Dan, hopefully, the above posts have opened your eyes and you cease and desist with this A-Hole.

How does simplyscripts.com scam? I don't get that dude.

I write stuff, post stuff, give some feedback, take part in OWC ect.

Don't really see much wrong with the site, it's a great little community here.

I joined in 2009 and have been lurking for a fair bit until I decided to become active again.  I've never seen anybody get scammed here, or tricked.

Quoted from DanC Did you get a lot of spam and fake promises?  Did the story go anywhere?  I have read some pretty scary horror stories. and have you heard of the Script Mentor aka Geno Scala.  He hates them...

I didn't get any spam or fake promises... I think the winner got read by a bunch of actors on stage (Canadian I think)

As far as Geno Scala... never heard of him, but as he speaks bad of SS... I'll hunt him down

I would like to see some evidence for his claims.

If he had some screenshots of maybe, Pia charging individuals £1000 per read, then maybe I'd be inclined to take him at more than just his word.

And even then, she's accountable for her own actions, SS as a body and as a platform ain't scamming nobody.

Ditto to what Anthony said. The reason for this guy's negativity towards SS is of course because he wants people coming to him and paying him. SS is free so of course he wouldn't like that - he wants money - and if the material contained in the link Pia posted is anything to go by, I'd give this guy a wide berth.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Just re-read Dans earlier note... I don't personally consider this community to be the blind leading the blind given we have some very good, and produced, writers on here who offer advice and support for free. As everyone else has stated, SS and STS has never asked for any money for the fantastic exposure they've given to my scripts... thanks to a couple of sales they've actually made me money! So Dan, I guess its up to you re Woldsound, if you do use them please let us know what your experience is. As for any Mentor or Script Consultant, if they have that attitude towards SS then they're off my list.

I wanted to clear up something.  By blind leading the blind, I meant that we don't know anything about hollywood.  We don't know anything about agents, or a person taking our calls or emails.  We hope the fringe people respond.  There are some incredible stories here, including yours Anthony, but, b/c we don't know anything about getting to the "promised land", we are stuck with bad filmmakers.

I think I read that Pia's one script was so good, but, the director was awful.  That's like my biggest concern b/c we can't control that.  

So, it isn't the advice that I was talking about.  It's the getting to the promised land.

So, I am sorry that I didn't state that clearly enough.

I don't plan to use either one.  No way no how.  I read some bad stuff about Geno.  I read some bad stuff about the other site.  So, I will not use them.

Again, I am really sorry if I accidentally insulted anyone.  I didn't mean it.

Dan

Dan, I don't think any of us thought you were saying anything negative - I thought the 'blind' comment was actually one of his... You asked for feedback on this particular mob/person and you got opinions. It's good to pass on info that might be useful to SS community.

Re the 'promised land', agents, contacts etc. you'll hopefully get to know more about that too, just through making contacts, networking, (God, I hate that latter word) comps, and getting your material out there. A lot of it is hard slog you have to do yourself.

As far as getting your script/s into the right hands re talented directors/producers and the final product - this is a risk we all take, and in fact it's a part of this business. You have to get used to the fact the finished product might only faintly resemble the original product by the time it's been shopped about, re-written etc.  Hopefully you'll get some financial compensation for that happening.

Btw, I had a guy wanted to take out the scooter in Scooter, take out the hill, take out the love interest etc. Wasn't going to be much of my original script left. Left me thinking...So which part did you like?  

Quoted from LC Dan, I don't think any of us thought you were saying anything negative - I thought the 'blind' comment was actually one of his... You asked for feedback on this particular mob/person and you got opinions. It's good to pass on info that might be useful to SS community. Re the 'promised land', agents, contacts etc. you'll hopefully get to know more about that too, just through making contacts, networking, (God, I hate that latter word) comps, and getting your material out there. A lot of it is hard slog you have to do yourself. As far as getting your script/s into the right hands re talented directors/producers and the final product - this is a risk we all take, and in fact it's a part of this business. You have to get used to the fact the finished product might only faintly resemble the original product by the time it's been shopped about, re-written etc.  Hopefully you'll get some financial compensation for that happening. Btw, I had a guy wanted to take out the scooter in Scooter, take out the hill, take out the love interest etc. Wasn't going to be much of my original script left. Left me thinking...So which part did you like?

Wow, Libby, you're right, what part did they like?  So, I'm gonna go on a limb and guess that you said no.  Don't you have to be careful not to offend anyone by saying no?  I've read horror stories about people getting blacklisted for saying no.  I'm sure this wasn't a hollywood guy, but, he might have had some connections to other directors/producers.

