate other reviewers - I very much do.

Best reviewer award is something that may encourage being constructive and useful. I'm not insisting on it though - just a suggestion.

Just a shot in the dark:

For Her Lov'd Sake - Catherine
Impropriety - Ray
Head - Chris
Be Careful What You Wish For - Steve
Mr. Nasty - Ren?
Peanut Butter Kisses - Dena
Shout At the Devil - (collusion) Jeff & writer to be named later
Conversion - Eric
The Price - Bill
Soliders Search - Coop?
Liquid Danse - Rick
Justice at Sundown - Dustin
Soul/Hitler/Kevin - Stevie
Da Horns - Phil?
Dust - Mo
Tornado Loves Ya - Khamanna
Nathan Green - Marnie

Quoted from wonkavite

'Course, I COULD just be playing mind tricks and actually have written the Price, you know... :P

Heh heh heh.

And playing with my mind...haven't even got to that one yet.

I had Wonka down for Head, but on re reading I'm not so sure.

My only guesses...

Je Me Sais Paz, Costco - Rendevous

Spiral - Leegion

Quoted from khamanna

What if we have the best reviewer nomination thist time round?
.

Lovely idea.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

Impropriety - Ray

That could be Ray's, I agree. But who wrote Halloween Baby! then? It surely couldn't write itself...

Quoted from khamanna

That could be Ray's, I agree. But who wrote Halloween Baby! then? It surely couldn't write itself...

Halloween Baby is a tough call, left me scratching my head. At first, I swore Janet wrote it. But the lyrics don't really flow with her style. I acutally thought you might've wrote it.

I'll have a stab at Halloween Baby ... Ryan.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

I acutally thought you might've wrote it.

Oh, but I wish... No, what I wrote is far too inferior to this one.

It could also be JeanPierres. But I'll stick with Ray for it - because of the word "sexy" right at the beginning of the script.

Oops, I got the titles confused:

The Nightmare Door - Steve

I've been satisfied (for the most part) with the quality of the reviews I've received. I don't have that many reviews, however. Not sure why.

What I mean is, why do some scripts get a lot of reviews? Do excellent scripts get as many reviews as inferior scripts? Is it easier to say what's wrong with a script than what's right, or good, or excellent?

I admit it: For me, it IS easier to pick something apart than to justify why I think a script is topnotch. I try to override that, however.

On the other hand: If a reviewer thinks a script is poor, does he or she think it's better (kinder) to say nothing?

These are the things that go through my mind when I see I don't have many reviews. Is it because my script is bad or good?

Quoted from nawazm11

I'm still here, Rick, and I do have an entry in the comp so I don't doubt you've guessed me out...

Ahh! There you are, lurking in the shadows, lol. So my suspicions are correct then, about a script that is. I may have to go back a re-read a couple to determine which one might be yours, but it would be interesting if I could confirm just what it is. Just need Chris to chime in now, lol...

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Well done, sir. And then some. ;D

I'm close?!
Awesome, now I'm really curious which one is yours...

@ Johnny and Dan, thank you both for the kind 'shout out', I truly appreciate it. I was thinking my reviews are nowhere near as detailed and intricate as you both, but I do try to include something that might have been overlooked; with respect to the underlying message the writer was putting out there perhaps. Sometimes it makes sense, and sometimes its way, way... way out there. Because of time constraints, some of my reviews are written as I'm heading out the door, while others I can afford a little extra time. I believe this round I've tried to be somewhat courteous to all the authors and their vision, at least... I would hope I did.

Except "Soul Cleaner", lol. I left the exact 'tongue in cheek' response that the author would have expected from me, I'm just mirroring the shenanigans of the character in the script is all, and I hope they would understand that!

If they whole heartedly disagree, then perhaps they want to PM me and we could go into depth as to why I left that comment... it's all good, till it's no good.

BTW - I'll second (or third) the idea of honoring someone with "best reviewer" status - either in this OWC or elsewise. That's a lot of work, providing detailed and constructive criticism to other people's scripts. Anyone who can do that consistently deserves the praise. (I know my reviews for this OWC have been a bit short, due to time constraints. But hopefully helpful, nonetheless.) Gee, too bad Kev isn't around for this one. He's always extremely detailed, too! :)

Quoted from Stumpzian

I often don't bother posting my thoughts about a script if I really didn't like it. I can't see the point in slagging a script off, unless I've got something positive to say as well. Or at least something interesting.

That doesn't mean to say this is always the case if I choose not to review something. It's often the case I have nothing more to add than what has already been said by others.

It's hard to say why certain OWC scripts get more reviews than others. Maybe something to do with their title. Maybe it's what has already been said. Or it might be when they hit the portal so they are seen by a lot of people.

A good spat always bumps things up. But it doesn't tend to always bring in the reviews.

I doubt the number of reviews reflects the quality of your script. I've seen good scripts ignored and bad ones lauded here.

An OWC script for the present challenge should get at least twenty odd reviews by the time things wind down. The earlier released ones will be more read and reviewed, for a while at least.

R

If there was such a thing as 'best reviewer' I'd nominate Rick. His critiques are not lengthy, they accentuate the positive rather than the negative, don't labour over format, but most important he regularly offers an insight/analysis of the script's main theme/ideas that others appear not to get immediately.

Well done, Rick. I was impressed. :)

Quoted from Gum

I'm close?!
Awesome, now I'm really curious which one is yours...

Yes.
In fact, I'm kind of surprised that---
well, nevermind.

Quoted from khamanna

I actually followed one guy around, reading his comments. He was very thourough, and obviously didn't just scan the scripts and left very constructive comments on every read. I'm talking about EWall. Great job on your comments!

Oh wow, thanks foks :) Certainly wasn�t expecting that. This go round I�ve been particularly crunched for time, so it�s nice to know I haven�t been posting gibberish all week. I also appreciate the collective intelligence on here more than any one reviewer. Even if I had a favored reviewer telling me exactly what I wanted to hear, if I�ve got 10 other people disagreeing with him on the same points I�d have to pay more mind to the crowd.

As far as guesses, I have no idea. Well� except Mo for Dust. He always seems to have some super ambitious world building going on and that script would fit the bill. And I�ll get behind Ray W for Halloween Baby! The energy of that script matches the energy of his posts (though I doubt his �temporarily censored� post last week included a musical number).

I love the idea of voting for great reviewers. We did that on Triggerstreet and it actually pushed people to give better reviews. Not meaning they had to be positive reviews, they were just more constructive and thorough. That was a feature site though but still...I think it is a positive thing.

I figured one out I think. I'm almost 100$ positive "Halloween Hijack" is Jean Pierre....

Quoted from wonkavite

I agree...his reviews are always detailed and helpful...I've learned a ton from Kev.

Quoted from EWall433

And I�ll get behind Ray W for Halloween Baby! The energy of that script matches the energy of his posts (though I doubt his �temporarily censored� post last week included a musical number).

