The July/August OWC scripts are up! A word...

A word about the challenge.   The Thread Rating has been enabled.  It will be found at the bottom left of the page.  Please vote honestly.  It will be a part of the decision making process, however it will not be the entire decision making process.  I've asked each of the writers to read and review three scripts and let me know which they like best.  That, in addition to the Thread Rating, will help cull the field down.  In addition, I plan to read all the scripts.  Don't be discouraged if you have a low Thread Rating.  That is only a part of it.

The point of this is to be constructive in your critisim and to have fun.  I'm really impressed with the number of entries and in the quality of the scripts that I've read thus far.

Names If you are wonder about the names associated with the scripts.  They are fake names.  Part of the fun if figuring out what I'm currently reading...

Writer - if you have not received an email from me with your review assignments (you can review more than three, btw), please send me a PM.

Spoilers - Please consider any discussion of a particular thread to have spoilers.  Don't read the thread if you don't want to be spoiled.

Don

Let the reading begin!!!!!

Quoted from Don

I plan to read all the scripts.
Don

If I had known that, I would have submitted something!

This is fun. I hope I am doing it right(it = 'reviewing' them honestly and voting accordingly). I'm such a noob...

Thanks to everyone on this site involved in this. The OWC really is an awesome concept.

K, off to read more!

Just be sure not to reply to your script's reviews until the writers are revealed. Otherwise you'll just look like a big doofus ;D

--Julio

Popping in to look for the scripts, and there they are. Looks like a very interesting batch.

Hey -- and there is Julio doing my job for me!

Quoted from ReaperCreeper

Just be sure not to reply to your script's reviews until the writers are revealed. Otherwise you'll just look like a big doofus ;D

Thanks, Gomez. I'll just reiterate it with a quote, as sometimes the purple name draws a little more attention to itself. Or maybe I am just kidding myself.

Darn hotel computers -- some old lady is already huffing in the corner for me to get off.

Happy reading, guys. I'll be sure to look at some when I get the chance.

I just finished reading a script. I'm unsure where to post my critique. Additionally, I don't see where I should vote on the different criteria. I also never received a list of scripts to read so I know I have to pm Don. I've never pm'd anybody on this site, so I'll try and figure out how to do that now.

Quoted from stampede331

Daniel,

I'll PM you your assignment.

Quoted from ReaperCreeper

Just be sure not to reply to your script's reviews until the writers are revealed. Otherwise you'll just look like a big doofus ;D

--Julio

Julio,

Thank you for the clarification

Quoted from bert

Darn hotel computers -- some old lady is already huffing in the corner for me to get off.

Bert, thanks for keeping an eye out via remote control. Two words - laptop and wireless

Don

Woot. All right readers, lets get reading.

Matt.

2 questions:

1. Is it possible to change your star rating?

2. How do I get my 'assignment' as I would like to read those tonight (and others tomorrow and during the week).

Quoted from zdamort

2 questions:

1. Is it possible to change your star rating?

2. How do I get my 'assignment' as I would like to read those tonight (and others tomorrow and during the week).

Dale,

1. Star ratings are int he lower left corner of the posts. Click the drop down where it sez Thread Rating and give the script 1 to 5stars.

2. I'll pm you your assignment.

Don

Quoted from Zombie Sean

It's cool to see that you're reviewing some scripts, too, Don. Just thought I'd comment about that. Haha.

Yes, I'm reviewing these using my 'real' name.

To Zdamort's question regarding 'changing' a star rating. You can't once you make a rating, you can't go back and change it.

Don

This thread rating tning is super cool. it should be enabled forr all scripts, not just OWC.

~Zack~

I'm kind of pissed with my scripts critique because I took the time to maticuously read I think about 6 scripts so far and the idiots critiquing mine ask stupid questions when my screenplay answered them. I feel raped...and some other just really BAD screenplays got higher I haven't read one GOOD screenplay but there are 40 so I'll have to read more. BUt I really am pissed that I haven't found a good one, I actually think I have a shot.

You're attitude has got to go Ziggy or you'll be making enemies faster then you can say gram cracker! Think before you post.

~Zack~

There's no attitude, that's just the way I've always been: blunt. If someone is kind enough to read thoroughly and critique honestly one respects all to do the same, but I'm not that mad because I think for a first timer mine was not that bad. But some of the scripts were just...Oh, Lord...that's all I can say.

Either way, you need to respect other members on the board.

~Zack~

I mentioned no names, granted I shouldn't have said 'idiots' but I don't take my craft lightly epseciallyy since we can't reveal our identities and I can't go on there and explain things to them that are so obvious...*breathes* it's just a frustrating labour of love.

All I'm saying is think before you post. The last thingg you want is to get banned for offending someone.

~Zack~

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

I don't know which script is yours, but comments like that aren't very nice. Most of us here are not professional readers and we read on our free time. Some of us read even when we didn't enter.

This contest is out of fun. It's to challenge people to do their best under an given time frame which is short. There's always revising afterwards.

Also, keep an open mind to criques. They may lead you to something great that you didn't see in your story. This has happened to me several times.

Gabe

Quoted from Zack

This thread rating tning is super cool. it should be enabled forr all scripts, not just OWC.

I think that the rating would affect other people's incentive to read certain scripts then. The high-rated ones would be read whereas the low-rated ones would get ignored, in my opinion.

