The voices in my head told me to vote zero tolerance, but I will admit to taking a perverse pleasure in seeing a script and author get decimated. It's like dead baby jokes; completely wrong, but amusing.

Wow where did this thread come from?

It seems everyone has had their say and there have been some knives in backs too.  I get the feeling this thread has an alternative motive. Rather than being about script bashing it's more about the people who script bash?

Personally I feel sometimes the bashing can go too far. I have been on the end of some harsh critique but I have to admit that it has always been with good advice too.
If a review offers advice to improve it at least gives the writer something positive and they can't see it as positive then they should take off the blinkers. When we write a script we surely know not everyone will like it and so must accept we are going to receive some negative feedback.

I don't however like the bandwagon that people like to jump on.  Scoob mentioned it  and he's right.  Too many people read a bad review and then feel the need to simply write 'This sucks arse' and so on. I don't think is helpful in the slightest.  Some people here are getting a bad press but I think they do offer some good advice too.

If a script does suck and the writer doesn't even appear on the boards then why not just leave the script alone and leave no feedback?

I think this thread might run and run.....

Quoted from alffy If a script does suck and the writer doesn't even appear on the boards then why not just leave the script alone and leave no feedback?

My money is on the writer has been scared off due to the harsh reviews his script has received.  This is the opposite of what this board is about.

Now that the votes are in (so to speak), will there be a policy change on the boards?


Phil

My opinion is if someone likes my story, Great! If they dont, well thats cool to. Art is very subjective.

I really dont get into grammar "correcting" since the definition of "right grammar" isnt something that even the most educated grammarian's can agree on now, or for the past two thousand years. Just try and spell things right! (something I need to work on.)

Also I found it funny how things are changing as far as the Structure of a Screenplay goes. Things that where thought of as serious violations just a few years ago are now becoming more common. Its weird.

My advise is JUST WRITE!

Quoted from alffy It seems everyone has had their say and there have been some knives in backs too.  I get the feeling this thread has an alternative motive. Rather than being about script bashing it's more about the people who script bash?

I`m gonna jump on your bandwagon and say you`re totally right. Everyone seems more concerned about bashing each other and clearing each other`s names, rather than the topic itself.

My own opinion is that newbies need guidance, alot of their scripts include format issues, grammar, CAPS, underlining and spelling mistakes let alone the actual story itself. They need pointed in the right direction and I don`t care if they don`t return feedback, I just avoid the ones who tell me I have to read their scripts and don`t participate at all.

If it`s an experienced writer and their script is total garbage, ill let them know, but an experienced writer shouldn`t have the issues a newbie has and so the review is more spent on the story.

Just avoid really nasty comments please, I know a lot of it is in jest, but some people don`t have strong backs or a sense of humor.  

Mark

Mark

Quoted from alffy I get the feeling this thread has an alternative motive.

If you are looking in my direction with that comment, I assure you that was not my intent, and I find it unfortunate that detour was taken.

In fairness, I can also see how you might think that -- but there are legions "guilty" of this at various times and we all know it.

Quoted from Phil Now that the votes are in (so to speak), will there be a policy change on the boards?

I kind of think that time may have arrived, and the tally is pretty clear -- provided that people really meant what they voted. I hope so.

The main thing I take away from the conversation is this:  Every new script from a new unknown author should be treated as a potential new member.  Please do not take a total dump on them.

Helio always springs to mind during these conversations.  Generally acknowledged as a fine storyteller, though his English is a bit wonky.  How would he be received on the boards today?

I think I will be taking these forward -- in an attempt to make the board more professional and just a little more welcoming in general:

*  For unknown authors, if you cannot say something instructive or encouraging, say nothing.  It will have to be case-by-case, but I (and the other mods) will be judging a little more critically going forward, and if the post comes up missing you'll probably know why.
*  For unknown authors, one totally negative review is enough.  Until the author shows up, do not pile on -- or at the very least, your post should bring something new to the table.
*  These rules do not apply to known members who post a turd; gloves remain off, as we assume they can take it and would want to know.
*  If it is an author who posts numerous scripts and never shows his face on the boards, again, one post alerting others to this fact is enough.

Always remember that Shorts with no activity sink off the boards pretty fast; ask yourself "Are my comments really important enough to bump this awful script to the very top of the heap -- or is it better if it just gets slowly flushed away?"

Any additional thoughts or some disagreement with this?

Quoted from bert Any additional thoughts or some disagreement with this?

Sounds reasonable. I'm not a member of Movie Poet, but people act as though it's so much more civilized there. Is that true? If so, why do you think that is?

I'd guess it's because most of the scripts are written by participating board members. You have to sign up to post a script or a review... I think. Here, alot of scripts just get dumped anonymously. Something to think about for Don, although, I'm sure he won't change his policies...

Everyone seems a bit more constructive when they know who they're talking to...

James

James, I have never posted on MP, except a few reviews. I hung out there for a few weeks reading, though. Boring. The arguments can be a drag here, but they also are a sign of life. That's what's best about SS. There is life here. It's also much more useful when it comes to feedback. I'm not knocking MP, just saying it's more interesting here.

Quoted from jwent6688 Sounds reasonable. I'm not a member of Movie Poet, but people act as though it's so much more civilized there. Is that true? If so, why do you think that is?

it is more civilized. Chris would never let any "trashing" of a script or person go on there. It is also a lot smaller than SS and revolves mostly around the monthly contests.

Long ago I would have said that it might be more unruly here because we have so many "kids" here, but we don't anymore. Which to me is sad. I love seeing young people grow up and mature and do amazing things like making their own films.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Long ago I would have said that it might be more unruly here because we have so many "kids" here, but we don't anymore. Which to me is sad. I love seeing young people grow up and mature and do amazing things like making their own films.

Do you think that, maybe, some of these kids were scared off?

If Little Tommy Newguy posts his first script, here, and the first reviews of it add up to, "I've rather eat a steaming turd than read this script again.  Stop wasting our time!" how long do you think Tommy will stay here?


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Do you think that, maybe, some of these kids were scared off?

Yes, Phil.  I personally know for a fact that you have scared off numerous people, kids and adults alike over the years.

It'll be good to see your softer, more sensitive side going forward.

Quoted from dogglebe My money is on the writer has been scared off due to the harsh reviews his script has received.  This is the opposite of what this board is about.

I only meant that maybe we should not bother bashing/reviewing scripts by writers that submit lots of scripts but show up on the boards.

Quoted from bert If you are looking in my direction with that comment, I assure you that was not my intent, and I find it unfortunate that detour was taken.

I wasn't looking in any direction. I hope I haven't caused offence?

I do wish everyone would try to get on as Simplyscripts is a great site and has helped many a struggling writer.

Quoted from bert *  These rules do not apply to known members who post a turd; gloves remain off, as we assume they can take it and would want to know.

Who is considered a known member? Is it by the amount of posts by that person?

Just wondered as I am new and don't want people taking off the gloves and bashing me...though I probably need it

How about we just don't bash the scripts?  I'm not talking negative reviews; I'm talking about comments that insult the writer.


Phil