Quoted from Don Thanks Libby for pointing this out to me.   With regard to auto emailing someone, at this point in time, technically not feasible since I'm the one creating the thread for the script.  Also, I run into Spam issues.  Several years ago, simplyscripts.com got unfairly labeled as a spammer due to a glitch in my mailing system and it has taken me several years to dig myself out from it and to get the domain white-listed.  It is hoped for future upgrades to the site that members can upload their own script directly without going through me as an intermediary and thus be able to opt in (or out) of automatic emails.   Locking a script thread only prevents anyone from commenting to the thread. The script can still be read.  Only when asked by someone who posts for Production Consideration Only to lock the thread, I leave the thread open so someone can query the writer.  I'm not sure the rationale for posting a script and then locking the thread as it drops off the front page very quickly.  Folks who do this are only interested in showcasing the script in the hopes of getting picked up. With regard to Zack's deleted review: That was entirely my fault.  The submitter had asked that the thread be locked and I forgot to do that, so I felt I needed to honor his request. Generally speaking, I do not delete bad reviews.  I do offer the submitter the choice of deleting his work from the site (and the associated discussion board thread). This is a good discussion and it is a discussion like this that brought out the three tiers: I want reviews (which is default). I'm new and want a review I don't want reviews, I just want to sell my work. We may want to reconsider that.   Also, I try to set expectations in the email to writers when the script is posted, If you are new to the discussion board there will probably not be a lot of reviews of your work or anyone reading beyond the first ten pages of your script. The discussion board requires some give and take. If you read and thoughtfully review someone’s work, the more likely your work will get reviewed. You might try to post a request to do a review exchange wherein you read and review someone's work in exchange for someone else reading yours. In short, I'm trying to balance free and open with feasibility and labor needed to maintain. Thanks to everyone for their reasoned thoughts and this discussion. Don

Thanks for weighing, Don. Appreciate it.

Quoted from Marvin Commenting on the initial post. I don't think you should see a lack of response to  feedback as an insult. Some people may be offput by individuals who they see as their peers writing criticisms off their work. If you have taken the time to write a script and have the guts to post it online then you shouldn't be excluded because you are not known on the forum. There may be people like me who feel a little out of their depth or don't want to contribute as much as others. But does this forum really want to become a place where the great few pat each other on the back, and the others get little reward. There is quite literally nothing on the internet like this site, which is what drew me to post on simplyscripts In the first place. I truly hope it remains a fully inclusive forum that benefits all those who chance upon it.

Didn't say I was insulted.

I was merely speculating that perhaps the writer was not responding to comments because they were unaware that any were made - hence the auto email suggestion (which Don has already indicated is not feasible - so that is moot.).

Quoted from Marvin Eldave: I didn't mean to cause  offence although I do stand by my original points. I do have one other reason why you may be getting a lack of responses. It is not a requisite for you to become a forum member when you post a script. Again I don't think it should be a requisite, but it may be a reason why first time posters don't reply. I get that a forum is give and take and that is how it works. I have never been a regular on any forum. I don't have a social media presence and the internet scares me a little. Posting a script online was a huge deal for me, and I didn't take the criticisms of my first script well. I am posting a lot on the forum right now because I have had a few G&T's, I'm watching NFL and I feel like superman,. But after tonight you will probably hear very little. The great few make the forum work. just help the little guys out a little, especially if they really need it. Yes I am a brit and I don't really understand much about American football. But the English media are making soccer a ballache to watch at the minute!

No offense taken.

Just watched my Rams blow another one. Now that is offensive - although they didn't have any offense - so maybe not.

Quoted from Marvin Why? If you have something to say just say it. I know eldave is going to give me a bollocking when he finally replies. You forum members care so much about what you perceive to be your little baby. You would hate if anybody came along a told you anything different to what you perceive this forum to be. The problem with society as a whole is that people generally feel excluded or included. Those that are included protect their inclusion beyond reasonable explanation, and exclude those that don't fit in within their remit. This forum should protect everybody's right to post and receive feedback, or not, or to respond to any feedback.

Really not sure what you are referencing. I really don't care one way or another how other folks view the  forum.  

I don't think people should be "required" to respond to comments on their scripts, although I don't understand why they wouldn't.  I was merely theorizing that perhaps one reason they don't is that they are unaware.

As for me personally. I have my solution. For writers I don't know I simply post this on their thread:

Quoted Text I only read and comment on scripts where the writer (a) responds to the comments made and (b) has already or intends to read scripts by others and offer them feedback. Please respond if you agree with these conditions. If so, I'll be glad to read and comment on your script.

