Hi All,

This idea is based on something I read on one post to the effect, "what would happen if the only thing you could do on the discussion board is review scripts?"  

I'd like to try a five day experiment.  Starting Monday, March 6th, I'd like to hide all the discussion threads except the "Unproduced Screenplay Discussion" section.  This will only be an experiment to see if the discussion board can survive with a much, much more narrow focus.  

Please vote and let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Don

I think some of the development boards would be worth keeping as well such as Screenwriting Class and WIP (on occasion), but for the experiment, it would be interesting.

Could this possibly turn into a permanent thing or something that would happen, like once a month?  

-Zavier

I'd probably get a lot more done -- with scriptwriting and the stuff I am actually supposed to be doing -- if some of the chat were streamlined.

Would I miss it?

I dunno.  But sure.  Let's find out.

Wesley can have a happy week at the very least.

1. General Chat (10140 messages)
2. My Work In Progress (4929 messages)
3. Short (3067 messages)
4. Getting to know you, getting to know all about you... (2656 messages)
5. Movie, Television and DVD Reviews (2597 messages)
6. Horror (2534 messages)
7. Questions or Comments (2184 messages)
8. Screenwriting Class (1902 messages)
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10. Film Contests and Call for Scripts (1328 messages)

In my opinion, if everything but the "Unproduced Screenplay Discussion" section were  cut, this board would die.

-Zavier

This is a fantastic idea. Both as an experiment and as a reminder of what the boards are really about. Let's give it a go!

I like the idea of all the extra threads, but I guess it could be interesting to see what happens.

Quoted from Nixon Could this possibly turn into a permanent thing or something that would happen, like once a month?   -Zavier

Zavier,

I haven't thought this all the way through.  I just want to see what happens.  I know that during that week you (Zavier) wouldn't have much to do (you do an excellent job on the Movie Rumor page, btw).  I can pretty much guarantee you that your section is safe from any changes.  Quite honestly, based upon the 'rapid' rate of changes I make to the site, nothing much will come of this.  On the other hand, (just musing here) what would happen if I split the discussion board into two sections - pure screenwriting and everything else.  Not saying it is going to happen.  

Don

Actually, General chat is the big culprit, and the board that Wesley harps on the most. Most everything else is actually related to the craft in some way.

If you split it into two sections, how would the actual function differ from what it is now?

Quoted from Don I know that during that week you (Zavier) wouldn't have much to do (you do an excellent job on the Movie Rumor page, btw).

   The price I pay for having three online classes.

But seriously thanks for the kind words Don. Maybe Im being over protective or it's the fact that I hate change, but I really like were the board is right now and would hate to see it change.

-Zavier

I've thought about this a little more and foresee a problem.

I am 100% sure this will happen, too.

There are too many chatterboxes around here (sure, I'm one), and all this "chatter" would simply move to the Script threads.

And suddenly you would have tons of scripts with "hot" or "superhot" threads -- but the posts would have nothing to do with the script -- it would be musing on upcoming films or "things I hate" or "I can't believe that f'ing Tanuki is still around" and stuff like that.

Those "hot" files on a script should be earned fair and square -- but if there was no outlet to house idle chatter, they would be a dime a dozen.

I like looking at the "General Chat" and "Let's get to know more about you" topics because I probably chat more than review scripts most of the time. But if you want to do it, do it.

Like Starsky says in Starsky and Hutch: Do it.

Sean

let's try it!


Phil

1 week every few months wouldn't kill the board, I think for those who care about screenwriting it will give them even more of a push to read things and build up their ideas.

Sure a few people may disappear for that week and we'll all see this as them not caring which will hurt them in the long run.

At the end of the day I think people chat it up in those script threads as well so the boards won't change all that much.

I'll probably read like 5 more things this weekend anyways but a week without "fun" threads forces you to actually look and read things you might not read otherwise and reviews help especially if you do it like George.

Yeah, come to think of it I'll probably get to everything on my to-do list without all the distractions haha.

The only thing I'm worried about is that as a result of this experiment, certain scripts will become hot threads and others will be buried. Then when things go back to "normal", those scripts will never get read.

But that may not even happen. I'm actually really looking forward to see what happens with this experiment.