Ziggy, I can understand where your frustration could come from, but the way you expressed it is maybe not the best to go about it? I mean calling people 'idiots' is only going to backfire. Also, stop worrying about the ratings. The winner is not decided by the rating anyways.

I, personally, approached this contest from a different angle. Maybe easier for me, since I am a beginning scriptwriter and this contest featured the first script I have ever written and finished. My top priority in this contest is to learn, my second priority is to have fun.

I think the scripts are of good quality. So far I haven't stumbled upon any scripts where the author truly didn't put in any effort at all. Sure, some are better than others, but overall I think the quality really isn't bad at all.

By the way, when more than one reviewer has questions about your script, then you might want to take it to heart. Maybe the answers to those questions aren't so clear then? After all, it's all about how the reader perceives your script that ultimately is going to matter. I am not saying that all reviewers are perfect and thorough, but you catch my drift...

(sorry for being long winded)

I understand, ok maybe I was borderline mean so I am sorry but it's the whole not being able to say anything which is killing me. *no one touch me* I'm not a very likable person so me being blunt (not like this, this was mean) is just typical me so just don't think too much of it.

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

Be glad you can't respond to your reviewers yet? It gives you some time to take the critiques to heart, whether you agree with them or not. And some time time to phrase your responses, instead of flying off the handle. :)

You'll have plenty of time to respond once the names are revealed.

Quoted from Zack

This thread rating tning is super cool. it should be enabled forr all scripts, not just OWC.

~Zack~

The ratings were originally turned off because of things like this:

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

...some other just really BAD screenplays got higher...I really am pissed...

Some writers get mad if they don�t get the rating they want.

Also, some people can see a script and that it�s getting good ratings and deliberately knock it down. If you post a review, you�re accountable for what you say. If all you have to do is anonymously rate it, people can deliberately knock it down without having to account for it. The ratings system caused a lot of friction. That�s why it was disabled.

Breanne

Quoted from Breanne Mattson

The ratings were originally turned off because of things like this:

Some writers get mad if they don�t get the rating they want.

To Breanne's point, yes, the ratings on the boards were turned off precisely for the reason she stated.  I've turned the ratings on on this subboard only just for the purposes of the challenge.  I wanted those folks who have read the scripts in the challenge to have a say.  The ratings should be taken lightly and will play only a minor role in the one script selected to be recorded.  Again, the point of this is the challenge and the fun.  This isn't a contest.  I'm sure I'm going to piss off nearly everyone with whatever script is selected to be read.  The point of the exercise is to see if you can write on a topic in a week and seeing how everyone else interprets the topic and genre.  Everyone who entered has already won bragging rights.  So, if you are looking for a prize, you've already won!

On another note, please do not create additional screennames to bump up your thread rating.  Additional screennames will, and in some cases, have been deleted.

Thanks to everyone who have enthusiastically embraced the challenge and have read and responded to the scripts.  I've enjoyed every single one I've read thus far.

Don

Don,

How persuasive is Mr Lincoln? ;) ;)

What happened to "Where Boats Go To Die"? I was going to review it when the thread disappeared.

Phil

Quoted from ABennettWriter

Don,

How persuasive is Mr Lincoln? ;) ;)

Sorry, Austin. I'm not sure I get the joke, unless you mean to lay a 'Lincoln' across my palm.

Don

Quoted from dogglebe

What happened to "Where Boats Go To Die"? I was going to review it when the thread disappeared.Phil

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-OWC0807/m-1186352878/

[insert apology]

LOL, i'm MAN enough to admit it.. i had my cuosin create a name just to bump me up. She liked it, but she agreed with everyone, it just didn't make sense lol.

Can i be forgiven. I had a low point in judgment...and i'm bad. Like cookie monster stealing the cookies bad. I've learned my lesson.

<3.

[end apology]

Quoted from Don

Sorry, Austin. I'm not sure I get the joke, unless you mean to lay a 'Lincoln' across my palm.

Don

You'd be correct! Or, I'd at least put $5 in your paypal account. :)

I think my sister bumped the rating of mine. It suddenly jumped up but I saw no new reviews. But I did not ask her to do it. In fact, I don't even know yet if it was her. I'm about to ask her now. She created an account by accident when she thought you needed to be logged in to read scripts. (She wanted to read my work).lol.

My boyfriend wanted to rate mine, but I wouldn't let him.

Quoted from ABennettWriter

You'd be correct! Or, I'd at least put $5 in your paypal account. :)

You could, but it wouldn't help. I have no idea who wrote what. My son processed the scripts and he isn't telling until this selection thing is over.

Don

wait wait wait let me tell you a funny(yet sad story) story.

So i tell my friend i might've entered in the challenge... and she goes onto this page looking for scripts, taking guesses as to which is mine.

The first one she finds JUST HAPPENS to be mine.. and as she reads it, she I.M.'s me saying it was so horrible it couldn't be mine. She says she was only a few sentences in, and ready to EX out the page.

Imagine my face as she read each page of my own script, finding a new problem with each line lol. AND I SAT THERE AND TOOK IT.

Broke my heart.

But, in my defense...I gave her the script of 'The Prestige' and 'Brokeback Mountain' to read.. She said those sucked horribly too. So i'm not feeling as bad. Mostly just confused.

Quoted from Don

You could, but it wouldn't help. I have no idea who wrote what. My son processed the scripts and he isn't telling until this selection thing is over.

Don

Oh, well, never mind then.

