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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  October 2017 One Week Challenge  /  The October, 2017 One Week Challenge Theme is:
Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 5:00pm
Fight that Phobia

You must write a properly formatted script between 6 and 12 pages, not including the title page.

The scripts are due on Friday, October  20 at 11:59PM Baker Island Time (the last place that it is October 20th in the world) and must be submitted to: SimplyScripts.com/OWC.

Theme:  Fight that Phobia
Genre:  Drama, Thriller, Horror

PARAMETERS:

Concept - A character must possess and fight some kind of phobia. And, your last line of dialogue should contain "Rest in Peace". It could be a part of a longer line i.e. it may read "Rest in Peace, you son of a b****" or be anything else, it just needs to contain this particular expression. Any kind of line/lines containing Rest in Peace will do. Abbreviation will do as well. See the list of possible phobias here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_phobias and here: http://www.fearof.net

Budget: Open
Timeline:  Friday October 20 at 11:59PM Baker Island Time scripts are due.

Free to submit.  One entry per person.

There will be a review page emailed to you for you to score the scripts you read.  Please only give scores to scripts that you have read. You should not review your own script.

This isn't a contest - it's a challenge.  There are no official prizes.

You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until the deadline.

Do not put your real name on your script, this is an anonymous challenge.  However, please use your real name when submitting your script.  After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit your script with your name on it.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment/review the other scripts submitted.

Please put (c)2017 on your title page.

Best of luck and I hope everyone enjoys this challenge.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 13th, 2017, 5:05pm; Reply: 1
Two hours early?  ;D

Here's a list of phobias.   http://www.fearof.net

Good luck everyone!
Posted by: ReneC, October 13th, 2017, 5:07pm; Reply: 2

Quoted from khamanna

PARAMETERS:

Concept - A character must possess and fight some kind of phobia. And, your last line of dialogue should read �Rest in Peace�. It could be a part of a longer line i.e. it may read �Rest in Peace, you son of a b****� or be anything else, it just needs to contain this particular expression. Abbreviation will do as well.
Budget � Open, but limited to real-life existing structures and creations.


Very interesting! The last line of dialogue requirement will get old after reading a lot of entries, but it's a neat twist. I can't wait to see all the different interpretations!

Since someone's going to ask anyway, real-life existing structures and creations...so, no sci-fi horror or virtual reality thrillers? Still existing or ever existed?
Posted by: Don, October 13th, 2017, 5:08pm; Reply: 3

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Two hours early?  ;D



Yes.  because midnight GMT is 4:00 am Baku, Azerbaijan time...  So, discussion board members have a two hour head start on everyone else.  
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 13th, 2017, 5:08pm; Reply: 4
Not bad...not bad at all.

I'm in!!!
Posted by: Don, October 13th, 2017, 5:10pm; Reply: 5

Quoted from ReneC



Since someone's going to ask anyway, real-life existing structures and creations...so, no sci-fi horror or virtual reality thrillers? Still existing or ever existed?


That was a mistake on my part.  It has been removed.  Budget is open.  Yes, Sci-fi horror and virtual reality thrillers, etc.
Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 5:11pm; Reply: 6
It's 2am here in Azerbaijan. I can't trust myself anytime later than that))

Good luck to all, hope you enjoy the challenge!

And, I'm ready for your questions. Hope you come up with something good for me. Something that will make me think and later possibly hate you. And make me want to fight you. Physically.
Please.
Posted by: Don, October 13th, 2017, 5:12pm; Reply: 7

Quoted from ReneC


Very interesting! The last line of dialogue requirement will get old after reading a lot of entries, but it's a neat twist. I can't wait to see all the different interpretations!



It can be part of a longer line.  If someone ends with just "Rest In Peace" I'm pretty sure the writer will get savaged (unless they do something pretty cool in the preceding line).  I may modify it to should contain... rather than read.

- Don
Posted by: Don, October 13th, 2017, 5:15pm; Reply: 8

Quoted from khamanna
It's 2am here in Azerbaijan. I can't trust myself anytime later than that))

Good luck to all, hope you enjoy the challenge!

And, I'm ready for your questions. Hope you come up with something good for me. Something that will make me think and later possibly hate you. And make me want to fight you. Physically.
Please.


Thank you Khamanna, sorry my geography was so bad.  I had Azerbaijan farther west...

Don

Posted by: CameronD, October 13th, 2017, 5:21pm; Reply: 9
A phobia.... of phobias.
Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 5:23pm; Reply: 10

Quoted from Don


Thank you Khamanna, sorry my geography was so bad.  I had Azerbaijan farther west...

Don


I mean now it's 2am. Midnight GMT is 4am, so you had everything right!)
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 13th, 2017, 5:37pm; Reply: 11

Quoted from ReneC
Very interesting! The last line of dialogue requirement will get old after reading a lot of entries, but it's a neat twist. I can't wait to see all the different interpretations!

Since someone's going to ask anyway, real-life existing structures and creations...so, no sci-fi horror or virtual reality thrillers? Still existing or ever existed?



This was a parameter I had in my last OWC, and I thought it was a great idea, yet many didn't abide by it.

What it means, quite simply is that you can't go "creating" inventions and the like that don't already exist.  Basically, it keeps things real.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 13th, 2017, 6:10pm; Reply: 12
The last line of dialogue requirement is somewhat limiting. Most stories are going to end with the antagonist dying. Or, worse, there will be tack-on endings just to incorporate it. Or, the cheesy route, with the phobia being the thing that rests in peace.

I'm not religious and am naturally averse to helping spread deceit. What does RIP even mean, exactly? Rest in peace because you're dead and are buried 6 ft underground inside a coffin? They believe we go to heaven when we die... well, how long does it take to get there? Is there a queue at the gate? When does the resting in peace come into it? They seem confused. Not that that should be surprising to anybody sane.

Can't we just have fun with the phobia thing?
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 13th, 2017, 6:22pm; Reply: 13

Quoted from DustinBowcot
The last line of dialogue requirement is somewhat limiting. Most stories are going to end with the antagonist dying. Or, worse, there will be tack-on endings just to incorporate it. Or, the cheesy route, with the phobia being the thing that rests in peace.

I'm not religious and am naturally averse to helping spread deceit. What does RIP even mean, exactly? Rest in peace because you're dead and are buried 6 ft underground inside a coffin? They believe we go to heaven when we die... well, how long does it take to get there? Is there a queue at the gate? When does the resting in peace come into it? They seem confused. Not that that should be surprising to anybody sane.

Can't we just have fun with the phobia thing?


Understood and somewhat agreed.

My suggestion would be that the "Rest in peace..." line come into play at some point in the script, not necessarily the end.  At the end, it really does funnel the scripts into something of the same.

What y'all think?   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Posted by: Warren, October 13th, 2017, 6:30pm; Reply: 14
Love the phobia theme. Really not a fan of the "rest in peace", it's so cheesy.
Posted by: LC, October 13th, 2017, 6:34pm; Reply: 15
It's a parameter. Only a big deal if you want it to be imh. You don't have to be overly religious to use RIP.  It could be used in a number of ways, for comic or ironic effect.

That said, contained in the script might be better than conclude with.

Good on ya Kham!
Posted by: Don, October 13th, 2017, 7:54pm; Reply: 16
I will let Khamanna make that decision when she wakes up.

- Don
Posted by: Michael, October 13th, 2017, 9:23pm; Reply: 17
I'm Scared.
Posted by: realxwriter, October 13th, 2017, 11:17pm; Reply: 18
I like the RIP requirement more than the phobia one. It will be quite the challenge to come up with a script that concludes with this expression without having a generic ending. Tasty!

Even though RIP is not an Islamic expression. We use "May God have mercy on ..." But I can still make an attempt to relieve the confusion. People don't go straight to heaven or hell after they die. Their souls remain in a realm between the two known ones, this life, and the afterlife. This realm is like a waiting room. You just lie in your grave and wait till the judgment day come. And the judgment day comes only after the test is over for the last generation of humanity. So you "Rest in peace" in this realm, in your grave, if you were nice. If you weren't, your waiting period will be shitty too. Unfortunately   :(

Maybe my explanation will inspire some stories for this challenge.  ;D

Edit: This realm has a scary name in Arabic. It's called "Al-bar-zakh" For inspiration!
Posted by: Zack, October 13th, 2017, 11:27pm; Reply: 19
This should be interesting. I apologize ahead of time for my entry. It's gonna be gross. :)

~Zack~
Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 11:37pm; Reply: 20

Quoted from DustinBowcot
The last line of dialogue requirement is somewhat limiting. Most stories are going to end with the antagonist dying. Or, worse, there will be tack-on endings just to incorporate it. Or, the cheesy route, with the phobia being the thing that rests in peace.

I'm not religious and am naturally averse to helping spread deceit. What does RIP even mean, exactly? Rest in peace because you're dead and are buried 6 ft underground inside a coffin? They believe we go to heaven when we die... well, how long does it take to get there? Is there a queue at the gate? When does the resting in peace come into it? They seem confused. Not that that should be surprising to anybody sane.

Can't we just have fun with the phobia thing?


Please don't ask me to change requirement like that as the writers have only seven days to come up and write their scripts and you might be putting them on hold.

In my experience the lack of parameters made it harder to come up with something. Phobia is not much to work with especially when there are so many phobias out there.If  RIP guides your creativity towards a particular scenario then all the better as it's an October themed OWC. At the same time I agree with LC, don't let it stifle you - your RIP might be ironic.

We had a similar challenge at MP - the scripts had to have "Go to bed, Taylor" at the end. It produced a huge variety.

About RIP being religious or not - I'm not religious either but use it all the time. I won't go in there, it's a wildly used expression by now.

Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 11:44pm; Reply: 21

Quoted from Dreamscale


Understood and somewhat agreed.

My suggestion would be that the "Rest in peace..." line come into play at some point in the script, not necessarily the end.  At the end, it really does funnel the scripts into something of the same.