I'm shocked and surprised that I post enough here for you guys to even recognize any writing attributes I have.
You guys are great!

I'm going to die of embarrassment when writers are revealed because my entry was pretty tepid bordering on lame.
'Halloween Baby' is F A N T A S T I C ! !
It's by far my favorite so far.
So, as a premature shout out to the writer: "Dude! Love your submission!"
I wish I wrote it.
Kudos to you.
Hope you can get his produced, especially if you can cobble together a feature length screenplay that sufficiently deviates from RHPS.

This time round, I wrote everything - all of them. Thanks for the reviews, it's much appreciated.

Quoted from RayW

Halloween Baby! ....I wish I wrote it.

Hmm... doesn't AsfarasSiam play music?

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

I'll have a stab at Halloween Baby ... Ryan.

I only wish I could come up with lyrics that demented. First time I read that one, I thought it had to be Ray. Now, I'm not so sure. Could very well be from a first timer.

HENRY CHRISTNER

I still have 5 or so to read. So if I haven't read yours yet, I should have a review up tomorrow night. I think more reviews will roll in soon enough.

Heh, if you have a feature or other shorts I'll give them a read. I'll try and give an in depth review. A lot of them I've done for other writers are like 5-10 pages. I'd gladly swap read n reviews with you. PM me if you want sone examples of feature reviews.

Remember that all criticism / feedback is helpful. No matter what. My 1st few OWC I got shit on pretty hard. But it really helped me improve in a few ways. And it's a constant give and take that keeps on evolving. However, you do it, let the negative doubting stuff slide. Keep it locked up, or let it motivate you. I keep telling myself this all the time. It's like building puzzles. The more puzzles you do, the better you get at making all those pieces fit.

That said... what a great OWC. I've been impressed by a few. The sums may not be as strong as the parts. A lot of entries had some really good elements...

Dan

Thanks, Dan. You did review mine -- with very perceptive comments. I was going to to PM you once names are revealed. And I will.

I've still got a few to go, too...
Feel free to PM me anyone if I've missed yours.

Quoted from LC

This may or may not be incredibly awkward, simply because there are a couple of Rick's on this board, Scar (Tissue Films) and myself.

Regardless of that, to say my eyes lit up when I read that is an understatement. Simply because that is a very generous statement to offer of another member's participation on this board, and would definitely make anyone smile :)

I also want to mimic some of the recent posts, and succinctly state that everyone's feedback is more than welcome and carries their own merit. If you took the time to read my (or any) script and post feedback; it helps more than you know...

@Darren
"Yes.
In fact, I'm kind of surprised that---
well, nevermind."

I think I could probably finish that sentence for you, and I want to apologize to anyone if I missed commenting on your script. I'm at around 26 or 27 I think, and I'm going to try and get a few more in tonight.

@EWALL433
"Hmm... doesn't AsfarasSiam play music?"

Lol, I do a bit, but my ability to create a stellar rock-opera the likes of Halloween Baby!... is nowhere near that ambitious, I wish it was.

This thread has a lighthearted vibe to it tonight and that works awesome for the crazy Saturday I spent at Comic-Con. It was a freak show to say the least... I fit right in.

Quoted from Gum

This may or may not be incredibly awkward, simply because there are a couple of Rick's on this board, Scar (Tissue Films) and myself.

Of course, I should have clarified. I meant Rick, and the other Rick ;)

Quoted from LC

Of course, I should have clarified. I meant Rick, and the other Rick ;)

:) :)

Out of curiousity, has anyone looked up "the alias" names to see if they mean anything?
also, has anyone besides myself, started to revise yet?

Where do I go to collect my award for best and most favoritest reviewer of the millenium?  Do I have to go somewhere to receive this reward or will it be sent to me?   ;D ;D ;D

Thank you all for your kindness and I actually appreciate how you don't actually mention my name, as I know others would be/will be jealous.

I completely understand and I definitely get you all.  Thank you again for all your support.

I have a number of glowing reviews to go, but if the remaining unread scripts are poor, I can probably get through them rather quickly, since I'll probably will only read a few pages...you never know though.

As I always try to do, the last script I read, I will go balls out and try to give very detailed feedback...be it good or be it not so good.

Several good entries this go'round and when I vote, I can guarantee my pathetic entry will not be one of my recommendations...nor will Dustin's or Rendebooboo's...I hope.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I have 2 so far that will get my vote, but maybe...just maybe, 1 of the lucky last 7 or 8 will catapault into the upper echelon.

Thank you again for all your loving support.

Quoted from Last Fountain

Sounds like a good idea. I know I left my fair share of in depth reviews littered about on SS.

As R once said, I'm guaranteed a bucket-load of reads if and when I ever submit a feature.

You got anything worth checking out?

Quoted from LC

Of course, I should have clarified. I meant Rick, and the other Rick ;)

Quite. We wouldn't want to confuse the two. Things could get ricky. I mean tricky.

R

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Out of curiousity, has anyone looked up "the alias" names to see if they mean anything?

Some of the pen names were clever, some not so much. Looking your way, "Bud Wiser." But since we seem to be singling out people for everything else, my nomination for best nom de plume goes to ...Maria Avedici Santoya, writer of Peanut Butter Kisses. She's the birth mother of baby Damien from The Omen.

I'd go with Bert for Halloween Baby. I'm wondering too if Don wrote one this time around... he's been reviewing. Not sure if I've ever had chance to witness his style, but he could be a contender for that too. Mind you, he also stated that he was thinking Celtic... so that probably rules him out. My favourite for that is Bert. Maybe Don wrote, Da Horns.

We should rememeber that this was an open challenge, therefore anybody could have entered. They don't have to be active here. I think that's right.

It looks like 36 entered but around 22/24 are reviewing.

I'll have a stab at 6 newbies we haven't heard of, or did this before.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

I really don't understand the whole, 'I'm going to enter but not review' thing. I know peeps are busy but even if you only reviewed one a day, you'd have 10 or so done before the reveal. EVERYONE has time to do one a day. 15 minutes, tops. Again, my low tolerance for bad manners comes out. :P

I am going to try and read the rest today...I've read just over half..but I'm off work today, so I'm on it...I cannot guess who wrote what! You guys are like psychics! :)

That's seven considers and a recommend from me. Well done to everybody even if your script wasn't appreciated. It's only the opinion of one or two (or a handful) of writers and it is only one story. Onwards and upwards!

I had one comment that came off as dismissive and another that was rude, I guess. Doesn't bother me. One, it's only the third story I've written in over two decades, and two, if you can't handle some troll-like snark, how could you handle real criticism? That being said, a short dismissive comment doesn't help anyone learn. Commenting something like, "I'll stop before I make the simpleton writer of this tripe cry like the scabies ridden whelp they are." just comes off as douche-y. I don't think anyone should be overly concerned with the emotions of a stranger but at least offer more up than "you suck."