Don,
Since this rating is causing such a controversy, why not remove them.
As mentioned, the ratings do not count.
This may stop some of the bitching and the fake rating.

Elis ::)

Quoted from elis

Don,
Since this rating is causing such a controversy, why not remove them.
As mentioned, the ratings do not count.
This may stop some of the bitching and the fake rating.

Elis ::)

Elis,

Good idea, however, I'd like to leave it stand through the end. I'm curious to see how the thread ratings playout against what I've read. I will not be instituting the ratings on any other threads other than for this OWC, tho.

Don

I'm going to try to read 4-5 of these scripts a day so I can make it through all 40 of them in a week or so.  It's becoming addictive, seeing what people have come up with!

Anyway, whoever mentioned it before, I think it's a great idea to read some of the scripts that have only gotten a few reviews to try to even it out.  It's what I'm doing.  And as far as the thread ratings, I don't think people should get too wound up about them.  There's plenty of scripts that I've read who's ratings I disagree with.  As Don said, the ratings are only one small criteria.

I'm really enjoying reading these scripts!

Being new, i have greatly enjoyed this experience thus far. I have already learned a great deal from what folks have said about my story and from the feedback that has been given to others. My question is this; after the whole "contest" is over, will you offer an opportunity to revise and re-critique? I'd like to see how the writers address thier concerns and see the polished finished products. I don't care any thing about ratings or braggin rights, but I do care about learning to do this right. Glad I stumbled on this site. Thank you all very much.

I do think people should star-rate if they read then. If a thread has 4 written reviews, it should have 4 thread votes, not 2. That I don't get.

(although the written reviews on mine arent so great, so nevermind! lol)

Quoted from Blakkwolfe

Everyone is more than welcome to revise their script and resubmit it. Not just with the OWE stuff, but with anything else you may write down the line.

One piece of advice I can offer though, is to not revise and submit every other week.

Let things sit for a bit since scripts have a habit of being read and bumped at any time and can offer a new and different perspective.

I would like to say that I�m very impressed with the entries this go around. Not just the quantity but the creativity and the imagination. I think there have been some very good takes on the theme. Yes, there are a few that need work technically but quite honestly I thought there would be a lot more of those than I�ve read so far.

Of course I�ve only been able to read 12 scripts so far. That�s less than half. But from what I�ve read thus far, I�ve seen a lot of good takes on the theme, a lot of potential, and some really good writing too.

Breanne

I've read six or seven, and really enjoyed all of them.

(No arguments from me!)

I have to agree here that the range of scripts I've read have all been very varied. I was surprised, as I thought there would be a lot of people trapped on a boat out to sea but no.

Quoted from alffy

I have to agree here that the range of scripts I've read have all been very varied. I was surprised, as I thought there would be a lot of people trapped on a boat out to sea but no.

I've seen a few scripts where people have been called out for not using the boat enough, but honestly the contest called for a thriller, and that the boat had to be incorporated somehow.

It didn't have to be the central location, so I'm not sure where the people are coming from there.

I've read some more, and I'm just so not seeing anything great...I have been called a bitch and other stuff for being hard to please but I'm really not asking for too much. Somehow 'houseboat' to most means...redneck, which I found interesting to say the least. I just wasn't impressed, but I'm sure everyone's a good writer nonetheless. AB, are you a (just wondering) homosexual?

Quoted Text

I've seen a few scripts where people have been called out for not using the boat enough, but honestly the contest called for a thriller, and that the boat had to be incorporated somehow.

I've been calling people out on that. The reason being that the boat was the theme of the OWC and the previous OWC's that I've read had to adhere closely to the theme that was set. So I just went with that.

If you don't have the theme as the central part of the script, you may as well dispense with it altogether as you can fit in a physical object into any script ever written with a minimum of fuss. All you would have to do is transplant one scene onto the boat to qualify in this instance for E.G

That is hardly the point is it? I thought it was supposed to be a writing challenge in that it was hard to achieve. :P

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

If you don't have the theme as the central part of the script, you may as well dispense with the theme altogether as you can fit in a physical object into any script ever written with a minimum of fuss. All you would have to do is transplant one scene onto the boat to qualify in this instance for E.G

That is hardly the point is it? I thought it was supposed to be a writing challenge in that it was hard to achieve. :P

I totally agree . Why bother with a challenge otherwise.

I thought the OWC is supposed to be for fun....

This isn't the Oscars or anything. Why are some of you getting into arguments? I'm only reading these for fun and in the process hoping that I can point out some good and less good parts about the scripts and that way be helpful. Bickering makes me almost want to wait until the names are revealed...

Quoted Text

Why are some of you getting into arguments?

No-one is arguing Pia. Just chatting about stuff that is all. ;)

Out of the few scripts I've read so far, I don't think any of them have had trouble incorporating the boat into the story and a few of those scripts were slammed for not doing so. I can see what others are saying about the theme but I don't think genre and theme are being handled the same way this time around. Don said this OWC was going to be a little different. The fake email set up for the OWC said that the boat should be incorporated into the script. I don't recall the word theme being used. Besides, the genre has been used just as loosely as this so-called theme, which the email mentioned was fair game.

In any case, the scripts I've read so far have been decent. A few of them were problematic but I can't remember any of them being horrible. I've seen some rather interesting interpretations of genre and theme and I'm sure I'll see a lot more. This is by far the biggest OWC I think the site has seen yet.