What y'all think?   ;D ;D ;D ;D


I won't be extremely strict about that, but no, not at some point in the script, it should be at the end. Might be not tge very last sentence of dialog, but at the end all the same. The character who said it may say something after his "RIP" or any other character may say something after.
Otherwise the requirement looses the point in my mind.
Posted by: khamanna, October 13th, 2017, 11:49pm; Reply: 22
Sorry, guys, if it's not to everyone's liking. It's impossible to accomodate everyone)
But go on, continue with your questions please.

Just don't ask to drastically change the requirement)
Posted by: Zack, October 14th, 2017, 1:31am; Reply: 23
It has hit me like a potato cannon to groin. Get your helmets on. :D

~Zack~
Posted by: Penoyer79, October 14th, 2017, 2:02am; Reply: 24
anyone deal with any real phobias?

I have a fear of vomiting. ironically i can count on 1 hand the times i've been sick...and haven't thrown up in over 20 years.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 14th, 2017, 2:40am; Reply: 25
I've never been put off by a challenge before but I have too much other stuff going on, including a rewrite of a feature - that I'm being paid for. I'm midway through the 2nd draft of a mid-school novel I'm writing and the 2nd draft of a sci-fi novel. I'm working on countless shorts that are geared for production and the horror feature is coming up this winter, there may be rewrites for that any day now. Not to mention all of the other stuff going on including a chess tournament all day tomorrow and league games several evenings this week. So I suppose I don't need much of an excuse to count myself out of this one. Good luck to everyone else.
Posted by: LC, October 14th, 2017, 3:37am; Reply: 26

Quoted from DustinBowcot
I've never been put off by a challenge before but I have too much other stuff going on....

Yeah, I'm sure I fell for this kinda line last time. You sure sound busy but... Well, it'll all come out in the wash. ;D
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 14th, 2017, 4:20am; Reply: 27
I'm a bit confused by the RIP requirement and still none the wiser reading the comments.

Does the script have to end with the final line being someone saying 'Rest In Peace' or with someone dying?
Posted by: khamanna, October 14th, 2017, 4:41am; Reply: 28

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I'm a bit confused by the RIP requirement and still none the wiser reading the comments.

Does the script have to end with the final line being someone saying 'Rest In Peace' or with someone dying?


Glad you asked!
No need for a dying person or anyone dying (but if you want to have someone dying then do so - up to you). I changed "read Rest in Peace" to "contain Rest in Peace". Any kind of line with Rest in Peace will do. Any character can say it. And if that or any other character speaks some more after saying his RIP it's fine as well.  

Does it answer your question?
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, October 14th, 2017, 4:51am; Reply: 29
My Daddy always said I was stupid to be scared of cheese. May he Rest in Peace.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 14th, 2017, 5:27am; Reply: 30

Quoted from khamanna


Glad you asked!
No need for a dying person or anyone dying (but if you want to have someone dying then do so - up to you). I changed "read Rest in Peace" to "contain Rest in Peace". Any kind of line with Rest in Peace will do. Any character can say it. And if that or any other character speaks some more after saying his RIP it's fine as well.  

Does it answer your question?


Yes! That clears it up for me, great!

I think over the years I'v developed a fear of OWC Pissers, I hope to see that phobia in one of these stories ;-)

Posted by: ghost and_ghostie gal, October 14th, 2017, 6:13am; Reply: 31
Khamanna...

I see... you're “running the show”  MOD.  Congrats.  

Well, if you're gonna play in a circus --someone's got to be the "Ringleader"...  everybody else is clowns...

All joking aside, I like it, I'm in.  

_ghostie
Posted by: khamanna, October 14th, 2017, 7:27am; Reply: 32
Ghostie!
Long time no see. Glad you decided to participate. We may have a lot of girls in. Let's see)
Posted by: Don, October 14th, 2017, 9:36am; Reply: 33

Quoted from khamanna
Sorry, guys, if it's not to everyone's liking. It's impossible to accomodate everyone)
But go on, continue with your questions please.

Just don't ask to drastically change the requirement)


I agree with Khamanna on this one.  A change in the requirements means changes in several other places and usually someone fails to get the word.  

Also, part of the conceit of the OWC is "A producer with a wad of cash and an idea...  Like.  'I want it to be about fear and I want it to end with something like, "RIP"'."

- Don
Posted by: Heretic, October 14th, 2017, 1:06pm; Reply: 34
Excellent challenge. Busy week but I'll do my best.

In real life, I have arachnophobia. When I was a little boy, I put on my t-shirt one morning, only to realize that there was a giant spider inside it. The shirt was tight across my chest and the spider was caught inside it, scrabbling around on my skin.

I like giant spiders in movies, but normal-size, on film and in life, they're super stressful for me.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 14th, 2017, 1:45pm; Reply: 35
I've had an idea. Going to try and write the first draft tomorrow as I also have some spare time. Those two events coinciding on a weekend have never happened on a OWC before! I normally get an idea on the Thursday and then desperately try to get it done in a day. This feels weird, like the they've changed the Matrix or something!
Posted by: khamanna, October 14th, 2017, 2:30pm; Reply: 36
I have an abnormal fear of snakes. Looked up the word - it's ophidiophobia. And it seems to get worse with time. I can't watch Snakes on a Plane now, no way.
Posted by: irish eyes, October 14th, 2017, 3:32pm; Reply: 37
Graphophobia - fear of writing... I suffer from :(

Graphopisserphobia - fear of pisser writing... not this guy ;D
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 14th, 2017, 4:21pm; Reply: 38

Quoted from Don

  Like.  'I want it to be about fear and I want it to end with something like, "RIP"'."
- Don


Oh no, you mean...like as in... tear, strip, torn, or dare I say...split

Now that’s got a whole deal harder  :D :D :D
Posted by: SAC, October 14th, 2017, 10:15pm; Reply: 39
How about Orphanaphobiaformatus - the fear of Jeff's review.
Posted by: Don, October 14th, 2017, 11:23pm; Reply: 40

Quoted from khamanna
I have an abnormal fear of snakes. Looked up the word - it's ophidiophobia. And it seems to get worse with time. I can't watch Snakes on a Plane now, no way.


I have a fear of cute kittens, vanilla ice cream, and women in cat woman cosplay costumes...

- Don

Posted by: Zack, October 14th, 2017, 11:45pm; Reply: 41
Does the person dealing with the phobia have to be the main character?

~Zack~
Posted by: khamanna, October 15th, 2017, 1:41am; Reply: 42

Quoted from Zack
Does the person dealing with the phobia have to be the main character?

~Zack~

No, it doesn't. The requirement says "A character must posess" -  sticking by it)

Posted by: ChrisBodily, October 15th, 2017, 3:36am; Reply: 43
My folks are getting new flooring this week, so unfortunately, I'd "bet the farm" I can't commit. However, I do have a seed of an idea I might write after the OWC.

Plus, I'm invested in TCM's horror marathons. Right now, Scream Blacula Scream is on.

Good luck to everybody.
Posted by: khamanna, October 15th, 2017, 7:59am; Reply: 44

Quoted from Don


I have a fear of cute kittens



Man! Hope it's not about my avatar. But I was thinking of changing it though.
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 15th, 2017, 2:51pm; Reply: 45
Here's where I stand on Rest In Peace thing

I'm not crazy about it either. I'd prefer Burn In Hell, but that's just me I 'spose. However, it is the last line. Something that can be easily zapped out after the OWC is over. As for e, I was severely tempted to name a character Weston Peece, but then I got sober.
Posted by: khamanna, October 15th, 2017, 2:57pm; Reply: 46
You can use Burn in Hell and Rest in Peace in the same sentence, Darren.

And a character can speak some after that. Or some other character. Make it the ending, but there's no strict rule about that phrase being the very last.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 15th, 2017, 5:04pm; Reply: 47
Finished the first draft. Kinda pleased with it. Gonna play around with it over the next few days and get it spruced up nice.
Posted by: Jeremiah Johnson, October 15th, 2017, 6:55pm; Reply: 48
My first short script, Five Day for Redemption, had the protag kill everyone then say this cheese line: "And all I wanted was some ice cream."

So, cheese at the end, count on me!  ;D
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 15th, 2017, 7:20pm; Reply: 49
Don1...Don Juan. Wonder if Don had some interesting experience lately.  ;D
Posted by: Don, October 15th, 2017, 9:21pm; Reply: 50

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Don1...Don Juan. Wonder if Don had some interesting experience lately.  ;D


Not Don1. don1. Like eldave1 and ryan1

don1
Posted by: Steven, October 16th, 2017, 7:55am; Reply: 51
I guess it's time to find some obscure phobias.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 16th, 2017, 2:19pm; Reply: 52
What is the phobia called when you're scared of men in their mid 50's wearing really short, tight old denim cutoffs?
Posted by: Ryan1, October 16th, 2017, 3:08pm; Reply: 53

Quoted from Dreamscale
What is the phobia called when you're scared of men in their mid 50's wearing really short, tight old denim cutoffs?


Aussiphobia
Posted by: ReneC, October 16th, 2017, 3:51pm; Reply: 54

Quoted from Dreamscale
What is the phobia called when you're scared of men in their mid 50's wearing really short, tight old denim cutoffs?


Quinquagenarianjortsaphobia?
Posted by: stevie, October 16th, 2017, 8:03pm; Reply: 55

Quoted from Dreamscale
What is the phobia called when you're scared of men in their mid 50's wearing really short, tight old denim cutoffs?


I dunno bro but lots of people in Arizona have Soggybushophobia:

A fear of nude screenwriter critics drunk in jacuzzis
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 17th, 2017, 1:49am; Reply: 56
I love the fact that the phobia of long words is a long word.

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

Imagine that. You have this fear of long words and wonder if there's a phobia for it. So you head over to Google and then run screaming in terror lol.

Had a friend review my OWC. He loved it until page 7 then said it jumped the shark so now I'm torn. Do I try to make it lest jumpy sharky or completely change it...and if so, what to change it to?
Posted by: khamanna, October 17th, 2017, 4:40am; Reply: 57

Quoted from MarkRenshaw


Had a friend review my OWC. He loved it until page 7 then said it jumped the shark so now I'm torn. Do I try to make it lest jumpy sharky or completely change it...and if so, what to change it to?

