Has this ever been done here?

We could nominate a panel of judges.  Maybe three or four.   Each month a new panel of judges would be nominated so as to avoid burnout.

Then three to five scripts or whatever, are nominated to be voted on.  Could be scripts from the past or present.   Voting would be determined based on a "30 points system".  

Originality: 1-10 points
Format: 1-10 points.
Overall Story: 1-10 points
Points are totalled and the script with the highest points wins the shiny trophy.

There could be three categories.
1- Best full-length feature.
2- Best short.
3- One script that gets an "honorable mention" but no shiny trophy.

Something like this could really up the ante around here, inspire creativity, as well as a little friendly competition.   And of course this idea would be contingent upon Don's approaval.

Any thoughts?

I remember when we had like a star rating by our names or something... It's been so long.  People could vote on you as a whole, maybe?  I forget now, but it was something to that degree.  I also remember having a cool 63.4% through much of the tenure too.  Strange I remember the percent but not exactly what the rating system was. "ha"  I was also a bit more aggressive and stand-offish then too, though.

But I've got a big enough ego and enough security to be perfectly fine with something like you're trying to lay out Mike.  I don't need to be on top to know how good or bad I am.  I don't write movies for others... I write the movies I want to see, really.  This is also why I've never taken the business too seriously.  If I actually wanted to make it, like really, really make it outside of selling a script here and there, I'd be selling to a larger audience rather than myself and a select demograph who believes in my talent and work as a whole.

But, yeah, I'm all for something like this... It'd be easier for new writers to come into the site and see what "WE" think is the monthly bar for formatting and story, that's for sure.

Cool.  So, if Don permits -- I'd be willing to be a November's judge, and it looks like Baltis is game to be a judge...

Anybody else?

Probably need 5 judges, to read maybe 3 nominated screenplays.    Of course there's other details to work out.  Like who nominates the scripts and whatever.  

This has been tried many times in the past and it never works. I'd recommend the Simply Recommended Scripts thread. If you like a script, let people know about it there.

Quoted from Nixon This has been tried many times and never works. I'd recommend the Simply Recommended Scripts thread. If you like a script, let people know about it there.

Never say never.    Besides, it's all about winning the shiny trophy.   And finding the best of the best.

Quoted from screenrider Never say never.

This is never going to happen. Seriously...

I've seen many of those tried here too. It always ends up bad...real bad...

Alright, I'm just gonna keep it simple.  With DON's permission this is how it will work.

1- Each month there will be 3 new judges.

2- You can volunteer to be a judge.

3- Each judge will pick a script they feel is a winner.  (One full-length feature, one short, and one they feel deserves an honorable mention -- but no trophy.

4- The three judges will each read the above mentioned scripts and vote based on a point system.

5- At the end of each month the scripts are announced.  

It's easy as apple pie.   No harm, no foul.   Don, I'm awaitng your thumb's up or thumb's down.

I think doing this on a monthly basis might be bad.  It seemed to work, a few years ago, when people just listed their favorite scripts by genre.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe I think doing this on a monthly basis might be bad.

It might be bad, but not necessarily entirely bad.   Which means there's still hope.   :D

Honestly though, I fail to see the harm.   It might just give some of us the added inspiration we need to reach for a higher plateau.    After-all, who doesn't want to be the best of the best?  That's what this is all about.   Finding those diamonds in the rough.

If it goes haywire I'll take the blame.

It always ended up with hurt feelings for those who were not chosen. And those who were voted best already knew they were and so did everyone else.

Quoted from screenrider Could be scripts from the past or present.

That's why the Simply Recommended thread is here.  

Circalit is also here for that kind of thing, but we don't need to lower ourselves to that.

Pia, Greg, you gotta be kidding.  Just to be nominated would be a privilege in itself.   I fail to see how this is lowering ourselves to anything.  If anything it's raising the bar.   If you don't like the idea then don't participate.   There's already enough naysayers around here.  Yeesh!

All we're saying is that we've seen it many times here before and it has always ended badly. You want to do it. Go ahead...I wish you the best of luck. I really do.

