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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Questions or Comments  /  The New Person's Guide to SimplyScripts
Posted by: Don, August 15th, 2005, 9:38pm
Please add questions here and someone will look at the question and add it to the master list of questions.  



Q: How do I post a script to the site?  
A: Just go to http://www.simplyscripts.com/submit_your_script.html and fill out the form.  

Q: After I submit my scripts, how long will it take to be posted to the site?
A: It can take up to ten days, but usually the scripts are posted once a week (usually on Saturdays).

Q. How do I know if feedback has been posted on my script?
A. Check the box that says notify me in my email when someone replies to this topic.

Q: Will I be notified when my script is posted?  And, where can I find it?
A: An e-mail is sent out right after it is posted informing you that the script is posted to http://www.simplyscripts.com/unpro.html.  In addition, you should be able to find it in the discussion board posted in your scripts genre (Action, Adventure, Horror, etc).   note: hotmail and yahoo users may want to check their junk folders periodically or make @simplyscripts.com a trusted receipient.

Q: I made some changes to my script how do I go about updating the script to the site.
A: Just re-submit via the Submit Your Script link.  Indicate "This is an update to a script, logline, genre, or title already on the site." on the form.

Q: How do I get my script taken down?
A: Just send a email using the same email address you used to submit the script to  http://www.simplyscripts.com/faq.html#contact and ask that your script be taken down. It can take up to 10 days, tho usually less.

Q: How do I post a picture to the site?
A: Use [img]URL[/img]

Q: What is the site so hard to navigate?
A: It is designed this way to weed out the weak.

Q: How do I formally introduce myself to other writers? This is not compulsory btw, you can just lurk and post comments until we feel your presence, or you can tell us about yourself here:
A:  https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-knowyou/

Q: How do I find/ search for a particular script on the boards?
A: At the top right of the discussion board you will see a  ScriptSearch button with a space to input script title or Author, and click on Find It! The results will appear like so:

There are 1 results

script - download
•  Blog City – Joe Blogs Hosted by: Simply Scripts
unproduced script in pdf format  Joe Blogs discuss

Click on the script title (in bold) to download the script, or click on 'discuss' (in Italics) to join the discussion and offer feedback.

Another Advanced Search option is available here:
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?v-search/

Q: How do I get feedback on my script?
A: When submitting to the site click the option: 'Writer Interested In Feedback on this work'. It often helps to open the discussion on your own thread too, to let the community know you welcome comments and to let them know you’re an active member.  See also: Why is my screenplay not getting reviews?

Q: I'm a beginner writer so I'm not experienced enough to offer feedback on other's work, am I?
A: Yes, you are. If you’ve written a script, read scripts, watch movies, you are perfectly equipped to offer your thoughts and comments on another writer's script. You don’t need to be an expert on story or formatting. Just be polite and constructive with your feedback.

Q: Why is my screenplay not getting any reviews?
A: Simply Scripts is a quid pro quo site -  Simply put, (the phrase is derived from Latin) it means you get what you give. Review other writer's work and most likely they will give back in return.

Q: I am a Producer. How do I contact the writer of a script I'd like to produce?
A: You can sign up to Simply Scripts and contact a fellow member via PM. Alternatively, a writer's contact details will/should appear on their screenplay title page. If all else fails, contact the Site Administrator here: webmaster@simplyscripts.com

Q: I'd like to post a list of all the scripts I have submitted to Simply Scripts. How do I do that?
A. http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-knowyou/m-1095531482/

Q. I have a ‘how to’ question about screenwriting, where can I find the answer?
A. Discussion Board, Screenwriting Discussion, Screenwriting Class - https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-screenwrite/
FYI, at the bottom of page 1. there is a 'Search' bar where you can look for an answer prior to posting your question.

