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That's a tad dramatic -- it's just slow right now. Holidays are in full swing, people are busy, it happens. Even slow times like these, SS is still busier than a lot of screenwriting website forums. The only one that's busier is Script Shadow, and that's one of the top 10 busiest discussion board forums on the internet, period, not just screenwriting. But that's because they focus on specific topics and have Amateur Showdowns that could lead to some decent exposure. So, it's no coincidence that SS is at its busiest when we do have OWC's and other challenges. When it comes to workshopping your material and trading reads/reviews and getting very thoughtful notes, no other sites compare to SS. I've workshopped stuff on Script Mother and other screenwriting sites. And Script Mother might seem more active, but the quality of the feedback you're getting a lot of the time doesn't match the quality you get here. And they're only commenting because they have to -- they have a system very similar to Trigger Street from back in the day. The most active members here always seem to be the most talented writers out of the bunch and they offer excellent notes that you're not going to get from someone not nearly as talented or experienced.
You also have to take into account the amount of screenwriting groups popping up on Facebook, a platform most people use in their daily lives outside of screenwriting. So, while you're posting pics of your family, etc, the discussions will pop up on your feed rather than you having to seek them out on sites that are strictly screenwriting centric.
But when it comes to trading reads and reviews, SS will always be the go-to in my mind. Though, another thing that might explain the slow periods, I've developed friendships with a lot of members over the years and those relationships tend to spill over, outside of SS. And often times, we'll just trade notes directly rather than publicly on this site. But, sometimes, you want to draw traffic towards your script on SS -- not just to get notes, but to draw attention from producers and filmmakers who roam the site. So, often times, someone who hasn't been on the site in a while will comment on my script as a favor.
I do agree with Dave on the quality of the scripts -- it's not quite as strong as it used to be, but it's nice to see improvement from beginners. That being said, there's a lot of beginners who get a big head about their improvement and turn into know-it-alls and just comment on scripts with condescending comments like "Have you even read a script before???" and shit like that. When just a few months before, you were probably just as bad. You forget that you've improved because of thoughtful, constructive notes -- that and your willingness to learn and put aside your ego to acknowledge that you need to improve. But when you try to make yourself out to be a seasoned pro all of a sudden and shit on someone else's script with only condescending comments lacking any semblance of insight, there's a good chance you're only going to scare off someone who gave screenwriting their first crack and were brave enough to share it. I'm not saying you have to sugarcoat everything and be soft on them, but give them an example of what they're doing wrong and show them the right way. Or maybe just don't comment at all, I dunno. Even constructive comments will go unanswered much of the time.
IMO, SS is not dying. It still garners traffic and sometimes that doesn't always translate to a shitload of comments and hot threads. Also, people are busy. I don't comment on nearly as many feature scripts as I was back in March and April. Part of that is because I read a lot of features as part of exchanges and never had the favor returned. Another reason is because I've been getting a lot more writing work -- I've been out of a job-job since all this COVID stuff began and I started getting more gigs because I needed to get them to survive. So, I've just been backed up with paid projects -- a large part of the reason why I've been able to get these paid projects, features optioned and shorts sold is BECAUSE of Simply Scripts. So, don't give up on SS just because people aren't commenting as much as you wished they were. There will be more OWC's, more posts, etc. And sometimes, if you want more comments, you need to comment more and create a thread (like this one, for example). But I also mean offering to read more features, making notes, etc. I only see you comment with like a paragraph here and a paragraph there on a script or two, and usually it's on someone's script who never commented before. I'd recommend commenting on someone's script that you know will respond and return the favor (if you want a return read), like Dave or somebody. You can only get better by reading as many scripts as possible. And just because a writer's more experienced than you doesn't mean that you can't deconstruct their story and offer your opinion in more detail than a few sentences. People tend to reply more when the notes they receive are more than just a sentence or two.
In regards to newbies, here and elsewhere, but FB especially, there seems to be more people asking how to get your script into the studios, selling to Hollywood and how much can I make selling my script, than, how do I improve my craft...
In regards to newbies, here and elsewhere, but FB especially, there seems to be more people asking how to get your script into the studios, selling to Hollywood and how much can I make selling my script, than, how do I improve my craft...
