Why do some scripts go unread and others have 10+ posts? I've finished two scripts that no one else read called "The Silk" and "Deacon Blues." The Silk was excellent and Deacon Blues in my opinion was one of the best I ever read. Some of the scripts like that I wish could get more of a chance.

The prime reason I don't read is because there are a lot of writers who frequent the board who want comments on their scripts. Given the choice between reading and commenting on a script that someone is actively working on and needing comments about, or reading something that someone just posted and left, I will choose to help the writer who is here to receive the comments.

Yes Rapture, that's true, but a lot of the time I've seen the author of the script write something in the forum.

Oh look: another writer who thinks his own work is excellent, doesn’t participate, can’t find his way around to get involved at the site but can find his way to the comments section to ask why people don’t bow down and worship him because his writing is so grand. What is that, the tenth one this month?

Dude, we’ve had people come in here and declare themselves the best writer ever. We’ve had writers declare their script the best script ever written. They never participate. They just tell us how great they are.

And you want to know why we don’t give your scripts a chance? Join the frickin’ club.
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Breanne, I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about, but the scripts I'm talking about don't belong to me. Maybe you're confused about that.

There's a couple of reasons:

1.  As mentioned earlier, someone writers post scripts for people to read, but don't want to read anyone else's work.  I can think of some people, in the past, who adamently refused to read other people's work.  They come here thinking that we're all going to read their scripts and sing praises for them.  It's very quid-pro-quo.

2.  Sometimes, the story synopsis is just a turn off.  Maybe it's because their description sounds like the same description used in other scripts (ie:  BLOOD-SPITTING CATS.  A group of teenagers go camping and meet up with a homicidal maniac in the woods).  Other synopses are so long and drawn out that you get tired reading just that.

3.  Upon opening the scripts, you realize that the formatting is so bad, or that the script is riddled with so many typos that the writer didn't spend much time with it (not many of us want to read first draft scripts that were cranked out in a day or two).

There are a number of us who have been around a while.  We've devloped a reputation for reading other people's scripts and some of us have developed a following for our writing.  This is not a closed inner circle (as a short-time member once claimed).  All you have to do to join this circle is to participate in the boards.  And once you do that, more people will read your work.


Phil

This is an interesting thread.  Looks like Brea didn't understand ya' at first, TA -- I didn't see her post and it looks like she deleted it anyway -- so I wouldn't take that one personal.

By the way, that little "quote" button on the upper right is what you use to box up someone else's text.

Getting your script read is a witch's brew -- sure, active members get read more, but you need a good logline, and you have to be in a genre that appeals to lots of readers.  Action, where you are hanging out, gets overlooked -- for whatever reason -- nobody knows why, really.

I read the loglines for the scripts you mentioned, and I was like, "Eh...".  They were both kind of wordy and cliche, at least to me.

You also need a good title.  That is paramount, you know?  "The Silk" is an awful title, frankly.  (No offense, Lon, if you're looking -- but it is)

And there are tons of scripts on these boards, too -- so getting your script looked at is a combination of alchemy and talent and hanging around a bit -- it takes all three.

There's nothing wrong with you digging up buried gems, TA -- as long as you don't mind your comments falling on deaf ears more often than not.

But some of those 10+ threads also contain darn good scripts, too -- and authors that will actually appreciate what you have written to them.

Quoted from bert By the way, that little "quote" button on the upper right is what you use to box up someone else's text.

Thanks bert, I could never figure out how to use that feature!

Just to add my two cents, this site is pretty much based on that old morality clause of "treat people how you want to be treated."  In other words, if you want yours read, sometimes you have to suck it up and read a couple of other people's first.  Or like bert said above, you better have a very good logline and/or synopsis that makes people want to read it.  This place is like the real world in the fact that you have the regulars that get their stuff read almost endlessly, and then you get the newcomers that post really good scripts or help others out and join the club.  

I had to write two screenplays before anyone even talked to me, let alone reviewed my script when I first got on here.  (Thanks Tomson for breaking the ice for me).  It's nothing personal, it's just the way it goes.  I've been a bit more giving lately and having been reading many new writers' work and helping them out.  It's just a cycle that 's mandatory, yet benefits all involved.  

Because no one reads them.

Next question please.