If they agree, I'll give them comments. If they don't - I won't. It's work well for me. Of course I don't do that for the peeps I know who always respond.

Again - just theorizing that perhaps some writers were unaware that they were receiving comments.

I can only speak for myself. It's not the negative reviews, but more of the script police on sites such as this. Most are on sites like this, yes to learn and interact.

It would take me forever to find the post again, but I read one on here from a gentleman I believe that said (paraphrasing) It was a pity so many don't get the heart of the story and read what's there instead of just criticizing.

I have tried reviewing others scripts and have not gotten many responses. So I stopped. I check back once in a while on mine and see no one commented, so I leave. When you see 2-300 views and 2-4 comments you have to ask is it the site (how it's ran or all the people on it)?

When I critique, I am not a professional. I write as I read, point out what I like and what I question and in the end any suggestions. I think one of the greatest feeling I had on this site was a review I did and mentioned how in another film (I think it was battlefield Los Angeles?) how they started off with the action from the middle of the movie then back tracked. While I liked what he had I thought that might help draw people in. He said he liked that idea and was going to try it.

Again only my opinion, but most sites only 2-3people always comment and I personally don't see it as a positive way. I learned from another site they said, when right off the bat, one persons bad take makes them not want to read it. So maybe some forethought on not saying the worst you can.

I posted a script I had here on that site and noted it was a bit overwritten like a novel and was working on it. One of the people on the site his first review was to go on and on about it being over written. I learned the above from another person said that review kept him away. When stating the obvious that the writer themselves do it is on the reviewer. Such as if I say this story full of swearing for example and you review it and go on and on about the language. That really is on you.

I never try to be negative nor can I point out the format mistakes. I try to read it for what it is. If I can't I don't post on it. Does it really help to say you couldn't read it or hated it? Or perhaps as they used to say if you don't have anything nice, now it would be, keep your hands off the key boards?

I can take people hating my work, but tell me why not just a statement. Give writers a chance to defend themselves. I had a woman one time read my script and she said she didn't like the main guy, that Hollywood their bad boy was a Matthew McConaughey type. I pointed out haven't you ever known someone to date or marry someone that is a real dick? Someone you can't stand? Well, he is that guy. She said I did well defending my choice.

The biggest problem I see on sites such as these (not trying to rime, LOL) is as I said the script police. When someone posts and right off the bat most of the same people say this is wrong and this etc etc. Obviously if we and myself included knew everything there was to know we would be perfect. And again I can only speak for myself, but with my learning disabilities, it is hard for me to grasp what I need to and what I truly need is a collaborator.

If someone asks for formatting critique that would be one thing, but lets take our finger off that critique pistol and not just shoot it off because you have an itchy finger.

Maybe work that out in private messages? Only if you can go through the script page for page.

(For the millionth time, LOL) This is just me, but bad or negative reviews. On the other site I mentioned (can't remember all he said, besides length) but the gist was he didn't like it didn't get it. I took that as there is nothing I can do to change his mind. This was his thoughts and I respected that. Then I was called out when I questioned that site about interaction, they said I never responded to that guys post. I told them to avoid a flame war (I believe they call it) there was no need for me to interact. If someone only states 'I hate it' from there it goes on and on. Now, if you read it and say why did you kill that guy, or have that girl do that? I'll interact. This may hold true for others as well?

To quote LC:

"Clark, all due respect but if you're wanting feedback you've a task ahead of you with a script that is 243 pages, a very talky opening, and lots of errors/typos that are hindering me getting into story. I tried...

What you're attempting is very ambitious and, dare I say, optimistic.

I strongly suggest you proofread what you have and post it in installments/episodes.

P.S. I see you're in the process of reworking this."  

When I read this and from a moderator I have to admit I was a little more than floored. I honestly didn't know how to respond and never did. I felt coming from one that is over a site, it was like "wow". I could see how like on the other site, the guy was like 'I wouldn't read it'.

I thought the point of this site and others was to learn , interact maybe even have some fun. But you don't come back from comments like this and others. At least it makes me not want to come back. I can't speak for others. I wish this and others sites we could interact and bring out the best in each other, but seniors will always treat freshmen as they always have.

These are just my thoughts, but I again can only speak for myself, I don't feel welcome here and that is a shame  I thought it would be a really great site.

        

You seem like a decent guy, Clark, and you're more than welcome here.

If you mention that you're in the process of a re-write straight out of the gates, then people are naturally going to wait until you post the "proper" version because otherwise their time is going to be wasted giving feedback on a script that's going to change.