^^^what the heck?

Quoted from James McClung The only thing I'm worried about is that as a result of this experiment, certain scripts will become hot threads and others will be buried. Then when things go back to "normal", those scripts will never get read. But that may not even happen. I'm actually really looking forward to see what happens with this experiment.

Bert mentioned something like this, but I don't see it happening.  Without the off topic boards then reviews should come rolling in.  Just reviews, nothing more. And unless somebody gets horribly offended by one of those reviews, I don't think there will be an inflation in certain script responses.  Now, maybe there will be more discussion of scripts which could possibly boost responses, but we won't know until we find out.  But that's just me.

Quoted from bert I'd probably get a lot more done -- with scriptwriting and the stuff I am actually supposed to be doing -- if some of the chat were streamlined.

Same here. I usually start getting motivated to start writing, but then for some reason, I start to go to the other boards first.

I don't know if I would miss the boards...but I'd like to see what will happen.

I would want it to be 1 week a month for reviews. Without general discussion and things like that. It would probably damage the site quite a bit. Let's give it a go, but I don't think it should be like that permanately.

It's a good idea. I think doing it once every 4-6 weeks would be good. It would get us a bit more focused and more scripts would be reviewed.

MAybe Just Make the the script forums (Genres Forums) be able to have writers postthier own thread. ofcourse, the only thing it would be able to do is start a thread foryour script (one of the features is being able to attach  your won scripts) and have a logline added in. Any discussions about anyhthing ther that thread is deleted. and the threads can be delted if they are inappropiate (liek any thread). Taht would save alot of time instead of submitting, but it would probably mean alot of innapropriate (or unfinsihed) script will be submitted. Maybe only full users would post.

Sounds good!

Quoted from -Ben- MAybe Just Make the the script forums (Genres Forums) be able to have writers postthier own thread. ofcourse, the only thing it would be able to do is start a thread foryour script (one of the features is being able to attach  your won scripts) and have a logline added in. Any discussions about anyhthing ther that thread is deleted. and the threads can be delted if they are inappropiate (liek any thread). Taht would save alot of time instead of submitting, but it would probably mean alot of innapropriate (or unfinsihed) script will be submitted. Maybe only full users would post.

I'd say thats like putting gas on a fire...its just going to make it bigger. It would be just as easy for Don to post them up there, that way he can review the scripts before they ever go up there.

I'm not sure what is discussing here, but I think this site is one of more complete site in the net; lot of different forums of discussion and also there are lots of different people with different opinions. The major problem is: Bad attitudes and manners that have been judged by the webmaster and its staff.

I have more ideas for you Don, some are borderline stupid which is why I'll keep them to myself and others would boost the script threads above the general chat ones without taking away the fun boards.

We need to figure out who on this board is trailer Runs because nobody is that bad with English.

Could you be more clear Wes, please, with this: "We need to figure out who on this board is trailer Runs because nobody is that bad with English."

Quoted from Helio Could you be more clear Wes, please, with this: "We need to figure out who on this board is trailer Runs because nobody is that bad with English."

Helio, if you are worried that Wesley is talking about you, don't be.  He isn't.  You make more sense than Trailer Runs on your worst day.

But wouldn't it be cool if Don would make it like "Survivor" and we could all vote people "off the island"?

He's too nice to do it himself, but this way he could be, like, "Well, sorry but my hands are tied..."

Now there's a dangerous idea... I can see some merit in it as this is a community, though, and if the community wants you out, then there is little point in staying. Most people who are that bad though wouldn't take the hint and end up banned per the rules anyway. It actually seems like the system is in place without all the pesky voting.

To me, I don't think something like "Survivor" would be good. How would we do voting if there was actually going to be something like that?

I'm kidding.

I was too...

Okay, maybe not...

I find myself getting caught up in the discussion boards way too much. I even have a few scripts I've read recently but haven't gotten around to reviewing (i'll be on that soon), that's also b/c of school work and a social life.

Discussion boards being locked would help. I really think people's true colors would show. We'd see if gossip or screenwriting is their priority on this site.

Writer's who recently have posted scripts will really benefit from this. It will only help them by having more feedback than the usual script gets.

