There were 20 16 15 scripts by 14 13 authors.

*two writers withdrew


All I Want For Christmas by Blinky - Five year old Izzy has to be good for just one day to get all she wants for Christmas. - Short, Horror

To The Moon and Back by Whoohoo... - A widowed mother and her young daughter receive an unexpected but potentially deadly gift on Christmas Eve. - Short, Drama, Romance

Grandma's Nutcracker by Clara - Some family keepsake's are better left in storage. - Short, Comedy

All I Want for Christmas is My... by Sister Susie sitting on a thistle - A  pretty standard Christmas, Mom and Dad fight while Grandma cusses like a sailor. - Short, Dark Comedy

Antiqued by Buttercup - A young woman seeks out a gift for her grandmother in an antique store. - Short, Horror

The Enchanted Carrot by Skipper Holly - After his mother removes a clay carrot from his snowman’s face, a young boy finds an even more enchanted replacement. - Short, Comedy

Christmas Crystal Ball by Window pane - A man saves three persons in a snowy forest at Christmas after they find a crystal ball. - Short, Family

Cat Butt Christmas by Baba O'Riley - Newlyweds merge their bizarre Christmas ornament collections--and the results are magical. - Short, Comedy

Where the Heart is by Name of A Good Author Here - The spirit of Christmas must overcome those with hatred in their hearts. - Short, Drama

Silent Nights by Bill Krampus - A family buys special ornaments at Christmas time; but at what cost? - Short, Horror

Glitter and Glow by Theodore - A magical ornament serves as a reminder of loved ones. - Short, Drama

A Pixie Little Christmas by Sinterklaas - When a Pixie's home is stolen, his anger endangers a little girl's Christmas. - Short, Animation, Christmas

Remember, Remember the 5th of December by Someone Else - In medieval Norway, a young boy just has to be good for one more day. - Short, Horror

Bad Elf by Santa's Little Killer - A family preparing to celebrate Christmas are tested by a scout elf to see who goes on the naughty list. - Short, Horror

The Gift of Giving by Chuck Dickens - An elderly man and his dog enjoy another memorable Christmas Eve. - Short, Drama

A Simply Scripts Christmas by Anonymous - For entertainment value only - - no voting required - Short, Horror (I think)

Good effort all... now for a beer and a mince pie and my reading glasses

I thought these would be listed tomorrow. I popped in to see if there was something easy to read. 6 pages sounds about right. Now for some eeny, meeny.

Don, you absolute legend, good work getting them up so quickly!

Excited for the reads, best of luck peeples x

Nice turnout!

Very exciting!  I too wasn't expecting anything until much later today, but popped in and there they are.

Thanks, Don!

I see some little elf added names to the title pages, changed the font, and also changed the copyright lingo.

Very interesting...but I miss the special font I picked out.  ARGH!!!

Very cool - Christmas reading

Awesome! Nice turnout -  I was worried Xmas crazyness might have meant ppl would stay away.

Can't wait to read "Cat Butt Christmas" lol

Quoted from Dreamscale I see some little elf added names to the title pages, changed the font, and also changed the copyright lingo. Very interesting...but I miss the special font I picked out.  ARGH!!!

Some writers have a title page tell and I wanted to level the playing field as much as possible.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I thought these would be listed tomorrow. I popped in to see if there was something easy to read. 6 pages sounds about right. Now for some eeny, meeny.

I try to under promise and over deliver.

- Don

Quoted from Don Some writers have a title page tell and I wanted to level the playing field as much as possible. I try to under promise and over deliver. - Don

Cool.  Maybe peeps won't recognize mine right away.  Good call!

Yep, great turnout.
Thank you, Don!

20 entries and sixteen writers? I know a certain someone has really let their head go. More power to you! And we'll see at the end if I can guess.

P.S. Great to see the action and turnout on the boards.
SS may take a snooze now and then, but never say die!

Merry Christmas SSr’s. Good turn out! I couldn’t finalize a script in time, and I’m kind of bummed out about that; such is life. I honestly DID have an idea in mind… ‘a little canary in a little cage in a tree’… and she sang, and sang, telling us all the little secrets we really want to hear; I just couldn’t find a way to pull it off without being too obvious of course, so I left it out there… on the writing block. Anyway, I’ll comment on as many as I can over the next few days… hope everyone’s doing well considering.