This idea -- or a variation on it -- has cropped up a few times even in the two years I've been here. I'm completely against it. I try to write good scripts, and there are plenty of people here I respect and try to learn from, but what exactly would an 'SS Script of the Month' award mean in the real world? Nothing.

Also, as Don very perceptively pointed out in a podcast a while back, you introduce competition and people' motives shift when the review. And not necessarily for the better.

But hey! That's just my opinion.

Quoted from Grandma Bear All we're saying is that we've seen it many times here before and it has always ended badly. You want to do it. Go ahead...I wish you the best of luck. I really do.

Thanks, Pia.    I fail to see how it can go bad.  

JB, we're in a cutthroat business.  There's gonna comeptition whether you like it or not.   And I think people here are big enough to keep their motives straight.    

I suppose it's up to Don at this point whether he'll allow this to move forward or not.  

Again I'll take full responsibility if it bombs.

Quoted from screenrider I fail to see how it can go bad.

Bert said it best in a similar thread back in '08.

Quoted from bert They all crash and burn under the weight of egos, agendas, favoritism, and the very, very best of intentions.  They just do.

I hate to be argumentive, Nixon, but I really think we're BIGGER than that.   All egos, hidden agendas, and favoritism will be left at the door.    This will NOT be about voting for your buddy's script or voting against someone you dislike.

To the volunteer judges it will be made very clear that they must seek out and read three scripts -- one full-length feature, one short, and one for honorable mention.

And this is not about picking scripts from only SimplyScripts top 20 posters, unless of course they've written a great script that genuinely warrants their choice.   Then so be it.

What I find unnerving is the fact that I've seen a lot of scripts on this site fall to the wayside and get buried simply because the poster isn't a "regular".   THAT'S what really sucks.    Again, this will be about finding diamonds in the rough.    Whether it be written by a regular or irregular.

Best Screenplay of the Month Award will simply go to the BEST screenplay.

If you can't be secure in your work, and others, as a screenwriter ... Maybe you shouldn't even tryout the field.  It takes a thick skin and a greater understanding of what's good, what's bad and what's appealing.  All 3 coexist in the business and if you're a writer it's a must to have that understanding.  If you don't then you're gonna burn through a lot of antacid tabs and maybe even some Ativan.  I'm not the voice of authority here.  This is Don's site and Don has maintained this site for many, many years.  He knows what works and what doesn't... He's a great webmaster.  But I don't see how suggesting something, as Mike is doing here, should be scrutinized as badly.  I get that favoritism would play a role to some but Mike is also rotating out the judges, so it wouldn't be so catch as catch can.  

I'm still waiting to hear the results of the OWC....


Phil

For what it's worth, I think praising a good script isn't an awful idea.  Screenwriting happens so often in a bubble, to have your peers give you a pat on the back, no matter how "meaningful" the actual award is, is never a bad thing.  

Also, to say that someone's feelings could get hurt because they are not nominated, or they are nominated and someone else chimes in with how much they dislike that script, well... that's the reality of writing.  Some people respond to your material, some people don't.  You have to be thick-skinned or the business isn't for you.

As an infrequent poster, but daily reader of this site, I would be more drawn to reading a script that was nominated or won a Script of the Month award than I am in randomly selecting a script from the many.  I'm sure there are many great scripts I'm missing here, and why not give credit where it's due?  

At any rate, I think the site is big enough, populated enough, and, one would hope, mature enough, to point out members and work that is worth the time to explore.  

As much as this is a good idea and I praise screenrider for raising the idea. I don't think it'll work. I would prefer Don & the mods to be judges, no offence.

Something like this can die down after a few months.

Even though I would prefer the mods to judge, in order for this idea not to die, a rota might be a good idea to get people to judge maybe every 3/4 months?

Quoted from screenrider I'd be willing to be a November's judge,

Welp, I'm a shoe in for November. Screen and I are BFF's.

Quoted from screenrider Anybody else?

Not I. I have a day job. Who could fathom reading every script that drops down the portal in a month. Features and shorts??? Come on. Chalk me up as a naysayer. Yeesh!

