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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
Is SS dying? I don’t know. It’s quite old by now, so things have definitely changed over the years. More mature, for sure. That’s a good thing for the most part, but I do miss some of the things that made it a livelier place 5+ years ago. I miss all the young people. They brought along an energy and sense of excitement and hope that us “older” people don’t seem to have. The forum was filled with different personalities and sometimes there would be arguments. BIG ones even. I personally think forums in general, at least for writers, is slowing down. Most of the ones I know of have either disappeared or changed so they don’t really work like they used to. Maybe people interested in learning screenwriting find the information they need from other sources like blogs even video how to’s and such. Everything you need to know is readily available for free to anyone on the internet. No real need to go on forums anymore unless you specifically want to ask other aspiring writers questions. If you want free feedback on your own work there is no other place better than SS, IMO. People don’t read as much here as they used to though. Sometimes you even have to come out and ask people for input, but if you show you are returning the favors and are an active member, you’ll usually get great feedback.
This is another thought of mine based on my own observations that might not be the same for others at all. IMO, it seems people are getting more wary of the internet and social media especially. Forums are a form of social media too since we are interacting with other people there. Why is this? I think the more we hear about hacking of accounts, algorithms that are mining everything we say or read/watch for information about us, the more people seem to want no part. I’ve had three FB friends who deleted their accounts just this week for example. When the internet was young, we happily and eagerly signed up for everything and anything we were interested in. Now? A lot of people seem to be withdrawing instead. Deleting accounts, not interacting as much. Add to that the hatred that is out there that didn’t used to be there to such a degree. I’ve seen people I used to like spew the most horrible things in the last few years. I no longer have any interest in ever meeting any of them. Maybe the internet is a little like the old “west”. Some people settle in one area and a new little village is established. Then that village grows to a town and like every other town or city, it doesn’t take long before there are areas in that town you’re better off not visiting. Hookers, thieves, people with no good intentions. The internet definitely has its dark and ugly side these days and as a result, people are being more cautious in general. Keep your head down when out in public. Don't draw anyone's attention...
Is SS dying? I don’t know. It’s quite old by now, so things have definitely changed over the years. More mature, for sure. That’s a good thing for the most part, but I do miss some of the things that made it a livelier place 5+ years ago. I miss all the young people. They brought along an energy and sense of excitement and hope that us “older” people don’t seem to have. The forum was filled with different personalities and sometimes there would be arguments. BIG ones even. I personally think forums in general, at least for writers, is slowing down. Most of the ones I know of have either disappeared or changed so they don’t really work like they used to. Maybe people interested in learning screenwriting find the information they need from other sources like blogs even video how to’s and such. Everything you need to know is readily available for free to anyone on the internet. No real need to go on forums anymore unless you specifically want to ask other aspiring writers questions. If you want free feedback on your own work there is no other place better than SS, IMO. People don’t read as much here as they used to though. Sometimes you even have to come out and ask people for input, but if you show you are returning the favors and are an active member, you’ll usually get great feedback.
This is another thought of mine based on my own observations that might not be the same for others at all. IMO, it seems people are getting more wary of the internet and social media especially. Forums are a form of social media too since we are interacting with other people there. Why is this? I think the more we hear about hacking of accounts, algorithms that are mining everything we say or read/watch for information about us, the more people seem to want no part. I’ve had three FB friends who deleted their accounts just this week for example. When the internet was young, we happily and eagerly signed up for everything and anything we were interested in. Now? A lot of people seem to be withdrawing instead. Deleting accounts, not interacting as much. Add to that the hatred that is out there that didn’t used to be there to such a degree. I’ve seen people I used to like spew the most horrible things in the last few years. I no longer have any interest in ever meeting any of them. Maybe the internet is a little like the old “west”. Some people settle in one area and a new little village is established. Then that village grows to a town and like every other town or city, it doesn’t take long before there are areas in that town you’re better off not visiting. Hookers, thieves, people with no good intentions. The internet definitely has its dark and ugly side these days and as a result, people are being more cautious in general. Keep your head down when out in public. Don't draw anyone's attention...
I think there's a lot to what Pia said, especially about other places to get info and interact.
My other hobby, metal detecting, has a couple of reasonably popular forums, but in the 4 years I have been in the hobby these has got quieter as more people have gravitated to the numerous Facebook groups for the hobby.
My recent SS post about the scam warning came from a scam on Facebook, and the group that the scammer found me in has something like 70,000 members... clearly not all active, but my post on that group about the scammer has a lot engagement and the group is very active.
Personally the thing that SS has over ANY other platform is the community of writer's reviewing and commenting on each others work... most active during OWCs and challenges.