Quoted from Gum Merry Christmas SSr’s. Good turn out! I couldn’t finalize a script in time, and I’m kind of bummed out about that; such is life. I honestly DID have an idea in mind… ‘a little canary in a little cage in a tree’… and she sang, and sang, telling us all the little secrets we really want to hear; I just couldn’t find a way to pull it off without being too obvious of course, so I left it out there… on the writing block. Anyway, I’ll comment on as many as I can over the next few days… hope everyone’s doing well considering.

I like that premise

Quoted from eldave1 I like that premise

Me too!!!

Thanks, guys…! Bummer, should have ran with it

Oh… we almost forgot about these little guys:

(>'-')>   <('_'<)   ^('_')\-

Which do not appear to be Emojis at all… but some macabre little ornaments, oooooh. The webmaster is getting too cryptic. Including this little goomba --> <( '-')>\_

Which I know, from a guy I know, who knows this guy, who knows that Don was secretly planning a ‘Killer Ringette’ script OWC, but thank better of it, considering it’s the most brutal sport played in the ‘deep dark depths of the holiday underground’. Yes, those skewered down hockey sticks CAN actually be used to impale the opposing team in the face, err… in the official rules (which don’t exist), I’ve seen it, lol… just saying.

I think I'll share what I had written before I decided to sit this OWC out. The story is of course incomplete and I put a note at the end explaining why I decided to sit out. This has the grittiest dialog I have written for a script thus far.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vxzuMJguolM7VfA-2rL02Ahsgs3SY45V/view?usp=sharing

Quoted from MarkD I think I'll share what I had written before I decided to sit this OWC out. The story is of course incomplete and I put a note at the end explaining why I decided to sit out. This has the grittiest dialog I have written for a script thus far. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vxzuMJguolM7VfA-2rL02Ahsgs3SY45V/view?usp=sharing

Some promising stuff, mate.

I think the fatal flaw is the rinse and repeat. The First Scene with Man and Woman is basically the same as the Second Scene - arguing over drinking. You really can't afford to do this when you got six pages. The Second Scene is where the story needed to change/evolve.

I’m envious of the Simply Scripts Christmas script. Next OWC I’m gonna write one just about Jeff, seeing as he’s the easy target around here, and seems like he can take a joke.

Quoted from SAC I’m envious of the Simply Scripts Christmas script. Next OWC I’m gonna write one just about Jeff, seeing as he’s the easy target around here, and seems like he can take a joke.

I'm going to write every coming OWC like this and each one will focus on a different character, and we'll see if they can take a joke, as well as I have to all the frickin' time!

People used to write these SS scripts all the time. Hard to do in 6 pages though, because in order to get the characters right, the writer needs to know the characters and they need to show them more than a line of dialogue for it to work. Some of the best ones have been around 15 pages or so.

As far as Jeff goes, I think the reason we like him is because he can make fun of himself. People that can are more likable than people that are sensitive and can't.

Quoted from Grandma Bear People used to write these SS scripts all the time. Hard to do in 6 pages though, because in order to get the characters right, the writer needs to know the characters and they need to show them more than a line of dialogue for it to work. Some of the best ones have been around 15 pages or so. As far as Jeff goes, I think the reason we like him is because he can make fun of himself. People that can are more likable than people that are sensitive and can't.

Very true. However, I’d like to go on record as saying I never liked Jeff. I don’t know where that came from.

Quoted from Grandma Bear As far as Jeff goes, I think the reason we like him is because he can make fun of himself. People that can are more likable than people that are sensitive and can't.

I have to make fun of myself or I'd go more insane than I already am.  And after seeing the reviews on my scripts, if I couldn't make fun of myself, I'd stop writing altogether.

Quoted from SAC Very true. However, I’d like to go on record as saying I never liked Jeff. I don’t know where that came from.

I don't like anyone.

I've just watched the Christmas special of The Creepshow, it is genuinely insane!

Would fit well with some of our efforts

Ant, is it new or old stuff? Or, I should say, classic?

It's new Libby, in the UK it's available via Shudder (Horror streaming service)

Finally, I can start reviewing today - I have 2 (maybe 3 days) to cram in as much as I can so apologies if I don't get round to yours.