I don't find the boat to really be a theme, which was a topic of discussion not long after the topic was announced.  It really varies from contest to contest as to whether there's a real theme to go by or not.

Some examples...

Gothic horror in a dog run (Genre and Location.)
Western in a general store (Genre and Location)
Drama after a family picnic (Genre and Time)
Comedy - "Why is everyone always shooting at me?" (Genre and a line of dialogue)

The last challenge "Comedy - Telling your spouse you lost your job" definitely had a theme, which I liked because you could interpret it how you want and hopefully get a vast array of stories.

Except I ended up disliking it, because nobody could see the logic in somebody losing their job in the literal sense and it grew to be quite aggravating.

Yeah, Ziggy.  It happens to everybody.

That's a fair point James.

I never got the email because I was too late in entering my piece, so I'm just going off the initial remit and my own beliefs. The remit called the boat "the set" so I've used that as a barometer to judge things by.

At the end of the day, what I think doesn't matter a jot anyway. I'm just telling it how I see it and I'm personally more impressed by the scripts that have used the boat in a genuine and inventive way rather than the scripts that could have been written anywhere and at any time and converted into having a boat. (I'm not saying any were!!!)

Plus people voted to write thrillers (and moaned that they couldn't write a film noir which could have been any genre!) so I think it is only fair that they make sure they write thrillers and not something else. : )

As I say my opinion doesn't count for anything. The OWC is just for fun, so people are free to write what they want and I'm free to judge on what I want.

Not that it matters, ziggy, but yeah, I'm a big ol' homo. Why do you ask?

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

Just calm down a little there, guy. You've been flying off the handle like you're going to lose the rights to your first born if somebody doesn't like your script.

Remember, O-W-C spells fun!*

*Copyright Pending

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

I'm not talking about an email that was sent out. I'm talking about the one posted on the site specifically for the OWC. I gather you and I read the same thing.

Tittles for OWC scripts.
Trivial but fascinating.

I was quite amazed to see that two scripts out of 40 have the same tittle.
Quite odd for such a small amount of scripts.

Tittles?

You mean titles?

lol, yes
I always make that typo

Quoted from elis

I was quite amazed to see that two scripts out of 40 have the same tittle.
Quite odd for such a small amount of scripts.

It happened in the October 2006 OWC as well. There were two scripts called Spoiled, as I recall. And that had even fewer entries, I believe. It's strange, but it does happen.

Matt.

Um, Mike I wasn't even mad I'm a very mellow monosyllabic individual so even though it may come off as anger I'm truly not. I was just stating something, and no need for the 'guy' I'm a girl. AB, steel you're a good looking guy...are you interested in acting?

Hey, whatever, I was just commenting on what I read in your last post and the one before it about those who had read your scripts. Just trying to keep the peace. It's my job after all.

And I meant "guy" in the royal sense.

Okay, that was bullshit, but can you blame me for assuming based on your sig?

Now we sing and make up...

Ziggy played guitar
Momma sang tenor
Me and little brother joined right in there...

...you're a bit odd, lol. but alright.

I've read 10 or 12 entries so far and while the quality is certainly varied, I though that all the writers incorporated the boat quite nicely. However, not many of the scripts could be considered thrillers. Not even by a long shot

What has impressed me the most is the number of entries this time around. Kudos.

OK. I have read each and every one of the scripts. First thing I would like to say is well done to everyone who participated. There isn't a single terrible script in the whole bunch in my honest opinion. I was extremely impressed by the quality as a whole.

Just for a bit of fun, I'd like to present some completely unofficial awards.

Winner :    Four Men In A Boat

While the story lacked some polish I thought it was the piece that entered most into the spirit of things, using the boat and genre to good effect and telling an interesting story.

Runners Up:   The River is Her Home

A beautifully evocative piece, my personal favourite, just didn't quite make the grade as a thriller.

                     Dead in a Box

Unusual use of the boat and an interesting story. Again lacked the polish of some of the scripts, but worked well within the limitations of the challenge.

Special mentions for Diplopia, Adrift (Html)  and Second Chance.

The Abraham Lincoln Award for paying attention in class goes to :

Constitution: Upriver

The O.J Simpson ( How did he get away with that?) Award goes to:

Second Chance

And the Cheech and Chong award goes to:

Miss Bronikus

One thing that was really remarkable about this competition was that all 40 or so scripts were readable and enjoyable. I think everyone should be very proud of their work, especially given the length of time you had to write.

Round of Applause. :K)

I was surprised to find no script entitled "The Boat". i was expecting a few of them.

~Zack~

Is there an award for "Best Script written while the writer was simultaneously working on a separate, professional assignment"?

I like to get my excuses out there in advance.

If there is such an award, you get it Mike!

~Zack~

Is there an award for, "Best Script Written and Finished the Day of the Deadline"?

I'd like to nominate myself for that!

I did my script in one sitting! Considering the mediocre reviews I've been getting, I didn't do to bad.

~Zack~

when will the authors names be released?

~Zack~

Quoted from Zack

when will the authors names be released?

~Zack~

Yeah, when is that?

lol, I think I deserve the most script changes at the last minute award because I went through like 4 scripts, I should've chosen one in particular over the other but I hold no grudges *twitch*

Quoted from Zack

when will the authors names be released?