Anyway, new here so I'm not sure who is who. I've only tackled three scripts so far. Do you have a set limit of time to complete reading every script because I don't think it would be fair to leave people hanging.

The issue isn't about "not being able to handle real criticism", it's about being part of a writing community and treating your peers with respect. I think we're all smart enough to know not everyone is going to be a fan of what you write, but it's how you say you don't like it that sometimes triggers negativity in a place that's supposed to promote creativity.

You can take as long as you want to read the scripts but voting is over Friday. :) After the challenge is over it will be revealed who wrote what and if someone reviewed yours and you haven't read theirs, you can still return the favor.

Quoted from MattD

... a short dismissive comment doesn't help anyone learn. Commenting something like, "I'll stop before I make the simpleton writer of this tripe cry like the scabies ridden whelp they are." just comes off as douche-y. I don't think anyone should be overly concerned with the emotions of a stranger but at least offer more up than "you suck."

Well put, Matt. Some people just get off on their own perceived and delusional superiority. Best ignored altogether.

Quoted from MattD

Anyway, new here so I'm not sure who is who. I've only tackled three scripts so far. Do you have a set limit of time to complete reading every script because I don't think it would be fair to leave people hanging.

Friday it is, just got the voting list via email.

Btw, welcome to SS, Matt. :)

Just submitted my choices. Felt like I made the right ones. Some entries I probably voted against the grain, others were more obvious. This challenge spawned a lot of noteworthy entries, hopefully bringing some success to everyone who participated.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

I can't figure out which one you wrote this time. Shark challenge I knew right away, even with your added secret weapon... ;)

Ughhh... I'm going to wait until last second to vote. Got quite a few more reads to fit in! :)

Quoted from LC

Friday it is, just got the voting list via email.

Hopefully Don creates a reader's choice poll so those of us who didn't write one get to vote. Still have a few more to read, but I definitely have a top 3 so far.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I can't figure out which one you wrote this time. Shark challenge I knew right away, even with your added secret weapon... ;)

No secret weapons this time, TW's probably out cruising around in that hot rod or some shit. Are you saying you didn't pick up on my scent this time... well, that's a flippin relief! Don't give up, Marnie, you were so close, LOL!

So I see a lot of people think Bert wrote Halloween Baby? Gotta check it out then.

Vote by Friday?!
Oh, man - whew!
I can read the remaining half and provide a valid vote by then.

Non-reviewing submitters are ____(adjective)___ ____(vulgar nouns)____.

Reviewers who bail at point X on page Y are providing you "bullshite" points in the submission where a producer would likely bail on your submission to spend their money.
It actually does provide a useful POV, just different from what you might have been looking for.
But there's no excuse for assigning an opinion on the writer BASED ON THE SUBMISSION.
The submission may (indeed) suck. You, the writer, are a beautiful human being. :)

I forgot - do I have to rate all, even the passes, or just considers and recommends will do?

Quoted from dead by dawn

So I see a lot of people think Bert wrote Halloween Baby? Gotta check it out then.

I doubt it was Bert now. He responded to the thread very positively. Only Jeff could be so enthused regarding his own work like that.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

Only Jeff could be so enthused regarding his own work like that.

Thank you for the compliment, my friend. You're truly a great force and a great man. I really treasure our unique relationship.

Hope you're having a great day!

Keep reading Pia you may find mine :-)

Seriously though it's nice to see non writers taking the time to read and review.

With each OWC I 'try' and end up with a script I can develope further and I've had a couple of good ones come that way. Not sure I will develop my current entry but it was good to be challenged to write.

Any chance of one around, or leading up to Christmas?

You could keep it simple and not have the voting and such hassles, but it would be nice to have the challenge.

Once again, thanks Don.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

Any chance of one around, or leading up to Christmas?
You could keep it simple and not have the voting and such hassles, but it would be nice to have the challenge. Once again, thanks Don.

The OWCs are great - they really get you thinking and give great incentive for getting a first draft done. And the boards light up like a Christmas tree - nice to see the energy and participation on SS.

Going by previous OWCs, there's often a challenge JAN/FEB. :)

Quoted from LC

Going by previous OWC's, there's often a challenge JAN/FEB. :)

Y'know what? I would actually love a OWC in Dec or early Feb. Something different from the blood n guts - proving to the masses that we are not all demented and a few doors down from the psych ward. Something....cheerful and uplifting. Christmas or Valentine themes/ Yknow. Something we all suck at :p

Or Christmas/Valentine fantasy-drama (It's A Wonderful Life type themes)

I been rewriting/revising my entry this OWC, and even though I think I'll keep it around (with a new title) I meant what I said in a previous thread. I like horror, but I'm gonna wash up the hands a little bit. I don't want to get burned out over writing horror stuff every other OWC.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Something....cheerful and uplifting.

I usually avoid that type of material... however when I do get around to watching/reading it, I'm usually impressed when it's done well. It would be a challenge, just like comedy would be. I'm up for it though. I'm up for anything, aside from porn or OTT torture.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

I mentioned recently that a Christmas OWC would be pretty awesome. Not that I don't love the Halloween one, it's just that a lot of the challenges leave most of us with pieces that were fun to write but too expensive to shoot. For example...shark week. This one too. Lots of special effects in most of them.

Christmas films are a HUGE seller. And now with the highly successful STS, maybe we could get a few shot if it were a theme directors look for. IMO the fantasy element is what makes these shorts hard to shoot. What if it were an open genre, theme would be Christmas with other parameters thrown in there. A 6 to 10 pager... "Twas the Fight Before Christmas" -- There has to be a fight. LOL. That's a start...

It's late. I may be talking gibberish. :P

Long as it's not Comedy. I think Comedy is one of the hardest genres to write.

I wouldn't mind a Christmas OWC as long as it was pretty broad in theme. Don't know about the 'fight' thing Marnie - mind you people get very heated around the festive season - Christmas Fight Club , there's an idea. :D

Suppose it depends on if Don has the energy after this lot, but I'm hoping at least for JAN/FEB.

I would want Christmas OWC very much. Christmas features sell, shorts sprout features = writing Christmas shorts is goot. I like, I like.

Darren's idea - Christmas or Valentine is very good as well. Maybe we could have a choice between the two...

Just write a Christmas script if you want to. There isn't anything stopping you. Just avoid writing about a man and his sack.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

Just write a Christmas script if you want to. There isn't anything stopping you. Just avoid writing about a man and his sack.

Some people work better with a deadline and parameters. I know I do. A lot of my features originated with shorts I wrote for time sensitive challenges. I totally doesn't work when I give myself a deadline. I wish it did.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Great idea. I love Christmas films.

My first OWC was a Valentines Day themed one. Mine turned into a serial killer script...

We also did a Christmas 7WC ones. Mine turned into a demented story at a hospital full of killers....