I am glad that everyone mostly knew I'd never speak back of this site.  I will state it again, joining this site has been the best move i have made in years.  I've met some amazing people.  

Regarding the promised land of agents and big paydays and whatnot, I wish there was a person out there that came here looking for new blood to represent.  Find the next big thing before they get big, and get a better contract from them.  I wish it was easier.

I have read some amazing scripts on here and I feel awful for people who's producers and directors aren't half as talented as the writers on here.  They get work, in their craft, and get paid, and you guys don't.  I don't include myself in that group yet b/c i know I'm not good enough yet.  That's why I haven't said one word about my scripts.  I want others to promote worthy work that should get done.

I get angry when the writer gets blamed for the faults of the idiots that did it wrong.  I know when I shot my thesis in Grad School, my teacher, who has had some Hollywood cred, said that there were 3 spots in my movie that made him feel something, and he came away very impressed.  His name was Fred Keller.  Really nice guy.  Lost touch with him decades ago sadly.  He was probably my one way in...

So, again, sorry if I accidentally offended anyone...

Dan

Ps, and yes, both sites should be blacklisted by this site.  They are not worthy.  I don't plan to have any other dealings with either site.

Typical scammer confidence trick. They tell you how bad everyone else is while selling you their own snake oil.

Quoted from DanC Wow, Libby, you're right, what part did they like?  So, I'm gonna go on a limb and guess that you said no.  Don't you have to be careful not to offend anyone by saying no?  I've read horror stories about people getting blacklisted for saying no.

Dan, I did indeed say no. I am simplifying things quite a bit though - the film-maker really loved the story, but he was just starting out and there were a few other obstacles standing in the way of it being a success for him, let alone me.

Filmmakers can run the gamut of being a kid with an iPhone, to film students, to quite experienced and already produced filmmakers. If you're ever at a point where some bigwig wants to option your feature length script then you'd be wise to obtain the appropriate pro advice as I'm sure you're aware. Oh, to be between a rock and hard place where people are fighting over your script for real money - that'd be fun, wouldn't it.  

I am weary of any site that wants you to part with your money.  From my review of the site along with some Google research it seems that, unlike SS, they will be asking you for cash sooner or later.

The derision of SS is unwarranted and, IMO, speaks to their motives.

I have danced around several script writing sites and have seen none better. This site is for writers, by writers. It is an excellent spot for answers on formatting and technical issues and is an almost guaranteed spot to get a free and competent review (s) of any short you have written. Best of all, it is absolutely free. IMO, the only place where SS lacks for me personally are:

* There is limited interest in Rom/Coms and Comedies (my favorite genres). Most members lean to Horror, Sci Fi - etc.
* Unlike Shorts, one will not get much in reviews on a Feature (quite understandable given the time it takes to read one).

Otherwise - SS is my go to site and if reps from another site are bashing it - I immediately write them off as unreliable.

Oh - p.s. - on SS you need to adapt - many writers fail to use American English ))

SS....best free site....end of.

I can't express what i have learnt here. I'm very happy to be pointed towards other sites, but for us lot, this is it. The best.

Which reminds me. Lets not forget our host.

I'm not pushing anything now, but the reality, as seen with Movie poet and others, is that without an all conquering God - Don - this place fails.

I think this place should have an annual donation day. Leave it for now, lets consider that later, but we would all - probably - give something.

When i think back, my heart said write - in conflict with my brain - but my history, failed english exams etc, said not. Why should you write? You failed, you know noting. Simply, you are not a writer.

After a decade of trying to get the courage, I decided I wanted to give film scripts a try. SS was my beginning.

I really couldn't say how much i owe it, its huge.

I owe Don so much.

I agree with Bill on the annual donation thing.  I've paid for coverage, contests, and an ex-wife and would definitely contribute to this site where, I too, have learned so much.  Maybe we can do it "silently".  Count me in.  Send me a PM when you're ready!  This place is the best!

I'm new and get very little money, just social security, and I'd give Don something.  This site is awesome and you're right, without Don, we have nothing.

Thank you Don.

We should get that going.  Don deserves it.

Quoted from Jeremiah Johnson I agree with Bill on the annual donation thing.  I've paid for coverage, contests, and an ex-wife and would definitely contribute to this site where, I too, have learned so much.  Maybe we can do it "silently".  Count me in.  Send me a PM when you're ready!  This place is the best!

Concur with these sentiments