Thank you Greg!  Well put.  I wanted to say something along the same lines but have to watch my step these days, as I know I'm on thin ice here.

I think there was another guy who didn't comment on a single entry.

Very, very weak!!

Uh-oh, I feel a lynch mob forming. Then again, I have no defense for this guy and his "snappy" dialogue. Maybe Don could send all the members a pm if said person enters a script and we could all let it drop down the portal into the turd basket without any reads.

James

The ONLY reason I didn't enter the last OWC is because I knew there would be a big turnout and I knew I would not have time to read and comment on every script, and I did not want to be disrespectful.

So yes, if anyone finds that they don't have the time to reciprocate reads then they should not enter.

I got the impression that the number of entries was a bit of a surprise - it had "been quiet" on SS at the time, and I am pretty sure I read a comment from someone that it might be a very low turnout, though I may be misremembering that.

That was limited to members of the Forum, of course - this one is open. What sort of difference does this tend to make to entries?

If you aren't a Forum member, you can't comment on any scripts, not even your own, can you? Which I can see causing a few problems.

I think the rule of thumb, at least I've seen it in other OWCs, Is that you're kindly asked to read at least three OWC entries other then your own. Thats when its open to the public.

I'm sure Don felt he didn't have to reitirate that when an OWC is for members only.

I hope Don puts an asterisk next to the writers script as he did in the past. Signaling that this writer is an active participant. I think I read at least 10 and didn't even enter.

I very rarely read them all. Its not required, but if I miss any from peeps I know and respect on here, I check out their script after the reveal. Plus, always a shitload of pm'ing going on during an OWC.

James

When I participate I try to read all scripts entered. When there are 40+ scripts entered however, I think it's a lot to ask everyone to read them all.

Don did do a cool thing a few times and that was adding those asterisks by the title to show if the writer is reading or not.

In the last OWC that was one script I didn't read, because I had to download it and I hate that! so I decided to wait with that one for the reveal and it turn out I didn't recognize the writer nor had that person read much so I skipped that one.

And to those who are not interested in horror or Halloween because you're from another part of the planet (so am I btw) fall still lend itself nicely to horror/spooky/darker stuff with nights getting longer and vegetation dying and turning brown. So, unless we worry about people south of the equator, this time of year is still good for darker themes. And I hate f^%&(#g comedies...no one likes my sense of humor anyway.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear And I hate f^%&(#g comedies...no one likes my sense of humor anyway.

And that's why you win Movie Poet comedy contests...

Quoted from Grandma Bear And I hate f^%&(#g comedies...no one likes my sense of humor anyway.

Oh, but there have been great comedies with horror in them.
Most of 'em star Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez or Kate Hudson.
And I don't mean Leprechan, Anaconda or The Skeleton Key

I'm new to this site, and fairly new to screenwriting in general, so I wasn't sure I had enough knowledge to fairly review the September contest scripts. Although I'm very thankful for the helpful criticism on my own script, Stuck Here With You, and I vow to read and review all of the October scripts, as well as start to be more active on here.    

Ecto, don't ever hesitate to give your opinion. It's all part of finding your voice anyway. Personally, I find that sometimes there is a distinct value in the insight of new members. They are less likely to focus on certain things, and more likely to look at other things. So jump in!

Quoted from Ectoplasm I'm new to this site, and fairly new to screenwriting in general, so I wasn't sure I had enough knowledge to fairly review the September contest scripts. Although I'm very thankful for the helpful criticism on my own script, Stuck Here With You, and I vow to read and review all of the October scripts, as well as start to be more active on here.

Ecto, That's the right attitude. You don't have to read them all, just a few. Even if you drop a simple "I Liked/disliked it" it will get you out of the dog house with the regulars here. Others who have been members here for months, received several reads on their works only to lay a giant 0 in the OWC as far as reads? Total "Sneeze/Conz" D- bags IMO.

James

Quoted from greg Not being rude, but the only script you commented on in the most recent OWC was your own.  If that's all you plan on doing then please don't bother submitting. Greg

you got it boss.  I'm reading your twice, and Dreamscales three times.  ... depending on the topic of course.

How bout reading them once, and using the other reads for other scripts. This site is about SHARING feedback. Certainly read anyone who read yours. The worst part about saying this is that it seems so obvious.

Conz, whether that proves to be remotely true or not, you seem to be missing the bigger issue here.  Your script was read and reviewed by numerous peeps before the close of the OWC.  It's now another week later, and you still haven't read a single script!  You need to read them before the voting takes place, before all interest is gone.

Quoted from Conz you got it boss.  I'm reading your twice, and Dreamscales three times.  ... depending on the topic of course.

Cool story, bro.  Give me a 5 paragraph, 1000 word essay analyzing and interpreting the theme and genre in your review while you're at it.