Quoted from DustinBowcot I believe they're called 'squatters', Max. Here's a link to the word in the Merriam-Webster, America's number one dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squatter No mention there of it being chiefly British.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squat

Squat noun 4 chiefly British :  an empty house or building that is occupied by squatters

Quoted from DustinBowcot I believe they're called 'squatters', Max. Here's a link to the word in the Merriam-Webster, America's number one dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squatter No mention there of it being chiefly British.

I've obviously heard of the term, lol.

If you aren't familiar with the term "squatters" J.S, what word are you familiar with? Just curious, because I'm sure you're fully aware of what a squatter actually is.

Quoted from Max If you aren't familiar with the term "squatters" J.S, what word are you familiar with? Just curious, because I'm sure you're fully aware of what a squatter actually is.

I may have heard the term squatter/squatting used back in high school or something, but perhaps I have forgotten it. I have no idea. Maybe I haven't heard it all.

I don't think there is a specific word I would use because squatting/squatter sounds like an umbrella term to me that would include vagrants, nomadic and indigenous people, people who live in slums, and apparently, reading from wikipedia, "Young people squat buildings to use as concert venues for alternative types of music such as punk and hardcore." I have always used words that are context specific.

You can squat in a mansion, btw.

It's just the act of occupying a building and living there without permission of the owner.  You could be a millionaire and a squatter at the same time.

You must know this act by a certain word, surely?  If the word is "squatter", and you've forgotten the term because you haven't heard it since school... then I don't know what to say.

Quoted from Max You can squat in a mansion, btw. It's just the act of occupying a building and living there without permission of the owner.  You could be a millionaire and a squatter at the same time. You must know this act by a certain word, surely?  If the word is "squatter" and you've forgotten the term because you haven't heard it since school... then I don't know what to say.

No, I don't know it by a certain word. I was referring to the noun which is chiefly British. Third time I've had to say this.

Quoted from J.S. I hate to belabor this...

Of course you do.

Quoted from Stampp ...but since several have chimed in, we were talking about "squat", the noun, "A building occupied by people living in it without the legal right to do so", which according to the dictionary is chiefly British. I wasn't aware of either squat or squatters/squatting but, regardless, you're missing the larger point I'm making about clarity. Which is...

This is what you don't get James, everybody, certainly those that have chimed in, already know what we're talking about. It is you that's confused, remember.

Quoted from Stampp Even if you had written "INT. ABANDONED BUILDING" how does that somehow make it more clear where your characters are located? You response was, it isn't important. "If you had to guess which room two tramps would be sitting in amidst piles of rubbish, which one would you choose?"

In a squat of this description (rats scurrying, rubbish everywhere, no electricity) it really doesn't matter which room it is because they are just rooms full of shit. Maybe the bathroom would be worth remarking upon, but aside from that, it could be any room as they would all look the same. It's a squat. If I were to write LIVING ROOM, then this could actually cause the reader to imagine a type of living room. I don't want that. I just want people to imagine a rat, scurrying, rubbish-filled squat cohabited by two drug abusers. Which most can.

Quoted from Stampp How ironic because when I questioned why you would choose to detail your character so much, you responded with. "It adds character." If you wanted me to guess about the setting, why not have me guess about the characters? Not very consistent.

I'm not sure this actually warrants an answer. It's bordering on complete idiocy.

Quoted from Stampp Exactly, this proves my point. You're not being clear. You want the reader to guess. As one of my teachers once said, "If I have to guess at the meaning of your words, you're getting a lower grade." And another common thing I've heard English teachers say is, "When in doubt, write it out." Yes, in your country you can say "squat", and people will understand what that means. I have never heard anyone refer to an abandoned building or site occupied by tramps referred to as a squat.

No, I expect my readers to arrive with an imagination.

Quoted from Stampp No, Dustin. Not knowing what's going to happen until it happens is not the same as, "one often has to wait until the end to tie everything in."

Well the end is a happening too... so until it happens, how can we know what's going to happen? The beginning must also happen and we cannot know until we read the beginning what will happen in the beginning. So it's a complete mystery.

Quoted from Stampp Your script is six pages long.

Thanks for the reminder.

Quoted from Stampp Middle of page three is when he makes it clear what the job is.

Perfectly paced.

Quoted from Stampp So up to that point its a mystery to the reader and the tramps.

So by this logic this makes the story a mystery?

Quoted from Stampp Your exposition ends three quarters in on page 4. Think about that.

I'm pretty sure it ends on page 6, James.

Quoted from Stampp Where is the thriller part in this? Last two pages? Poor exposition.

Do you mean 'poor exposition' because it gets pushed to one side by the thriller aspect? Like you feel sorry for it?

Quoted from Stampp What isn't exposition?

You really do struggle.