Everyone has lives...work, kids...and their own projects/dreams going on, so it's a privilege, not a right, if someone takes the time to check out your work.

The people who contribute the most here in terms of feedback, also tend to be the ones with the most projects going on as well. Their time is valuable.

All writers have to be both humble and arrogant. Humble enough to realise there's always something to learn, arrogant enough to think that they can be one of the best and that the world is crying out to read their stories. It's a difficult balancing act.

The world is full of films, it's full of scripts by professional writers, as well as every other form of diversion. In order to get attention, a script needs to be extremely engaging. If you get some feedback like Libby gave you, it's telling you straight out of the gate that it's not engaging enough in its present form.

Everyone wants to be declared a genius and the next big thing, so it always stings if your stuff doesn't hit like you thought it would.

You're aware that your script is overwritten, so it's on you to fix it, immediately. That shows that you are serious about your art and your audience and ultimately that you're worthy of spending time on.

Spend the next month cutting the extraneous words...ask for examples if you so desire...split it into the Mini Series you said it was intended to be, then put up a post asking for a script exchange. That would be the way to go.

Rick

Clark

I fully expect my post to get deleted because I am not in the habit of sugar coating things.

Quoted Text I have tried reviewing others scripts and have not gotten many responses. So I stopped. I check back once in a while on mine and see no one commented, so I leave. When you see 2-300 views and 2-4 comments you have to ask is it the site (how it runs or all the people on it)?

You have made 24 posts since joining in January 2018 - 10 of those are on others work and of those, only 4 did the author not respond to you.

As to the view count, they are not individual people so 200/300 views do not mean 200/300 people. This also includes bots and "guests" who do not have accounts. 2-4 comments on someone's work are good going. Check the lists, many scripts receive nothing.

But then things get a bit contradictory...

Quoted Text Again only my opinion, but most sites only 2-3people always comment and I personally don't see it as a positive way.

So in the same breath, you state you gave up leaving comments and then complain it's the same 2/3 people commenting all the time?
You can't complain about the problem if you are not willing to be a part of the solution.

Quoted Text I posted a script I had here on that site and noted it was a bit overwritten like a novel and was working on it. One of the people on the site his first review was to go on and on about it being over written. I learned the above from another person said that review kept him away. When stating the obvious that the writer themselves do it is on the reviewer. Such as if I say this story full of swearing for example and you review it and go on and on about the language. That really is on you.

I've looked through your posts and I cannot see a reviewer going on and on about it being overwritten, but anyway...
It is deffo not on the reviewer, it's on you. If you post something you yourself can clearly see is overwritten, you cannot bitch that a reviewer says it is overwritten. what did you expect?
Here's a thought - how about you fix what you can clearly see is wrong before posting for others to read? Do you know how time-consuming it is to read and review a script? compound that with it being overwritten and it just becomes plain inconsiderate.
"Hey! this is overwritten but struggle through and read anyway and give me feedback"
then you have the gall to complain about the reviews?

Quoted Text When I read this and from a moderator, I have to admit I was a little more than floored. I honestly didn't know how to respond and never did.

What in the world was wrong with what LC said? if that comment floored you then what are you going to be like if a studio picks up one of your scripts, tears it a new one and asks you to rewrite it?
LC gave you solid advice to submit individual episodes and proofread to help you get more reads - I fail to see the problem.

As you can tell, I am irritated, so apologies I am taking it out on you.
But I have seen a couple of posts now in a similar vein and it bugs the hell out of me.

Are all of the reviews good? Hell no! this is a public forum and so all kinds of people can post and leave reviews, it's not a professional service.
So what if the "script police" post things you don't want to read, thank them for their time and move on. Different reviewers focus on different things, some stick to format and typos - personally I couldn't give a rat's ass when a reviewer focuses in on typo's and insinuates it's a bad script because of it - but I don't dwell, I focus in on those reviews or parts of reviews that are actually helpful.
And yea, when someone gives a generic statement like "This didn't work for me" without ellaborating, it's not very helpful. But again this an open forum where anyone can post, you take the good from the bad.

If you feel a particular review is putting others off reading your script, you can ask for that review to be removed - or PM the user and ask them to delete it and your reasons why.

I have only been here a little over a year, so I am not part of the "seniors" or "clique" or "inner circle" or whatever other nonsense terms I have heard about the regulars.
But in that time I have put a lot in, and in return, I have got a lot out (When new members don't put much in, then complain about not getting much back it really gets my back up)

What exactly is it you are after? you say you are looking for a collaborator, have you posted a thread asking for one?
You feel unwelcome - have you introduced yourself? got involved with the community? sure it takes a while to find your feet here but you gotta put the effort in.
Learn as a writer? this is the place if you want to learn, but you can't complain when someone tries to help you but it's not what you want to hear.