I say go for it. If people don't like it, DEAL. It'll be back in a week. Until then write or take up a hobby like model train building.

Quoted from thegardenstate89 . Until then write or take up a hobby like model train building.

When I was young, my only goal in life was to build a gigantic room filled with the biggest railway set ever constructed.

Sheesh, where did I go wrong...

Back to the topic - It would be interesting to see what would happen. I read a lot of stuff, so I'd probably survive.

I have abosolutely no chance....

I changed my mind.  As I look at the script threads I'm notcing that there hasn't been a big volume of reviews recently.  A few people have mentioned this, often I'm looking at what's going on in the non-script related pages and then get distracted from doing what I was intending to do.

So call me John Kerry cause I'm flip flopping.

Go the lockdown. Ideally all I'd like to do on this site is post scripts and review them, but talking about movies and ourselves is an easy out. Save us from ourselves Don.

It would be like a kick in the pants to remind us of what's really important...kind of like being fired...no, I wasn't fired...

I've known this for a year and nobody listens to crazy old Wesley... If I'm so crazy why do 23 people to 7 agree with me? Plus Don. George - you, Bert and Higgonaitor have a scene in your scripts that says this fact and yet you didn't believe it at the time it was written by you?

The other boards are important as you connect with other people, down the line possibly meet them with what Andy does in her spare time. Maybe even form a partnership with them that makes you both Rich and Famous.

I'd say a lot of people are here because THEY want people to read their scripts and love them, they don't care to read things in return which is why they'd vote no.

Quoted from Old Time Wesley ...nobody listens to crazy old Wesley... George - you, Bert and Higgonaitor have a scene in your scripts that says this fact and yet you didn't believe it at the time it was written by you?

You think this is why we think you're crazy?  Oh man, it goes waaaay deeper than that.

And if you don't lock that stupid Tanuki thread soon I am going to start talkin' smack on your mamma, too.

You should read "Hero of her Heart" afterward.  That was hilarious!

Are you speaking of the one they wanted me to close or the one in Getting to know you? I closed it because everybody kept saying lock this thread.

Quoted from tomson Wesley took away the Tanuki thread and everyone left. It's now very quiet here and I was just getting in the mood.

Actually, I took away the Tanuki thread.  It started to take a bad turn.  

Don

I don't mind the experiment but i DO NOT want to see this permenently happen. I just couldn't survive. haha

Dear Don, you did well, because all on here in this site became crazy and insane with that litle Asian god.

You know what's going to be funny (or ironic, take your pick) --

The sixteen gazillion posts that accumulate within hours after some silly soul begins the "So, What Did You Think of the Lockdown?" thread.

Think about it....

You know it's going to start. I predict that if Don doesn't do it, it will be Andrew Romance. He's rather notorious for that. If not him, it will likely be someone relatively new.

Okay, so, I've been coming here for well over a year but only posting sporadically since last May or so (VERY sporadically, actually)...but I think closing all threads except for script discussion is a good idea.  

For one, and this is just my personal opinion, but there are plenty of websites out there to idly chit-chat on.  This being a screenplay/screenwriting site aimed at aspiring writers, the fact that most discussions DON'T focus on posted scripts seems pointless.  I've posted a few replies in non-script discussion threads here, but I aim at mostly coming here just to read the work of others and maybe have my work read.  And this isn't at all coming from the fact that I had a new one posted a couple weeks ago and no one's read it yet.

I just don't see anyone being able to learn the craft and better themselves as writers when what should be the main focus isn't followed as much as it should be.  That's the opinion of this relative newbie, anyway.

Well that's your own fault Lon, you'd still have to read something to get something read... That's not going to change.

Don't think that just because the other boards are going down you're going to get free reads.

It's sad that the last 3 reviews you left were on threads by writers who don't post here on a regular basis, read ones with a lot of activity or ones where the writer has at least 50 posts because anything under that is probably a bad sign.

He's read several scripts, Wes.  It's not his fault that the favor's being returned.


Phil

Several by people who aren't here, I looked through his/her post history and the last 3 reviews are in threads by people who don't post on a regular basis. (I wasn't saying the guy wasn't reading stuff, just not by people who can or will return the favor)

I'm not pulling things out of my ass, I'm just stating hard facts.

