Hi Guys,

I have been thinking about the issue of time taken to get a post on SS and thought of a way to try to help Don out.

Because of the number of posts from new inexperience screenwriters, who post screenplays that are far from ready, I thought it would be an idea to have a section called "Mentors".

New people to the site can post details about their screenplay, hook up with a mentor who can help them out by giving comments on format, storyline etc.

Once the mentor is happy with it then it can go to Don. If the writer doesn't amend it then it doesn't get posted. This would improve the quality of what gets posted.

I am sure that a way to police this can be worked out. Maybe the mentor posts it when he is happy with it.

Experienced writers or known users would go straight to Don.

Just an idea.

Regards Alex

None of mine would ever get posted!

Alex, I like your outside the box approach to problems, but I don't think that would work. Too much burden on the mentors, whoever they are. Inevitably there would be disputes that would soak up more of the moderators time than posting the scripts would.

I do appreciate what you're saying, though, because raising the bar overall for the scripts on the site improves the chances of a script being discovered. However, I don't think that's even the primary purpose of the site. It seems to me the main function is for writers who are learning the craft to support each other and help each other grow. Eventually, if a writer manages to reach pro level skill, they will likely limit their involvement here, but hopefully maintain some kind of connection.

My though is a mentor would read the details of someone's script and if happy they can PM them and get it emailed to them. One mentor per posting.

Do some markups then forward it to the writer for amending.

From there on it gets posted.

Just an idea.

Really, the site is that format already. Everyone is everyone else's mentor when it comes to reading and reviewing the screenplays that are posted, whether they are "ready" or not. It is ultimately up to the writer to decide whether they wish to take the feedback and make changes or to remain in their perfect shell where their mom likes it.

And anyone can ask anyone else directly for such a thing rather than obligating someone to do that. I've seen some really good reviews that do everything short of a mark-up.

It all depends on what is the goal. It sounds like your main objective, Alex, is to make things easier for Don. I don't think this will.

If the goal is to improve the quality of scripts, one suggestion is to encourage people to use a free service like Dropbox to host their scripts, and just give Don the link. This actually makes things easier for Don and improves quality. Because it means people don't have to bother Don for rewrites. You can change the script whenever you want.

So as you get reader feedback and use it to improve your draft, you can continuously update it on the site.

It's a creative thought but SS has always been an open playground for whoever wants to post whatever and get feedback from anybody who happens to read their script.  Signing up to be a mentor and be mentored could be beneficial, but someone policing your work and ultimately having the say before it's posted...ehhh.  That's what Triggerstreet is for.

Also, most people that post scripts at SS are not even aware there is a discussion board.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Also, most people that post scripts at SS are not even aware there is a discussion board.

There's a discussion board ? ?

It happens all the time. People have no idea people have read and commented on their scripts even though Don provide links in the emails he sends out when he posts the scripts.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Also, most people that post scripts at SS are not even aware there is a discussion board. .... It happens all the time. People have no idea people have read and commented on their scripts even though Don provide links in the emails he sends out when he posts the scripts.

Which is funny because I thought you had to be a memeber if the discussion board to have a script posted.

As far as the mentor thing goes, I often ask Simply members to read over a script before I post it.  I don't think I'd want the responsibility of being a 'mentor', imagine your newbie posting after you've mentored them and the script is full of mistakes; who gets the flak? lol.

Too much work, Alex.

If you want your script reviewed, ask someone or post in the script exchange thread. Simple.

Gabe

Hey guys- Just wanted to chime in here. I'm a newbie when it comes to this site or writing a script for that matter. I'm currently in the process of writing my first script and I try to read as many scripts as i can to get a feel on how to format (slug lines, action lines, dialogue etc.) Now you can tell good scripts from the bad ones right away. Gabe has been kind enough to say he would look at my script before I post it on SS. If the script is bad in any way I wouldn't want Gabe to take the heat for my mistakes. If your looking to help Don out it's important to get the word out about reading more scripts. I've read a couple already and it's helped me tremendously. Maybe post something on the home page. Make the discussion button three times the size of the other buttons. HaHa - Just throwing that out there. Thanks, Dirk (DV44)

To be honest I never visit the homepage but every script that's posted there has a link below to the boards.  Maybe promoting the discussion boards more on the homepage might be a good idea?  I do remember a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away when I first visited Simply, I didn't know about the discussion boards but once I found it I've loved it and found immensely helpful.

Quoted from DV44 Gabe has been kind enough to say he would look at my script before I post it on SS. If the script is bad in any way I wouldn't want Gabe to take the heat for my mistakes.

Thanks Dirk, exactly what I was thinking.

I would look over someones script before it was posted and advise them what to do to fix it. Then when they post it maybe the formatting issues are taken care of and the screenplay is readable.

I read many screenplays on SS, from newbies who are not formatting properly and I lose interest after one page be cause of the struggle to read it. I think if we can fix this then it would reduce the load hitting Don.

This thread has started people thinking and that was my intention all along. If we can improve the site and make things easier for both Don and the members, why not !!!!

Maybe there needs to be more of an instruction page stating her is how your script should be formatted because if you submit it and the format is way off, it doesnt get posted.

There must be an easier and quicker way.

Alex
  

There is Alex. There's a screenwriting class thread on here that gives you the 101 on screenwriting.

I see what you are trying to do Alex but know it's impossible. You're trying to create structure. And you can't.

Each person has their own writing/format style that works for them. For example, my style might not be Allfy's or Dirk's or Alex's style.

They're are certain rules that can't be broken like the font needs to be courier 12. But outside of that, any one can write whatever way they feel like it. lol. It's liberating and frustrating at the same time. lol.

Unfilmables. Some people would say no while, others say yes. Who can tell which group is right?  

Gabe

  

Thanks Gabe,

Maybe newbies should be directed to an instructions page giving them a few pointers before posting ??

I am only trying to look at ways we can improve the site for all members.

There have been a number of people posting on this thread so I guess all of us regulars have a similar agenda.

Alex

They are encouraged to read scripts preferably from the long time members on the board or ask someone's assistance.

But a lot of people don't participate on the threads for various reasons so, it'll be a waste of time.  

Gabe

Alex, I do see what you're going for but Don has been posting scripts the same way for years and has never openly complained about it.  He gets behind sometimes, but that doesn't have anything to do with the volume of poorly formatted/written scripts.

May I chime in: listen to babz buzz. bb

Thanks Babz,

I have been listening though have only managed t get through 4-5 recordings.

Any particular one that you are referring to ???

Also out of curiousity I have subscribed to the podcast on Itunes though there are only 8 recordings on there ? Why not all of them ???

Regards Alex

Alex,

In the last few months you have become a valued member of SS and it's great to see you coming up with some ideas to make Don's life easier.

But I agree with others on this one. We are all mentors at the end of the day and if people want feedback on their script before it's posted to SS, they could easily just send in an email. I know that you use this tactic as I have received emails from you before asking for a review before it is posted.

If beginners are really that dedicated, they could do the same??

Anyway, I appreciate the effort you put into making life for Don easier. Top marks there!

Daniel