There's just no help for some of us. ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear

;D I got a chuckle out of that. Well done.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

I was concerned about my "dark side" until I met some of you sicko's. :P ;D

I love the idea of another OWC for Christmas. I'll take any excuse.

If anyone wants to cleanse their pallette of horror, I have a goofy and kinda emotional holiday short. Cough, shameless plug. You can click for it in my signature thingy down there. It's called HOLY 3D CHRISTMAS!

I think you'll like it, especially if you're a fan of 80s / 90s flavour.

Quoted from PrussianMosby

...they've even thrown it into this Guess Who thread to make jokes about it...

Which post was that, mate?

Yeah I think I know which one it is now. I've already voted anyway so it doesn't matter if I know who wrote what.

If it is the one I'm thinking about... well done, your English has improved a lot. Sorry I didn't like your story this time around. I'm also extremely juvenile, I can accept that.

... I wasn't here...

... or here.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

That 6 week challenge was cool. It resulted in what I consider my best comedy feature 'Headlong'. It was ironic though - I was 'allowed' to not set it at Christmas as the weather would've made the story pretty well logistically impossible lol. Something like that.

Yeah that was a neat horror by you, Pia. I think about 6 of us wrote for the challenge from memory? And they were all good work

Quoted from mmmarnie

I was concerned about my "dark side" until I met some of you sicko's. :P ;D

Ah, welcome to the club. Although, don't *dare* me to go head to head with anyone on the sicko challenge. Seriously.... :P

There's absolutely no good reason why serial killers can't enjoy a little Christmas cheer.

Quoted from MattD

There's absolutely no good reason why serial killers can't enjoy a little Christmas cheer.

Indeed. Although I think their idea of cheer compared to ours would be rather different.

R

WTF?  Obviously missing what's going on here with Prussian and Siam.

I was worried I had said something that had pissed off Mr. Prussian.  Or maybe Pia pissed him off.  Dena?  Probably Stevie, even though he hasn't read a single fucking OWC entry...probably becuase he can't get over the fact my RAMS crushed his tattooed pathetic Niners.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

A few more to read.  So far, I have 2 considers and 3 recommends.  And guess what?  I gave my stinker a big old pass!  Don't believe me, Dustin?  Ask Don when it's all over, you little, tiny, bald person.

Quoted from Dreamscale

WTF? Obviously missing what's going on here with Prussian and Siam.

For real...are you guys fighting?

Quoted from Prussian

First I was surprised the mods left your comment which said my script's like eating beans and go shitting afterwards...

Trust me -- I did not see anything like this --and yes, it is totally unacceptable while being kind of hilarious at the same time.

But unacceptable, nevertheless!

Which is a shame, as I am totally at a loss as to what a moderator should be doing about any of this...

Suggestions, anyone?

Quoted from bert

Suggestions, anyone?

Some artists paint masterpieces with poop.

I read through these comments in regards to this twice and I couldn't quite figure out what was going. Nor do I have any idea what script Prussian is talking about. I try to read all the posts here, but obviously, I must have missed something here as well.

Seems to me someone didn't like the comments on his script and thinks members here have followers that just follow their lead with their comments. That's what I got out of this....

Bert, Prussian should direct you to the quotable line that offends via PM if it's on the actual script thread. Jmo.

Interesting that Jeff thought he might have been responsible. ;D

I wish there wasn't fighting here. That's what private messages are for, right. Haha. I jest.

I agree with one point though. It's about reviews. I always write mine before I read others. It helps me stay focused. I don't worry about opposing views. That's art, right. And occasionally I feel embarrassed or like an ass when my opinion is opposite the majority. But sometimes a different interpretation sparks me to read that script again. So I see some positives in review before you read other people's.

It'd be cool if you could only read reviews after your posted one. Like it would somehow unlock. I'm not too tech savvy so maybe this is super hard to do. Just a thought.

It sucks to get a negative review. I get it. I'd say try and understand the negativity. You never know it might help somehow.

Cheers all..
Dan

Quoted from PrussianMosby

My script is as art as eating beans and go shitting.

And that, good readers, is the quote of this OWC. Now if I only knew what script he was talking about.

Quoted from Ryan1

And that, good readers, is the quote of this OWC. Now if I only knew what script he was talking about.

Yes, me 13!

BTW, I did not say at any time anything about shitting and/or eating beans, so maybe for once, I am not to blame? That would be nice...and sweet...and cool...to eat...IT'S HALLOWEEN, BABY!!!!

BOOYA!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from bert

... while being kind of hilarious at the same time.

Yeah, it is. After a while I've seen it with humor.

@Pia and Bert

There's no need to delete a comment, don't do it, it's freedom of speech and it has already been modified anyway.

Also, it wasn't the point why I've brought something on the table at all.

Why I had to say something; it's about the following run of events.

1. let's say someone didn't like my script

2. they took their opinions to this "guess who" thread.

At this point I never would intervene. I swear I wouldn't. It's an adult game somehow, a hard game.

At
3 I do (and maybe only today): Suddenly my script gets positive feedback, I'm not sure how positive, but it broke with the negative vibe and people start to see it from another perspective. Now, those peops came again to my thread and take another influence, and I don't think "they're coming for the script's best"

For me, that last step is a bit too crazy. Just for me. That's me. It doesn't offend me, but it's too crazy, only the last step. No, too crazy. And so I brought it all onto the table.

I won't regret it. Still, I'm going to delete all the other stuff I wrote here. I don't feel comfortable with it myself now. So, don't worry about me. I'm doing enough things and don't want to judge that way I did here. I'm not angry about anyone, not AsfarasSiam or anyone else.

Wow...

Don, Bert,

My apologies for turning this thread into a Vomitorium; it was never was my intention.

Alex,

My previous comments were completely unwarranted, immature, and condescending. Please feel free to spam my inbox with messages of how much of a complete asshole I am... I deserve it.

These OWCs are always sort of a rough and tumble event. I thought this one went smoother than most of them. I think some people might be reading deeper into posts than needed.

I don't think anyone here has a big following and other members just follow their lead as far as reviewing goes.

Me personally, I have read mostly scripts where I knew the writer, but my comments were completely void of any favoritism. In fact, one of my favorite writers got a diss from me.

Sometimes, people like our scripts, sometimes not. I never think it's for personal reasons.

Having said that, if I read insulting comments to the writer like the one mentioned above, I would've asked the reader to edit their comment or delete it. When I got this prestigious job, all I was told was that no personal insults were allowed. :)

@Rick

I'm sorry too

and I accept your apology.

I think it's good we argued with each other, speak to each other. At the end of the day I'm responsible for the stuff I'm saying and I behaved like an asshole.

We should all just have a big make-up sex orgy.

Lol, this place is surreal... ya gotta love it.

Quoted from bert

If someone said that about my script, I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it hilarious.

People should make their reviews like that more often.

I had a script here reviewed so horrible, it warranted another member to start a thread on overwriting - a tribute to how much I suck lol! I was so embarrassed -

DING DONG! Oh! It's Marnie, hold on a sec...