Possibly your friend has a sharkophobia.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 17th, 2017, 7:29am; Reply: 58
lol - or Sharknadophobia!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 17th, 2017, 9:28am; Reply: 59
I have a fear of jumping sharks.

I finally came up with my concept last night, and now have the story and characters worked out.  The girlfriend even likes it and didn't mention anything about jumping sharks or jumping the shark, so I'm ready to get going.
Posted by: ReneC, October 17th, 2017, 11:12am; Reply: 60
I had a concept right away but have only just worked out the story. Well, for this short...my first story would take about 90 pages. So who knows, this might end up being a future feature.  ;D
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 17th, 2017, 1:57pm; Reply: 61

Quoted from ReneC
I had a concept right away but have only just worked out the story. Well, for this short...my first story would take about 90 pages. So who knows, this might end up being a future feature.  ;D


I have similar fears on page length.

It started all fine and good but the more I brainstormed, the longer it got and now I fear it could actually be a feature

Posted by: Zack, October 17th, 2017, 2:08pm; Reply: 62
I've got a pretty bizarre story in my head. Not sure if it's gonna work, but fuck it. It's kitchen sink time. I get off early tonight. Gonna head straight home and try to get the first draft finished.

~Zack~
Posted by: ReaperCreeper, October 17th, 2017, 2:35pm; Reply: 63
I'm on the same boat, Zack. Not sure if my script will click either but I'm putting it out there anyway.
-Julio
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 17th, 2017, 2:36pm; Reply: 64
I'm so torn with my ending as I'm getting quite radically different viewpoints about it from people I've asked to read. So I'm going to write two endings and then probably flip a coin before submitting one.
Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 3:08pm; Reply: 65
Should the name of the phobia be mentioned anywhere? I'm asking because mine isn't too obvious, but it is listed in the links in the OP.
Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 3:09pm; Reply: 66

Quoted from Dreamscale


I have similar fears on page length.

It started all fine and good but the more I brainstormed, the longer it got and now I fear it could actually be a feature



I wish I had the problem of accidentally writing a feature.
Posted by: khamanna, October 17th, 2017, 3:28pm; Reply: 67

Quoted from Steven
Should the name of the phobia be mentioned anywhere? I'm asking because mine isn't too obvious, but it is listed in the links in the OP.

Good of you to ask!
We should be able to see that your character has a phobia. No, you don't need to name it anywhere in the script, not unless you want to.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 17th, 2017, 3:37pm; Reply: 68

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I'm so torn with my ending as I'm getting quite radically different viewpoints about it from people I've asked to read. So I'm going to write two endings and then probably flip a coin before submitting one.


Or, you could choose 1 of the endings, write it in, then have your character wake up and realize that ending was just a dream, and go onto your 2nd ending as the real ending.

Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 3:55pm; Reply: 69

Quoted from khamanna

Good of you to ask!
We should be able to see that your character has a phobia. No, you don't need to name it anywhere in the script, not unless you want to.


Ok well thanks. I ask because there are levels to a phobia. I'm scared of the ocean, but I don't freak out at the sight of it. I only begin to slightly panic when I think about being stuck out there and not knowing what's underneath.

That isn't what I'm writing about, but just wanted to bring it up.
Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 3:56pm; Reply: 70

Quoted from Dreamscale


Or, you could choose 1 of the endings, write it in, then have your character wake up and realize that ending was just a dream, and go onto your 2nd ending as the real ending.



Never go full Dallas.
Posted by: khamanna, October 17th, 2017, 4:21pm; Reply: 71

Quoted from Steven


Ok well thanks. I ask because there are levels to a phobia. I'm scared of the ocean, but I don't freak out at the sight of it. I only begin to slightly panic when I think about being stuck out there and not knowing what's underneath.

That isn't what I'm writing about, but just wanted to bring it up.


I get what you're asking now.
I have a scare of heights. It's not so mild one, only today I was on the 4th floor balcony and couldn't lean on the railings to look down. However I was able to climb The Hanging Lake in Colorado which is up on a rock and you hike some, then there's a kind of thin and steep path up to the lake. I'll also be able to look downd from high up if I need to it's just that I'll always have that feeling that I might loose it and jump. So, I deffinitely qualify it as a phobia.

If that answers your question in any way.
Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 4:32pm; Reply: 72

Quoted from khamanna


I get what you're asking now.
I have a scare of heights. It's not so mild one, only today I was on the 4th floor balcony and couldn't lean on the railings to look down. However I was able to climb The Hanging Lake in Colorado which is up on a rock and you hike some, then there's a kind of thin and steep path up to the lake. I'll also be able to look downd from high up if I need to it's just that I'll always have that feeling that I might loose it and jump. So, I deffinitely qualify it as a phobia.

If that answers your question in any way.




It might be a stretch, but my ending should clarify the phobia.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 17th, 2017, 4:44pm; Reply: 73
I'm writing about the rare but very real fear of beaver's teeth or a single tooth.

It will be very horrific.
Posted by: khamanna, October 17th, 2017, 4:51pm; Reply: 74
Steven, I modified your post a bit as the challenge is going to be anonymous.
I think yours qualifies very well but you know how it is - it's up to the readers to decide. Good luck to you with it!)
Posted by: Steven, October 17th, 2017, 4:54pm; Reply: 75

Quoted from khamanna
Steven, I modified your post a bit as the challenge is going to be anonymous.
I think yours qualifies very well but you know how it is - it's up to the readers to decide. Good luck to you with it!)


Thanks, forgot about the anonymous part.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 17th, 2017, 5:47pm; Reply: 76
Can two people partner up and co-write an entry?

I have not come up with any good ideas yet... still brainstorming.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 17th, 2017, 6:27pm; Reply: 77
Regarding mentioning the phobia. Why not write your logline and then simply add the phobia after it.

Jeff, a ladies man...living in Arizona, has to confront his biggest fear, an Australian man in denim cut-offs on the golf course. - Steviephobia

The reason I'm suggesting this is due to previous experiences with the OWC and MP contests. If you don't name the phobia you chose, there will be some readers who will mark down your score simply because they can't find it on the list or don't want to do research.

Don't know about the co-write, Dena. That's up to Khamanna.

Cheers writers! :)
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 17th, 2017, 7:51pm; Reply: 78

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Regarding mentioning the phobia. Why not write your logline and then simply add the phobia after it.

Hey, Don might post the given phobia right in each script's thread; perhaps behind the genre reference. I imagine so because I saw a text box in the submission form, asking for the phobia, right under age rating, see here…

http://www.simplyscripts.com/unpro_short_exercise_17_10.html#submit

Otherwise, a hard challenge you set, Kham. I think the hardest part for the writers is to reach a wide audience because a phobia is something pretty specific… and it's hard to make it "universal".
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 17th, 2017, 8:22pm; Reply: 79

Quoted from Grandma Bear


The reason I'm suggesting this is due to previous experiences with the OWC and MP contests. If you don't name the phobia you chose, there will be some readers who will mark down your score simply because they can't find it on the list or don't want to do research.



Both of these won't be my subject but let's say we don't name the phobia anywhere in the script. Instead, you clearly visibly show Character X scream and jump on top of a chair when they see a mouse. Do we have a "very observant" Character Y who says " I guess that person  has a case of musophobia" Or we show someone in a full sweat at the sight of a scarecrow. Character Y will say to X "I never knew you suffered from Formidophobia!"

Right?
Right.
The question may not be giving readership pause to look it all up, but rather reading it without getting tongue tied.

That's my two sense.
However
Maybe we should put the phobia in our message when submitting, if that helps.

Posted by: JEStaats, October 17th, 2017, 9:39pm; Reply: 80
I found labeling the phobia too on the nose, so I wrote it out. You'll still get a sense of the phobia, just not someone saying "Hey, you have XXphobia!"

Done with the second draft. Time to let it marinate and revisit later. Kinda on a fence with this one.
Posted by: khamanna, October 17th, 2017, 11:28pm; Reply: 81
I think if your character is scared of something we should be able to get it's the phobia. Maybe Don planned something about indicating the phobia next to the entry, I don't know. Prussian says the link to submit asks you to indicate your phobia. If you're still not sure we'll see it have it on the title page in brackets maybe.

Dena, about the co-write - I don't mind at all unless there's a protocol against it on SS. If you ever done it before at OWC then go ahead write your entry with the cowriter. If not I'll wait for Don. If it's up to a challenge mod - I say yes.
Posted by: khamanna, October 18th, 2017, 1:09am; Reply: 82
[quote=me]Regarding mentioning the phobia. Why not write your logline and then simply add the phobia after it [/quote=me]

I agree, it could go right after your logline. I'm waiting for Don on that.
Posted by: Steven, October 18th, 2017, 9:37am; Reply: 83
Submitted, don't think I'll need to edit it before Friday either. Looking forward to this one.
Posted by: khamanna, October 18th, 2017, 9:39am; Reply: 84
Questions answered:

The name of the phobia will be included in the listing. You'll see the question addressing the phobia in your script when you submit.

@Dena - co-writing is fine.

Also, just in case - it's one entry per person unless you manage to sneak one in by Don.

Thank you for the questions or I was getting bored here)

Posted by: Don, October 18th, 2017, 9:40am; Reply: 85

Quoted from khamanna
[quote=me]Regarding mentioning the phobia. Why not write your logline and then simply add the phobia after it [/quote=me]

I agree, it could go right after your logline. I'm waiting for Don on that.


The entry form at SimplyScripts.com/OWC has a slot to put the phobia.  I was going to include it in the listing along with the ratinge, e.g.,

Sophie's Curse Anonymous 5

Sophie finds true love online only to discover her lover's fears will forever keep them separated.  9 pages in pdf format   (Young Adult rating) Equino-Podo-Kabourophobia




Don
Posted by: ReneC, October 18th, 2017, 11:29am; Reply: 86
I wrote most of one last night but I don't like it. I do like what I did with it from a filmmaker perspective, it's the story that's weak.