Maybe we should take a New Year's resolution to promote SS on other platforms? I try to, but I'm sure I could do more... and will do.
Not dying. The way I can tell is that scripts are continually added and member growth has been consistent.
Inactive in terms of comments - yeah, I'll buy that. But only inactive in terms of open script reviews. If you post a topic like JOURNAL OF THE PLAQUE YEAR, WHY IS SS DYING, OKAY TO USE BOLD HEADERS, etc. etc. - then the site comes to life. That and OWCs.
WHY INACTIVE? (Just my opinion)
SCRIPTS VERSUS GENERAL TOPICS
90% of the new posts are scripts seeking reviews/comments. Like other sites, there isn't a topic of the day type thing that allows reviewers to comment in-depth or do a quick fly-by on a topic di jour. e.g., the three key elements for powerful dialogue, etc., etc.
POOR COMMENT RESPONSE - MOSTLY NEWBIES
I would guess that when it comes to scripts from new posters, about 90% of the time I get zero response from a comment on a script I've looked at. I don't know if that is a change in culture/expectations thing or if Newbies simply forget to check the "e-mail me each time someone replies to this topic" box. i.e., they are unaware that a comment has been made. As a reviewer, it gives you a screw it mentality - why am I wasting my time?
Regardless - I have throttled down my reviews to the occasional newbie and to those OLDIES that I know respond to comments and also review other people's work. I suspect that many others have done that as well.
DEGRADATION IN QUALITY OF NEWBIE SCRIPTS
This may offend some. But what the heck. When I first started on the site a decade ago, the quality of newbie scripts seemed much higher than it is now. Maybe that is the classic I'm just getting old thing - who knows.
But it just seems to me that prior to posting a script, Newbies took the time to learn the basics - HEADERS, FORMAT, etc, etc, and did some real homework on the craftsmanship of screenwriting before delving into the art of screenwriting. It seems more and more that any with access to a computer is just flinging stuff up hoping to get free tutorials (and not responding to them at that). There are way more scripts that I open today and close within a minute or two because it is obvious that the writer hasn't even tried to learn the basics. I swear - it didn't use to be that way. So - for me there are far more script openings and - NOPE - not gonna do it - then there ever were.
Long-winded way of saying that IMO SS is not dying - not at all. It is still my absolute go to for learning from other writers, getting feedback on my work, discussing general screenwriting techniques, etc - It's just that that interest is now generated - for me anyway - more from old salts then Newbies - and it didn't use to be that way.
Hookers, thieves and people with no good intentions
left is when SS started dying...
[should be some backlash on that one]
I'm still here...
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...
Agreed Pia... the main challenge in screenwriting is that there's no real barrier to entry, so every year thousands of new people come into it with a copy of FD, Celtx or Trelby and a killer idea that Hollywood would be insane not to make!
You can kinda gauge this by all the new script hosting services that have popped up this year, 5 or 6 news ones and still a month left to go.
Thousands of people out of work or on furlough probably don't help either.
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.
I don't contribute a lot either. I was a member of this forum in 2008 but forgot my password, and made another account in 2013. From then on, I've been opening the forum a few times per week, and I mostly browse. Sometimes I'll read something. Things here have died down, a lot. That's a fact. IMO, the period between 2012 - 2014 was when this site was most active. After 2015, things began to slow down. Some active members that would post frequently and keep this place busy left and other platforms emerged. SEO-wise, the site seems to rank pretty well, but maybe the old-school design turns some people away. Message boards, in general, are a dying form of internet communication. It's good that this forum has many loyal members, and there is definitely a sense of community here. So, I wish all of you well.
… the period between 2012 - 2014 was when this site was most active. After 2015, things began to slow down…
Actually, based on the site’s ‘Extensive Statistics’ it was about a solid 6-year period of continuous activity: January 2013 – October 2018. After that things seemed to slow down for some reason.
I think this year end of 2018-ish was the start of Streaming Services literally blowing up with a shit-ton of ridiculous content, driving the final coffin-nail into the prospect of scripting for Hollywood, which always was the primary catalyst for most screenwriters… to make it to the big screen. Without that enigma driving the industry, the dream doesn’t appear as lucrative anymore, not for big dreamers who have visions of big juicy Hollywoodland sugar plums dancing in their head. Write for Netflix…? Meh, where’s the fun in that!
As always, this is an interesting subject, and one that I, myself, have brought up many times over the many years I've been a part of the SS family.
There are many ways to look at this. Some have already been brought up, others not so much, or even different angles to look at.
Peeps get older, and downright old. Damn, let me tell you about it! As we get older, we feel differently about things...we handle things differently...and maybe most importantly, our priorities change.