It's my partners birthday on Christmas eve so I have 2 events to be planning for lol

Happy holidays to all!

I've been busy over the weekend but I'm going to try and get all these done before the deadline. Time to DIVE IN!

Think I've reviewed everyone's now, another great range of scripts and a couple of new voices I think.

Congrats to all on entering, no mean feat in the run up to Christmas.

Matthew - I'd suggest to your partner that they need to move their birthday, June/July time. Christmas Eve is just inconsiderate!

Merry Christmas all!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood It's new Libby, in the UK it's available via Shudder (Horror streaming service)

Thanks, mate. Looks like I'm going to have to sign up to Shudder on top of the rest. Michael reckons it's good too.

Hey Peeps,

Nearly done myself and it's a pretty good bunch I reckon. Mine is rubbish but you don't always know how it's gonna go till it's out there amongst the sea of entries. Not to throw the cat amongst the pigeons (I mean it's supposed to be the time of peace and goodwill) but I thought I had to put a point of order across after reading a recent comment.

You don't like a script, all good, but don't be a dick about it...such as one recent comment which goes - "Well, that was a pile of shite. The little girl dies, great story". I ain't a snowflake, I wouldn't be able to survive Glasgow or call myself Scottish if I didn't know how to take offence, but wind your neck in as that's what I'd consider an out of line comment.

To show what your posts can result in, I know one noob personally who entered a OWC as they wanted to learn about screenwriting (Jan 2019 challenge) and decided to never return to the site after one particular review from a frequent offender, telling me when I met him "what is up with the guy?". No names as the individual involved seems to be quasi-behaving themselves this time, but just a reminder to at least try to be constructive in your criticism and, more importantly, don't be a dick. Even myself, I'd taken some time off the OWC's because I was busy, but I would have made the time to enter as I used to only the fun had been sapped out of it by the overtly aggressive and often wrong "feedback" of some individuals. Again, I can take it personally, but it just becomes a bit irritating after a while for myself and can cause new members to not come back.

A few of us are fortunate enough to have credits/options/productions off the back of the valuable learning from this site (I had literally never written a script before I joined), we've all got the opportunity to help others who don't with some feedback. If you're giving criticism do it in a decent manner and don't pass opinions off as bad advice/give feedback in an offensive way. It's supposed to be a laugh after all, or at least I thought it was.

Enough of the above, if you disagree then I guess that's up to the mods if you've crossed the line or not.

Cam

*EDIT* - I think the offending post has already been removed, whether by a mod or the reviewer themselves. Point still stands, shall leave it there.

Quoted from Cameron Hey Peeps, Nearly done myself and it's a pretty good bunch I reckon. Mine is rubbish but you don't always know how it's gonna go till it's out there amongst the sea of entries. Not to throw the cat amongst the pigeons (I mean it's supposed to be the time of peace and goodwill) but I thought I had to put a point of order across after reading a recent comment. You don't like a script, all good, but don't be a dick about it...such as one recent comment which goes - "Well, that was a pile of shite. The little girl dies, great story". I ain't a snowflake, I wouldn't be able to survive Glasgow or call myself Scottish if I didn't know how to take offence, but wind your neck in as that's what I'd consider an out of line comment. To show what your posts can result in, I know one noob personally who entered a OWC as they wanted to learn about screenwriting (Jan 2019 challenge) and decided to never return to the site after one particular review from a frequent offender, telling me when I met him "what is up with the guy?". No names as the individual involved seems to be quasi-behaving themselves this time, but just a reminder to at least try to be constructive in your criticism and, more importantly, don't be a dick. Even myself, I'd taken some time off the OWC's because I was busy, but I would have made the time to enter as I used to only the fun had been sapped out of it by the overtly aggressive and often wrong "feedback" of some individuals. Again, I can take it personally, but it just becomes a bit irritating after a while for myself and can cause new members to not come back. A few of us are fortunate enough to have credits/options/productions off the back of the valuable learning from this site (I had literally never written a script before I joined), we've all got the opportunity to help others who don't with some feedback. If you're giving criticism do it in a decent manner and don't pass opinions off as bad advice/give feedback in an offensive way. It's supposed to be a laugh after all, or at least I thought it was. Enough of the above, if you disagree then I guess that's up to the mods if you've crossed the line or not. Cam *EDIT* - I think the offending post has already been removed, whether by a mod or the reviewer themselves. Point still stands, shall leave it there.

