Quoted from alvarado-films I won't be asking for anymore scripts on this forum.

Well, no point in you coming back, is there?

Don

This whole thing seemed a little harsh considering this guy was just asking for a script. Why did we drive him away again? I can see being suspicious, but it just went over the top. I kind of agree with his angle. If you don't trust him, don't email him. I think as writers we know the score out there and don't want to be ripped off. However, as the possibility exists, we simply have to be aware of that. No need to browbeat someone who comes around looking for stuff.

He and I were discussing producing 'Suicide.'  It didn't work out.  He started looking for more scripts before our deal fell completely through.


Phil

Quoted from George Willson This whole thing seemed a little harsh considering this guy was just asking for a script. Why did we drive him away again? I can see being suspicious, but it just went over the top. I kind of agree with his angle. If you don't trust him, don't email him. I think as writers we know the score out there and don't want to be ripped off. However, as the possibility exists, we simply have to be aware of that. No need to browbeat someone who comes around looking for stuff.

George, you've got a good point.  Perhaps I was being a bit harsh.  To Kevan's defense, It would be better to lay your cards on the table at the beginning.

Don

I wish people wouldn't jump on those who offer to produce scripts.  If a writer gets ripped off...well, we're all able to take care of ourselves, right?

It's possible, from time to time, that people who are talented and/or will actually produce something and pay money are being scared off.  I hope that doesn't happen.  As with my feelings on constructive criticism, I think it'd be nice if we can just ignore people we have something against.

In Phil's case, where he had specific information, that's more than reasonable.

All I'm saying is, if we need to be suspicious, maybe we could do it in private emails or messages.  

Quoted from Heretic In Phil's case, where he had specific information, that's more than reasonable. All I'm saying is, if we need to be suspicious, maybe we could do it in private emails or messages.

If I see a problem, I'm not going to be private about it.  

Phil

Well, I guess I’ll toss my one cent in.

I don’t think we need a new rule because, personally, I would like to be responsible for myself and make up my own mind.

I do so very much appreciate Dogglebe speaking up, however, and I think it’s very important to speak up when a producer/director rips off a writer as is clearly the case with Dogglebe. Take careful note of the fact that Mr. Alvarado neglected to answer Dogglebe’s charges in any way.

When you deal with something that involves people’s dreams and aspirations, there are always those people who are going to take advantage. Writers want to be produced. They want their work made known. Producers know this. It’s not much different than someone contacting you and trying to tell you that you won the lottery.

Ben is a prime example of a poor negotiator. When someone offers you $200 dollars, Ben, it’s not very good business to blurt out, “I’ll do it for free.”

Kevan is absolutely right that you shouldn’t write for nothing. I require writer’s credit and a DVD copy at the very minimum.

I don’t agree that people who aren’t interested should say nothing. If you have information about a producer that could save me from being ripped off, please, by all means, inform me. You should all be thanking Dogglebe.

But you should all be able to make up your own minds. In the U.S., contracts with minors aren’t legally binding and adults should be able to decide for themselves. I’m all about choice so I say, no new rule but speak up if you have something of value to add.

That’s my one cent.

If everyone else agrees then i will take the rule away.
It's no problem at all.
I am just trying to make things easier.

I'm with Breanne. We can judge for ourselves whether we want to accept the terms or not, and take the chances of being burned. If anything, there just needs to be a disclaimer (which I believe there already is) where Don absolves himself of all responsibility for the contests/offers and it's a buyer beware kind of thing.

Quoted from George Willson I'm with Breanne. We can judge for ourselves whether we want to accept the terms or not, and take the chances of being burned. If anything, there just needs to be a disclaimer (which I believe there already is) where Don absolves himself of all responsibility for the contests/offers and it's a buyer beware kind of thing.

Excellent point, George.  I don't like the fact that other people are dictating what I can do with my script or are actually scaring away people that could possibly give me recognition.  That just seems ridiculous.  If I want to send my script to someone, why should any of you care?  And vice versa.  It's no ones business and it's none of mine.  I agree with the disclaimer because Don really is the only one that could run into problems, but as for everyone else, let people do what they want to do with their OWN work.  

At least this thread brought a discussion which is a good thing, right?

Personally I have no problem with script writers offrering their sweat and toil to film makers because that's probably why most of us visit these boards..

George mentions being 'burned' and that can probably be guaranteed, most writers will have that happened to them at least once in their writing career.. I just hope they're not burned too much...

There's risks in everything you do in life, and we all take those risks..

At least this thread made members aware of those possible risks...

I consider this a good thing...

And contrary to what you may think I'm not actually for censorship, just honesty and fair play..

If you're not sure about something in a possible transaction then maybe you could get some advice on this from members on SimplyScrips - can't hurt, right?

Quoted from Heretic In Phil's case, where he had specific information, that's more than reasonable. All I'm saying is, if we need to be suspicious, maybe we could do it in private emails or messages.

I'm not sure if this has been misconstrued or not.  The wording is poor.

What I meant was that since Phil had specific information about this user, I totally agree that he was in the right in telling everyone this information.  I really appreciate it.  

On the other hand, if you don't have specific information, I think it's nice to just let writers make up their own minds, rather than scaring off someone who might actually be willing to offer money.  George put things nicely, so I will say no more.