James

Quoted from screenrider What I find unnerving is the fact that I've seen a lot of scripts on this site fall to the wayside and get buried simply because the poster isn't a "regular".   THAT'S what really sucks.    Again, this will be about finding diamonds in the rough.    Whether it be written by a regular or irregular.

What's the point of giving an award to someone who isn't even on the boards?

Quoted from screenrider All egos, hidden agendas, and favoritism will be left at the door.  This will NOT be about voting for your buddy's script or voting against someone you dislike.

You can guarantee how other people will act and behave?

Quoted from screenrider What I find unnerving is the fact that I've seen a lot of scripts on this site fall to the wayside and get buried simply because the poster isn't a "regular".   THAT'S what really sucks.    Again, this will be about finding diamonds in the rough.

I think you're overcomplicating things. If you like a script and you feel it deserves attention then post it on the Simply Recommended Scripts thread. Why the need to give out awards?
  

Quoted from screenrider What I find unnerving is the fact that I've seen a lot of scripts on this site fall to the wayside and get buried simply because the poster isn't a "regular".   THAT'S what really sucks.

I see no reason to critique a script from someone who doesn't participate on the boards.  I don't have enough time to read all the scripts, so I read the one from those who do the same.  They don't necessarily have to read my scripts, but they should 'earn their keep.'


Phil

Baltis and BoinTN, thanks for supprting the idea.

Jayrex -- Don & the Mods got enough to deal with around here.  I'm confident we as members can handle it and keep it real with rotating judges.  

James, you misread the proposed guidelines of this award.   Don't sweat it.  I know you're busy at your day job.   I've got one of those too.

Greg, this isn't about awarding a "member".   It's about awarding a well-written script that tells a good story.

Nixon, you've let your feelings be known.   Duly noted.  

Phil, if you don't want to read a script from someone who isn't an active member then don't volunteer to be a judge.   This isn't about quid pro quo.  There's enough of that going on here.   This award is about recognizing a great script, quality and story-wise.   Doesn't matter who wrote it.  The writer could be dead for that matter.

Quoted from screenrider Greg, this isn't about awarding a "member".   It's about awarding a well-written script that tells a good story.

And that's cool.  But again - why read a script (unless it's already produced) from someone who isn't around?  I really don't think there's going to be a large following to read scripts from people who aren't around to receive the feedback.  Case in point with the recent OWC, as the ones with single-digit responses are from people we've never heard of.

Just something to think about.

Quoted from greg And that's cool.  But again - why read a script (unless it's already produced) from someone who isn't around?  I really don't think there's going to be a large following to read scripts from people who aren't around to receive the feedback.  Case in point with the recent OWC, as the ones with single-digit responses are from people we've never heard of. Just something to think about.

I respect your opinion on the matter, but I don't agree in not reading certain people's scripts.  If it sounds good or I think the writer could benifit from my Two cents I'm gonna read it no matter what.  They might not be around to hear what I think but I still get to take something from it and learn a little from it, be it bad or good.  The thing is, there could be a solid gold script you missed out on because you didn't want to read an inactive board members work.  I don't wanna take that chance because those are the scripts we can all learn from.  And we can also learn from badly written scripts to be honest.  As in what "NOT" to do.

I'll read it if it interest me and I'll read it if it's so bad it's good... I don't care how active someone is or if they want to read my work.  My work speaks for itself and if it doesn't I'll speak for it... It's really, really good.  :P

Phil,

No worries,
You wrote a GREAT script. If anyone deserves to win, you do.

Shawn.....><

Quoted from Ledbetter Phil, No worries, You wrote a GREAT script. If anyone deserves to win, you do. Shawn.....><

We all deserve to win.  

So without further ado, the Best Screenplay of the Month Award goes to...
(drum roll)

...EVERYONE!

Alright, kids, you win.  

Mike,
You are such a cool presence here on SS. I mean it.

I think what you have is a great idea, tempered by the experiences of those who have seen similer (not exact) ideas move into courtyards where most everyone needed to divide up in order to show friendship.