Ditto that.

Double ditto

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Matthew - I'd suggest to your partner that they need to move their birthday, June/July time. Christmas Eve is just inconsiderate! Merry Christmas all!

Right! I tell her every year how inconsiderate it was of her not to have held out for at least a couple more weeks.

I'm not going to be reviewing any more scripts as Libby decided to delete an entire review for calling a story, where a 5-year-old girl is unnecessarily murdered, total shite.

I stand by what I wrote and how I feel about the story. However, as my posts are going to be deleted at whim, I see no point in reviewing anymore.

So, that's why you'll see I have entered a script but not reviewed every one like I ordinarily would. I didn't want to leave without explaining the reasons why.

Here we go again with the same old shit.

Peeps are all different.  Peeps have different backgrounds, different upbringings, different ways of expressing themselves.  In a forum such as this, especially considering we're all giving our free time and providing feedback on completely different levels of quality writing, different is good.  Different is necessary.

I can't tell you how much it's pissed me off in the past when a Mod (most likely the same Mod involved here again) deleted a post of mine, or numerous posts.  It's just such complete horseshit when 1 person decides what's right, wrong, offensive, or mean.  It's BS, and should be happening.

I did the same thing Dustin is doing - I just stopped reviewing, and I actually stayed away from SS for a while.

I didn't read the post, but if it's what Cam and Dustin said, there's no reason why it should be deleted, IMO.

I guess I better be careful and not hurt old Cam's sensitive feelings, as I'm pretty sure he was referencing me in his post as well.

Grow some thicker skin and a real set of balls, man!

Hahaha, hurt my feelings? Hate to break it to you lad but after years of dealing with psychotic site foremen/psychotic property directors/recently psychotic producers/rugby changing rooms/Glaswegians/Australians/actual industry pros/etc, there's very little some lad with a keyboard and an internet forum can say that will hurt my feelings. It's merely a little bit annoying.

However, calling someone's script "a pile of shite" isn't feedback, nor I imagine is in the spirit of the challenge and in turn detracts from the overall appeal of Simply Scripts as a website for potential newbies to join, evidenced in the fact it has turned at least one noob away I'm aware of (one too many in my book). So in essence, if you're executing that level of apparent "reviewing" and happy to do so in the knowledge that your actions are detrimental to the overall website that's been kind enough to organise the challenge, then I'm not sure where that leaves the OWC or what purpose it serves. I'm fairly certain it's not a virtual punch bag for you to turn up and just lay into unnamed people and assume that's what they signed up for.

I've said enough and I'm going to leave it there as I've got more important things to do this eve, but I do hope someone up top steps in to clarify if we should just expect this sort of thing when we enter the OWC. I think if that's what this challenge has turned into then it's my last one, but I'm also fairly certain I'm in the right here and that won't be necessary (regardless of the evident desires of at least one individual).

OK, "lad", maybe it's not your feelings that get hurt, maybe it's just your complete lack of balls, always calling out those that you feel say something you don't appreciate.

Different strokes, lad, different strokes make the world go round.

Live and let live, laddy.

So, in regards to the above statement on the site as an overall being potentially damaged, we're somehow back at testicles again? Jesus wept, re-read the above to find the answer to your puzzlement, don't seek it within.

Anyway, I've contacted the mods, shall see what their opinion is on what type of nuts are specifically required to enter this challenge, and whether that sort of weird fixation on one area of toxic masculinity is deemed forum worthy.

Over to them...

Well, Cam, you continue to show what kind of man you are, by continually contacting the Mods, and calling out what offends you.

No name calling needed any longer.  Your true colors are spilling out, and it's very clear who you are...

A wee lad.

We're not doing this. Okay? Not happening.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde We're not doing this. Okay? Not happening.

Hate to tell you mate, someone seems determined to make sure we are. Think he's raised some really pertinent points that need addressed though.

And this is my first mod action young Jefferson, I'd just rather not have the back and forward and cut to the chase with a clear definition of what is acceptable and what is not. Saved it for a special occasion, also saving my place on the site before I say something I really regret.

Cam, you should already regret what you have said that started this whole thing...

Like a little kid who runs away and says, "I'm telling.  You're gonna be in trouble."