I have so many ideas for this one, I have another one already cooked up and will try writing that.


Quoted from Don


The entry form at SimplyScripts.com/OWC has a slot to put the phobia.  I was going to include it in the listing along with the ratinge, e.g.,

Sophie's Curse Anonymous 5

Sophie finds true love online only to discover her lover's fears will forever keep them separated.  9 pages in pdf format   (Young Adult rating) Equino-Podo-Kabourophobia




Don


What if there is more than one phobia? Do we list them all or just the most important one?
Posted by: khamanna, October 18th, 2017, 12:48pm; Reply: 87

Quoted from ReneC

What if there is more than one phobia? Do we list them all or just the most important one?

You don't have to unless you want to. The main goal is not to let people think there's no phobia in your entry whatsoever so that they don't mark down for it.
Posted by: eldave1, October 18th, 2017, 1:59pm; Reply: 88
Well - got something done between a thousand other things. Look forward to the reads. Just need to get over my Allodoxaphobia.
Posted by: JEStaats, October 18th, 2017, 3:08pm; Reply: 89
Done and submitted. Hopefully we'll have a few good scares in the mix. Good luck everybody!
~John
Posted by: Steven, October 18th, 2017, 3:19pm; Reply: 90

Quoted from JEStaats
Done and submitted. Hopefully we'll have a few good scares in the mix. Good luck everybody!
~John


Yea I completely forgot about the horror genre, went with straight up drama. Going for the bleak!
Posted by: Reef Dreamer, October 18th, 2017, 4:07pm; Reply: 91

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Can two people partner up and co-write an entry?

I have not come up with any good ideas yet... still brainstorming.


Sent message

B
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 18th, 2017, 4:47pm; Reply: 92
So far, ZERO words written, but I think I'm about ready to get to it...tomorrow.
Posted by: LC, October 18th, 2017, 5:25pm; Reply: 93

Quoted from Steven
Yea I completely forgot about the horror genre, went with straight up drama. Going for the bleak!

You had me going there for a min. Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror.  8)

Posted by: Steven, October 18th, 2017, 5:26pm; Reply: 94

Quoted from LC

You had me going there for a min. Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror.  8)



I thought the genre was ONLY horror, so I was like shit.
Posted by: Warren, October 18th, 2017, 6:18pm; Reply: 95
I've just got nothing. Massive writers block, can’t even seem to scrap something bad together.

Think I might be out this time:(
Posted by: Michael, October 18th, 2017, 7:43pm; Reply: 96
Still trying,
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 18th, 2017, 7:49pm; Reply: 97

Quoted from Reef Dreamer


Sent message

B


Got it! Thanks Bill YOU are awesome! :)
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 19th, 2017, 2:36am; Reply: 98
I'm not looking forward to the line of dialogue at the end, so I'll wait to see if there are any standouts from the comments and then read those. I haven't attempted to write one myself.
Posted by: LC, October 19th, 2017, 4:10am; Reply: 99
Kham, clarification please that RIP doesn't have to be the final line?

Are we saying final scene, is mentioned somewhere within the script, or what?
Posted by: khamanna, October 19th, 2017, 4:40am; Reply: 100

Quoted from LC
Kham, clarification please that RIP doesn't have to be the final line?

Are we saying final scene, is mentioned somewhere within the script, or what?


Yes, Libby, doesn't have to be the final line. But not "somewhere within the script" either more towards the end. Your characters can speak some after it's been pronounced. Or even do something, like some last line of action can happen after it's been pronounced. But either way it's got to be the ending or more towards the end of the script.
Hope that makes sense.

And it can be anything. RIP. No RIP. - just have that RIP in, within the sentence or not.
Posted by: LC, October 19th, 2017, 6:10am; Reply: 101
Makes sense. Thanks Kham  - you big Mod. :)
Posted by: khamanna, October 19th, 2017, 7:09am; Reply: 102

Quoted from LC
Kham  - you big Mod. :)


teeheeheehee
Posted by: irish eyes, October 19th, 2017, 7:22am; Reply: 103
Can you write?

Would you like some chocolate?
I'll take the REST... IN the Living room while I'm watching Dancing With Stars
No you greedy bastard you're only allowed one PIECE!

Everyone dies... by chocolate.

Fade out
Posted by: khamanna, October 19th, 2017, 8:07am; Reply: 104
No, Irish, you can't.
I believe it's going around the requirement rather than keeping to it. Also, you'll be punished for it in the votes I think.
Posted by: Steven, October 19th, 2017, 8:49am; Reply: 105
If it help anyone out, I use "rest in piece" during my final line of dialogue, but it wasn't the final scene.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 19th, 2017, 9:57am; Reply: 106

Quoted from Steven
If it help anyone out, I use "rest in piece" during my final line of dialogue, but it wasn't the final scene.


If you used it like that then you'll get marked down for it.
Posted by: Steven, October 19th, 2017, 9:59am; Reply: 107

Quoted from DustinBowcot


If you used it like that then you'll get marked down for it.


It is the last line of dialogue in my short, which is what the rules call for.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 19th, 2017, 10:17am; Reply: 108
It's not currently the last line in mine but it's right at the end and is almost the last line of dialogue. Hopefully that is OK.
Posted by: khamanna, October 19th, 2017, 10:33am; Reply: 109
I know the requirement says "your last line of dialog should contain" but it doesn't even have to be the very last line. I wrote it like that for clarity. If you have it as the last line all the better.
And if Steven has a scene after that - that's okay.
The point was to have it at the end for a specific reason. I'll talk about it later when the entries are in.
I'll make sure to go through the entries as soon as possible and leave a comment about the RIP's in them.
Posted by: Steven, October 19th, 2017, 10:41am; Reply: 110

Quoted from khamanna
I know the requirement says "your last line of dialog should contain" but it doesn't even have to be the very last line. I wrote it like that for clarity. If you have it as the last line all the better.
And if Steven has a scene after that - that's okay.
The point was to have it at the end for a specific reason. I'll talk about it later when the entries are in.
I'll make sure to go through the entries as soon as possible and leave a comment about the RIP's in them.


Luckily in my story the RIP line at the end makes perfect sense. I think some people are trying to relate RIP to the phobia itself...which would obviously make things harder.
Posted by: eldave1, October 19th, 2017, 11:09am; Reply: 111
Last line of dialogue okay IMO if it is substantially near the end of the story. If it is the last line of dialogue but followed by a three page non dialogue scene, you might get questioned.

For me, the spirit of the rule was to have it at the end. My own parameters are going to be that at minimum, RIP has to be in the last full page and ideally somewhere in the last third of the last page. Nor will I accept derivatives (e.g., piece vs. peace, arrest vs. rest, etc.) - but that's  just my view of the guidelines.
Posted by: eldave1, October 19th, 2017, 11:10am; Reply: 112

Quoted from Steven


Luckily in my story the RIP line at the end makes perfect sense. I think some people are trying to relate RIP to the phobia itself...which would obviously make things harder.


Why would you think that?
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 19th, 2017, 11:18am; Reply: 113

Quoted from Steven


It is the last line of dialogue in my short, which is what the rules call for.


The rules call for 'Rest in Peace'... not 'Rest in Piece'.
Posted by: Steven, October 19th, 2017, 11:47am; Reply: 114

Quoted from eldave1
Last line of dialogue okay IMO if it is substantially near the end of the story. If it is the last line of dialogue but followed by a three page non dialogue scene, you might get questioned.

For me, the spirit of the rule was to have it at the end. My own parameters are going to be that at minimum, RIP has to be in the last full page and ideally somewhere in the last third of the last page. Nor will I accept derivatives (e.g., piece vs. peace, arrest vs. rest, etc.) - but that's  just my view of the guidelines.


My "rest in peace" is the last piece of dialogue. The story ends after the next scene which is only three two-line action lines and there is no dialogue.


Quoted from eldave1
Why would you think that?


Just an assumption.


Quoted from Dustin
The rules call for 'Rest in Peace'... not 'Rest in Piece'.


My mistake, I wasn't thinking when I typed. I'm using "peace" as it should be.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 19th, 2017, 3:37pm; Reply: 115
Still sitting at ZERO written words, but I'm getting close to ready to start.

I should be able to pull this off and get it in tomorrow.
Posted by: Jeremiah Johnson, October 19th, 2017, 6:39pm; Reply: 116

Quoted from Dreamscale
Still sitting at ZERO written words, but I'm getting close to ready to start.

I should be able to pull this off and get it in tomorrow.


That's good Jeff.  This Jeff, however, will not make it in time.  Couldn't get my story down good enough.  I will be reading them though.  Maybe next time.  :'(
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 19th, 2017, 7:16pm; Reply: 117
I'm too busy working on stuff for these two films Dena and I made, so unfortunately, I cannot take part. However, if anyone needs a read either prior or after posted for the OWC, hit me up. I'll try to read during breaks from this other stuff.  :)
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 19th, 2017, 7:28pm; Reply: 118

Quoted from Dreamscale
Still sitting at ZERO written words, but I'm getting close to ready to start.

I should be able to pull this off and get it in tomorrow.


Still sitting at zero here.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 19th, 2017, 10:58pm; Reply: 119

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Still sitting at zero here.


On Page 5 now.  Made some MAJOR changes, so story is still coming together.

Could probably have finished it, but got schlammied and had to watch that fucking amazing game between the Chiefs and Raiders.  Damn...what a finish!!!

Tomorrow is D-Day and I hope I have some time to get this thing together.

Posted by: JEStaats, October 19th, 2017, 11:11pm; Reply: 120
I don't know how you could write and watch that game at the same time. Both offenses we're amazing. Alex Smith was perfect.
Posted by: Zack, October 20th, 2017, 1:02am; Reply: 121
Unfortunately it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to participate in this. :( I'll try to read as many of them as I can.

