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I'm sure everyone here, or at least a good portion of us, knows about the "read and get read" rule, but I'd like to take it a step further.
What makes you read a certain author's work continually? Is it simply because they read your stuff, or does it go deeper than that, to the point where you just know that you're in for something good just by opening up one of their scripts?
On the other side of the coin, other than the not participating thing, what makes you avoid a writer? Do they continually post rushed work? Never offer anything worthwhile to read? Do you just not like them?
Just kinda testing the waters here, since I have a few writers whose work I read without really expecting anything in return, and I thought this might make for interesting conversation as well as give people pointers on how to get read.
Reasons why I read someone: I've read their work before and like their work.
Reasons why I don't: I've read their work before and hate their work; I don't like particular genres; The writer gets argumentative; The writer spends more time posting in non-script-related threads than they do in script-related threads;
I read depending on the mood I'm in. If I feel like a horror, I'll go to the Horror section and click on scripts that have an appealing name. From there, I read the synopsis - if it sounds good, then I'll give it a shot.
If the synopsis doesn't catch my eye, but it's a writer that I know off - then I'll atleast read the first 10 pages to see if it's something I'd enjoy regardless.
You wouldn't believe how many scripts I close after 2 pages, let alone 10.
First, I read authors that comment on my stuff. I make no bones about that.
Second, I read authors I know and like. It just so happens they read my work, too. Works out great that way. Sound like a clique? Maybe. But it ain't a tough clique to crack, either. Give some feedback -- show some pride in your work -- poof -- you're in.
Third, a new author with a good logline who has been commenting on scripts -- anybody's scripts -- not just mine -- will often get a look.
And a poorly formatted script with lousy spelling? I shut those right back down. I've got no purpose for somebody who won't even run a spell-check.
I just read what strikes my fancy really. I've commmented on stuff that the author didn't comment on mine back, but I don't take it personal. That's why I like reading stuff that sounds interesting to me first and foremost, so that the read won't just be a waste of time. I usually don't venture out of the horror and drama genres. I've read a few shorts so that I could get a taste of how good someone writes and keep an eye out for if/when/or already have full length stuff. I'll take a look at the resumes of the people who comment on my stuff and see if I want to read theirs, which I'll usually take a look at it anyways. I also check out a few of the more established writers here and search for if they have stuff that interests me and put them on my list of future reads.
I won't read stuff by anybody who I feel doesn't take theirs or anybody else's work seriously. This includes unoriginal stories, bad formats, constant grammar/spelling mistakes, etc. Or if I hardly ever see them posting on here, I figure that they're not really concerned with my review or would never see it anyways.
"Picture Porky Pig raping Elmer Fudd" - George Carlin "I have to sign before you shoot me?" - Navin Johnson "It'll take time to restore chaos" - George W. Bush "Harry, I love you!" - Ben Affleck "What are you looking at, sugar t*ts?" - The man without a face "Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death." - Exodus 31:15 "No one ever expects The Spanish Inquisition!" - The Spanish Inquisition "Matt Damon" - Matt Damon
When it comes to new writers, their log lines have to really grab me. Unfortunately, many loglines are so terribly written, I can only imagine that reading the script would be a bitch.
Hey, I can write bitch!
It wasn't censored. Can anyone else write the word bitch but me?
I ask the moderators do not reveal my secret to using the word bitch.
PS - to stay on track. I forgot to mention I will also read people's work who critique mine - but I never end up posting my work, so that doesn't really count.
PS - to stay on track. I forgot to mention I will also read people's work who critique mine - but I never end up posting my work, so that doesn't really count.
I do prefer to read those who read my work, but I don't like the idea of all these review exchange threads that pop up. When I first showed up here, I read someone's script and they read mine. Review exchange threads seem too much like contracts to me. We should want to read other people's work, not feel obligated to do so.
Well since I started this, I may as well throw my two cents in as well.
I read quite a bit of stuff on here , actually. It's when I get into leaving a review that I start to look at the different variables. Is the writer around? Do they welcome feedback?, etc. etc.
Then, I have a handful of writers who I try to look at their stuff as soon as I can, either because they've read my work, I've read theirs, and it's basically gone on like an unwritten review exchange, or simply because I'm just looking for something good to read that I can hopefully offer a fresh perspective on.
Also, I don't know if I avoid certain genres, but I definitely read some more than others. I also can't think of any writer whose work I avoid for the simple fact that they wrote it.
I'm not above reading anybodies work. I love reading work of others. Any and all, actually... Now, I might walk away from it thinking "MAN THAT REALLY BLOWS GOAT NUTS" but I'm a sucker for a good laugh and an even bigger sucker for padding my own ego. I make no bones about it. I'll still, however, read another script from the same person, even if it's terrible.
Reading is what I like to do. I like to read. I can read rather quickly at that... I'll read 4 to 5 scripts a day sometimes.
Me reading other people's work and me thinking my stuff is better, are two different things all together.
In choosing which scripts to read, I don't really pay much attention to who the writer is. I generally scan through the genres and if something catches my eye, I'll give it a read, regardless of who wrote it, how popular or unpopular he or she is and regardless of whether their previous scripts were gold or turds.
I tend to read the shorts because I don't have time to read feature length scripts and give them a thorough review.
If I see something that looks interesting I'll read it.
I'll also read something if I notice it isn't getting reviewed because I believe everyone who writes and submits a script deserves at least one review. However, if it’s riddled with spelling mistakes and bad formatting then I'll turn it off.
I also like to read the work of regulars and I'll always read a script if someone asks me to.
I read scripts that look interesting, no matter who write them. If I read a script that is so bad, I just stop reading and probably won't leave a review.