So weak...

What's acceptable is being respectful, regardless of differences of opinion. Unacceptable? The opposite.

See, there's a massive difference between being nice and being respectful. Nice is a state of mind. It's a part of who a person is. But, respect? That's all in how people deal with each other. You can respect someone or something you don't like. Doing so says a lot more about the sender than the receiver.

I don't really care what went on before. That doesn't matter to me because it's already done. Each person has currently had their say. Say it respectfully or don't say it at all. Goes for everyone involved, equally.

Haha, nah mate, just can't be arsed with the back and forward and let's face it, this ain't your first rodeo and it's not like we haven't been here before. Rather than shouting at an apparent wall of confused Internet anger I think its best I let someone else clarify the rights and wrongs. Oh, and also the required balls, as I am thoroughly confused about that point, need pointers clearly.

If you're in the right then I guess you've got nothing to worry about, I'll let the website police take it from here. Genuinely interested to see their stance.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde What's acceptable is being respectful, regardless of differences of opinion. Unacceptable? The opposite. See, there's a massive difference between being nice and being respectful. Nice is a state of mind. It's a part of who a person is. But, respect? That's all in how people deal with each other. You can respect someone or something you don't like. Doing so says a lot more about the sender than the receiver. I don't really care what went on before. That doesn't matter to me because it's already done. Each person has currently had their say. Say it respectfully or don't say it at all. Goes for everyone involved, equally.

Nothing? Can you clarify if the above is hunky dory? I mean I'm really trying not to lose it here. But unless I get some actual feedback about what's allowed and what is not I'm offski, yet another victim of a Jeff rant (we all know there's been more than one).

The website I joined wasn't the sort of place where individuals could do and say whatever they want, and you just lump it, and for one to just be allowed to do and say anything they want (likely because they're on here a couple of times a day) seems off. I'll give it an hour, some workable feedback on what folk are getting up to would be beneficial to move forward.

Quoted from Cameron If you're in the right then I guess you've got nothing to worry about, I'll let the website police take it from here. Genuinely interested to see their stance.

And if I'm in the wrong for calling out a wee little lad who keeps calling the powers that be, I can only hide my head in fear and hope that the Magic of Christmas comes to my side.

Quoted from Cameron Nothing? Can you clarify if the above is hunky dory? I mean I'm really trying not to lose it here. But unless I get some actual feedback about what's allowed and what is not I'm offski, yet another victim of a Jeff rant (we all know there's been more than one). The website I joined wasn't the sort of place where individuals could do and say whatever they want, and you just lump it, and for one to just be allowed to do and say anything they want (likely because they're on here a couple of times a day) seems off. I'll give it an hour, some workable feedback on what folk are getting up to would be beneficial to move forward.

A Jeff rant?  Huh?  Cam, you're the one who started this whole thing, calling out Dustin over a review he posted.

How is this all about me, now?  Really?

I missed the original offending post. I've been running errands all morning until just now. I still have no idea what it was unless it was Dustin calling a script a pile of shite. If that's the case, then I would have to say that I've seen worse. IMO, comments like that say more about the reviewer than anyone/anything else. What is not allowed is personal insults. Sometimes people bake insults into their script reviews which makes things tricky for us because we don't like to edit posts.

Quoted from Cameron The website I joined wasn't the sort of place where individuals could do and say whatever they want.

I've been here since Sep 2005. Trust me, SS is quite tame these days. Back in the day, people used to compare Moviepoet and SS by saying, MP is like having tea in a fancy place and SS is more of a roadhouse. Brawls happen. Nothing has changed in that regard.

So the above is fine then Pia? Wow, right, I know you're mates with Jeff but seroiusly? I really can't be bothered any more of the general acceptance of crap behaviour on behalf of the few massive bellends on the feeds (guess that terminology is allowed). Dustin should know better, at least the lad also knows how to write a script, but to put off newbies and get rid of oldies by just tolerating this sort of stuff is obviously detrimental to the whole ethos and appeal of the site.

I'm off to delete my account shortly. Don, you're a legend (I'll email later to apologise and explain properly), I owe every single bit of my vague successes on iTunes podcast charts and options to you, also there are plenty of other amazing folk around here too. Message us on Script Revo or email if you want a blether.

Best of luck tolerating the f***wits, you really shouldn't have to.