Quoted from Stampp Apparently you don't know who the Prince of Zamunda is

Yes I do... I just didn't take it so literally. So what you meant is that you'd take an interest if you saw Eddie Murphy talking to two tramps. Fine, I know you have an aversion to names when a descriptive noun can serve just as well.

Quoted from Stampp You know what I meant, Dustin. Why did you give them proper names? They don't need it. Not only is more detailed and clear, it avoids confusion

Their names are not important but it helps ease the read if they're given them. I'm not too bothered by it. If the director wishes to add their names in dialogue, I won't complain. I'm happy either way. Most viewers will forget the character names anyway, so they're wasted lines and could seem forced. Viewers can remember the characters however they want to... but for readers, they (generally speaking) prefer names and it's also better when casting to have actual character names.

Quoted from J.S. No, I don't know it by a certain word. I was referring to the noun which is chiefly British. Third time I've had to say this.

Yeah.

The noun means "a building occupied by people living in it without the legal right to do so"

You've heard of that, right? So what "noun" do you use to describe a building that has been illegally occupied by people?

What noun do you use? That's what I'm asking.

Quoted from DustinBowcot So you're not prepared to explain your comments?

Well... okay, but to be honest I felt you were being disingenuous, so I just figured move on. I don't actually post stuff to start arguments, and IMO the tone of your feedback felt like something that I didn't want to engage with.

There is always opinion in regard to the work we do, and that goes from the script to the finished product as you are aware. So, my explanation - Gianni, dressed dapper, stylishly, pointing to a 'clean spot' would only have done so because he was mindful of his attire. Using 'Unmindful' felt that it went against the nature of the character - if he was so casual about it, then I feel he probably wouldn't have even looked for a 'clean spot' in the first place.

It is a criticism of your work, but only where I think there is a contradiction, and it is valid.

I'm not going to debate this with you ad infinitum, but I will try and make myself clear with points that I have. If I'm wrong, I'll accept that.

Quoted from DustinBowcot In a squat of this description (rats scurrying, rubbish everywhere, no electricity) it really doesn't matter which room it is because they are just rooms full of shit. Maybe the bathroom would be worth remarking upon, but aside from that, it could be any room as they would all look the same. It's a squat. If I were to write LIVING ROOM, then this could actually cause the reader to imagine a type of living room. I don't want that. I just want people to imagine a rat, scurrying, rubbish-filled squat cohabited by two drug abusers. Which most can.

It could be a mansion, as Max pointed out. It could be an airport. It could be a casino. It could be a bathroom. It could be a mall. It could be in the elevator. It could be on the ceiling. It could be in a cellar. It could be at the bottom of an empty swimming pool. It could be ..............

I don't understand why I have to hold your hand to get you to understand you're being extremely ambiguous. I can't make this any more clear for you. You'll have to make a little bit of an effort to understand. Despite how hard you hate to admit I'm right.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm not sure this actually warrants an answer. It's bordering on complete idiocy.

Setting = Ambiguous. Characters = Unambiguous. There's your answer.

Quoted from DustinBowcot So by this logic this makes the story a mystery?

I originally asked you, "Are you sure the genre of this is not a mystery?" I wasn't claiming the entire story was a mystery. The more important question here is, where's the thriller part in this? Last two pages?

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm pretty sure it ends on page 6, James.

Your exposition ends on page 6??? Mind = blown. Is this Dustin or some tramp typing up these responses?

Quoted from DustinBowcot Their names are not important but it helps ease the read if they're given them.

Yes. Ease the read alright. Might I suggest you call them Gabe, Gavin, and Gamal? That will really ease the read.

You don't even want to cede a single point I made because you know I'm right but it angers you. That's why you resort to insults. Deep down in your heart you know how right I am and it burns your insides.

Anyway, I've overstayed my welcome. I've clarified myself enough for you. I can't help you more than this.

-J.S.

Quoted from Max Yeah. The noun means "a building occupied by people living in it without the legal right to do so" You've heard of that, right? So what "noun" do you use to describe a building that has been illegally occupied by people? What noun do you use? That's what I'm asking.

I thought I just told you I don't use a noun.

Quoted from J.S. I thought I just told you I don't use a noun.

Really? That's a little weird.

I dunno, don't ask me! lol!

Quoted from J.S. It could be a mansion, as Max pointed out. It could be an airport. It could be a casino. It could be a bathroom. It could be a mall. It could be in the elevator. It could be on the ceiling. It could be in a cellar. It could be at the bottom of an empty swimming pool. It could be ..............

Everybody knows what a squat is in my country. It goes without saying here. It could well be a mansion, or a semi, or a detached. It doesn't matter, so long as the producer can find a single room, fill it with rubbish and maybe have a couple of rats scurrying around. One needs a certain amount of common sense and a tiny bit of an imagination.