~Zack~
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 20th, 2017, 2:28am; Reply: 122
Normally by now I'm in a mad rush to get the first draft written.

This time, I've had all week to work on it and I think for me that's a bad thing. I've been second guessing myself, changing stuff...convincing myself it is rubbish and writing alternate endings!

Gonna do the typo fix run tonight and then submit it and hope for the best!
Posted by: Conz, October 20th, 2017, 6:54am; Reply: 123
I'm out.  dammit.  Wanted to do this too.  

If anyone wants my suppppper clever working title "Fauxbia" it's all yours.
Posted by: Steven, October 20th, 2017, 9:28am; Reply: 124
I ended up with 8 pages.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 11:57am; Reply: 125
Still at 5 pages and have a busy work day upon me.

I'm afraid mine will run long and I doubt I'll have time to chop it down to size.

ARGH!!!!!
Posted by: CameronD, October 20th, 2017, 12:08pm; Reply: 126
Gonna have to bow out. I had the week off and had hoped to write as I love these OWC's, but ended up working on a different project and couldn't afford to split my time.

Best of luck to all. Will be interesting to read the last pages on these for sure.
Posted by: realxwriter, October 20th, 2017, 1:21pm; Reply: 127
Hi fellow OWC warriors.

Today is a weekend in my country. The plan was to start writing my script early in the morning, but I started the day off on the wrong note, so I've spent most of it sleeping and playing Hearthstone (mostly losing). As an act of revenge against my own carelessness toward the sacred event of Halloween OWC, I decided to start a writing marathon (Hardly. More like a long distance race) from 8 pm till 12 am local time. My local time-zone is UTC+1.

Being the kind of person I'm, I'm pretty sure if I don't have some kind of company online, I will most likely succumb to the lure of a warm bed and the infamous "The hell with OWC" escape route. So, I've come up with this genius idea of creating a chatroom where other fellow writers who might be interested in participating in said marathon could join the fun/torture/self-inflicted punishment.

Well, the best part is that you could use a nickname that will keep them anonymous to the rest of us which will allow you to fully engage in any query or discussion about the plot of your script without worrying about being disqualified. But those are waters to be trodden carefully since there is a thing called stylometric analysis. Hope people won't take it that far to see who is behind the mask, or at least keep their findings to themselves.

In conclusion, I've got my script outlined already. Roughly outlined actually. So I will be jumping right into the shark-infested waters of spewing out the pages. Hope I will get some company because it is such an awful feeling when the fins emerge while you are all alone.

I tried to keep it simple. I created a chat room here http://stin.to/decgt  . If you are nerdier than I'm, please provide a better solution for us to be together and I will join you right away.

POP QUIZ: Name three phobias that people who got it will find this post disturbing.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 20th, 2017, 1:50pm; Reply: 128
Lost track of time... and I'm going to the movies tonight... so not sure I'll be able to get in unless I can write this in the midnight hours.
Posted by: JEStaats, October 20th, 2017, 1:57pm; Reply: 129
Wow, so many people bowing out! Maybe I'll have a chance this OWC! Doubtful, but I can dream....
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 3:20pm; Reply: 130

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Lost track of time... and I'm going to the movies tonight... so not sure I'll be able to get in unless I can write this in the midnight hours.


Dean Marie!  I don't believe you for a second!  I know you will be in...at least you better be!!!

BTW, I'm still at 5 pages and haven't had a chance to get back into it.

Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 20th, 2017, 4:01pm; Reply: 131
Just got home. Feel bad if there won't be that many entries from us regulars, so I will give it a shot. This OWC has been mentioned outside of this site, so it's possible we get a lot of entries. If there are a lot of entries, there will be no way I can read them all.

Just selected my phobia. We'll see what happens.   :o
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 20th, 2017, 4:03pm; Reply: 132
Just noticed the clock. Is it really 14hrs + left to due time?
Posted by: Don, October 20th, 2017, 4:16pm; Reply: 133

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Just noticed the clock. Is it really 14hrs + left to due time?


Yes, there is 14 hours left.  The scripts are due on October 20th at midnight  Baker Island Time.  Baker Island is the last place on earth that it would be October 20th.

- Don
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 4:48pm; Reply: 134

Quoted from Don


Yes, there is 14 hours left.  The scripts are due on October 20th at midnight  Baker Island Time.  Baker Island is the last place on earth that it would be October 20th.

- Don


Oh...I didn't realize this.  That's good news.

I should easily finish mine, but I'm not thrilled with it this time around.  Usually, I am, and everyone hates it, so maybe this is a good sign that I don't really like it.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 20th, 2017, 5:19pm; Reply: 135
Just submitted mine.

Looking forward to reading the entries and watching everyone rip mine to shreds!!

:-)

-Mark
Posted by: Don, October 20th, 2017, 5:58pm; Reply: 136
As of 6:57 pm edt here in US in A, All submissions have been processed and the submiters have been notified.  If, as of 6:58 pm edt in US in A  (or T minus 13 hours until scripts are due), you haven't received notification from me, then you should panic and resend.

- Don

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 7:12pm; Reply: 137
Almost done with 1st draft, but I really am not liking it and if you know me,  you know I rarely say that.  ARGH!

Way too late to start over, so this is gonna have to work.

Best of luck to everyone out there still writing!!!
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 20th, 2017, 9:03pm; Reply: 138
I have two pages so far, but I have no idea where this is going...and I'm not at my best right now. Well, at least not for writing. Maybe if I'll get up early...  ;D
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 9:12pm; Reply: 139
I'm 100% SCHLAMMIED right now!!

Almost done, but I decided to completely change the final act.  I'm actually liking it now, which is probably a bad sign.  Decided to do a drama with some real emotion, as that's what Halloween is all about.

C'mon peeps, get the scripts in!!!
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 20th, 2017, 9:35pm; Reply: 140
It says we have nine hours left!!!! Is the count clock thing right or not!!???
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 20th, 2017, 9:40pm; Reply: 141
Yes, Dena. Enough time for you to write a feature!  ;)  
:)
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 20th, 2017, 9:43pm; Reply: 142
LOL or two.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 9:44pm; Reply: 143

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Yes, Dena. Enough time for you to write a feature!  ;)  :)


;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Funny, but oh so true!!!

For me, this is killing me, as I'm supposed to be BBQing chicken thighs right now, but at 7:45 PM , Friday night, I know if I don't finish this now, it won't get finished.

ARGH!!!

Posted by: Lightfoot, October 20th, 2017, 10:50pm; Reply: 144
Sumbitted

Happy to finish and sumbit, the last OWC I was in was last October .... so I had a few celebratory beers .... then a few more, then I got to the revising.  :-/  think I may have gotten that backwards.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 20th, 2017, 11:20pm; Reply: 145
Still racing to finish.  I can't prolong dinner any longer, as the girlfriend isn't thrilled.

1 page to go and all edited up to that, so will take a break and finish hopefully soon.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 20th, 2017, 11:29pm; Reply: 146
Just finished. Sorry you guys. You are going to put me on the chopping block for this one.

Could'a used Jeff's expertise on this one.

Had a great concept via Bill, but didn't have time to talk about it or pull it off... so just winging it.

Going to submit now... hmmm I hate coming up with a logline! :)

Get it done Jeff!!!
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 21st, 2017, 12:13am; Reply: 147
What a pain in the @$$
Finally, I got the damned thing to submit, after four solid hours of failed attempts. The pdf kept saving at 50kb to 560kb - a problem which was solved by the hairs of my chinny chin chin. Not that it matters-I'll probably get raked and baked over coals by my peeps I'm sure. ::)
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 12:41am; Reply: 148
More schlammied now, and still not done with 1st draft.

Just ate, so maybe I'm a little more clear headed?  Ha...yeah, right.

Going to try and push through now....although there may be 6 hours left, I have a about 1 until I'm dead asleep.

We can do it!!!!   ::) ::) ::) ::)
Posted by: DanC, October 21st, 2017, 12:43am; Reply: 149
I want to add to the misery.  I turned something in.   It's got a good idea and hopefully no one will pick out my entry.

Don't get me wrong because it's terrible.  I barely had time to submit a vomit draft.  I could try to rewrite it, but am too tired.

Last 10 days have been HELL.   In the interest of over-sharing, my last 12 days included

Rehab from Hell that does help, but hurts.
Hospitalized for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, but they blew 4 veins out for the propofol
Caring for mom's cataract after she got complications in her eye.
Caring for mom's second eye after cataract surgery also led to diabetic complications.
Fear of mom or me getting shingles from all the stress of these last dozen days.
And lastly, the pain of doing a lot of extra things to help with mom's care when you have bones that ache from moving.

So, I am sorry for the vomit draft.  I simply didn't have the energy to flesh out the story and make it better.  Even now, I have a few ideas.

K, congrats on being a mod.  I enjoyed this challenge.

Dan

PS. If anyone wants a thorough read, send me a message and I will do that.
Posted by: ReneC, October 21st, 2017, 1:43am; Reply: 150
Done and submitted! This was the fastest one I've written, which is probably a terrible thing. I only started it at 5pm and spent six hours total on it, with dinner thrown in there and time getting my girls to bed.

It might not be the best I've done, but it was fun to write, even as a mad dash at the 11th hour. I really enjoyed this OWC.


Quoted from DanC
I want to add to the misery.  I turned something in.   It's got a good idea and hopefully no one will pick out my entry.

Don't get me wrong because it's terrible.  I barely had time to submit a vomit draft.  I could try to rewrite it, but am too tired.

Last 10 days have been HELL.   In the interest of over-sharing, my last 12 days included

Rehab from Hell that does help, but hurts.
Hospitalized for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, but they blew 4 veins out for the propofol
Caring for mom's cataract after she got complications in her eye.
Caring for mom's second eye after cataract surgery also led to diabetic complications.
Fear of mom or me getting shingles from all the stress of these last dozen days.
And lastly, the pain of doing a lot of extra things to help with mom's care when you have bones that ache from moving.

So, I am sorry for the vomit draft.  I simply didn't have the energy to flesh out the story and make it better.  Even now, I have a few ideas.