Q. How do I find the SS Blog page?
A. There is a Blog/Home link at the top right hand side of the discussion page, or: https://www.simplyscripts.com

Q. I'm trying to find a specific Movie Script to download. Where can I find it?
A. https://www.simplyscripts.com/movie-scripts.html

Q. How do I quote text in a thread on the discussion board?
A. Click on the small 'quote' bar (top right) and the member's text will appear, example:

Quoted from LC
You can then type in your comment below. You can choose to quote the entire text or only a relevant part thereof.

Q. How do I edit a post I have made previously?
A. Click on Modify, a drop down box will reveal: Easy Edit or Full Edit. Select Full Edit if you want to modify or add a substantial amount to your original post.

Q. How do I set a Signature?
A. Search for your script link and copy and paste the address as http (delete the 's' as in https) with [url] [/url] Add script title.

Q. How do I edit Board Settings. I'd prefer not to see swearing etc.
A. Open your personal Member Centre. Click Personal Forum Preferences, click Board Settings and leave the box marked: ‘Disable Censored Words' unchecked.

Q. How do I find contact details for a writer of a script?
A. Email addresses can be found on https://www.simplyscripts.com/original-unproduced-scripts-a-to-l.html
and here:
https://www.simplyscripts.com/original-unproduced-scripts-m-to-z.html

Q. How do I block a member?
A. When logged in click on Member Centre, click on User Message Block – Add new user.
Q. What do I do if I have a problem with a post/thread, someone's trolling etc.?
A. PM a Mod, Admin. Or, use the Report button which is located to the right hand side of every post.

Q. What is Industry Standard Formatting/correct spacing for screenplay writing, and where can I find it?
A. https://simplyscripts.com/WR_format.html
https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/scriptsample.pdf

Q. Are there any free screenwriting software Apps available?
A. Yes, http://www.page2stage.com, https://www.trelby.org,  https://www.celtx.com/index.html
Other software is available to purchase, or for a try before you buy period.

Q. How can I add my script titles and script links to my Member Signature?
A. Copy the link to your script on Simply scripts then use [url= ]pastescriptlink[/url ] You can also post a link to your website in your signature and also request Don add it here:

https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-News/m-1388760285/s-new/

Posted by: LC, January 20th, 2019, 7:59pm; Reply: 1
Just added to the list...

Love the 'weed out the weak' comment, Dave.   ;D
Love the title too: Beginner's Guide better than 'new', Don?  Has a certain ring to it. Wonder what others think?
Posted by: LC, January 21st, 2019, 4:11am; Reply: 2
Bumping this so that hopefully SS members will contribute to:
The Beginner's Guide To The Simply Scripts Discussion Board..

Remember when you were a Newb to the site?
Did you have questions or any trouble navigating your way around?
Have you picked up tricks and tips along the way for finding hidden gems and resources that you didn't know existed when you first joined?

Did you know what the heck the OWC was, or that you could View Portal or View Recent posts to see what's current?

What questions would you have liked answers to when you first joined up?
Posted by: AnthonyCawood, January 21st, 2019, 8:34am; Reply: 3
One question I think many have, perhaps too soon, is how do I get my script out there...
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, January 21st, 2019, 8:38am; Reply: 4
I'm still a newbie, and the biggest question I have is how do I find scripts by a particular writer.

Sometimes when new scripts come up, I recognise the writers name and want to see what script of theirs I have read previously. I have tried the search button at the top, but it often comes back with no results even though I know what I am searching for is there.

I'm not computer savvy, so it is probably me being an idiot.
Posted by: LC, January 21st, 2019, 9:25am; Reply: 5

Quoted from AnthonyCawood
One question I think many have, perhaps too soon, is how do I get my script out there...

Universal question, I think. If only we all had the answer to that one.  ;D

What about navigating the site,when you were a newb, Anthony?

Posted by: LC, January 21st, 2019, 9:45am; Reply: 6

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I'm still a newbie, and the biggest question I have is how do I find scripts by a particular writer.

Sometimes when new scripts come up, I recognise the writers name and want to see what script of theirs I have read previously. I have tried the search button at the top, but it often comes back with no results even though I know what I am searching for is there.