Plus the Review Exchange, that's another way to get reads.

I understand that, Wes.  But Lon isn't as savvy about the boards and who to look out for like some of us.


Phil

Lon, you should maybe search the script exchange board. Anyways, about your opinion, I think you are wrong. People don't join this site to have idle chit chat. People join because they want to read other writer's work and get their work read.

Some threads on this site are pointless, but give someone the opportunity to get to know other people here. This site does focus on scripts, do you ever review anyone else's work? Review someone else's and then they will most likely return the favor.

Some people post in those no-good threads because they bring more enjoyment to SS. What do you mean that no one betters themselves on this site? I know from just a day here I became better at screenwriting.

Every day I improve, and I bet you other people improve day by day as well.

Jimbo

Re-read my post, Jimbo - I'm actually in agreement with you.   

As for commenting in old script discussion threads, I don't pay attention to the date a thread was started or who the writer is.  If the concept sounds interesting to me, I'll check out the script, and that's my only criteria for discussion threads I do or don't take part in aside from whether or not it's in a genre I have interest in.  Whether the thread hasn't been replied to in a year or a day doesn't matter to me.

I also don't care if the writer was someone who proved him/herself to be an asshole and disappeared before I came to the boards, and I don't care if the person has five thousand posts and twenty posted scripts.  I read what I read (and yes, I do read a LOT of scripts here, full-time job and three kids permitting), and comment when I have a comment to give.  To deprive someone of valuable feedback based on how long their script has been here or if he/she is just a straight up asshole has very little bearing on my selection process.

So I don't see anything sad at all about the scripts I've replied on.  And incidentally, I have less than fifty posts yet my first script was a finalist in a script contest, so I don't think the "less than fifty posts is a bad sign" argument holds much water.  No offense, but there are exceptions to every rule.

Dogglebe, thanks for trying to clarify for me.  It's much appreciated.

Sure you can say "I read things" but that's not making somebody a better writer if they're not here and that's the point of this whole "you post it, we read it"

I think the screenplays on the message boards should be exclusive to "members" we have over 500 and yet the screenplays being posted in which the writer never comes around is almost as pointless as watching dry paint.

For the first, say, six months of my membership on this board I replied only to the discussion thread on one of my own scripts.  And in all honesty, I was so busy trying to get that script ready for the competition I was submitting it to that reading anyone else's script didn't even cross my mind.  I wasn't being selfish -- I just simply didn't have the where-with-all to read someone else's work and offer a fully lucid opinion.  

Equally honestly, if no one had replied to my script's thread, I likely wouldn't have eventually replied to anyone else's, myself.   Now, ponder this; who's to say these members who never post aren't just waiting for someone to comment on their stuff?  Who's to say they don't reply to anyone else's scripts because they don't feel they have the know-how to, or that they'd be showing their lack of screenwriting knowledge?  And how are they ever going to get the knowledge to intelligently comment on another's script, if no one's taken the time to point out the mistakes in theirs?  

I don't know, maybe it's just me -- I don't see the sense in completely ignoring someone who doesn't post, because, again, maybe they don't post because they don't think they have anything useful to contribute in terms of comments.  But maybe by sharing our thoughts on their work, they'll learn and then be able to offer their opinions to others.

Or, maybe all the non-posters are just selfish assholes who only care about what's to be said for their own stuff and aren't interested in helping out anyone else by reading others' works.  Sure, maybe...but I'm not pessimistic or cynical enough to totally buy that.

I agree with you Tomson.

Quoted from Lon I also don't care if the writer was someone who proved him/herself to be an asshole and disappeared before I came to the boards, and I don't care if the person has five thousand posts and twenty posted scripts.  I read what I read (and yes, I do read a LOT of scripts here, full-time job and three kids permitting), and comment when I have a comment to give.  To deprive someone of valuable feedback based on how long their script has been here or if he/she is just a straight up asshole has very little bearing on my selection process.