K, congrats on being a mod.  I enjoyed this challenge.

Dan

PS. If anyone wants a thorough read, send me a message and I will do that.


Dude, time to lie down and sleep for a week! You've earned it!  :o

Good luck to everyone, I can't wait to start reading.
Posted by: realxwriter, October 21st, 2017, 1:53am; Reply: 151

Quoted from DanC
I want to add to the misery.  I turned something in.   It's got a good idea and hopefully no one will pick out my entry.

Don't get me wrong because it's terrible.  I barely had time to submit a vomit draft.  I could try to rewrite it, but am too tired.

Last 10 days have been HELL.   In the interest of over-sharing, my last 12 days included

Rehab from Hell that does help, but hurts.
Hospitalized for a colonoscopy and endoscopy, but they blew 4 veins out for the propofol
Caring for mom's cataract after she got complications in her eye.
Caring for mom's second eye after cataract surgery also led to diabetic complications.
Fear of mom or me getting shingles from all the stress of these last dozen days.
And lastly, the pain of doing a lot of extra things to help with mom's care when you have bones that ache from moving.

So, I am sorry for the vomit draft.  I simply didn't have the energy to flesh out the story and make it better.  Even now, I have a few ideas.

K, congrats on being a mod.  I enjoyed this challenge.

Dan

PS. If anyone wants a thorough read, send me a message and I will do that.


Hats off. What a feat. Have you been to a screenwriting class that was Navy Seal themed? I congratulate you on your bravery. Get well you and your mom soon. Best of luck. Don't worry too much about your vomit draft. Sometimes the story is so good the vomit draft is better than a fifith draft of a shitty story.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:12am; Reply: 152
Finished.  Total;ly slammed.  having serious trouble figuring out how to save to a pdf...WTF?

Oh shit...a logline...that's right...FUCK!!!!

So baked, so schallammied.  Need bed, but must read another time, save, pdf the bitch andsubmit somehow.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:26am; Reply: 153
ARGH!  Why can't I ever find where the damned script are supposed to be submitted?

HELP!!!!
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 21st, 2017, 2:26am; Reply: 154
I've been thoroughly entertained by Jeff's descent into a drunken stupor as he tries to write his script before the deadline. His should be....interesting for sure lol.

Dan - we'll done. To go through what you want through and still get a script done is remarkable.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 21st, 2017, 2:28am; Reply: 155

Quoted from Dreamscale
ARGH!  Why can't I ever find where the damned script are supposed to be submitted?

HELP!!!!


Submit them to SimplyScripts.com/OWC.

:-)
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:29am; Reply: 156
Mark...where do Isubmit thsi thig ?
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:30am; Reply: 157

Quoted from MarkRenshaw


Submit them to SimplyScripts.com/OWC.

:-)


That doesn't work as a link...where do I find the damned butten?

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:35am; Reply: 158
found it, but it ain't easy.  ARGH!!!!

This scrpt sucks but is being entered at uour own risk.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 2:39am; Reply: 159

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I've been thoroughly entertained by Jeff's descent into a drunken stupor as he tries to write his script before the deadline. His should be....interesting for sure lol.


Yes...it should be vedry interstting !!   ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

WASTED!!!!  WOOOHHOO!!!

Steviephobia will becone a housefold word aftyer tomorrow morning.

Posted by: khamanna, October 21st, 2017, 3:12am; Reply: 160
Woah what a race!! I'm glad you suddenly started writing your entries. The mood here is intense, wow.  Can't wait to start reading.

@Dan thanks, hope OWC takes your thoughts away from your problems. Great to see you managed to write one.
Posted by: realxwriter, October 21st, 2017, 3:55am; Reply: 161
Can anyone with Time-Bending superpower stretch the remaining three hours into six, please? I need more time goddamit!
Posted by: realxwriter, October 21st, 2017, 4:07am; Reply: 162
OWC this year is gonna give me a fatalibusophobia.
Posted by: khamanna, October 21st, 2017, 4:09am; Reply: 163
Oh, just finish the thing and submit, Ammar. It's obviously going to be a lot of fun - judging from the last few pages of conversation alone. And when you don't have anything in you're kind of not invested as much.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 21st, 2017, 6:48am; Reply: 164

Quoted from DustinBowcot
The excuses have been pouring in thick and fast with this one. I wonder... why bother? If you're not going to take it seriously, why waste your time at all?


Because it's like a magic time for me... it's like revisiting the catalyst that started this whole writing thing for me. It's like not showing up to a reunion. It's like an itch you cannot scratch. It's more important than just writing I guess... in a weird sort of way. :)
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 21st, 2017, 6:51am; Reply: 165
I woke up this morning ..in a panic to change some of my final dialogue... I even checked the timer... 20 minutes NO problem... so I opened the script and well, if I change the part I wanted to change it will require more changes and so I left it as is. I know there is a little problem in my story... and it is like a sore muscle... got it from working the writing muscle out.. and it HURTS but the hurt will go away and the muscle after being ripped a bit ... will get stronger. And maybe I'll even go back and fix the problem when this is all over with. I work better under pressure.

Anyway it is what it is folks. Those of us who completed a script... CONGRATS and CHEERS. Look forward to reading... have a good chunk of Sunday to get some reads in. :)
Posted by: realxwriter, October 21st, 2017, 7:00am; Reply: 166
30 seconds on the counter when I submitted! Whoa! That was close.
Posted by: Stumpzian, October 21st, 2017, 8:43am; Reply: 167
That was an exciting series of posts, especially Jeff's "I Should Be Barbecuing Chicken Thighs" race to the finish.
Now I wish I'd tried to write mine. I had a good story, all mapped out in my head. Then, I got called to substitute-teach in a high school for a month and didn't write it.
I admire all of you who wrote and submitted despite everything else going on in your lives.
Henry
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 10:06am; Reply: 168
And the first 4 are up!

ow...what a night.  I was RIPPED!
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 11:04am; Reply: 169
Hmmmmmm, are we missing some scripts here? Five seems a low turnout, still let's review the bejebus out of this motha Hubbard.

Good challenge Kham, and thanks as always Don
Posted by: Don, October 21st, 2017, 11:21am; Reply: 170

Quoted from Cameron
Hmmmmmm, are we missing some scripts here? Five seems a low turnout, still let's review the bejebus out of this motha Hubbard.

Good challenge Kham, and thanks as always Don


The OWC Scripts are being posted five at a time over the course of the day until all are posted.

- Don
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 21st, 2017, 11:31am; Reply: 171
Thanks Don, not meant to be ungrateful, glad to know there was a good turnout
Posted by: khamanna, October 21st, 2017, 1:47pm; Reply: 172
Yeah, big thanks to Don!
I didn't know that my help would be so limited. He does all the work.
Thank you for all the challenges and for the site.
Posted by: Don, October 21st, 2017, 1:52pm; Reply: 173

Quoted from Cameron
Thanks Don, not meant to be ungrateful, glad to know there was a good turnout


Cam,

All good.

I thought it was funny, but inside joke, funny.  Like Donald Trump, "Failing screenplay site," which I've been hearing for the last ten or so years...

- Don


Posted by: stevemiles, October 21st, 2017, 2:50pm; Reply: 174
Damn, no messing around here.  Just got back from getting my senses blasted by Blade Runner to find an evening of screenplay reading.  Gonna need more beer in the fridge...
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 21st, 2017, 4:38pm; Reply: 175
Is there a list of the scripts? I like to copy and paste them into a doc so I can keep up with what I've read and haven't read.
Posted by: Don, October 21st, 2017, 5:00pm; Reply: 176

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Is there a list of the scripts? I like to copy and paste them into a doc so I can keep up with what I've read and haven't read.


Not, yet.  I will get one up.

- Don
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 21st, 2017, 5:06pm; Reply: 177
Awesome :) I want to try to read them all.. as I did the last challenge. :)
Posted by: Talldave, October 21st, 2017, 10:09pm; Reply: 178
Dahaaahhhhh, can’t believe I couldn’t come up with anything....I’ll still be reading some o these!
Posted by: stevie, October 22nd, 2017, 4:03am; Reply: 179
Didn't enter as I wasn't keen on the theme and minimal parameters so if anyone wants an extra read, shoot me a PM and I'll have a squiz at it for ya, lol
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 22nd, 2017, 1:12pm; Reply: 180
Hey guys and gals, I have no entry this time. I had it all drawn out, then when it came to execution the last day, my brother needed to go to hospital because he suddenly couldn't hear on one of his ears. The problem then was that they had no diagnosis why he can't, and  now they still don't have. I wasn't free to write my script from that point. Anyway, all my love.
Posted by: eldave1, October 22nd, 2017, 1:21pm; Reply: 181
Best wishes for your brother
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 22nd, 2017, 2:24pm; Reply: 182
Thank you, Dave. It's complicated because I imagine him that he just walks on now, without clear diagnosis, making business. And I can't stop him.
Posted by: khamanna, October 22nd, 2017, 2:28pm; Reply: 183
Hey, Alex. Hopefully they find out the reason soon. I have all-time fight with one of my ears but never visited a doctor for that. Now it's killing me so I'm planning that call now. Ears are no fun when they hurt. Good luck to you brother.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 22nd, 2017, 3:07pm; Reply: 184
Okay Kham, but I fear it's a neurological problem. He suddenly heard nothing. IMO it is a signal from the body that something is not okay. However, I'll read scripts from this OWC.  

It's the big one, Halloween...



Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 22nd, 2017, 6:43pm; Reply: 185
My prayers to your bro, Alex!
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 22nd, 2017, 7:07pm; Reply: 186
Sending prayers your way for your brother Alex.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 22nd, 2017, 7:13pm; Reply: 187
WOW...worst thumping I've ever had, I think!

Funny, cuz, when I thought I didn't like mine, I figured maybe other peeps probably would, cuz usually, I love mine, but everyone else hates it.  Guess this time, we all agreed mine was SHIT!