Cam oot

Quoted from Cameron So the above is fine then Pia?

The above what? You and Jeff squabbling or Dustin calling a script a pile of shite?

Jeff and I are mates? I try to be nice to everyone and keep things calm here.

Unless I missed something here, I think you're overreacting a little bit. What specifically are you so upset about? Send me quotes from the offending words and tell me which post # it is and I'll look into it further, but from what I've seen so far it had to do with Dustin's comment on a script and then you and Jeff arguing.

I'm not sure what the big deal is here, either.

The back "and forward", as Cam likes to say, was extremely tame.

The bigger issue I took, was that Cam was also calling me out in his original post, questioning Dustin's feedback, by saying something or other about a certain other someone (me, obviously).

Is there somewhere we can go and input what Cam has written so we have a clue what he's trying to say?  Does anyone understand all the gibberish?  I sure don't.

Also, for anyone here. If there is a member you don't like, your life will be instantly more peaceful if you block that person. You won't see their posts anymore. Easy. Try it.  

Since the authors of these OWC's are anonymous, I doubt Dustin or whoever's comments were anything personal, they were just expressing opinions. I didn't see the original comment, so I'm not sure if it was constructive or not, but if you're going to publicly post something, you're opening yourself up for criticism -- some you're not going to like. Some of it might not seem helpful in the eyes of the writer and others, but that's just how it is. Trust me, I've had my differences with commenters previously on this site and fired back in defense. And I'll admit, I probably took some things a little too personal -- us writers are sensitive creatures and I was probably a little too sensitive at the time. Also, I don't like to see newer writers share something and then get discouraged and run off and, in some cases, just give up on writing. BUT... screenwriting isn't for everybody. When I first started waaayyy back in 2003, EVERYONE said my work was shit (on many screenwriting sites). Some were nicer, some were really mean. And yeah, there might have been some name calling, etc. But I never let it stop me from improving. I got tired of people calling my writing shit, so I wanted to improve. Now, not quite as many people say my writing is shit lol.

I look at this way: I'm sure we've seen movies that were pure shit before and we've expressed that publicly (social media, websites like this, message boards, etc) -- and without saying exactly what the writers and filmmakers can improve upon for their next project. Yes, I know a film is a finished product and everyone pretty much got paid, but if you think writing a screenplays is hard, making a film is a million times harder, even the really shitty ones. People put their hearts and souls into these movies and then they go online and read comments and critiques calling their movies shit and it can be crushing, much more crushing than a comment on a screenwriting site. I remember my first film got a pretty shitty review on Roger Ebert dot com and I was super depressed over it. I actually contacted the critic while I was drunk and said "Thanks for ruining my career" lol. Yeah, a little immature of me. He was actually really nice about it and I apologized. It was after all, my first film and I really wanted it to launch my career. But there were enough good reviews from well known critics to help ease the blow. And, after a few years, you see message board comments that completely hated the film, calling it shit. But it becomes less of a big deal. And I never let the reviews discourage me to the point that I'd stop trying to write movies and get them made. Yes, "mean" comments can be annoying -- and the writer has every right to defend themselves and others. And I can see how THAT can be annoying to the commenter. It's just the way it is. Just know that not all of the comments will be quite as harsh -- it always evens out. Yes, I know people are doing this for fun and harsh comments can kinda dampen the fun for them -- but I also play basketball for fun. And if I'm like 0-10 from the field, people are gonna talk some shit and say some fucked up things. I'm not gonna take my ball and go home (unless someone pulls out a gun lol).

If you're going to get in the ring and post your work publicly, get ready to take some punches and learn from them. But the commenters should also expect some counter-punching. Just as long as nobody's biting each other's ears and punching each other in the dick. That way, when the final bell rings, you can shake hands and respect each other in the end. Just my opinion.

In regards to the actual entries, I'm gonna find time to read more over the week. I did enjoy the ones I've read so far.

-- Michael

Quoted from Cameron I do hope someone up top steps in to clarify if we should just expect this sort of thing when we enter the OWC.

To some extent.

Just like some people are bad writers, some people are shitty reviewers.

One should complain if stuff gets out of hand.  I mean, that's the whole point of the mod thing. But there is also something to be said for just ignoring a shitty review and moving on.