~Zack~

Quoted from Don

The Schedule:

Genre and Theme announcement - 7/28
Submission due - 8/4 at midnight in your timezone (in other words, when I wake up Sunday morning it needs to be in my inbox)
Submissions posted to the site - starting 8/5 through 8/11 without names.

That doesn't really answer the question, unless the names are revealed on the 12.

They will stay anonymous through the 11th. How does that not answer the question?

Yeah, Breanne you kind of didn't answer the question...your picture kind of scares me so I won't say anything else.

Yes she did. The names will stay anonymous through the 11th. What don't you get?

~Zack~

Okay.

Names are announced a week after the scripts are posted.

It says here they were posted on the 5th, which means names will be announced on the 12th.

Merry Christmas

PS - I have returned from my LA business/vacation trip. Friendliest city in America!

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

Yeah, Breanne you kind of didn't answer the question...your picture kind of scares me so I won't say anything else.

Instigator

I'm ready for my first guess.

I think Mike Shelton wrote Cobra Blood Cocktail.

I'm positive that someone new to screenwriting wrote Shadow River.

~Zack~

Instigator? No, I was about to write the same as ABsteel that's why, and she kind of got an attitude when I was wondering the exact same thing.

Ok Ziggy! You aren't an instigator. You're a stirrer.

*stirs*

Just kidding. If the names are revealed on the 12, why didn't you just say that?

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

Instigator? No, I was about to write the same as ABsteel that's why, and she kind of got an attitude when I was wondering the exact same thing.

I have no idea what attitude you�re talking about. Someone asked a question. I quoted one of Don�s earlier posts that clearly answered the question. If you have a problem with the clarity of the answer - which is perfectly clear - take it up with Don.

Whatever, whatever just as long as I got an answer. And your photo is very macabre...there's just something sinister about it...

Quoted from ZiggyplayedGuitar

...your photo is very macabre...there's just something sinister about it...

Thank you.

Quoted from Zack

when will the authors names be released?

~Zack~

As Breanne mentioned, August 12th is the target date. However, when I put the original plan together, I didn't figure on getting so many entries. I would like everyone (including myself) to have the chance to read all the scripts before I release the names. Also, I'd like to select the one script to be recorded before I know who wrote what, so that date may get pushed back.

Don

Aw, that's the first thanks I've gotten here...and in life. You're welcome.

Quoted from Don

Thanks for clearing that up Don.

~Zack~

I�ve read them all now. I took some extra time from work to read them so I�ll probably be scarce for a while to catch up on some things.

I was really impressed with the participation and with a lot of the writing. Of course, some needed work and some I felt weren�t given the author�s best effort but most I thought had a lot of inventiveness and I enjoyed reading and participating.

I�ve seen more women kidnapped, tied up (one time hogtied), and gagged in this challenge than I believe I�ve read in a long time -- haha. There�s nothing wrong with it (in stories of course�well,�I guess there might be mutually consensual times too), but my, there are a lot of them in this challenge. Oh, and one guy in one script even got the tied up and gagged treatment. Someone who didn�t know the theme might think tied up and gagged people were the theme for this challenge -- haha.

Anyway, I would like to offer a little advice for newer people concerning responding to criticism. Remember this:

It�s only the reviewer�s opinion. You can take it or not. What you do with it is up to you. But people took time to read your script and - not only that - review it; for your benefit. Yes there are people who are unprofessional and use words like �sucks� in their reviews but most people were only offering their sincere thoughts.

The reviewer can be wrong. Maybe they missed something. Maybe they didn�t. But before you get all fired up over someone not �getting it,� remember that they spent their time working to help you. Maybe they missed something. Maybe they stayed up late and got absent minded. Maybe they got confused. And yes; maybe they really didn�t �get it.� But either way, the writer has to take responsibility for the way people perceive their work.

Before getting angry over a criticism, ask yourself these two questions:

1) Is it true? Because if it is, you have nothing to be angry about. You should be thankful someone told you. And,

2) Will it help me improve as a writer? Anyone who posts their work in a public forum to be read and critiqued by other writers - especially the very same writers they�re in a challenge with - shouldn�t be na�ve enough to think they won�t receive any criticism. Like it or not, for better or worse, criticism makes us better writers. And the best way to get even with a critic is to become a better writer.

Good luck to everyone. I wouldn�t want to be in Don�s shoes, trying to figure out who to pick. Personally, I could narrow it down to about six. But I wouldn�t want the job of picking the one to go to iScript.

Thanks Don and good luck everyone.

Breanne

I know what you mean, Breanne. I for one was dissatisfied with my entry. I don't think I delivered as much as I wanted this time around, I knew I could do better. But I still take every single review I get seriously and take them all into account.

Some first-time writers are likely to be dissapointed with their scripts but they should take the criticism they get to heart and use it to improve.

--Julio

I'm not that satisfied with my entry either. i wrote it in one sitting, and it shows.

~Zack~

Well I'll jump on this bandwagon too. I'm probably the worlds slowest writer so producing anything in a week was amazing for me!

I'm happy I entered instead of giving up but I'm really let down I didn't totally committ. The next one's going to be awesome, now that I understand more.

Quoted from Breanne Mattson

Remember this:

It�s only the reviewer�s opinion. You can take it or not. What you do with it is up to you. But people took time to read your script and - not only that - review it; for your benefit. Yes there are people who are unprofessional and use words like �sucks� in their reviews but most people were only offering their sincere thoughts.