When you're young (or even relatively young) and without kids, your time is "your" time to do whatever you choose to do with it. When you have a family, not so much any longer.
When you've succeeded in your field of choice, and are doing well financially, much more time can be spent on the finer things in life, like travel and/or other entertainment that takes up time, and takes you away from home. Now, with the whole COVID thing, this may no longer be a factor, but it's still something to consider.
For me, who has been very quiet as of late, it all comes down to several things I've been saying for many years...
I tend to lose interest when I feel peeps aren't giving back what they should be. Not reviewing OWC scripts when they have taken part in the challenge. Not giving "real" feedback that matters or even means anything. Sugarcoating comments to scripts that do not deserve it. Teaming up with other SS'ers to improve their scores and feedback. Publicly saying after the fact that they didn't leave feedback on scripts they read because they had nothing new to say.
It's all BS and is why I try and just stay quiet
If you choose to join a team/league/etc. and then not show up time and time again, the team/league/etc. loses, as do the players and participants who do make time to do what they signed up to do.
In terms of non special events, like OWC's, etc., the old SS adage says it best - Quid Pro Quo. The more you give up front, the more you should get back.
We all have lives and many, many things in our lives that take precedence over something like SS and our OWC's, but if you decide to be a player, than you need to play, and the same old lameass excuses don't cut it.
Could part of it be that the spec script world is not much of a thing anymore? There is tremendous demand for content, but it seems to me maybe producers are looking for stories they can develop. And it's much easier to read a short story, a graphic novel or a comic book.
I haven't written a screenplay since the last OWC I entered here, about a year ago. I'm back writing short stories and novels now. I may be tempted into the next OWC here though. If those strange runes are anything to go by, there's one brewing.
Could part of it be that the spec script world is not much of a thing anymore? There is tremendous demand for content, but it seems to me maybe producers are looking for stories they can develop. And it's much easier to read a short story, a graphic novel or a comic book.
I think it is better now and easier to make it. So long as by 'making it' one means having a well-produced feature or TV series out there.
Before, we had the dream of Hollywood, but this was more akin to buying lottery tickets than offering any real chance of success. The dream has gone but we're left with a reality where content is in greater demand, creating more opportunity for the writer.
Not to mention, with our job, AI doesn't stand much of a chance...and I'm not sure it ever could. It takes a consciousness to write a story.
I think it is better now and easier to make it. So long as by 'making it' one means having a well-produced feature or TV series out there.
One would think there is more opportunity with so many content producers. Even IMDB has their own channel. I have no idea what kind of content these producers are looking for, however. I haven't tried to sell them myself. Last couple of years, with other stuff to worry about, I just try to write stories, and whatever happens with them happens. Hopefully screenwriters are finding success marketing to these producers. I'm seeing hints that producers are pouring through short stories, comics and graphic novels. It's easier to pass one of those around, and if your company decides to purchase the material, they use their own screenwriters to develop. But I don't know any of this from experience, so I could be way off base.
One would think there is more opportunity with so many content producers. Even IMDB has their own channel. I have no idea what kind of content these producers are looking for, however. I haven't tried to sell them myself. Last couple of years, with other stuff to worry about, I just try to write stories, and whatever happens with them happens. Hopefully screenwriters are finding success marketing to these producers. I'm seeing hints that producers are pouring through short stories, comics and graphic novels. It's easier to pass one of those around, and if your company decides to purchase the material, they use their own screenwriters to develop. But I don't know any of this from experience, so I could be way off base.
I have seen work offered by Youtubers to help them write content in the past. I don't do the freelancing thing so much these days as I get regular work. There are even jobs writing emails. All sorts out there when you look. So long as you're prepared to write whatever pays, there's plenty of work out there.
My post hereto was not derogative or disrespectful. It was a mere question, statement if you wish? To which it was well debated upon. This been a "debate site" ~ open free speech...
I quote you on your comments: (1) everything was going great until Barry showed up. (2) but I've been quietly trying to suffocate this baby.
Don. You the owner of this site! For you to say what you did about one of your long standing members, in such a public disrespectful manner, says a lot about who you are. Now, the regulars won't say it out loud - but you said what you said. fine.
I did not disrespect your good site! Yet, you publically disrespect/slander me! You owe me an apology hereto.
Respectfully, Barry John
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 quote you on your comments: (1) everything was going great until Barry showed up. (2) but I've been quietly trying to suffocate this baby.
Don. You the owner of this site! For you to say what you did about one of your long standing members, in such a public disrespectful manner, says a lot about who you are. Now, the regulars won't say it out loud - but you said what you said. fine.