"Yeah, I'm here for the gang bang?"

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

"Yeah, I'm here for the gang bang?"

Can I bring my bat? I clean it thoroughly after each use...

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

Very nice of you to host it, Johnny. While we wait for others to show up, he's entertaining me with a Samurai dance and asked me to call him Sambito.

Quoted from Angry Bat Toting Bear

Can I bring my bat? I clean it thoroughly after each use...

:o :o :o :X :X

Quoted from Batgirl

Can I bring my bat? I clean it thoroughly after each use...

Are we talkin Louisville Slugger or winged creature of the night? Either or, I'm outta fucking batteries.

Quoted from Take a number

Very nice of you to host it, Johnny. While we wait for the others to show up, he's entertaining me with a Samurai dance and asked me to call him Sambito.

No problem. We're having a potluck afterwards. Crazy you showing up as "To Catch a Predator".

Heading to the airport now. Amuse yourselves for the next 15 hours but don't fall asleep.

Quoted from stevie

Heading to the airport now. Amuse yourselves for the next 15 hours but don't fall asleep.

Have fun Jetsetter! Hope you're off somewhere nice. :)

Quoted from stevie

Heading to the airport now. Amuse yourselves for the next 15 hours but don't fall asleep.

We'll keep the light on. Just look for the disco ball.

Quoted from mmmarnie

We should all just have a big make-up sex orgy.

In other words, business as usual.
Because y'know we all have some fun
havin' sum fun with everyone! ;D

Quoted from LC

Have fun Jetsetter! Hope you're off somewhere nice. :)

Am off to Marnie's orgy, Lib. If it looks like being a good one, will hang around :P till April next year then fly directly to Istanbul. No sense in wasting air time is there? Lol

Quoted from Dreamscale

A few more to read. So far, I have 2 considers and 3 recommends. And guess what? I gave my stinker a big old pass! Don't believe me, Dustin? Ask Don when it's all over, you little, tiny, bald person.

I actually don't care what you did with your story. It's not like anyone else is going to vote for you.

I always give mine a 'did not read'. If I was Don, I'd knock an extra point off if people had the nerve to vote for their own.

I know what Prussian is talking about in regards to reviews. I see it all the time... people do copy other reviews and are influenced by them.

Can't be helped. Most try not to be swayed... but it's not easy. I'm swayed by them too and I literally have to remind myself that that is their opinion. Not only are people swayed to mimic other reviews but they can also be swayed to do the opposite depending on whether they like the previous reviewer or not.

It's psychology. We can't help it... even when we try.

Are any other girls going to be attending the orgy, or will this be a sausagefest?

I'm assuming Stevie will be wearing the classic 80's cutoff jean shorts with no underwear, correct? Dustin will enjoy that! ;D ;D

Light at the end of the tunnel!

26 down.
10 to go!

A few good stories in here.
Many visually rich scenes offered. Very nice. Excellent. Appreciated.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

I know what Prussian is talking about in regards to reviews. I see it all the time... people do copy other reviews and are influenced by them.

Yeah, this is why I work in a hole.
I copy all the submissions from the master page, screenplay links and all, paste them directly to a google drive document, alphabetize and number them, then just compose all my reviews without really ever looking to see WTH the rest of you (madmen) are up too.

Ya'lls "cute" little bitchfests in this thread regarding (avoidable) undue influence of previous opinions are mild amusement bordering on irritating.

Work in a hole, folks.
Work in a hole.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Story of Dustin's sex life, except there ain't no light coming out of the A-holes he plays in.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Jeff, I know how hard you've had it recently, losing your job, your home, the gf leaving you for a lesbian, so I won't mention how extra bad things are now with the bully Ledbetter riding your ass. He made lots of promises about being equals, doubtless while whispering sweet nothings in between nibbles on your ear. 50-50 all the way, he said. Now where are you? Little better than his teaboy hanging around for any scraps he might toss (forgive the pun) your way.

I would say how the mighty have fallen... but you haven't exactly fallen very far, indeed, it may even be a step up. Good for you, Jeff!

Taking it too far, Dustin.

Jeff has conniptions when I delete posts directed at him, preferring to respond himself.

Otherwise, this post would be long gone. And it probably will be soon, anyway.

Yes, it was Jeff who stirred the pot -- but objectively, you probably already know this is too far outside Don's boundaries.

Please exercise a bit more judgment in the future -- consider your wrist slapped -- and thanks in advance.

Agreed.

I always thought this was a script writing site....and that's how it should remain.

I started it, but obviously, I was joking.  I'm pretty sure Dustin knows that by now.

All in good fun, unless it stops being good fun.  No problem here.

On a side note, I've commented on every single script.  I will be submitting my votes later today.

I have 3 recommends and 4 considers.  All 3 recommends could easily be just considers and 2 of the 4 considers could easily be passes.  Mine got a big fat pass, as it deserves.

Good job to everyone who played along this OWC.  Some good efforts on a tough challenge.

Not sure how what I said is worse... but I didn't mean it harshly. I'm pretty sure that thing with Ledbetter nor the other stuff is actually happening/happened. I made it up.

30 read.
6 to go.

BTW, jury duty futzes up a week's plan. FYI.

Good luck on the duty Ray

Hope you get to finished them

Thank you, sir!

Beginning to read the last one now.
Will post comments shortly afterwards if the creek don't rise! :D

P.S. We, the jury, ruled in the plaintiff's favor!

Oh boy, looks like my last review has been deleted.

I guess this means I was incorrect about it being a pisser? In my defense, I'll have to quote Mr. John lennon himself...

"Well, I'm not the only one."

If that be the case, shouldn't a whole lot more on this thread also be deleted?

My apologies to the writer, as I thought this was all in good fun. Guess I wasted 45 minutes or so of my life...

All done.

Sure to have offended someone or several.
Sorry.
Otherwise, I hope my comments and suggestions provide some benefit much like everyone else's.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful time and attention.

:)

Good job, Ray.  Always nice to see someone reading and commenting on every submission.  Wish more would do the same.

Sad, as always, as there seems to be so many who entered and didn't post a single comment.  These fuckers should be banned from entering in the future.

My apologies to anyone who was offended or didn't appreciate my comments...on their own thread or any other.  I sometimes try and joke around a bit, but from my end, it's all in good fun and actually meant to bring up things that need bringing up.

I hold myself to the same standards as everyone else and openly admit my entry was a pile of shit and I do truly apologize for that.

Looking forward to the reveal. Please feel free to bash my script all you want once you know it's mine...if you haven't already.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Yes, this includes Dustin, who may go for a 4 page rape and pillage, including pictures of Donald Pleasence and/or Jack Palance for extra added cheese.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Bring it on, peeps.  No sheep, though, please.

Johnny O -- Da Horns.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Johnny O -- Da Horns.