I'm not computer savvy, so it is probably me being an idiot.

Matt, I doubt it's you being an eeejit. In the past sometimes I've had no luck too with some searches.

Are you trying ScriptSearch/Find It, at the very top right hand side of the page on the Discussion board?

I tried searching for a list of my own scripts using my surname, first initial, and first name variations, and only got a couple of results. Then I tried my surname only and voilà - there they all were. I tried with other writer's surnames as well, including Cawood (Anthony) and got an extremely long list of work - prolific show-off that he is :)

See if that works for you, Matt, and let me know.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, January 21st, 2019, 10:13am; Reply: 7
I know it's asking a lot, and would involve a lot of coding, which I would never wish on Don or anyone else, but I wish there were a search feature that allowed you to drill down on a search, like:  a short drama between 5-7 pages with four or less characters.  For producers looking to make a specific project, that would be a big help, I would think.


But on the board as it currently exists, if I were a noob (and some of our wittier critics on here still think I write that way), I would want maybe a short tutorial or post about how to write a review.  I know it's easy to look at other reviews and say, oh, that's how you do it, but I'm thinking that we all have gotten accustomed to writing shorthand reviews which don't necessarily provide a lot of meaningful insight to the writer.  Might even be a good reminder for the veterans.  I think there's a tendency to focus on the grammar and orphans and format (which should be pointed out, no doubt), and failing to provide any insight on the content; i.e., is it a good story, do the characters work, is the dialogue on the nose.

Just me two cents.
Gary
Posted by: Grandma Bear, January 21st, 2019, 10:36am; Reply: 8
I don't think that would necessarily mean a lot of coding. Scriptrevolution has something like that and I don't think CJ writes code. There probably already is something out there that has that type of software already. Problem is that all the scripts uploaded to SS, must have already been sorted by author, genre, length and such. That would probably be impossible here. At least for scripts already uploaded. We're talking many thousands of scripts.
Posted by: FrankM, January 21st, 2019, 10:48am; Reply: 9
“Coding” has a couple different meanings. You were probably thinking of programming (writing code) but the what was suggested was really encoding the existing scripts into database fields (genre, length, number of characters, SFX, number of locations,!etc.).

I do agree that’s an unreasonable amount of work, though it might be worth capturing on the script submission form going forward. Of course I can see disagreements over these fields... do two characters played by the same actor count?
Posted by: AnthonyCawood, January 21st, 2019, 3:34pm; Reply: 10
I clearly failed at navigating the site when I was newb Libby, didn't even realise there was a Boards section for at least two weeks ;-)  
Posted by: Philostrate, January 21st, 2019, 5:12pm; Reply: 11

Quoted Text
I don't think that would necessarily mean a lot of coding. Scriptrevolution has something like that and I don't think CJ writes code. There probably already is something out there that has that type of software already. Problem is that all the scripts uploaded to SS, must have already been sorted by author, genre, length and such. That would probably be impossible here. At least for scripts already uploaded. We're talking many thousands of scripts.



Quoted Text
“Coding” has a couple different meanings. You were probably thinking of programming (writing code) but the what was suggested was really encoding the existing scripts into database fields (genre, length, number of characters, SFX, number of locations,!etc.).

I do agree that’s an unreasonable amount of work, though it might be worth capturing on the script submission form going forward. Of course I can see disagreements over these fields... do two characters played by the same actor count?

Well, technically it may be possible to capture some of the data from the existing scripts using (or programming) a web crawler. The script listings have them listed using a specific format (title, genres, logline, etc.) and a web crawler may benefit from that to fill a database. Sorry if I was too technical. But I agree, the amount of work to do this may be unreasonable…
Posted by: jayrex, January 21st, 2019, 5:46pm; Reply: 12
I think the discussion board button should stand out.  Since it's a huge part of the site.  If possible, the button should have it's own section and enlarged to draw newcomer's eyes.
Posted by: eldave1, January 21st, 2019, 8:04pm; Reply: 13

Quoted from LC

Matt, I doubt it's you being an eeejit. In the past sometimes I've had no luck too with some searches.