How about, instead of complaining about a problem, you try and be a part of the solution.

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in this post are mine and not those of SS or any of it's members..... Just thought I should be clear, I am speaking on behalf of myself, not the website.

I read some of what’s been said here and just want to say this as an old member of the site - no one pats me on the back for a not worthy script. They call me out on my mistakes and all.

And if I wrote a 243 page script with a talky opening people here would loose it. Either that or they wouldn’t leave a comment.
.
Once I got “seriously? You’ve been writing long enough, you should know better.” And that was for writing “gotten” instead of “got”  I’m not complaining, just saying how rough we are here towards each other and not only newcomers. The reviewer who said it is one of the most helpful people here in the site.

Just stick with it and plow through to learn. 243 pages - r u kidding, 130  is already much. I wouldn’t complain if it was a 130 page script written well. But if it’s 140 I’d say something. And I’d say that to anyone.

Clark:

Looking for love in all the wrong places.

A negative comment can be far more valuable than a positive one. And of course vice versa. i.e., it is not the tone of the comment, it's what one can learn from it.

Clark,

Look, I'll start with this -- Don't be a quitter.

Me, and hundreds of others, have crappy scripts posted here and were called out on it. Some people left and were never heard from again. Some stayed and learned the error of their ways, and kept on learning. Some give harsh reviews, but usually there is something you can take from it that will be helpful. Then again, some get genuinely pissed when they see a writer being lazy, not taking the time to learn correct format, structuring, phrasing, etc. They have a valid point, as well.

Learn "whose" scripts to comment on. If you see someone post a script who's only ever posted or commented, like, three times, that's a red flag. Probably won't ever respond to your comments.

There's a bunch of us who give return reads, but you need to let us know sometimes. Somebody with a weird screen name could have commented on my scripts repeatedly and I didn't return the favor because I didn't know which was his script. It happens. Doesn't mean we're a clique, doesn't mean we're better than anyone else here. Sometimes the regulars are just as clueless as you as to who wrote what.

I've seen new writers absolutely refuse to take solid advice because they were full of beans and wouldn't compromise anything. My script is perfect and I'm not changing it. I was one of those guys, too. I look back on it and laugh. "They" were usually right.

Stay and learn. Take advice, give advice. Read and make your presence known. If you really want to be a writer you'll stay for awhile. Don't be a quitter.

Steve

Hey Clark, one thing I was remiss with was in providing these links which I usually do when I spot someone new to the site.

https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1124159895/s-0/
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-screenwrite/
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-knowyou/

Another tip is don't just use WIP threads for your work. They can be a bit blink and you'll miss it.

I can almost guarantee you'll get lots of regular feedback if you follow this guideline: -
Submit a script (Ep 1, perhaps?) to Don here:
https://www.simplyscripts.com/submit_your_script_new.html

Tick the box that says you welcome feedback.

When you see your script posted, comment on the thread yourself e.g. Hi everyone, I'm around and awaiting your feedback, happy to reciprocate etc.

Proofread and edit your work the best you can before posting it. We can all harp on about format Nazis and 'what about the story'? Plain fact is if a screenplay's story is bogged down by unnecessary detail a reader has trouble seeing the wood for the trees. Audiences/readers, pro readers, have short attention spans and can appreciate your 'story' way better if it's as clean a read as you can get it.

General rule of thumb for Spec features is 110 -120 pages max.

My comments were merely a heads-up that your 243 pager would send most people packing.  Quite surprised lil ol' me's comment floored you.    That was never my intention.

As writers we all have to develop a thick skin. It comes with the territory.
If you have trouble with grammar try something like this:
https://www.grammarly.com/m?ne.....tm_term=%2Bgrammarly

If you want to post for a collaborator:
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-collaborate/

See these Pro scripts Don has post for Award Season:
https://www.simplyscripts.com/oscar-screenplays-92.html

And these 2019 Emmy award winning scripts:
https://nofilmschool.com/emmys-2019-scripts-download

Read, read and read. Pro and amateur scripts. Crucially, read up on screenplay format, how to write visually, get your ideas across economically but with maximum impact.

Read screenplay books, such as this one:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Write-Screenplay-Screenwriters/dp/1580650155

...
I hope you don't just read all this and think ugh! There's lots of helpful feedback to be got here with the only 'but' being: quid pro quo.

Libby (LC)