Incorrect...

Quoted from mmmarnie

Johnny O -- Da Horns.

Da Horns was a nice piece of writing. But as Jeff says, and I quote -

Quoted from Jeff totally 'mommy-armed' my entry

Incorrect...

Which makes me wonder if Jeff knows what I wrote, or he knows da pen of da horns...

Well, it was the last one I read and the only one I thought was yours! If it isn't then you really bluffed me!!

Maybe Jeff is Da Psychic. :P

May be Johnny O - Halloween Baby.

Are you, Johnny? If you don't answer - it's a yes. No it's not a yes, it's a YES!!

I can't believe I finally found the writer of Halloween Baby. Hi. Im Khamanna. heehee

Quoted from khamanna

May be Johnny O - Halloween Baby.

Good guess - not sure if I want to fully deny that one. But it wouldn't be fair to the writer if I took imaginary credit lol!

Are you sure you didn't write it? I still have my money on you.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

Are you sure you didn't write it? I still have my money on you.

I'm not sure either.
It's been a week, my memory is weak.

Oh, look, I'm rhyming! I can't wait to find out if I wrote that one.

Voted.

4 Recommends
3 Considers

Pass on my own (sub par) submission.

Quoted from khamanna

Oh, look, I'm rhyming!

You�re a poet!
You didn�t even know it
Here, have some Haiku

Maybe Don wrote Halloween Baby?????

I think I've read 10 so far - going to try and do 2 more tonight, so at least I'll have read a third of the entries.

Not great, I know, but it's been a busy week. I'll catch up and return reads once the names have been revealed.

There have been some brilliant entries, though, really creative and imaginative with the limitations - and generally this seems to have been a more pleasant and productive OWC than some I remember in the past! Group hug?

Quoted from JonnyBoy

this seems to have been a more pleasant and productive OWC than some I remember in the past! Group hug?

You missed the orgy.

Quoted from mmmarnie

You missed the orgy.

I do hope this is a euphemism.

R

Quoted from rendevous

I do hope this is a euphemism.

R

Nope, you missed the real thing.

Quoted from DustinBowcot

Nope, you missed the real thing.

Stevie even ~~came~~ arrived in his little shorts.

That was one hell of an orgy! Marnie, your stuffed peppers were magically delicious. Everyone there was wanting seconds.

My sincere apology to anyone still pulling splinters out from my bat! Not my intention at all!!! I'll sand it down before next time...

Quoted from mmmarnie

Stevie even ~~came~~ arrived in his little shorts.

No, the original shorts were confiscated by U.S. Homeland Security. Something about a danger to the psyche of the American public.

I can't get my bearings.

They're in your sock drawer.

I'm afraid to look in there.

Quoted from Ryan1

No, the original shorts were confiscated by U.S. Homeland Security. Something about a danger to the psyche of the American public.

I'm in denim short lockdown for the G20 in Brisbane this week. US Marines are making sure I don't get within 75 kms of Obama.

Quoted from Stumpzian

I'm afraid to look in there.

said Jeff's last date...

Quoted from stevie

said Jeff's last date...

as she glances down at the monsterous bulge in his white Speedo suit.

And then, quite suddenly, there's the telltale...

RIP...POP...BOING!!!!

And the Speedos are no more.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale

as she glances down at the monsterous bulge in his white Speedo suit.

And then, quite suddenly, there's the telltale...

... sock drawer.

;)

Just chiming in... and not about that orgy.

I've just submitted the rankings / considerations. A lot of strong stuff this OWC. I weighted my considerations and such with challenge parameters in mind... along with rewrite possibilities.

There was just 1 for me that totally missed the mark. Chalk that up to just me not getting the humour, not indicative of writing capability.

I'm more a fan of concept and (for the genre) atmosphere. If you look at my reviews and ratings they should reflect that. I've completed all reviews. If you're missing mine it'll be up tomorrow afternoon after voting closes. I just didn't wanna fake review my own short, so I purposely didn't post all of them. That said...

2 recommends, and a whopping 12 considers.

Good work everyone. As always, I for one, had a blast...
Dan

12 considers?  Really?   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Wow...guess lots of peeps will be craqving more of your reviews, bro.  Really?

So, 14 of 36 or so 1 week scripts, many by first time writers, get a consider or better?  Damn, almost 50%!  Wow...sorry, but that it is rather redonkulous, if you ask this kid.

IMO, you're blowing alot of shit up the asses of peeps who'd rather hear the reality of their writing.

So -- you're saying Last Fountain's recommends are basically BS?

I noticed in voting email that considered scripts would include those that were entertaining even if all parameters weren't a 100% successful in this regard.

Henry, I know, eh...

So, greetings, Dreamscale, you haved provoked a reaction. No worries. This reple is just more for others, I suppose...

If you look to my reviews I feel you can get understanding on my opinions. Most of those considers were rated 2.5 out of 5. So consider that, as well, if you will.

My highest rating given was a 4. So not a lot of high-grade smoke. Hehehe.

In my defence, only three 3.5s, if I remember correctly. Perhaps, 2 recommends, and 3 considers would have the opposite effect. That said, I chose to interpret consider to include what could be done upon further revisions.

I hope I do get requests for reviews actually. Heh, Dreamscale, I hope mine was satisfactory. I enjoy the process as it also allows me to reflect on my own writing. I consider the effect of primarily negative criticism. And I enjoy giving constructive criticism and possible suggestions to the writer. Even if it's more of a poor script, I always finish the read, in the hopes that others would afford me the same gratitude.

As far as blowing smoke up asses... man, I wasn't even at that orgy... um, you get me...

jestfully yours
Dan

The other thing is Last Fountain actually read the scripts.

R

These are the directions Don gave:

Please rate the scripts as either Pass, Consider, Recommend.
"Pass" - Didn't like it, didn't fit the theme or genre.
"Consider" - Liked the script, but it didn't fit the theme/genre or fit the theme/genre and with a little work, could be a 'Recommend'
"Recommend" pretty much fit the theme/genre and I really liked the script.

By the way, Skippy (Ren) quite a few of us read them all. Having said that I wasn't quite as liberal as Daniel with my voting.

And who knows, Don may still be putting out a call for 'readers choice' top 3. I think that's what happened last time.

Well...hopefully, you all do get me, and in that you get the reality of what I say, be it positive, or be it negative.

It's funny, actually, because we have a classic tale of 2 cities here - the glowing positive and the smoldering negative - yet, the 2 seem to live and brathe in the exact same scripts. How can this be?

I'm totally cool with the hate installed upon me.  I really am.  I won't change and I won't bow down and give in to mediocracy or downright shit.  I do understand the exact opposite and the wanting of praise and recodnition.

It's all a matter of opinion, and when it's all said and done, each of us will decide where that thin line, actually lies...or is it lays?   ;D ;D ;D ;D

You can love me, you can hate me, but either way, listen to me.  I'm not the end all, and as I always say, it's simply my opinion, but...and this is a BIG BUT...I do know what I'm saying, and I mean to help.