I haven't deleted anything, btw.  Takes a lot for me to do that anymore.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm not going to be reviewing any more scripts as Libby decided to delete an entire review for calling a story, where a 5-year-old girl is unnecessarily murdered, total shite. I stand by what I wrote and how I feel about the story. However, as my posts are going to be deleted at whim, I see no point in reviewing anymore. So, that's why you'll see I have entered a script but not reviewed every one like I ordinarily would. I didn't want to leave without explaining the reasons why.

Dustin, most of your review was fine, but imho the last line was totally unnecessary and could have been phrased a lot better. I drew the line at what I interpreted as verging on cruel.

FYI: Us Mods have had a policy previously that we delete an offending thread in entirety, rather than edit a person's words which can be dicey. We might review this MO.

If I delete an entire post I always copy it, giving the person who posted it the option of editing it themselves later and reposting it.

Let's be clear too.
I PMd you before deleting it.
I asked you kindly to edit it for diplomacy.
You either ignored my request or perhaps you didn't see it.

In the interim Cam voiced his strong opinion and some others agreed. I could see things might start to degrade on the thread. I was not in the loop with any further comments until I woke up this morning.

I had to get to bed and so I made the decision the post should be removed, at least temporarily.

I stand by my decision.

I do not arbitrarily, or on a whim, go around deleting people's posts.

I hope we can all just chill out now.
And I hope Cam returns.

P.S. I doubt it, but how ironic it would be if you were posting in a self-deprecating way on your own script. Probably not but the thought just occurred to me...

Quoted from LC P.S. I doubt it, but how ironic it would be if you were posting in a self-deprecating way on your own script. Probably not but the thought just occurred to me...

It happens...alot, actually.  A good way to throw others off your scent.

Did A Christmas Carol - Remastered just get yanked? I just commented on it and now it's gone. Strange...

Quoted from SAC Did A Christmas Carol - Remastered just get yanked? I just commented on it and now it's gone. Strange...

Hi Steve,

Sorry.  I removed the scripts from the OWC of the writers who withdrew.

Don.

Quoted from Don Hi Steve, Sorry.  I removed the scripts from the OWC of the writers who withdrew. Don.

Ten four

2 writers and 4 scripts down - is this down to yesterdays pissing contest?

I have only read/commented on 9 scripts, and 3 of those have now gone which was a bloody waste of my time considering I doubt I can get to them all.

I need a nice Christmassy script to get back into the mood...

Finished reading them all now. Gonna sleep on them and vote tomorrow but I already have at least one excellent and several greats in mind. This is been a high quality turnout and a joy to read.

As for the shenanigans, I normally avoid mentioning such silly things as they happen pretty much in every OWC, but they happen in pretty much every OWC.

Could I suggest if anyone has an issue with a member of the forum or the way a moderator chooses to handle a situation you discuss in a PM? Airing dirty laundry in public serves no purpose and just causes arguments which detract from everything the OWC aims to achieve. I'm sure most of these issues could  be resolved amicably if you talked it out between yourselves.

The OWCs are free to enter and free not to enter. The reviews are sometimes brutal, sometimes offer no constructive suggestions, however, they are given freely and are the most honest comments you will ever receive on your screenplay. That is priceless, no matter how it makes you feel.

Keep it civil, sure, try not to make things personal, and if things go over a line for you, talk it out in a PM.

-Mark

Done and done.

Observations:

Surprised there wasn't a Sci-Fi or an old-timey Christmas Western in the bunch. Sci-fi especially - thought for sure there would have been someone with an ornament with an alien portal into this strange holiday tradition.

I did expect elves on shelves.

I did not expect dildos. Nothing wrong with that - it just wasn't something I imagined coming (no pun intended).

I need to be a bit more careful. Thankfully Jeff pointed out a couple that I must have rushed through the first time around that I totally got on the second read. That resulted in score changes for me. I think sometimes I need to adopt a - if I didn't get it, it might have been the reader rather than the writer - approach to these.

If there were newbies in this challenge - well done. Typically, the newbies are obvious in these OWCs - I saw no instances where I thought - ah.... this is a new writer for sure. So kudos if you are out there.

Finished up this morning, read back through reviews to refresh, and voted.