That's a tad dramatic -- it's just slow right now. Holidays are in full swing, people are busy, it happens. Even slow times like these, SS is still busier than a lot of screenwriting website forums. The only one that's busier is Script Shadow, and that's one of the top 10 busiest discussion board forums on the internet, period, not just screenwriting. But that's because they focus on specific topics and have Amateur Showdowns that could lead to some decent exposure. So, it's no coincidence that SS is at its busiest when we do have OWC's and other challenges. When it comes to workshopping your material and trading reads/reviews and getting very thoughtful notes, no other sites compare to SS. I've workshopped stuff on Script Mother and other screenwriting sites. And Script Mother might seem more active, but the quality of the feedback you're getting a lot of the time doesn't match the quality you get here. And they're only commenting because they have to -- they have a system very similar to Trigger Street from back in the day. The most active members here always seem to be the most talented writers out of the bunch and they offer excellent notes that you're not going to get from someone not nearly as talented or experienced.
You also have to take into account the amount of screenwriting groups popping up on Facebook, a platform most people use in their daily lives outside of screenwriting. So, while you're posting pics of your family, etc, the discussions will pop up on your feed rather than you having to seek them out on sites that are strictly screenwriting centric.
But when it comes to trading reads and reviews, SS will always be the go-to in my mind. Though, another thing that might explain the slow periods, I've developed friendships with a lot of members over the years and those relationships tend to spill over, outside of SS. And often times, we'll just trade notes directly rather than publicly on this site. But, sometimes, you want to draw traffic towards your script on SS -- not just to get notes, but to draw attention from producers and filmmakers who roam the site. So, often times, someone who hasn't been on the site in a while will comment on my script as a favor.
I do agree with Dave on the quality of the scripts -- it's not quite as strong as it used to be, but it's nice to see improvement from beginners. That being said, there's a lot of beginners who get a big head about their improvement and turn into know-it-alls and just comment on scripts with condescending comments like "Have you even read a script before???" and shit like that. When just a few months before, you were probably just as bad. You forget that you've improved because of thoughtful, constructive notes -- that and your willingness to learn and put aside your ego to acknowledge that you need to improve. But when you try to make yourself out to be a seasoned pro all of a sudden and shit on someone else's script with only condescending comments lacking any semblance of insight, there's a good chance you're only going to scare off someone who gave screenwriting their first crack and were brave enough to share it. I'm not saying you have to sugarcoat everything and be soft on them, but give them an example of what they're doing wrong and show them the right way. Or maybe just don't comment at all, I dunno. Even constructive comments will go unanswered much of the time.
IMO, SS is not dying. It still garners traffic and sometimes that doesn't always translate to a shitload of comments and hot threads. Also, people are busy. I don't comment on nearly as many feature scripts as I was back in March and April. Part of that is because I read a lot of features as part of exchanges and never had the favor returned. Another reason is because I've been getting a lot more writing work -- I've been out of a job-job since all this COVID stuff began and I started getting more gigs because I needed to get them to survive. So, I've just been backed up with paid projects -- a large part of the reason why I've been able to get these paid projects, features optioned and shorts sold is BECAUSE of Simply Scripts. So, don't give up on SS just because people aren't commenting as much as you wished they were. There will be more OWC's, more posts, etc. And sometimes, if you want more comments, you need to comment more and create a thread (like this one, for example). But I also mean offering to read more features, making notes, etc. I only see you comment with like a paragraph here and a paragraph there on a script or two, and usually it's on someone's script who never commented before. I'd recommend commenting on someone's script that you know will respond and return the favor (if you want a return read), like Dave or somebody. You can only get better by reading as many scripts as possible. And just because a writer's more experienced than you doesn't mean that you can't deconstruct their story and offer your opinion in more detail than a few sentences. People tend to reply more when the notes they receive are more than just a sentence or two.
Also a good point Mark, I've had 4 script enquiries in the last month, 3 from here, and of those one Option so far, which was one of the ones from here.
Good to hear SS did get the Covid19. Thought this post might bring forth a chat... Something to chat about, it's been so quiet. Keep well - keep safe.
Who am I? A man with a hundred stories... you want to read one? Analyst, mentor, competition reader/judge, film critic, magazine article/blogger. https://simpsonliteraryagency.com/script-analyst
I am here since 2010. To me there is no place like SS from the beginning and still there is none.
