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CJ Walley, a great writer who's scripts have appeared on SS on a regular basis, has decided to build and launch a new script listing service akin to (but better than) Inktip and The Blacklist.
When you register and load up a script CJ has created a system with multiple variables you can enter to make it easier for producers searching for scripts.
There's literally no downside to this great new service.
Anthony
++++Don's Edit++++
Just wanted to add that I think this is really neat and very similar to an additional direction I want SimplyScripts to move to for writers who don't need help with a script so much as a way to market it (as evidenced by my "Site Usability Suggestions" posting.
So, please give CJ's site a try. And, note that sometime in the future I'll be offering up something very similar.
I think it could grow to be something really cool - or potentially just become really confusing - but either way, he shouldn't call it an "altruistic" endeavor. Given that more than half the scripts are his on the page, he's clearly doing this for his own benefit, thus taking away any altruism. I get what he's saying - that he's paying for it out of pocket - but he's very much doing this for himself as well.
The reason I bring this up is because it comes off as slightly disingenuous, which could be detrimental when starting up a new website. I think he should just be upfront about how this benefits everyone - including himself - and drop the altruism bit.
Given that more than half the scripts are his on the page, he's clearly doing this for his own benefit, thus taking away any altruism. I get what he's saying - that he's paying for it out of pocket - but he's very much doing this for himself as well.
I think it's too early to call him out on that. CJ might be just using his own stuff for a launch point so folks can see how it works visually.
Cj has tested it with his own scripts, more people add theirs then the less obvious this will be... He's not charging anyone to add their scripts to the site though - to me that's altruistic!
I think it's too early to call him out on that. CJ might be just using his own stuff for a launch point so folks can see how it works visually.
Not calling out as much as making an observation. It's very hard to be altruistic in this business, and trying to be can come off as disingenuous. The truly altruistic don't need to say they are. What Don's doing on this site is true altruism.
I am wondering where these producers are going to come from. From my experience with websites I know they are hard work and something like this should cost a shit load of money purely on advertising costs. Either that or the webmaster will need a shitload of contacts in the industry.
Anyway, I found this in the FAQs:
Quoted Text
Are top level industry members browsing on Script Revolution?
I think it's safe to say most top level industry members are swamped with submissions and have their readers working day and night to provide coverage on a seemingly never ending slush pile. I know some script listing services out there make a real song and dance about who's looking through their listings, I'm not going to do that. It's going to take time for Script Revolution to build it's user base and I expect the vast majority of it to come from those who aren't the privileged few - I'm talking small independents, students, managers at the start of their careers. I'm talking those hundreds of thousands outside of Hollywood and around the world.
OK... so he's bottom feeding. Nothing wrong with that.... where there's muck there's brass, as the old saying goes. However, how are these students going to hear about this website?
The site may be free... but in all honesty, how could he actually charge? Make people pay for non existent producers? Even worse, pay for producers that will make your work look like it was written by a chimp?
I'm not hating on him or his site, I genuinely wish him the best. But, at the moment, he has nothing. Putting up a website doesn't generate traffic on its own. Not even with good SEO. You'd need to pay for pro help on that... that's coupled with paid advertising and putting in the many hours spamming sites like this for members.
I'm rooting for you CJ, but I have a couple suggestions/critiques:
I'd feel more comfortable with a copyright disclaimer at the top of the search scripts page (rather than the very bottom of the site). Something along the lines of what Don has here. You mention in your FAQ the potential for nefarious individuals to steal a script. I'm less worried about that than I am individuals who don't even realize what they're doing is stealing. Some people think everything on the internet is free game to take and use as they please. Will a couple lines actually deter anyone? I don't know, but what's the harm in including it? It would make me feel better about putting my stuff up there.
Also, your FAQ has a ton of typos. You should really go over it very carefully because it makes the site look less professional overall.