There certainly was a full spectrum of entries, I'll give you that. I expected multiple elves on shelves (creepy little buggers that they are), some heartfelt entries, and some slashers (maybe not to that extreme, though). I, however, did not expect the rear entry. Rim shot.

Great job, everyone. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all!

I am now in the full swing of Christmas and Birthday prep, so I want to wish you all a happy, safe and Merry Christmas wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for the OWC entries, a joy to read. Some of them got me feeling Christmassy lol

Love to you all and to SS

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I am now in the full swing of Christmas and Birthday prep, so I want to wish you all a happy, safe and Merry Christmas wherever you are in the world! Thanks for the OWC entries, a joy to read. Some of them got me feeling Christmassy lol Love to you all and to SS

Same to ya!

Oh man, it dropped to -35 Celsius overnight here, lock-down… pffft, bring it on. Nowhere to go, nothing to do now till after Christmas, so all good.

Kind of caught up on the threads a bit, bummer people disappeared, been there done that. Emotional roller coaster these things sure are; that which doesn’t kill us… makes us insane.

Anyway, thought I better check my previous comments to be sure I wasn’t an instigator as well, considering I drank and posted, err… think I’m good. I read all the scripts of this OWC, found a bit of time to post on three.  Lots of scripts to like this time around; the one script I really like is gone, another (one of my posts) is long winded and pretty much out of scope with everything, but I did mention it’ll probably get made, so, hopefully the author understands it’s nothing more than (bad) dry humour from my end, and is to be taken with a big gnarly grain of salt.

Curious to see who wrote what, I’m actually curious about a lot of things, like… where the heck did this year go? With all that was going on you’d think I’d be memorable, but no, I simply cannot remember anything memorable… it’s all been one big blur. But now I’m wandering, so truly… Merry Christmas all!

Phew! Okay then. I wanted to share our praise here since everybody's handing them out.  Some mighty fine entries, not a bad one in the bunch. Had a blast reading them all.  No losers. Writing is a lonely, frustrating, insular process that breeds discontent and self-doubt. Trust your talent. Progress; grow. Seek help from people near you. Keep writing. Keep reading.

Okay, voted. Some find entries. Heavy on horror and comedy.

Are people still reviewing and voting ?
Some entries still don't have that many, probably due to Christmas.

Wondering if we're going to do a -

Guess Who Wrote What?

Ah, you're all probably sleeping it off and I'm talking into the wind...  

Quoted from LC Okay, voted. Some find entries. Heavy on horror and comedy. Are people still reviewing and voting ? Some entries still don't have that many, probably due to Christmas. Wondering if we're going to do a - Guess Who Wrote What? Ah, you're all probably sleeping it off and I'm talking into the wind...

I know two for certain!

I'll go Eldave for ?... If I'm allowed to guess that is

Oh, you're still up, Dave!

Hope you had a fine Chrissy Day's festivities.
I'm dying to know what you got btw, but Don hasn't put it up yet, so...

I'm guessing Ant for two entries (which doesn't take a genius) but I'll stay Mum/Mom for now...
Oh, and I think I have yours pegged, but could be wrong.

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I'll go Eldave for... If I'm allowed to guess that is

I don't think we are allowed to guess until the voting is over.

Quoted from LC Oh, you're still up, Dave! Hope you had a fine Chrissy Day's festivities. I'm dying to know what you got btw, but Don hasn't put it up yet, so... I'm guessing Ant for two entries (which doesn't take a genius) but I'll stay Mum/Mom for now... Oh, and I think I have yours pegged, but could be wrong.

It's only 5:40 in California - haven't even had dinner yet

Quoted from eldave1 I don't think we are allowed to guess until the voting is over.

I've just asked Don if we can guess.

No idea if all the votes are in yet so stay tuned I suppose...

Sorry, I started that but...

Waiting on the go ahead, and thread for guessing.

Don might still be busy imbibing.

Quoted from eldave1 It's only 5:40 in California - haven't even had dinner yet

See? I have no idea of time zones unless they're U.K. .
Have a great dinner, and leave room for pudding!  

Quoted from LC See? I have no idea of time zones unless they're U.K. . Have a great dinner, and leave room for pudding!

Will do!

Hi Folks,

I've been busy sucking the marrow out of Christmas.  I am waiting on two more ballots and will release who wrote what and Writers' Choice tomorrow, Monday the 28th.

- Don