I think if you've been here long enough, you would also know Don enough to know that was a joke. Maybe a joke with some sting, but certainly not an attack. If he really wanted to get rid of you, you would be gone already. Don doesn't mess around with playing games.
I wouldn't expect an apology if I were you.
Me personally? It did seem a bit like you started this thread just to stir things up a bit. Have the forums been a little slower lately? Yes, but there's a lot to take in consideration too. Holidays, pandemic, recent election in the US, which was very stressful for those of us who live here. Also, only Don knows the statistics of this site, so if SS is dying or thriving is something he would know not just better, but earlier too.
Now lets carry on with our reading and writing. I'll leave the arithmetic to others.
My post hereto was not derogative or disrespectful. It was a mere question, statement if you wish? To which it was well debated upon. This been a "debate site" ~ open free speech...
I quote you on your comments: (1) everything was going great until Barry showed up. (2) but I've been quietly trying to suffocate this baby.
Don. You the owner of this site! For you to say what you did about one of your long standing members, in such a public disrespectful manner, says a lot about who you are. Now, the regulars won't say it out loud - but you said what you said. fine.
I did not disrespect your good site! Yet, you publically disrespect/slander me! You owe me an apology hereto.
Respectfully, Barry John
Christ, Barry, the man was joking. But, even if he wasn't, he wouldn't owe you an apology. You're the one who said the site was dying. Your thread is titled, "Why is SS Dying?" not "Is SS Dying?" So, essentially, you're telling everybody the site's dead just to stir up shit just because people aren't commenting as much as you wished they were. Like you said, he's the "owner" of the site. And you pretty much told him his baby's dead. I'm sure Don didn't take it that way, but I'll take it that way. And then to ask him to apologize? Lol, yeah, okay.
Man the fuck up, stop being a pussy and write something. And if you take writing as seriously as you take sarcastic jokes, I'd suggest focusing more on your work and improving at your craft. There's not a single member on this site that's going to have your back on this one.
My post hereto was not derogative or disrespectful. It was a mere question, statement if you wish? To which it was well debated upon. This been a "debate site" ~ open free speech...
I quote you on your comments: (1) everything was going great until Barry showed up. (2) but I've been quietly trying to suffocate this baby.
Don. You the owner of this site! For you to say what you did about one of your long standing members, in such a public disrespectful manner, says a lot about who you are. Now, the regulars won't say it out loud - but you said what you said. fine.
I did not disrespect your good site! Yet, you publically disrespect/slander me! You owe me an apology hereto.
Respectfully, Barry John
Barry, read things in context. Here is a partial list of other things Don has said along with a response that ignores context.
Don's first response to why is SS dying?:
Quoted Text
Didn't wear a mask.
In response to a litany of potential reasons for SS slowdown given by Pia Don responded.
Quoted Text
Or the guy who runs it is an incompetent ass.
When Anthony said that we all ought to try to promote this site. Don responded:
Quoted Text
but I've been quietly trying to suffocate this baby.
In response to Pia
Quoted Text
When the ...Hookers, thieves, people with no good intentions..... left is when SS started dying...
See, Barry - Don was making jokes. I'm a bit at a loss of how you couldn't see that from the tone of the thread. i.e., read in context.
I'm offended that I've been using the site for 2 years now and no-one has bought or produced anything that I have written!! My material is pure gold, so it must be the site... apology?
On a serious note, can we change the name of the thread to "Why isn't SS dying?", or get rid of it completely, new members or perusers who are looking to join, or posters of scripts could be put off from doing so if they perceive the site to be imminently closing or failing.
On a serious note, can we...get rid of it completely, new members or perusers who are looking to join, or posters of scripts could be put off from doing so if they perceive the site to be imminently closing or failing.
I see that they changed the name of the thread to "IS SS DYING?" rather than "WHY IS SS DYING?" It still carries a negative connotation, though -- but it's nice to see all the members that have been here much longer than Barry getting SS's back on this one. Yes, freedom of speech and all that stuff, but if you really enjoy this site and find use in it, why create a bullshit thread like this? You might as well have just named the thread, "Why does SS suck now?"
The thing that pisses me off the most, though is the whole demanding an apology thing for a JOKE. This whole thing makes you look very, very stupid, sorry. Also, your comment about "longstanding member"... gimme a break. Don's contributions to the screenwriting community with this site over the years are insurmountable. Maybe I'm taking this more personally than I should, but what exactly have you done for the screenwriting community, let alone SS, that makes you so special? You're like the guy who's rude to a waiter at a restaurant and when the waiter makes a sarcastic comment back at you, you demand an apology from management because "I've been eating here for years!"
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You'll get through it!