Early morning, everyone.

Think the reveal should be soon...

I put in my votes yesterday - started all scripts, finished 27 and therefore voted on 27. Not sure how many I reviewed, 20ish probably. I was rather lenient with my votes, tried to take into account the restrictions and the 1 week deadline and judge them comparing to their competition along with a few bias considers and 1 bias recommend. Total of 3 recommends, would have probably been just 1, maybe 2 otherwise.

The OWC was a great experience and I'm glad to have taken part, even though I'm rather convinced that my entry was crap. ;D It's definitely on the worse side of the entries. But who cares, onwards and upwards. Maybe next OWC I'll manage to churn out something decent.

Thanks to Don once again.

Dream...

I've said it before in a posting. I think your full reviews are good. There's always a positive, right. What I like is how you say it how it is. I also mentioned Dustin in that post. Even the negative stuff you've written about my writing has helped. And I'm not being facetious. So i do understand your point about keepin it real.

I wasn't trying to install hate on you. I was defending myself to others who may read your words as truth.

I would assume a 5 star rating to be a glowing positive review. If I remember correctly a lot of my reviews this OWC were a glowing 2 stars. Now, just there, that was facetious.

In all seriousness, I hope you don't take this post as hating on you. I really did just want to paint a fuller picture in my defence.

Hope this is squashed...

I look forward to a top 3 vote. That's a good idea to get every reader a say...
Dan

Quoted from DS

The OWC was a great experience and I'm glad to have taken part, even though I'm rather convinced that my entry was crap. ;D It's definitely on the worse side of the entries. But who cares, onwards and upwards. Maybe next OWC I'll manage to churn out something decent.

Thanks to Don once again.

Mine is on the worse side also. The other day on Facebook, I vowed to never attempt another horror again. Def not my thang. ;)

Quoted from mmmarnie

Mine is on the worse side also. The other day on Facebook, I vowed to never attempt another horror again. Def not my thang. ;)

Blood in, blood out. Sorry, but we play for keeps.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Mine is on the worse side also. The other day on Facebook, I vowed to never attempt another horror again. Def not my thang. ;)

Yeah, this challenge put me off writing horror as well. Can't say I've ever cared for the genre much. I find it to be a challenging genre to get right, I tip my hat to anyone that can pull it off.

Look forward to seeing which one was yours - I think I had a thought at a point that you wrote Conversion. Not too familiar with your work though, I've only read the feature featured on STS. I've forgotten the name, now. Too lazy to look it up. ;)

Quoted from Dreamscale

I was eagerly looking forward to your review on my entry and I think whether people get pissed or not at them, that kind of a review is useful to get. In the end you can take or leave it, depending on how much you agree with... There will be "Dreamscale" producers/filmmakers out there who will harshly close the script at these small things without giving the story a chance. I don't know if many, but there will be. I definitely expect some amateur filmmakers that hang around SS to do exactly that. Especially considering the /unpro section has no guarantee of quality.

I can see the controversy and the reasoning for why writers take it negatively, but, I for one think I get you and appreciate the angle of reviews you offer.

Quoted from Last Fountain

Dan, I don't know you, nor do I have anything against you.  I honestly don't.

My point is, and always has been that, there are well written scripts,and there are poorly written scrpts.  There is good writing, and there is poor wiriting. There are well thought out stories that make sense, and there are examples of very poor thought out stories that make no sense.

To constantly be the voice of all that is good and great, does not benefit those that need help...and need to know that what they threw together needs serious help, or downright criticism.

IMO, and in all honesty, the most negative reviews you'll ever get, may just be the best feedback you'll ever get, because if it makes sense, and if it's real, you'll understand something that you didn't, and hopefully, you'll make the changes that could move you forward.

Again, we're talking about a 1 week challenge, in which we're given a genre and paramaters that we're maybe not all that pleased with, and in 1 week, we have to produce, not only a story that works, but also, and IMO, more importanty, writing that is strong and doesn't turn off potential readers.

I was extremely kind on my 7 potential consider/recommends...extremely kind!  Dude, you voted almost half of the entries in!  Really?  Is 2.5 or 3 of 5, which is 50% or 60%, something you want to champion?  C'mon, bro.  Love the long, detailed reviews, but very few bring up anything that the writers really need to hear.

Hope you understand and "get me".  No bad blood on my part, but IMO, this and all feedback needs to be a little more reality based.

As a whole, let's just say you'll average 20 reviews/notes from 20 different angles - unmatched. I mean let's be honest, if we had 20 Jeff's reviewing... well, that's not exactly the circle of life.

I've read almost everyone's feedback here, it's tremendous. No doubt if you take what's constuctive, you'll have something that sizzles.

Quoted from mmmarnie

Mine is on the worse side also. The other day on Facebook, I vowed to never attempt another horror again. Def not my thang. ;)

For a few weeks now, I thought I was getting burned out. Then I finished my rewrite, and I made it more graphic, disgusting and vile. It went an extra three pages with new dialog, which helps, and as I was making the corrections - and new title - I thought...I got a funny feeling some joker's gonna see the new shit and say make the sucker 80 pages more!

The only reason why I liked the OWC is because there was a sub genre of horror which I hadn't really done yet. I can kind of see why too- it divides a lot of peeps.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

What up, bro? Hope all is well. I'm hoping and assuming that yours was 1 that I sent forward. ????

Dream...

I agree with you on that last post. You made a lot og good points there. Seriously.

I hope my feedback did help somewhat though. I was aware I might sound all glowing. I decided to add a star rating to convey my feelings as a whole. I do try and make a point to mention the larger negatives in a short. Maybe it's the Canadian upbringing but I prefer to focus on positives, or ways to work on negatives. The star rating was intended as a clear cut judgement, in case the mentions of what worked overshadowed comments on what didn't.

Again, you just made some good points about negative feedback helping a writer. I concur.

When the reveal occurs you'll see what I wrote. And I really did appreciate your notes. You gave me really well balanced feedback. You illuminated some weaknesses and several ways for me to improve my writing. if I didn't already I'll give more feedback to help yours too once it's revealed.

Dan

Quoted from Dreamscale

What up, bro? Hope all is well. I'm hoping and assuming that yours was 1 that I sent forward. ????

Not much. You?

I'm almost positive you didn't. But you did stand your ground, and in the end - like the others - I believe I got Jeffed. Real talk though, this was an odd OWC for me. Submitting my work, I literally told myself - there it is, have at it you fucking vultures! Haha! I was fully prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo

I was fully prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I'm never prepared for the ugly and I got some serious ugly this time around. Fuc#in ugly...Fugly.

Hey, I got all the ugly my shifest deserved..actually, it deserved much more!   ;D ;D ;D

Dan, we be cool in my mind.  I'm interested to find out what you write and what I said.  No more needs to be said on mine, but I do look forward to a 3 or 4 page Justin Star Trek beatdown, if he has the time.

