Thought I'd pass along this little gem that's making it's rounds on the internet now:

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/09/i_will_not_read.php

While he makes a few good points and amps up his attitude for humor's sake, I feel like he's being kind of a dick.  I kind of wish he'd talk about how he made it, because I'm sure it was by giving his script to someone.

Don's edit:

The above link is to an article that Josh Olson, screenwriter of A History of Violence wrote for the Village Voice:

I read this a while ago and decided the guy was a complete prick.

Just thinking that he felt compelled to compose something like that -- with that attitude -- then place his name on it and make it public --

If I ever become that self-important, I hope someone has the decency to kill me.

where do you live?

Shawn.....><

I posted that link in the "why I love Simply" thread.

A friend of mine who is a pro reader and writer sent it to me. He could relate to it, but that's why I love this place. You can actually get great feedback here for free.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear I posted that link in the "why I love Simply" thread.

Sorry, didn't mean to overlap.  I did a sweep of the Portal, but didn't think to look in threads.

I think he stated his case rather well.  I probably agree with most of it.  I didn't like the name calling though and thought he should have left that out.  It was too emotional and undermined his logical and sound argument.  

Quoted from dresseme Sorry, didn't mean to overlap.  I did a sweep of the Portal, but didn't think to look in threads.

nothing to be sorry about. maybe more people will read it now.  

How did this guy get his break in the scripting world? Give a little back man.

Good read, thanks.

Dunno if I agree with it all, but I suppose it makes sense.

But yeah, as Gary said, give a little back...

Funnily enough, his article wasn't especially well-written.

His points are valid to a degree, but they're also from a very assured place, so as with anyone who believes themselves better than another - the inevitable realisation this is not the case will be particularly hard-hitting for him. I mean, his only "top" credit is 'A History of Violence'. He's hardly the greatest Hollywood talent, is he. Maybe his tongue was firmly in cheek.

Paul Haggis was much more eloquent and insightful (look on You Tube for a video of him in a screenwriting interview) when he spoke of his - own perceived - abysmal early work, and how he rectified this. He seemed like such a genuinely nice, warm guy. Any profession will have a number of different characters with oscillating egos - bit like SS, really!

Andrew

...his script got an Oscar nomination I think...

anyway, I personally understand what he is saying even though I will never be in his situation, but I know people with amazing skills in different areas and it always amazes me when they reach success and other people will try to get them to do something for free or well below their regular rates. Most people who are real masters of their profession worked hard at it and it's rude to ask them to help for free, just because...

Here at SS we have a give and receive kind of thing which is great and I love it, but to say someone who's worked hard for years to perfect their skill is a bad person for not wanting to read "your fucking script" for free is IMHO crummy on your part. Can you even try to imagine how many times this guy get approached by people who wants him to read their scripts?  just my $0.02  

Quoted Text ...his script got an Oscar nomination I think... anyway, I personally understand what he is saying even though I will never be in his situation, but I know people with amazing skills in different areas and it always amazes me when they reach success and other people will try to get them to do something for free or well below their regular rates. Most people who are real masters of their profession worked hard at it and it's rude to ask them to help for free, just because... Here at SS we have a give and receive kind of thing which is great and I love it, but to say someone who's worked hard for years to perfect their skill is a bad person for not wanting to read "your F**king script" for free is IMHO crummy on your part. Can you even try to imagine how many times this guy get approached by people who wants him to read their scripts?  just my $0.02

Are you talking to me?

I never implied or stated that he's a bad person, nor do I think he is. He's free to do as he pleases. It's well established that Hollywood is full of nepotism, and networking, so someone trying to get a foot in must do all they can - that said, - again - one is free to close the door on that foot.

I mean, many people want to get an angle in, so it's hate "the game, not the player" as far as I am concerned.

My only real contention was the flimsy analogies he drew to justify not wanting to read - what he perceives to be - rubbish work. Painting doesn't bring with it all the complexities that film does, so just drop the analogies, IMO.

Andrew

Andrew dear,

yes that first comment was in regard to your comment about his only top credit.

I guess I should have taken my time to "quote" people, but I was lazy I guess. The rest of my comment was to everyone else in general who thought the guy was a jerk and should give some back. Not towards you.

Scroll down a bit to read the parody:

http://hollywoodroaster.wordpress.com/

Quoted from Grandma Bear ...my comment was to everyone else in general who thought the guy was a jerk and should give some back.

I know you are not arguing, Pia, just wanted to clarify --

I do not think the guy is a jerk for saying "no".  I do not think he needs to "give back".

I think the guy is a jerk for writing a long, "look at precious, put-upon me" article about it -- as if his opinions were pearls beyond price -- and he has somehow earned to right to rub people's noses in the offal of their own writings.

Sometimes just by reading something you can tell, "I would not like this guy at all."