ARGH!!!!!!!
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 1:28am; Reply: 188
I feel ya, Jeff,

Mine's getting smashed all over the place too, and I wasn't boozed up on booze when I wrote it!! At least you have an excuse...
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 23rd, 2017, 2:29am; Reply: 189
Mine's getting hammered as well. INFIDELS!! THEY WILL ALL PAY FOR THIS!
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 2:39am; Reply: 190

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
Mine's getting hammered as well. INFIDELS!! THEY WILL ALL PAY FOR THIS!


Hahaha, come reveal time there'll be that usual awkward moment of "we used to be friends". All fun and games, of course.

There's a really weird spread this time round. I think a lot of folk seemed to have struggled with taking a phobia and absolutely owning it. There seems to be a lot of new writers too, which is obviously a good thing, but just feel bad telling people to study stuff and read the forums all the time.

Also, if there are a load of new writers, really hope they review the other work as it seems to be largely the usual critics at it and not too much fresh blood...
Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 4:59am; Reply: 191
For 30 scripts it seems to be all the same people commenting, be great to have a challenge where every script gets 29 reviews.

Come on people, do your part.
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 5:27am; Reply: 192

Quoted from Warren
For 30 scripts it seems to be all the same people commenting, be great to have a challenge where every script gets 29 reviews.

Come on people, do your part.


And Kham and Pia didn't even enter, so their reviews are just because they're nice people
Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 8:04am; Reply: 193
I have a lot of reading to do. Thankfully I got some (mostly) good feed back on my entry, though I didn't hit the phobia aspect as hard as I probably should have.


I'm tempted to go back to this thing and really bring it home once the voting concludes.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 8:18am; Reply: 194

Quoted from Cameron
I feel ya, Jeff,

Mine's getting smashed all over the place too, and I wasn't boozed up on booze when I wrote it!! At least you have an excuse...


No, no excuses.  I had plenty of time to write this, and it was my choice to get boozed up on Friday night.  It was not the booze that is to blame.

Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 8:49am; Reply: 195
Having a typo in an insulting post is never a good thing.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 10:51am; Reply: 196

Quoted from Warren
For 30 scripts it seems to be all the same people commenting, be great to have a challenge where every script gets 29 reviews.

Come on people, do your part.


Concur!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 11:09am; Reply: 197
Totally concur...the usual suspects read and comment, the others do nothing.

I had a busy weekend, including alot of cleaning and organizing around the house, then the AZ State Fair yesterday.  Somehow, I've already gotten through 19 scripts -

- now, there are those who will say I'm not reading the scripts in their entirety, but I'm reading as much as I need to, to know when a script is terrible, and when a script deserves to be completely read.

Sadly, out of 19,  I have 8 scores of ZERO and 4 scores of ONE.  That's not good.

So far, the worst batch of OWC scripts I can recall in a long time.  
Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 11:18am; Reply: 198

Quoted from Dreamscale
Totally concur...the usual suspects read and comment, the others do nothing.

I had a busy weekend, including alot of cleaning and organizing around the house, then the AZ State Fair yesterday.  Somehow, I've already gotten through 19 scripts -

- now, there are those who will say I'm not reading the scripts in their entirety, but I'm reading as much as I need to, to know when a script is terrible, and when a script deserves to be completely read.

Sadly, out of 19,  I have 8 scores of ZERO and 4 scores of ONE.  That's not good.

So far, the worst batch of OWC scripts I can recall in a long time.  


When you rate these scrips, what does the scale that you're scoring from look like? You said you gave zero's and a one...are you grading these as if they're fully polished material?

You gave me a score of "none," by the way...which is fine, I really don't care.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 11:39am; Reply: 199

Quoted from Steven


When you rate these scrips, what does the scale that you're scoring from look like? You said you gave zero's and a one...are you grading these as if they're fully polished material?

You gave me a score of "none," by the way...which is fine, I really don't care.


From the many breadcrumbs you have dropped I pretty much know which script is yours and here is another breadcrumb. It's anonymous challenge - stop with the hints.

My apologies will be sent if I have picked the wrong script for you.  
Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 11:43am; Reply: 200

Quoted from eldave1


From the many breadcrumbs you have dropped I pretty much know which script is yours and here is another breadcrumb. It's anonymous challenge - stop with the hints.

My apologies will be sent if I have picked the wrong script for you.  


Huh? I'm not deliberately hinting at anything. He's given a few scripts "no score."

I also didn't comment on every script except my own, so there shouldn't be any hints.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 11:56am; Reply: 201

Quoted from Steven
When you rate these scrips, what does the scale that you're scoring from look like? You said you gave zero's and a one...are you grading these as if they're fully polished material?


It looks like ZERO to 5 stars.  I'm grading these based on how they meet the challenge, how well written they are, how readable they are, and how good they are.


Quoted from Steven
You gave me a score of "none," by the way...which is fine, I really don't care.


That would be a ZERO, then.  ZERO stars are usually given to scripts I don't finish.  If I get through the entire script, but it's terrible, it usually will get 1 star.

Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 11:58am; Reply: 202

Quoted from Dreamscale


It looks like ZERO to 5 stars.  I'm grading these based on how they meet the challenge, how well written they are, how readable they are, and how good they are.



That would be a ZERO, then.  ZERO stars are usually given to scripts I don't finish.  If I get through the entire script, but it's terrible, it usually will get 1 star.



Gotcha, just curious about that.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 11:59am; Reply: 203

Quoted from Steven


Huh? I'm not deliberately hinting at anything. He's given a few scripts "no score."

I also didn't comment on every script except my own, so there shouldn't be any hints.


From your posts I know (assuming that they were true)

- Your scrips is 8 pages long.
- It is a drama
- The Phobia is obscure
- The name of the phobia is not mentioned.
- The nature of the phobia is not clarified until the end
- Rest in peace is the last line of dialogue but some action follows afterwards

That was before the scripts were posted. Now I know.

- It got mostly good feedback
- Jeff gave it a rating of ****

Those are the breadcrumbs I was mentioning. If they are not intentional - fine - but stop.

If I have your script wrong I will apologize after they are posted.
Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 12:02pm; Reply: 204

Quoted from eldave1


From your posts I know (assuming that they were true)



That was before the scripts were posted. Now I know.

- It got mostly good feedback
- Jeff gave it a rating of ****

Those are the breadcrumbs I was mentioning. If they are not intentional - fine - but stop.

If I have your script wrong I will apologize after they are posted.


Well maybe now you can redact this post? Having these things consolidated would almost certainly give away which I wrote.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 12:02pm; Reply: 205
Through 24 and am going to take a break for a bit.

My overall observations are:

- Many more scripts this go around with basic formatting and grammar issues. Normally, I don't bother and sail through these as I expect more than average given the parameter of the week. But there were several scripts with so many issues in this regard it took me out of the read - out of the story. Maybe more newbies - which I think at the end is a good thing. I don't know, just a lot of basic errors in the lot.

- Some problem with genre selection. A lot of horror where the phobia just made sense based on the horror experienced (i.e, the fear seemed rational).
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 12:06pm; Reply: 206

Quoted from eldave1

- Jeff gave it a rating of ****


4 stars?  I thought he said I gave it ZERO?

Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 12:08pm; Reply: 207

Quoted from Dreamscale


4 stars?  I thought he said I gave it ZERO?



I believe he misinterpreted ***** to be none. I'll let him say otherwise - It is just an assumption on my part.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 12:15pm; Reply: 208

Quoted from Steven


Well maybe now you can redact this post? Having these things consolidated would almost certainly give away which I wrote.


The consolidation is not what gave it away. That was merely a response to the "huh?"

Whomever - my posts can be deleted if you think they are out lf line - no offense taken.

Posted by: Steven, October 23rd, 2017, 12:17pm; Reply: 209

Quoted from eldave1


The consolidation is not what gave it away. That was merely a response to the "huh?"

Whomever - my posts can be deleted if you think they are out lf line - no offense taken.


Well whatever, it is what it is.


Posted by: SAC, October 23rd, 2017, 12:23pm; Reply: 210
Polished enough for the time given. I think, in the end, the scripts should be readable and make sense. I don't think that's too much to ask. I get there may be a lot of new writers in this challenge because it was advertised outside the site, so formatting errors and the like are understandable, but not necessarily excusable. Formatting, grammar, typos and such, are just bad editing or the writer just doesn't know all the ins and outs yet. Poor story structure is another thing. Either it's good or it's not. It makes sense or it doesn't. One week is a short time to get it all just right, so the best of the bunch will almost always rise to the top.

That said, kinda sad I didn't enter this go round. Had a collaboration on the table and left it there. Couldn't find the motivation this time. But a pretty cool challenge nevertheless. Good job, Khamanna!
Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 3:32pm; Reply: 211

Quoted from Steven


Well maybe now you can redact this post? Having these things consolidated would almost certainly give away which I wrote.


What difference would that make? I picked up all the same "breadcrumbs", and anyone with half a brain who has been reading the posts would know the same thing.
Posted by: LC, October 23rd, 2017, 6:18pm; Reply: 212
Re reads by the usual suspects only, this is often the complaint when reading begins in an OWC. This is why Don gives a big window for reading and reviewing. In an open challenge there's bound to be some who don't twig to the community expectation of quid pro quo. Unfortunate but common.

Look back at the July OWC , most everybody who entered left comments on all entries. Some just don't get as excited as some of us to get on it straight away, or there's work/family commitments etc. so they take longer.

I've read a few (reviewed one so far) but I'm not in it this time around.

Some people imh need to chill and not be so harsh with their critiques. Focus on: will this make a good film imh. Does it meet the challenge? And try not to just agree with the person's review before you. I know from experience that can get very tedious. He/she doesn't need to hear about the watermark a gazillion times.  

You men folk sound a little serious and stressed.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 7:17pm; Reply: 213

Quoted from LC
Re reads by the usual suspects only, this is often the complaint when reading begins in an OWC. This is why Don gives a big window for reading and reviewing. In an open challenge there's bound to be some who don't twig to the community expectation of quid pro quo. Unfortunate but common.