Johnny, sorry if I was not positive on yours, bro, but I have a feeling whether or not I was outright positive, yours most likely had more than something that rocked.  We'll see, huh?

Bedtime for Bonzo.  Take care, SS.

Ugh, I go to bed and it's a party here - I'm 10 hours away see. And I missed the whole orgy thing. Ahh, I'd totally rock it, being sexy and all.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

I finished my rewrite, and I made it more graphic, disgusting and vile. It went an extra three pages with new dialog, which helps, and as I was making the corrections - and new title - I thought...I got a funny feeling some joker's gonna see the new shit and say make the sucker 80 pages more!
.

Aga - got you! Exchange Student.

In the end, I went for seven considers and two recommends.

I could have gone the same route as Daniel to be honest...there were stories that I gave a pass to that were certainly worthy of being considered to be turned into films, but I went with a strict interpretation of the rules to narrow it down.

The standard on here is very high these days. Absolutely everyone can write. Out of all the scripts I read, I think I only got lost twice. In the past I would have to re-read parts of scripts to work out what was going on.

Submitted my scores yesterday.

Only got through 20 something of the scripts in the end. Things just got in the way. So sorry to anyone that didn't get a read from me.

Might not be around later for the big reveal. Again, things getting in the way. Just want to say a big thanks to everyone who took the time to read and review my work. I got something out of every one of them and I appreciate it so much. Some great people round here.

Huge thanks to Don too for giving me the opportunity to take part. For a beginner, like myself, it is priceless experience.

Overall, thanks everyone! Legends! ;)

Glenn.

Quoted from khamanna

.

Aga - got you! Exchange Student.

You're kidding, right? I thought everyone knew which one I wrote by now. But that wasn't it.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

You're kidding, right? I thought everyone knew which one I wrote by now. But that wasn't it.

Well, maybe one of my other 5 guesses was right. I did say Fair Trade and you didn't comment on that one.

But how the others are supposed to know? Unless you screamed the title at the orgy or something - I missed the orgy. I sleep during the day - different time zone.

must be time to out ourselves....err...you know what i mean.

i wonder if Don can post a who wrote what today?

Official outting will likely be after writer's choice voting.

Quoted from khamanna

Y'wanna know what I screamed at the orgy?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

And I already said Trade wasn't mine. However, at the Orge, there was a lot of that... Fair Tradin'. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Jeff limped home early, so I heard.

I'm curious, has there ever been a owc when the writers were not anonymous?

I only ask since it'll be one less thing for Don to do. It' kinda of fun but, I imagine it to be a chore for Don. Anonymous or not, we're still going to tear apart the script. lol.

Quoted from Mr.Ripley

I think there was a non-anonymous OWC a couple years ago. Just wasn't the same, as I recall. Knowing the authors will usually affect the reviews.

Okay, Don, time to lift the curtain and reveal those names. Some of these scripts have really got me curious.

Quoted from Ryan1

I think there was a non-anonymous OWC a couple years ago. Just wasn't the same, as I recall. Knowing the authors will usually affect the reviews.

Yep, it wouldn't be half as much fun, imh.

Quoted from Ryan1

Okay, Don, time to lift the curtain and reveal those names. Some of these scripts have really got me curious.

Me too!
Don loves to be the master of suspense, I reckon. :)

If we could get some sound effects of a drumroll...lol.

Quoted from Mr.Ripley

If we could get some sound effects of a drumroll...lol.

http://www.freesound.org/people/qubodup/sounds/182442/

Gopherit!

Nice drumroll. Am watching...

Turned my screenplay into a short film!

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1413583373/s-84/highlight-/#num84

For Jeff!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g4NFsD_pPA

;D

I can't wait...I have to reveal...I wrote "Demon Orgy: Curse of the Splintered Bat".

I'm afraid I didn't get to read that submission.

Hmm... :-/

Come on Don!

Time to out the folks.

Quoted from mmmarnie

I can't wait...I have to reveal...I wrote "Demon Orgy: Curse of the Splintered Bat".

Inspired a short:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj07HfKzNMQ

HOLY CRAP, RAY!! LOLOLOLOL!! Although I think Pia deserves some credit...she's the one who brought the splintered bat. :P

Well, that nice boy with a bat in my avatar is the main character in my film scream for me.The bat was used in the most horrific way in that film. Ray'slittle short film is the PG version of the bat use. ;D

Is it just me or despite this OWC's demanding criteria do you guys keep thinking of new ways to approach the criteria that honestly are not derivatives of your own submission or that of any of the others you've read?

I keep thinking of new stories.
About half dozen by now.
It's weird.
I don't understand it.

Oh! And I'm glad you guys enjoyed the short. :)

Quoted from RayW

I can only speak for myself. Well, I could speak for others, but I doubt they'd like that.

Anyway, I always write something new for the OWC, a script that isn't based on anything I've written. Not to do so wouldn't be playing the game properly.

R

Quoted from RayW

It's just you.
I think of new stories all the time, just not under these conditions.
I rewrite all the time and it's like I never left, but I wouldn't rewrite under the these conditions.

I had a section of one of my feature length scripts, Pumpkinseeds (itself an expansion of a OWC from a few years back) which fit the criteria. So I wasn't 100% on board to begin with. I try like crazy not to repeat the same gags.

That section of the expanded Pumpkinseeds went like this : a Pumpkin patch with an accelerated growth rate is a portal to a never-aging mystical forest. The evil witch and her Goblin helper Gilt plant cursed masks in the patch so that the tweens can take them. (The duo has already kidnapped two of the adults by this time. One was turned into a gingerbread man, the other a living pumpkinheaded scarecrow) The kids discover the masks and all who wear them are subject to mind control and/or transformation into the mask they choose. In other words a "vampire mask" the kid becomes a vampire, a "wicked witch" mask the girl becomes an Old Hag Broom Hilda type and so on. The entire event takes place on Halloween, of course. In this seven page section of the script, only one character, the tween protagonist hero, talks. The Witch and her Goblin's motivation is revenge on the kids' parents who escaped the magic forest 15 years prior.

But I gave the OWC some thought and went for a horror subgenre I hadn't done yet. I did a revision about a few days ago and I found myself ditching some of the OWC requirements, specifically the one character talkinfh restriction. However, when I added dialog to other characters, I sighed. Maybe these nutjobs were better off keeping thier traps shut..Characters speak, shifting focus away from the characters I originally had focus on. Few days after that revision, it just bugs the bejezzus outta me. The revision to this OWC sub is starting to say, MORE. MORE. MORE.
GORE GORE GORE

Well, not exactly that, but close enough.
I'll probably hit Don with another resubmit anyway since the recent upload, to my horror, carried two title pages in the PDF. Not as bad as the surreal one that was almost subbed the first time around...

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