Quoted from Stampp I don't understand why I have to hold your hand to get you to understand you're being extremely ambiguous. I can't make this any more clear for you. You'll have to make a little bit of an effort to understand. Despite how hard you hate to admit I'm right.

But you're wrong. I don't need to do anything as I'm about to sign an option for this script today.

Quoted from Stampp Setting = Ambiguous.

It's only ambiguous to you because you don't understand what a squat is.

Quoted from Stampp I originally asked you, "Are you sure the genre of this is not a mystery?" I wasn't claiming the entire story was a mystery. The more important question here is, where's the thriller part in this? Last two pages?

It's not anywhere near an important question. What you mean is, the less stupid question. To be honest, I struggled with either calling this a thriller or a drama... you know what my conclusion was? That it doesn't really matter. What may seem like an important question to you is actually inconsequential to me.

Quoted from Stampp Your exposition ends on page 6??? Mind = blown. Is this Dustin or some tramp typing up these responses?

Mine starts on page one and ends on page 6. I don't see why your mind is blown by this James... well, actually I do, it is a very fragile thing.

Quoted from Stampp Yes. Ease the read alright. Might I suggest you call them Gabe, Gavin, and Gamal? That will really ease the read.

That's why you're not a writer. Show me a single piece of your work. I'd love to see it.

Quoted from Stampp You don't even want to cede a single point I made because you know I'm right but it angers you. That's why you resort to insults. Deep down in your heart you know how right I am and it burns your insides.

LOL. Yeah, my insides are really burning after writing something, gaining lots of praise for it and then optioning it to a very worthwhile producer. Not a student or amateur, but a professional filmmaker.

The reason I don't like you James, is because you're a dick... but you already know that. I also don't like you because I never see any of your work. You're full of opinion on what seems to be just my script. You come back and reply only on my script. This makes me suspicious that you're another member using an alter ego. My suspicions are heightened after a Google search of your name comes back fruitless.

Quoted from Stampp Anyway, I've overstayed my welcome.

It does take some a while to get the hint.

Quoted from Stampp I've clarified myself enough for you.

You've repeated yourself over and over again.

Quoted from Stampp I can't help you more than this.

In what way do you believe you have helped me?

Quoted from Forgive Well... okay, but to be honest I felt you were being disingenuous, so I just figured move on. I don't actually post stuff to start arguments, and IMO the tone of your feedback felt like something that I didn't want to engage with.

If you're going to point out obvious style choices and call them wrong, I will get slightly annoyed, yes. Your opinion on what makes a whole action line or wryly doesn't bother me in the slightest... unless you're going to shove it down my throat.

Quoted from SiColl There is always opinion in regard to the work we do, and that goes from the script to the finished product as you are aware. So, my explanation - Gianni, dressed dapper, stylishly, pointing to a 'clean spot' would only have done so because he was mindful of his attire. Using 'Unmindful' felt that it went against the nature of the character - if he was so casual about it, then I feel he probably wouldn't have even looked for a 'clean spot' in the first place.

It specifically says that he's unmindful of the dry cleaning bill. Here's the line again:

Code Unmindful of the dry cleaning bill, Gianni takes a seat.

It does not say that he's unmindful of his attire. He looks for a clean spot, but even that contains some dust that will take a dry cleaning bill to sort out. I don't like having to explain simple things. To me that is perfectly clear. You go from telling me my style choices are wrong and that I should write your way to what seems like a deliberate misinterpretation of something that is very clearly written.

Yeah, things like that mount up and I start to think you're just taking the piss.

Quoted from SiColl It is a criticism of your work, but only where I think there is a contradiction, and it is valid.

It's the validity thing that's causing the issue.

Quoted from SiColl If I'm wrong, I'll accept that.

Really? You normally just run away for a few months.

Do not critique my style choices. Well you can, but be prepared for me to bite back. I'm not an amateur. I don't need your beginner guides. Yes, I was offended as was your intention. You're too smart to be innocent.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Really? You normally just run away for a few months.

You noticed. You missed me. I'm touched.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Do not critique my style choices. Well you can, but be prepared for me to bite back.

Dustin, firstly make your mind up; and secondly, if posted in a public forum, I'll critique whomsoever I wish. And do you really want to frame your minor tantrum as you 'biting back'. Dummy back in please

Quoted from Forgive You noticed. You missed me. I'm touched.

Glass is always half full, eh. Good attitude to have.

Quoted from SiColl Dustin, firstly make your mind up; and secondly, if posted in a public forum, I'll critique whomsoever I wish. And do you really want to frame your minor tantrum as you 'biting back'. Dummy back in please

Whomsoever? We're talking about style choices, not a person. I asked you not to critique my style choices. What makes you think you're qualified to tell me how I should write?

I can only conclude, from your response, that you're being deliberately patronising. That's cool. I just like to know where I stand. Sometimes it's difficult to tell whether a person is genuine or not.