Before getting angry over a criticism, ask yourself these two questions:

1) Is it true? Because if it is, you have nothing to be angry about. You should be thankful someone told you. And,

2) Will it help me improve as a writer? Anyone who posts their work in a public forum to be read and critiqued by other writers - especially the very same writers they�re in a challenge with - shouldn�t be na�ve enough to think they won�t receive any criticism. Like it or not, for better or worse, criticism makes us better writers. And the best way to get even with a critic is to become a better writer.

A very good and very important point you made there, Breanne.

These kinds of challenges do a lot for people's momentum.

First, it forces one to write within a time frame, without any excuses; and that's what professionals do all of the time.

Second, it develops skills when one has to work within particular parameters, making it fit the scheme and page count.

Third, it encourages reading other scripts and critiques and we all learn from that.

I've learned specifically more of what a thriller is.

It needs to keep a heightened level of suspense throughout.  It has that edge to it that say, a murder mystery doesn't.  It's the constant: What next?  It can cross genres, be funny; it doesn't necessarily have to have "action" although it can be an action thriller.

Writing is never easy and assimilating "the knack" of it is hard work over the long haul.

I think that forcing oneself to write upside down and inside out is a process.  It's processing.

Congratulations to everyone who put time in on this; even to those who said they did it in a one time shot.  It doesn't matter.  The fact of the matter is that you did it.  Sometimes just getting it done is a great achievement regardless of the quality.

It makes me think of all the time I'd spent playing guitar, (not too well) before I started actually making music.

It's much easier for anyone to do things that are easy.  Things we're good at.  That's why when we constantly try to reach the next level, it's difficult.

The more we appreciate the form, the better it is.  And in screen writing more than any other form, what doesn't show up on the page is just as important as what does.  White space is important.  That's a hard program to get with.

Sandra

Ziggy,

I understand your frustration.  Are you in your twenties?  Or early thirties?  Or are you just feeling those things that people feel when they are new to the game?

Whatever it is, don't feel bad.  Try to gain patience because it's so important in the writing game.

If you look at the stats in the Sci-fi field--and the waits once something is submitted-- you'll think this is a picnic.

Over a year.  Yes, and more.

I just had something accepted for publication last spring, but it's publication date is this coming December.

And the story of the story from conception to its final edit was a long one.  Real long.

The thing is, you can't pester editors either, or they won't be too happy.  Editors often get a bad rap, but their job is tough, the industry is tough and it's a money game.  It's not about feelings' it's especially not personal.  It's just doing the job.

It can be a grind like anything else.

People in this group work hard at whatever they do, plus they commit themselves to reading and supplying crits.

We're all so different.  We come from varying backgrounds, have our own particular tastes, but we have something in common: we want to develop in the craft.

So it's in this spirit, we need to roll with the punches and recognize that no one is trying to punch.  If ever there comes a low blow, recognize that even the greats like J.K. Rowling and Steven King get lots of criticism which I personally think is often not warranted.

Keep up good spirits.  Rome wasn't built in a day.  You know...

Blessings,
Sandra

Somebody fill me in. What is the "Challenge" all about?

Ah, I'm 17 and I plan on making my own movies because I call all the shots. Thanks for the support though.

Ziggy,

I've got  a twenty one year old son, a twenty year old daughter, and another sixteen year old girl (also, a beautiful daughter who died of SIDS in 94.)

I'm a matriarch who never had enough kids because both my great grandmas had thirteen children and I always felt that I've been hard done by in that regard.

So, I'm looking to virtually adopt another son.  Even things out.

Seriously, I've had health problems in the last couple of years and things have been really hard so I try and be as light as I can.

Anyways, I want you to know that I really do understand what it's like.  It's blooming hard when you want things to happen and you want them to happen now.

If I can be of any help, just know, I'm here.  And I'm also new to the screen writing game.

I love to study grammar and things that are a pain to many people and I credit that all to Mr. Brown who was an old English teacher of mine--a marvelous man with a terrible smoker's cough.  I can still hear him coughing away in between his jokes and his speeches of past participles, indirect object and intransitive verbs...

He's probably moved on to greater things in the great beyond, but he still has a place in my heart.

Take everything in stride Ziggy.  You're passionate. I can see that, and that's really what it takes to make it in anything.  A heap of passion and a hell of a lot of work.

Sandra

thank you. When you said SIDs I thought you speaking spanish at first (AIDS is Sids in Spanish) but now I know what you mean, sorry for your loss. And good luck.

I want to commend Sandra who has been laying down excellent, indepth reviews.

Hope you stick around after the OWC!

Seth

I may be giving myself away, but I'd like to thank her for the great review she gave me.

I'm glad I'm not the only one she reviewed.

Quoted from The boy who could fly

seems like most people have stopped reading though which is kinda sad, still time to get in a few more reads before the names are released, at least I hope so.

I have to admit I've stopped reading. I'll pick up again after the names are announced. I've been writing in depth reviews for everything I've read and I'm starting to feel like I'm saying the same thing each time. I figure after a break, I'll be able to give better advice. I didn't enter myself so I figure I've read well over the amount I'm obligated to.

Nevertheless, I was looking forward to reading the entries this time around. I think overall, it's been a good mix. The turnout was way, way better than I expected and it's cool to see a lot of newer members participating.

I read five or six and they were good.

I'll try to read more.