Even more after a couple of weeks ago, I was very welcomed with my first script, I wrote 2 years ago, but I was shy to post.
I had my heart broken recently so the attitude was: what the heck...no one can hurt me more than this..so what harm SS team will do to me? ;o) And I posted it. Besides is good to get busy when we are going thru heartache . lol.
And from 2010 until 2020 I've been reading some and never commenting. for been shy. I believe like many others.
I believe the changes are for the internet overall. The youngsters interest has changed; the algorithms documentary scares people now; Instagram or more instantaneous platforms used in cells are bigger now and many other reasons.
As for me, I will try in 2021 to work less than 40 hours in my day job to be able to do more here.
I am here since 2010. To me there is no place like SS from the beginning and still there is none.
Even more after a couple of weeks ago, I was very welcomed with my first script, I wrote 2 years ago, but I was shy to post.
I had my heart broken recently so the attitude was: what the heck...no one can hurt me more than this..so what harm SS team will do to me? ;o) And I posted it. Besides is good to get busy when we are going thru heartache . lol.
And from 2010 until 2020 I've been reading some and never commenting. for been shy. I believe like many others.
I believe the changes are for the internet overall. The youngsters interest has changed; the algorithms documentary scares people now; Instagram or more instantaneous platforms used in cells are bigger now and many other reasons.
As for me, I will try in 2021 to work less than 40 hours in my day job to be able to do more here.
I'm doing data science bootcamp. My third exam is this Wednesday. I failed the first one! the second was ok.
SS die no. No dye on SS.
But then again everything and everyone dies. So IDK (which apparently means I don't know).
Anyway, I'll be back to read, comment and participate here! unless I die. Hopefully not. And I'll come back to this thread to read about old people and stuff lol. Just badly pressed for time now)
I'm doing data science bootcamp. My third exam is this Wednesday. I failed the first one! the second was ok.
SS die no. No dye on SS.
But then again everything and everyone dies. So IDK (which apparently means I don't know).
Anyway, I'll be back to read, comment and participate here! unless I die. Hopefully not. And I'll come back to this thread to read about old people and stuff lol. Just badly pressed for time now)
...I had my heart broken recently so the attitude was: what the heck...no one can hurt me more than this..so what harm SS team will do to me? ;o) ... Besides is good to get busy when we are going thru heartache . lol.
Yeah! Ugh, heartbreak's no fun.Keeping busy, being creative, especially pouring your heart out on the page is a good thing for a broken heart... and maybe chocolate, but not too much cause you need to keep the door open for potential eligible future partners and you don't want to end up looking like a chocolate. You'll get through it!
Quoted from Kham
... I'll be back to read, comment and participate here! ...
Hey, Stranger. Nice to see you! Good luck with your third exam, fingers crossed you do well.
P.S. I was reluctant to post on this thread cause I didn't want to ironically keep it 'alive'. Quiet v dying. Big difference imho.
I agree with pretty much what everyone else has said. Just the other day I got another request for filming one of mine. Haven't heard back since I replied (which is often typical) but there are plenty of 'silent' producers reading these boards, even if they're not active members.
I think a lot of it is the short attention spans and the need for instant gratification of the younger generations. The SS site is pretty old school and it takes time to figure out where things are and to navigate. Look at Tic Tok and Reels. There's hardly anything over 30 seconds. SS isn't flashy enough for the folks that spend all day swiping to view idiots making fools of themselves. SS isn't dying, it may have outlived its present tense? I think SS is more of a toolbox than anything else. I know I'm not going anywhere. Unless Kham and I are holding hands and we get hit by a bus.
I've checked SS instinctively and daily for over a decade now. I don't contribute a ton, but I've always enjoyed being able to check up on the people on here, most of which helped me learn screenwriting in the first place.
It's funny but with all of the paid services and exposure-promising websites I've used in my screenwriting career, SS has always gotten me the most traction. Whether it be a budding film student interested in one of my scripts or just a casual reader emailing praise, SS has been the source for most, if not all, of my online successes.
I certainly remember the boards being a buzzier place, and I'd love to see that again.
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You'll get through it!