Also, if you get argumentative, or cop an attitude, no one will read your work.


Phil

Quoted from TAnthony Breanne, I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about, but the scripts I'm talking about don't belong to me. Maybe you're confused about that

Yes, indeed I did misunderstand. And did catch it. And did delete immediately after rereading. T, you must have copied it immediately after I initially posted it. I had no idea that anyone had read it until I came back.

Since it’s here, I suppose the only prudent thing to do would be to apologize. So T, I sincerely apologize to you for the comments. I reacted initially from anger because, well, for one, I misunderstood, and for two, there are so many people who come here and can’t seem to participate but expect the rest of us to read and comment on their work. Often, these people are extremely arrogant.

Since I’m drawn into this conversation whether I like it or not, I suppose I’ll try and contribute something of value to the conversation.

To answer your question, people read what they want. What they feel drawn to. If someone doesn’t read a script, it’s because that script failed to draw someone in. Or because it simply hasn’t done it yet. Your seeing the beginning of a process. You read a script that didn’t have a lot of comments. Well, you may have very well generated interest in that script that may increase its readership. That’s what happened to some that have several comments.

Or it may be that a writer has gained a reputation as a quality writer and hence is able to garner reads based on name or reputation.

The very first script I ever posted here at Simply Scripts is no longer posted. Want to know why? Because it went a year with no reads. No comments and hardly even any viewings.

It takes time. I didn’t just come here and people fell all over my work. And keep in mind, every comment isn’t positive. It takes time and effort and work and patience.


Brea

Brea you had a screenplay that no one read?  Wow.  I find that hard to beleive.

All of yours have been so good.  

Quoted from guyjackson Brea you had a screenplay that no one read?  Wow.  I find that hard to beleive. All of yours have been so good.

Hey Guy, thanks but yeah, I’ve written some real clunkers -- haha.

I posted my first screenplay on here in April 2004. It got its first review in May 2005. And you know where that review came from? It was one of the first review exchanges. I read someone else's work, and they read mine. I believe one of my very first posts on the board was on this thread.

The other script posted in April of 2004 was not reviewed until June 2005. This was after I had been an SS member for over 6 months sporadically posting and plugging into the madness.

Fempiror was posted in November of 2005 and someone said they read shortly thereafter (as part of one of the old review services people were conducting on her for awhile), but never really reviewed it. It was read in May 2005, again after I became a part of the community.

Since then, reads have come easier because people know I do repay reads and will review pretty much anything they want. They also have become accustomed to how I write and (yes, tooting my own horn, but I have been told this) are fairly certain they're going to read something at least decent, if not good.

Did I get frustrated when no one read my stuff? Oh yeah. Did I post treads begging for reads? Oh yeah. When did I get read though? When I stopped asking and started contributing.

I had a full length script up once called LIFE, went for a year nobody posted but for a "I'll read this" and I had it removed. Since I've got great advice from people i've met on this site that aren't here anymore sadly.

We've all been ignored or had work ignored, it's just how to deal with it. I'm still bitter about it but I know that half of the people who are here now were not here at that time.

Also when my animated series got ignored because Banana Chan was all the rage, then I moved it to the series board which was brand new at the time and it got ignored and funny enough George had read episode 1 right when I had it removed.

That's in a nutshell how it goes, people pretend they care, you release the script and become outcast. A year later somebody will read it, wait another 2 years and you might even fill up a page... git r done and have fun.

Quoted from Higgonaitor Because no one reads them. Next question please.

was that supposed to be funny?

It's quite a valid answer.

I don't read screenplays that don't catch my interest.

Also, if you see a good script that has no comments, comment on it yourself and that should bump it up, getting other's attention. If it's a really good review, that might get some others to read it (or if it's a bad review, that might get some people's curiosity).

Quoted from Herodreamer79 was that supposed to be funny?

Yes.

Next.

Quoted from -Ben- (or if it's a bad review, that might get some people's curiosity).

People do have a penchant for going into bad scripts to see just how bad it is, don't they? Some of us are gluttons for punishment.

I'm the unusual one and don't mind admitting it, this is what makes me  "me" ;D

I perform a read for a writer when they read a script of mine. No problem..