Interesting thread. I totally relate to the constraints of family and work life Lon, my wife is always kicking me off the computer and rightfully so. LOL.
However, like you I read whatever script I feel like reading. In fact I once read and posted a comment about the very last script on the short script thread, simply because it was the last script and had been sitting there without comment for about two years. I enjoyed it and gave it a big rap. Like you, I also think it's a waste of time engaging in idle chatter on this site, when you could be writing your own stuff or reading and reviewing the work of others. However, I waste my time doing a lot of meaningless (but enjoyable) things when I should be doing something more "constructive". Anywho, I welcome Don's proposed lockdown because I do want to get fairdinkum and bloody well write. So here's hoping the lockdown produces the desired result. By the way Lon, what's your script called? I'll review it for you.  

I do understand what you're saying Lon, I've reviewed scripts that nobody to this day has replied to.

In fact I've had a few things up that sat there on the boards without a reply, even after I posted in it.

This time I've planned the release of certain things a little better  

That's cool, Wes -- I just hope I wasn't coming off as an ass, myself.  Totally not my intention.

Takeshi, thanks for the offer.  The only scripts I have posted on SimplyScripts are linked to in my signature below - both have gone through numerous rewrites since their respective post dates, but I'd be thrilled to hear any comments you may have on the drafts that are here.

I'd also be happy to return the favor and review a script of yours.

Here's an idea for Don....

When you list someone's script on the boards, can you also post the writer's user name?  I'd like to be sure that the script I'm reading is from someone who is active on the board.


Phil

That is already in effect phil.

The writers' real names are listed with the scripts when posted.  We don't know what their user names are.


Phil

That's actually an option Dogglebe (Another of my bright ideas) but Don made it optional which only the bulk of us regulars actually use or know what it is.

It's on the submit a script part.

And Lon I always seem to come off as an ass but I mean everything I say in a sincere honest way, I don't try to cause problems it just happens because the internet is hard to convey emotions.

I've had that problem before myself, Wes -- hard to inflect when you're dealing with text in a box.  

Quoted from Lon Takeshi, thanks for the offer.  The only scripts I have posted on SimplyScripts are linked to in my signature below - both have gone through numerous rewrites since their respective post dates, but I'd be thrilled to hear any comments you may have on the drafts that are here.

No worries Lon, I'll read Wrath of God and get back to you in a week or so.

Quoted from Old Time Wesley That's actually an option Dogglebe (Another of my bright ideas) but Don made it optional which only the bulk of us regulars actually use or know what it is.

Maybe it shouldn't be an option....


Phil

Quoted from Lon Now, ponder this; who's to say these members who never post aren't just waiting for someone to comment on their stuff?  Who's to say they don't reply to anyone else's scripts because they don't feel they have the know-how to, or that they'd be showing their lack of screenwriting knowledge?  And how are they ever going to get the knowledge to intelligently comment on another's script, if no one's taken the time to point out the mistakes in theirs?

Probably everyone feels this way when they join, Lon.  You still have to get over it.  Having scripts by newbies, as well as the experienced people here allows a different perspective on the script.

And a great way to learn how to critique here is to read a script and see if you feel the same way other the others who critiqued it.


Phil

Quoted from Lon Who's to say they don't reply to anyone else's scripts because they don't feel they have the know-how to, or that they'd be showing their lack of screenwriting knowledge?

You don´t need advanced screenwriting knowledge to post a review. Everyone who watches movies can tell you which one he liked or hated and why.

Of course, having screenwriting knowledge would help you to post a "better" review. But if you tell a writer you´re a beginner, and still post an honest review, I think the writer would appreciate it nontheless.

I personally find any review to be worthwhile since everyone has their own perspectives about things, especially movies. Someone who is a beginner might comment on some aspect of your story that doesn't appeal to them personally, and it could be something the old fogies would completely overlook, but be a legitimate point.

So is this happening today?

It looks mighty done to me...

It is indeed.  Let the...uh..."festivities"...begin!

Hehe it feels weird coming here and seeing that every board is been taken off except for this one and the scripts. But now I can read people's scripts! Well, that is if I have the time too...

Sean

Quoted from Zombie Sean Hehe it feels weird coming here and seeing that every board is been taken off except for this one and the scripts. But now I can read people's scripts! Well, that is if I have the time too... Sean

Just read the short ones if time is an issue, that's my plan. I'll just print up a bunch and read a few each night before I go to sleep.