Should I interpret from your post, you have givin up?

That's not you. Is it?

Shawn.....><

Thanks for the kind comments, Shawn.

Have I given up?...I dunno.  We'll see.   8)

Quoted from screenrider Thanks for the kind comments, Shawn. Have I given up?...I dunno.  We'll see.   8)

We'll encourage you with praise and job well done back rubs, "not by me personally", until it gets done!  Let's make a petition and take it all the way to Washington.   >:(

I'm not optimistic about this, but if Don endorses it, I wish you the best of luck.

Nice of you for thinking about things to energize the boards though!  :)

S.R., you just gotta trust us -- this is one of those ideas that works so much better in theory than in actual practice.  It invariably leads the board to dark places.

We've been there.  More than once.  We know.

Quoted from screenrider ...but I really think we're BIGGER than that.

What, did you just join the boards yesterday?  (joking...)

Anyways, if you stumble across a dynamite script, really, you should wake up the "Simply Recommended Scripts" thread with a fresh post.

That is what it's there for -- it will draw just as much attention to the script as some sort of award thread -- and it is more enduring.

And while I cannot predict Don 100% of the time, I do not think he is gonna be crazy about this idea.

He likes to keep the boards peaceful -- as peaceful as we can at any rate -- and these sort of undertakings just....aren't.

Yay, let's do it!

Although, at the rate I'm going, I won't be a contender til July 2020  :-/

I've been reading this thread with some interest, and I'm torn down the middle on this.

On the one hand, I'm literally the most competitive person alive. I will mercilessly and repeatedly beat a 6-year-old at checkers, keeping Nietzsche in mind all the while. I will walk down the hall at work and see it as a challenge to pass everyone along the way. I see no reason to do anything in life unless it's for some goal, personal or professional. There is no "just for fun" in my world (yes people, envy my wife!).

On the other hand, I say what's the point in going through all this organizing to hand out what will amount to a pat on the back? This is why I revert to the suggestion of many here and say that the Simply Recommended thread is the way to go. At least until there are real stakes at stake...


Anthony

Well, folks, after careful consideration, and I do appreciate everyone's input, I've decided to move forward with this despite popular belief.   I'm sure Don's all-seeing eye has spotted this thread and if he had any objections he would've intervened by now.   So, without further ado I will act as "facilitator" for this prestigious event, as I am probably one of the most unliked people on this site and therefore least likely to give in to favoritism.

A- At the end of each month, one full-length feature script will be awarded "Best Screenplay of The Month"
B- One "short" will be also be awarded.
C- One full-length feature wiill be given an honorable mention, but no trophy.    This script will be determined by me or someone who wishes to volunteer for the position, so the other judges need not worry about having to read an extra script.

1- There will be three "new" judges every month.   The identities of the judges will remain anonymous and determined on a volunteer basis -- PM me at the begnning of the month if you wish to be a judge, first come first serve.   If no one volunteers then I will be the judge and select the winning screenplays myself.  

2- Each judge will pick one full-length feature script.  Past, present or "future" for any of you time travellers out there.  This script does NOT have to be a script from an active member.    It just needs to be a good script.   Keep in mind if you volunteer for this assignment you will be required to read a total of "three" full-length features and "three" shorts before the month is up.  

Notify me if you wish to volunteer and let me know what scripts you've chosen so I can notify the other two judges as to what other two scripts they must read.  Please try to make your selections by the 7th.

3 - Voting will be based on three aspects of a 30 point system.

A-  Originality 1-10 points.
B-  Format - 1-10 points.
C - Story 1-10 points.

The script with the highest points wins the trophy.    This will not be a popularity contest by any means.  This will be about finding and recognizing the best of the best.   I highly encourage prospective judges to dig through the archives.

I will be one of the judges for November just to get the ball rolling.  We'll need 2 more judges --PM me if interested.   And remember you're identitiy must remain anonymous to the board.

Winners will be announced on the 30th of every month.

Any comments or questions?

EDIT:  I just got word from Don.  Erm, guess it's a no go.  I tried.