Whether I participate in the SimplyScripts Week Exercise or not I try and read all the entries. I've only participated in one exercise so far but in that exercise I read all of the entrants, this I considered a fair thing to do, I also gave encouraging comments because I feel this is also important whether the writers are a seasoned vet or not..

I sometimes go back, find a short from an old SimplyScripts Week Exercise and read those too because some are real gold nuggets. I discovered Phil's Pugumentary, Bert's Paramour’s and Simply Noir by Bert and George and I'm glad I did because these are great scripts. But I have read others and commented on them..

I also try and find scripts, short or full-length features which have a well thought out logline and or synopsis. If it catches my attention, this will get me to read it.

I sometimes discover scripts that are not that well written, are an early draft or the writer is not a seasoned vet but these writers show originality, their work is a very good idea with good story and characters and I have the insight to see these things and I immediately want to offer some criticism and suggestions to help these writers out during the development of their scripts.. I've done this a lot and I love this part of helping out writers with their scripts. If helping one writer to improve in their script writing, whether formatting, structure, dialogue or descriptions and such then I feel I am making a valid contribution and at the same time I get something out of the process also because I'm learning something also, how to communicate ideas, how to get ideas across so these ideas are understood. Its all about communication..

I also see popular screenplays which have been read by the regulars here at SimplyScipts and I check these out too. 9 times out of 10 I'm not disappointed and feel confident giving credit for their good work and if needed making critical comments and the occasional suggestions because the writer is looking for this stuff, they are seeking confirmation about their work but at the same time if something isn't quite right they also value an input, suggestions and unbiased criticism.. This stuff makes us all better writers, the writer and the reviewer..

On occasion I simply find a script which has none or little coverage and will review it all the same. If the script is weak, lacking and in an early draft stage I'll still give it the same weight as a more experienced writer, I try not to differentiate, everybody gets the same treatment from me..

Fairness, honesty and objectivity are good forms of behavior when reading and reviewing scripts available here on SimplyScripts. I've been lucky, people who've been kind enough to read my script shorts have used those very things, I'm grateful for that and value their constructive criticism and praise in equal measure.

Finally, I have offered some help to writers on SimplyScripts, I can write lots of stuff about their work but sometimes feel if I re-write their script this will act as a template of my suggestions which will help them to see exactly what I mean and this helps them to write an additional draft and achieve their aims regarding a good solid draft.

"Do as to others as you would have them do unto you.."

I know it's an old cliché but it sounds good to me.. It's even more applicable here on SimplyScripts - a very valuable commodity to have..

You can always announce the upload of your script too, use the board and ask for reads and that you will repay with a read likewise..

Like a lot of members have mentioned here, its all about jumping in and contributing..

You know since this comes up quite a bit around here, maybe it would be a good idea if Don would write a little friendly advice to new writers on the submission page.Just letting them know little bit on how it works, to becme part of the community.Just thought since it comes up so much, it might help.

Oh, you mean this board isn't a screenplay daycare center?
I can't just drop off my script before work and then pick up the comments after work??

And here I thought this board was comprised of nothing but readers.

Quoted from bert You also need a good title.  That is paramount, you know?  "The Silk" is an awful title, frankly.  (No offense, Lon, if you're looking -- but it is)

That's a bit book-by-its-cover-ish, but none taken.:)

Ouch.  

Quoted from Lon That's a bit book-by-its-cover-ish, but none taken.:)

I don't know how many people here have time to read all the scripts (my guess is very few).  Given this, we have to go with whatever catches our eye right away.  And the first thing is the title.


Phil

Quoted from Abe from LA Oh, you mean this board isn't a screenplay daycare center?

HA!

Quoted from Lon That's a bit book-by-its-cover-ish...

It's just one man's opinion, Lon...to do with what you will.  "Wrath of God" generates some interest right off the bat -- "The Silk" sounds like it's about sewing or something.

But, yeah -- like Phil says -- right or wrong, we absolutely do judge books by their cover, because readers around here are never at a loss for new material.  I suspect that you probably use similar criteria selecting what you read.

Quoted from bert It's just one man's opinion, Lon...do with it what you will, you know?

I love what you write, Bert.. You have a knack for saying the right things, at the right time in the right place..

Right on the money!