How long will this be going for?

Quoted from -Ben- How long will this be going for?

It's a mystery.  

Don

I find the screenwriting class to be a very helpful resource...I've been able to get many answers to questions re: how to write my screenplay in it.  

I also see and agree with your goal in streamlining the board.  

Bottom Line: I'm torn...hopefully a happy medium can be reached.

Jaykur this is never going to be permanent because Don is a smart man and knows if he cut out the other boards the message boards will die. This is what happens when you guys ignore the screenplay sections though and I hope this shocks people into realizing that the real reason these boards exist is because of the screenplays.

So, what's the deal with this "DOM" guy who has read about 8 bazillion things in the last day and a half?

Is he for real or what?

This guy even woke up the thread for "The Walters" haha.

Quoted from bert Is he for real or what?

It heard rumours he even read #747  

I've noticed this too. He's a major script necromancer pulling things I've haven't seen up in ages. He probably did read 747...oh wait, I haven't written it yet...oh wait, that wasn't mine, was it? Is it? Man, I need to get more sleep.

Of course, we should be careful socializing on the one and only thread still open other than the script threads. We'll get ourselves locked down...

I'm beinning to retract my "no" vote.  I am really enjoying this.  Often times I have found myself coming to these boards to read scripts and end up "Just checking in" on things like general chat when BAM!  I dont't read anything at all.

Now not only have I had more time to read, but I've written alot as well.  I like this, and think we should do it monthly.

I'm enjoying this as well.  It feels more peaceful knowing that the other boards aren't around and there aren't any fights going on.

I was about to ask what happened to the other subforums, then I came to this thread. I miss the general discussion

I'm afraid I'd like to retract my yes vote as well. Sure it's peaceful around here now but it's borderline dead. No more scripts are getting reviewed than usual and most of them are scripts that have been heavily reviewed already and unearthed from long ago (I myself have done this but for what I consider to be a good reason). This is actually something I feared would happen. None of the newer scripts seem to be getting any reads.

This isn't to say that this experiment is without its benefits. Hopefully, everyone will learn something from this. But I'd hate to see this become a permenant thing. As some have already said, the boards would most likely die.

Quoted from Higgonaitor Now not only have I had more time to read, but I've written alot as well.  I like this, and think we should do it monthly.

I'm with you Higg. One week a month would be cool. As for the people who say this hasn't increased the amount of scripts being reviewed, I think it's too early to tell, we should review it at the end of the trial. I'm off to a slow start because I was in the middle of reading a feature length script when this started, but once that's out of the way, I'll let fly with a bunch of short script reviews.

It is a bit quiet, isn't it.

I reckon Screenwriting Class should at least be open for business. I have a few good articles I could post in there.

I guess I'll review a few shorts but I'm swamped at the moment. I miss all the regular banter.

It may be mostly dead, but it is interesting to see the board stats in Portal and find out which script boards are visted the most.

Bear in mind that I do not take any umbrage at the dissenters with regard to this little experiment (as long as you can disagree without posting porn to the site).  And, I'm not being defensive, however, take a look at the stats (scroll down a bit and check the day to day stats)  Very interesting.  

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?v-stats/

Regardless, I am going to turn up a few of the other boards in the next couple of days.  

And, yes.  I will get all those scripts that have been submitted over the last week up on the site.  

Don

Don, that link only works for administrators, which I am not.

Doesn't work for me either Higg ha-ha

I still think it's going to prove good for those who are getting reads out of it, that guy who is reading everything really isn't leaving helpful comments and seems to read more scripts than is possible but... what can you do.

I'm very curious as to who our new friend is.  There's no thread to introduce himself on so we don't know haha.  Kind of ironic actually.

Please try the link again.  This time, think good thoughts.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?v-stats/

As for DOM, yes, he is quite prolific.  I've cleaned out the off topic posts and the "This is cool" type posts.  Still, very interesting the stats over the last couple of days.  

Don

It actually started yesterday, the sixth,  which has the heighest amount of replies except for the second.. Today is not yet over, which is why the numbers are still low, yet not really that low.  By the end of the day it should be like the heighest in the week.