Are you trying ScriptSearch/Find It, at the very top right hand side of the page on the Discussion board?

I tried searching for a list of my own scripts using my surname, first initial, and first name variations, and only got a couple of results. Then I tried my surname only and voilà - there they all were. I tried with other writer's surnames as well, including Cawood (Anthony) and got an extremely long list of work - prolific show-off that he is :)

See if that works for you, Matt, and let me know.


You may also want to add that many writers include the links to their scripts or the link to their website in their signature box.
Posted by: FrankM, January 21st, 2019, 8:06pm; Reply: 14

Quoted from jayrex
I think the discussion board button should stand out.  Since it's a huge part of the site.  If possible, the button should have it's own section and enlarged to draw newcomer's eyes.


Might suffice to make the discussion board button a contrasting color, and if we happen to have a web coder around... maybe switch it back to blue once someone has a cookie for discussion board preferences. Leaving it red or orange or whatever wouldn't be a bad idea, though.

When I first found SS I had the opposite problem: I landed on the discussion board from a search engine, and it took me a couple weeks to find the primary site!
Posted by: eldave1, January 21st, 2019, 8:11pm; Reply: 15

Quoted from LC
Bumping this so that hopefully SS members will contribute to:
The Beginner's Guide To The Simply Scripts Discussion Board..

Remember when you were a Newb to the site?
Did you have questions or any trouble navigating your way around?
Have you picked up tricks and tips along the way for finding hidden gems and resources that you didn't know existed when you first joined?

Did you know what the heck the OWC was, or that you could View Portal or View Recent posts to see what's current?

What questions would you have liked answers to when you first joined up?


I had to self teach myself a lot about the member center. e.g., how to block users. How to add my scripts to my signature, etc.

A thought - there me be tons of things that a newbie might want to know about and there probably isn't a feasible way to put them in a Q an A format without writing a thousand questions.

Perhaps if there was a HELP WITH THIS SITE thread.  I know we have Questions and Comments - but I think most newbies might view that as script writing related rather than sit related.

Peeps would be instructed to post their question and we could collectively answer them.

Just spit balling
Posted by: LC, January 21st, 2019, 8:49pm; Reply: 16
You're probably right there, Dave, we can't possible answer every question and ultimately it'll be up to Don how  extensive the list is, but the examples you've just given are exactly on point.

I also had trouble with the things you listed plus how to quote text/trial and error with quick edit/full edit etc, the former can end up in the text being a garbled mess etc.

I'll add yours to the list a bit later.

Instead of struggling with the same things we did, the info will be right there.
Your other suggestion is good too. Most SS regulars go out of their way to be helpful.

Ooh, I've never had to block another user...  
That's another thing I had no clue you could do , not for ages anyway.
Posted by: eldave1, January 21st, 2019, 9:19pm; Reply: 17

Quoted from LC
You're probably right there, Dave, we can't possible answer every question and ultimately it'll be up to Don how  extensive the list is, but the examples you've just given are exactly on point.

I also had trouble with the things you listed plus how to quote text/trial and error with quick edit/full edit etc, the former can end up in the text being a garbled mess etc.

I'll add yours to the list a bit later.

Instead of struggling with the same things we did, the info will be right there.
Your other suggestion is good too. Most SS regulars go out of their way to be helpful.

Ooh, I've never had to block another user...  
That's another thing I had no clue you could do , not for ages anyway.


I've only blocked myself.  Turns out I was trolling me.
Posted by: LC, January 22nd, 2019, 7:00pm; Reply: 18

Quoted from eldave1
I've only blocked myself.  Turns out I was trolling me.

No publicity is bad publicity, eh, Dave.  ;D

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, chaps.

Posted by: eldave1, January 22nd, 2019, 7:03pm; Reply: 19
A pleasure
Posted by: LC, January 24th, 2019, 9:36am; Reply: 20
Just added a few more...
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