Quoted from The boy who could fly

Well you read mine so that's all that counts ;D, just kidding, the fact that you read so many and didn't enter is good, I was talking more about the people that entered that stopped reading, still it has been a very good turn out.

I had a feeling I'd read yours already. I think of one or two off the top of my head that sorta fit your style. Still, there's too many entries and too many new people participating this time around. I don't think I'm going to guess any right this time around.

I don't know anyone well enough to make a correct guess.

I for one feel horrible because i havn't been commenting on more than i know i could. I sometimes just feel like others have pointed everything out that i've wanted to say and with me being new, i feel like all i'm going to say is "oh yeah, i liked it..." or "well, it needs a bit of work in MHO"

you know what i'm trying to say? My critiques just aren't as in depth as everyone elses.

Also i've been terribly ill for the past 4 days and today i spent the entire day today at Universal..(i'm starting to love the nightlife there.. so bright and colorful lol)

Don't ever be afraid to point out something someone else pointed out. Crit is a numbers game as much as anything else. Knowing a certain number of people pointed the same thing out can be quite helpful.

Quoted from mcornetto

Knowing a certain number of people pointed the same thing out can be quite helpful.

Word.

Repetition of feedback can help out for something good or bad. If lots of people are saying that something isn't working, then that's a red flag for the writer that something is wrong. Contrastingly, if lots of people are saying that something IS working, then they know they're doing something right

Rinse, lather, repeat...or whatever the hell it is.

Quoted Text

thank you. When you said SIDs I thought you speaking spanish at first (AIDS is Sids in Spanish)

That is untrue. It's SIDA, not SIDS.

Just sayin'.

--Julio

Yeah, I know but still I thought she was Spanish speaking.

I'm sure I've kept up with this entire thread so if I've missed something I'm terribly sorry but, when are the names gonna be announced?

I've only read the three I was tasked with but hoping to read at least half of them. I kinda just wanna know who wrote what so I'm not reading a no posters script.

If any of you have been keeping up with the star ratings, you�ll have noticed the reason why they were disabled in the first place. A script can have a high rating and then, without any new reviews, a couple of people can come in and rate it low and knock the rating right down.

That�s the problem with it from before. People just drop in and knock a script down without leaving a review or anything. Sadly, this happens particularly when a script is doing well. There are some authors who get jealous when they see that a script is doing well so they just come in and knock it down.

I�ve been watching the star rating very carefully. Everyone who reviewed didn�t vote and everyone who voted, didn�t review. Some people dropped in and rated without leaving reviews. This is why the star rating system will never be fair.

I just thought I�d toss that out there for the people who felt it might be a good thing to have the rating system enabled again. Hopefully, this challenge will demonstrate why it shouldn�t be. Were it simply members of the public rating a work, that would be one thing. But as long as it�s other writers, there�s going to be extreme jealousy corrupt some people�s judgment.

Breanne

Isn't there another way to do the star rating? So it's fair? Isn't it possible to have the member show what star rating they chose? That would be fair because then they'd have to at least have a reason if not a proper review. But I know there's restrictions with these types of things so...

Quoted from Parker

Oh, I�m sure if it was displayed who voted and what rating they gave, you would see a different story for the most part.

I can even understand a person who reads and reviews without giving a rating. I could see how that might be difficult. But someone coming in and rating a work a low score without any explanation for the writer is disgusting.

Breanne

Oh, damn Bre when you tell people you're a macabre looking criminal it looses it's effect. Try 'Face of a innocent bunny' that would scare the hell out of me come night.

I'm guilty of reading, reviewing but not star rating. Most of the time I feel like the rating it started with is appropriate, I guess. I will say that all of the ones I read have been extremely good, imaginative and I have learned a ton from everyone's critiques, especially those on my own little project. A big thanks ya'll, and concur with Ziggy-ain't many things scarier than the face of an innocent bunny, cept maybe a basket full of fluffy little kittens. Yikes!

At first I reviewed and star rated, I think the last one I didn't.  The only thing I may be guilty of is overrating a couple of pieces.  Of course, if it was disabled, then no biggie.

But further on Breanne's point is if you've ever done stand up in front of comedians.  It's really hard to get a laugh, because of the same ego thing brought up about a jealous writer knocking people down.  Comedians refuse to laugh at other people jokes because they don't want to admit someone else can be funny.  Same with writers.  I've been to several writing classes where there were people who liked to knock pieces down. but never came back with what they liked, or if they did, it was as though they had to force themselves to say something nice.  This kind of hurt them in the end, though when their pieces were reviewed.  Most people did take the high road, though, but they looked for every flaw, and they weren't hard to find.  But we still said something constructive.  Even me, and I'm a crank at heart.

Not everybody gets the point that there's a respect issue involved.  I was a Knicks fan in the 90's and hated the Bulls, but I respected them.  Same here.  If I read a script that's really good, I think the writer should know that by both the review and the rating.

Thanks Eburke for your comments.

Blakkwolfe, a review is worth a lot more than a star rating. It helps the author to improve. And it�s certainly understandable that someone would find it difficult to rate unless they�d really thought about the specific criteria to look for in a good script beforehand. I think you�re doing a great job.

The biggest problem I see with the rating system is that there are always people who give low star ratings to scripts without telling the author why. That does nothing to help the author improve. Given that low ratings without reviews happen most often to scripts that are doing well strongly suggests it�s just people trying to tear down a script that�s doing well. That to me is why it can never really work unless the anonymity is removed.