This isn't directed to you Bert, or anybody else for that matter, just an amusing little anecdote which is appropriate in this case..

"Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one!"

Consider this board like a large organization of readers. When query letters come in, they contain no more information that is presented on these boards to decide whether a script is worth looking at or not. Therefore, if a script gets no reads around here, you can bet it won't get any reads by official Hollywood readers either just because something about it isn't right. The tital and synopsis are the first things that a reader and your future audience has to go by to decide whether it is worth their time and 8 bucks to read or see. So, if no one is willing to put out some free time to read what you have, then no one will put out 8 bucks either.

Judge a book by its cover? That's a firm yes! What else is there in the beginning?

And as an afterthought, another way this place equates to Hollywood is that a script has one chance. If you do rewrites, no one will read them. It' the same way with the big time readers. Unless you put out an empassioned plea that will convince us that its worth rereading, it won't happen. Same way as with the big guys too. So, this board is a whole lot like the industry you're getting into. That rule goes for newbie and veteran alike. I recently posted a rewrite, and guess what? No one has read it yet. Why? Old news. If I'm lucky, some one new will stumble on it and think it's worth a look, but few who've read it before will read it again, unless they really liked the previous versions that much.

Quoted from bert It's just one man's opinion, Lon...to do with what you will.  "Wrath of God" generates some interest right off the bat -- "The Silk" sounds like it's about sewing or something. But, yeah -- like Phil says -- right or wrong, we absolutely do judge books by their cover, because readers around here are never at a loss for new material.  I suspect that you probably use similar criteria selecting what you read.

You're totally right, and I agree.  Determining whether or not one wants to read something based on its title IS akin to judging the book by its cover --  that's just the nature of the beast, and I was just pointing that out, not trying to be sarcastic.  Seriously, I took no offense whatsoever.   :)

I never thought otherwise, Lon.  I mean, it's pretty easy to separate the "unbalanced" denizens of this board from the rest -- and very seldom do I engage the former.

And it looks like "The Silk" is doing just fine, anyways.  So what the hell do I know?  Good luck with it.

Comparitively I've had a very good experience.

I only wrote one thing, but everyone here has been great.  Someone wrote that Don should write a "how to" to the newbie.

Still being a newbie I may have some insight:

1.  Don't post your script yet.
2.  Read at least 10 other people stuff, by people you recognize from the discussion board.  (This takes a while: I know)
3.  Comment on their stuff, be as thorough as you'd want them to be.  (Hey your comments may suck and be totally useless, but somebody can tell you tried, I think that's what counts, You get better-I think :)
4.  Post your script.
5.  Tell those people who read your stuff, you posted something.
6.  That's it.  

I got a lot of reviews and helpful feedback.

Quoted from Jaykur22 2.  Read at least 10 other people stuff, by people you recognize from the discussion board.  (This takes a while: I know) 3.  Comment on their stuff, be as thorough as you'd want them to be.  (Hey your comments may suck and be totally useless, but somebody can tell you tried, I think that's what counts, You get better-I think :)

Jaykur22's got it right.

I'm following this course to the T.  I'm reading for now and will post my first script soon.  But I too understand the importance of establishing both activity on SS and a reputation for being supportive of other writers.

This after all, is a support group.  We're all (most anyway) are writers on the way up, working toward our first sale.  Or option.  We depend on each to reach our goals.  

So, Lon, now that we have all spent some time explaining the ins and outs of how the boards work and how to get you're scripts read, the ball is in your court.

Why not join us and be regular (no Metamucil required).
In time your scripts will get read and reviewed.
Heck, if Bert or George or Dogglebe or countless regulars write a script called
Duh, it's gonna get read.  Regardless of the title.
Their reputation precedes them.

Yes, that is the nature of the beast.

I understand your intention, my man -- but you're talkin' to the wrong fella.  My script was listed as an example in this thread, but I didn't start the thread.  I've been here a while and I read others' works and supply comments.  My script mentioned in this thread is only of two posted here; my other script received numerous comments, almost all incredibly positive.  I have nothing to complain about.

Thanks anyway, though.:)

Lon,

Sorry about that.
I did forget who started this thread.

Now if we could get all the newbies to read these posts...

I don't believe the reading of the POSTS is the problem we're dealing with here... It's moving beyond that.