Thanks both of you for your insights. I wish everyone could behave so professionally.

Breanne

I must admit that I haven't rated any of the scripts I read. At first I simply forgot and then I didn't se the point because, like you said Bre, some scripts had great reviews but few votes and vice versa. Now I know why. Strangely my script got mixed reviews but had a high vote score, then without any further reviews my vote rating nose dived?

I've read and reviewed about 25 of the OWC scripts and opened many others. That said, there are still a few that I plan on reading. In the mean time, below is a list of the scripts I most enjoyed:

Cork -- This is a well written script that held my attention. Whoever wrote it knows what they're doing.

Light Mist Forming -- Another well written script; maybe my favorite. No, it not without its problems, even so, it's written in such away that I found myself luxuriating in the words. I love words!

Four Men In a Boat This is, imo, a stageplay, very "talky", but engaging.

The River Is Her Home -- A daring piece that bucks convention. Beautifully written. Poetic.

Miss Bronikus -- I love the wild, untamed, 'let it all loose' vibe. Very imaginative. I suspect the author is new to the game; but as creative as s/he is, I expect interesting, edge of your seat, scripts will follow.

Three, Two, One -- Not the best script. Not even near to being the best script. Still, as The Boy Who Could Fly said, the guy goes "balls out." You gotta respect that. At least I do.

Seth

Quoted from The boy who could fly

As for the star rating, I think it;s bunk, reviews are much better, I rated a couple then gave up, seemed pointless to me.

The star rating is only to see whose script wins the recording-thing. I agree with you that reviews are much better.

Quoted from The boy who could fly

I wonder how many are going to participate in the next challenge, 80, I'd need a month or more to through most of em.

The October one will most likely be horror, a popular genre. I wouldn't be surprised if we came close to 100 entries. Don should start this one in early October.

Phil

I am new to this site and I just finished reading this thread -- I think that's the proper term, as I have never been part of a board before.

I found the site and the OWC the Wednesday before the script was due, and I rushed to get mine submitted on time.  It was my very first script, although I have been interested in scriptwriting for years, and I have recently begun to read scripts that I have found on the internet.

It was thrilling for me to finish and submit my script, even though I mistakenly wrote my script as part of a larger effort, rather than a complete short piece in and of itself.  Nonetheless, the achievement for me was in the completion and submission.  This exercise has also helped me to come to understand more precisely the method by which re-writing is so crucial to a good script, and the way in which the script actually "evolves" itself through the writer.

Due to some time constraints related to recent travel, I have only reviewed the three scripts I was requested to review, and while I did so in depth, I intend to read them all and will give critiques when I do.

As I read this general thread, I was really impressed that the writers are so involved with this site, and I am completely jazzed to have become a part of it.  My late beloved materal grandmother used to call her family "my people," and I feel as though, here, I have found my writing "people."

Special note to Ziggy:  Girl, I have seen you grow between your first post on in this thread on August 6th, and your last on August 14th.  At 17, you are still a child, and one who seems to have had a bit of a hard life so far.  Here, you are among people who want to help you succeed, and don't judge you for what you are.  You said that you are not a very likable person, but I don't believe that.  Perhaps other people have told you that, and you mistakenly listened.  Don't think that, or it will be true.  I liken it to this philosophy:  If you think you can't, you're right.  If you think you can, you're right.  In other words, it's up to you.  But because I have seen the openness of your responses to the "conversation" among you and the other members, and your softening through it, I want to tell you that I like you.

So how much longer before we know who won, and who wrote what?

yeah tomorrow seems as good as any day to reveal it. The reading of scripts has pretty much died down completely. Amazingly, every script was read and reviewed multiple times.

Lets reveal names. Name names!

I heard it was the 12th?

But since that's passed...

Quoted from Don

Don originally planned on releasing the names on the 12th. However, as he said some posts back, due to the high participation, he might not be able to read them all by then.

Don wants to read all the entries - without knowing who wrote them. He�s only one person who has to read 35 scripts and evaluate which one is overall the best one to go to iScript - and he�s got a life outside of here. He�s going as fast as he can. But he wants to be fair to everyone.

It won�t be much longer. Just a little more patience.

Breanne

Quoted from Breanne Mattson

Bre is entirely correct.

The names of who wrote what will be announced tomorrow evening.  I've just finished reading all 35 scripts.  I still don't know who wrote what, yet.

Please note, I haven't been able to comment on every single one of them, yet.  That will happen over the course of the next few weeks.  {I printed them all out to read in the bathroom, at the swimming pool, before bed, etc. - note to self.  Insist that each script has a title on it}.

The script selected to be read via iScript.com won't be announced until early next week.  I will need to get permission of the writer to get it recorded and host it on the site for at least a month.

I the mean time, you can talk about the inspiration for the fake names or speculation on who wrote what

- Don

Well, I would like to state for the record, that I really enjoyed participating in this OWC. It was my first finished script and I have learned a lot from reading the feedback and reading the other entries.

I believe I have written reviews for well over 50% of the entries. I have read all the entries though, but at some point I didn't feel like writing a review that rehashed what 10 others had said before me. Sorry.

It's interesting to see that all 40 entries were totally different. Don picked a theme, showed a picture, and the result is 40 stories going all over the map, so to speak.

Anyways, I loved participating. Can't wait for the next one. :P

Yves

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