Look back at the July OWC , most everybody who entered left comments on all entries. Some just don't get as excited as some of us to get on it straight away, or there's work/family commitments etc. so they take longer.

I've read a few (reviewed one so far) but I'm not in it this time around.

Some people imh need to chill and not be so harsh with their critiques. Focus on: will this make a good film imh. Does it meet the challenge? And try not to just agree with the person's review before you. I know from experience that can get very tedious. He/she doesn't need to hear about the watermark a gazillion times.  

You men folk sound a little serious and stressed.


Libby, when most peeps read and review, they read and review before they've read other reviews, at least that's the way it should  be.

I think when someone hears the same thing numerous times, it gets through top them that something may need some attention.

You want nurturing, positive, uplifting reviews, take it you Mom and Grandma.  You want real, honest feedback, get it right here.

Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 7:20pm; Reply: 214

Quoted from Dreamscale


Libby, when most peeps read and review, they read and review before they've read other reviews, at least that's the way it should  be.

I think when someone hears the same thing numerous times, it gets through top them that something may need some attention.

You want nurturing, positive, uplifting reviews, take it you Mom and Grandma.  You want real, honest feedback, get it right here.



100%, couldnt agree more with every part of that.

Posted by: LC, October 23rd, 2017, 8:01pm; Reply: 215
I know people say that but comments such as: I agree with the previous poster prove otherwise. I'll own up to the fact I've read other people's comments in the past and I'd bet three quarters of us do. It's human curiosity. I'm sure some don't too. And I'm sure other people's comments don't in fact influence original thought, however there is only so many times identical feedback can be posted without it being boring and unproductive to the writer.

I also think you can be constructive without being a hard-arse and mean about your comments too. Anon is not an excuse to be rude though I think some people tow this line.

Hey, you're renowned for your 'honest' comments, Jeff, and a lot of your comments are sound, and some I don't think are apt.  People love drama on the boards. We all love drama.

I also know this type of back and forth has been done to death each OWC about whether harsh criticism is warranted - I'm just giving my opinion, that's all.

Will this script make a good film? That's key to me.
Carry on.
Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 8:42pm; Reply: 216

Quoted from LC


I also think you can be constructive without being a hard-arse and mean about your comments too. Anon is not an excuse to be rude though I think some people tow this line.




Where do you draw this line though, feels like you are sitting on a bit of a high horse.

I know my comments are direct but they, for the most part, are constructive. I provide a way that I think the script can be made better IMO. At the end of the day the writer needs to make the decision whether to use the advice or not. Yes, every once in a while I'll take a 'humorous jab' to cut through the regular/similar reviews, if anyone really takes offence please feel free to PM me and I will refrain from smart arse comments.

I personally don’t come here to get my ego stroked, be as brutal as you want, if you think it’s shit tell me, but tell me how so I can try make it better. Or if you truly think it's a no hoper tell me that to. I’d rather not waste my time on something that people really aren’t enjoying, not every script is salvageable.


Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 23rd, 2017, 8:45pm; Reply: 217
There's one thing that has changed over the years as far as the OWC goes that keeps some people away now. It used to be that people who didn't read any scripts were sort of shunned. Now, you're shunned for not reading all of them. A lot of people don't want to commit this. It's just too time consuming. It takes longer to read and give useful comments on all the scripts than it does writing one. If this doesn't change, I predict fewer and fewer entries in the future.
Posted by: eldave1, October 23rd, 2017, 10:15pm; Reply: 218

Quoted from Grandma Bear
There's one thing that has changed over the years as far as the OWC goes that keeps some people away now. It used to be that people who didn't read any scripts were sort of shunned. Now, you're shunned for not reading all of them. A lot of people don't want to commit this. It's just too time consuming. It takes longer to read and give useful comments on all the scripts than it does writing one. If this doesn't change, I predict fewer and fewer entries in the future.


I try to read them all as one can learn as much form reading as they can from writing (IMO).

If I were King - there would be a minimum - you must at least read and comment on as many scripts as those who commented on yours - e.g., you get 15 reads - your min read is 15 of others.
Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 10:20pm; Reply: 219

Quoted from eldave1



If I were King - there would be a minimum - you must at least read and comment on as many scripts as those who commented on yours - e.g., you get 15 reads - your min read is 15 of others.


Dave for King, I think that sound like a good idea.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 23rd, 2017, 10:32pm; Reply: 220

Quoted from Warren


Dave for King, I think that sound like a good idea.



Agree 100%!

No reason in the world someone who decides to enter can't give back what they receive.

And the sadder thing may be how weak much of the feedback really is.  Often a few lines that can't take more than 1 minute to come up with.

Like my feedback, hate it, laugh at it...you're always going to get some tidbits that will help the actual writer and those that read, but maybe didn't see what I was referring to, but now can look back and say, "hey...yeah...I get it now".

IMO, it does no one any good when we have 10+ writers not commenting at all...and most of those no commenting writers have given us a God Awful script that we others spend time reading and trying to help.

Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 11:19pm; Reply: 221

Quoted from Steven
Having a typo in an insulting post is never a good thing.


Typo fixed :)

Just my opinion, others seem to like it. Personally I think it would be a shame if it comes out tops because of your general lack of participation on this site in general.

This OWC would be the most you have ever commented on anyone else’s work, even if they are one liners.
Posted by: JEStaats, October 23rd, 2017, 11:29pm; Reply: 222
I'll admit, I don't give very elaborate reviews and feedback but I think it's a confidence issue. I'm still fairly new at this and I don't won't to mislead anyone either. My technical critiques are basic at best so I primarily give feedback on the storyline.

I think I've reviewed more than 3/4 so far, so I try to do my part!
Posted by: Warren, October 23rd, 2017, 11:39pm; Reply: 223

Quoted from JEStaats
I'll admit, I don't give very elaborate reviews and feedback but I think it's a confidence issue. I'm still fairly new at this and I don't won't to mislead anyone either. My technical critiques are basic at best so I primarily give feedback on the storyline.



I think any feedback can be useful, right or wrong. It gives the writer a different perspective. As I said before, at the end of the day the choice of whether they use it or not is entirely up to them.

I do think it can be hard to give much useful feedback on a 12 page script in one line though.

Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 12:02am; Reply: 224

Quoted from Warren


Typo fixed :)

Just my opinion, others seem to like it. Personally I think it would be a shame if it comes out tops because of your general lack of participation on this site in general.

This OWC would be the most you have ever commented on anyone else’s work, even if they are one liners.


Yea I dunno, I don’t typically critique others work as I don’t feel qualified to do so. If there is a formatting or “how to do something” type of question I’ll give my opinion. I’m also more active on /r/screenwriting over on Reddit.

I write pretty frequent as I am scatter-brained, and I need an outlet. If people read and give an opinion, cool. If they don’t, that’s fine too.

Posted by: Don, October 24th, 2017, 12:18am; Reply: 225

Quoted from LC
Re reads by the usual suspects only, this is often the complaint when reading begins in an OWC. This is why Don gives a big window for reading and reviewing. In an open challenge there's bound to be some who don't twig to the community expectation of quid pro quo. Unfortunate but common.

Look back at the July OWC , most everybody who entered left comments on all entries. Some just don't get as excited as some of us to get on it straight away, or there's work/family commitments etc. so they take longer.

I've read a few (reviewed one so far) but I'm not in it this time around.

Some people imh need to chill and not be so harsh with their critiques. Focus on: will this make a good film imh. Does it meet the challenge? And try not to just agree with the person's review before you. I know from experience that can get very tedious. He/she doesn't need to hear about the watermark a gazillion times.  

You men folk sound a little serious and stressed.


Thanks, LC.  I couldn't have said it better myself.  

The scripts have been up for 48 hours. I usually give it a week before sending out the scoring sheet as some folks have weekend commitments and review a few at a time over the course of the week.

I commend and thank everyone who has already read and reviewed all of them.  

This year, I keep the adverting of the challenge limited to SimplyScripts (The SS FB page, mailing list and front page of the blog).  I did not go outside and advertise this on Movie Bytes and other screenwriting sites primarily because of the vitriolic complaints regarding participation. I am surprised that it started so soon.

With regard to enforcing reads, I have done that in the past.  It was incredibly time consuming  tracking who reviewed how many over the course of a week.  It really didn't change the number of reviews and folks still complained about the quality of the reviews.

- Don


Posted by: Don, October 24th, 2017, 12:28am; Reply: 226

Quoted from Dreamscale



You want nurturing, positive, uplifting reviews, take it you Mom and Grandma.  You want real, honest feedback, get it right here.



I could not disagree with this more.  I do hope that other reviewers see this comment and take heed.  You can give a nurturing, positive and uplifting review that is real and honest.  To be clear, I'm not talking about blowing smoke up someone's ass or stroking their ego.  I am talking about constructive criticism.

If the reviews start turning abusive and insulting, I will just close this store down.

Don
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 2:56am; Reply: 227
When receiving advice we should look at the person delivering it. Are they worthy of listening to? Have they done anything... anything at all in some cases? Have they had anything produced, even a few student shorts? Or are they bitter because they're a failure?

The reviews may be honest, but they often reveal more truth about the reviewer than the work being reviewed.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 24th, 2017, 3:21am; Reply: 228
Every OWC we seem to go through the same routine on this thread. Sigh!

When reviewing a script I focus primarily on the story and characters. How believable it is, how entertaining, how much of an original spin it has, was the twist a surprise or did I see it coming? Does the dialogue flow naturally and is it compelling? Are the characters multi-dimensional....things like that. A script can be perfectly formatted but if it's about a guy with a phobia about dolls and he inherits a house full of dolls, spooky things happen and he gets attacked by a demon doll at the end...I tend to mark them much lower than much more creative and original stories that may have a few formatting errors.

I then consider production. With my producer's hat on I think of how much it will cost, how viable it really is. The best script in the world by an unknown writer isn't going anywhere if its going to cost a million bucks for a ten minute short movie.

Finally, the lowest consideration on my list is the format. I do mention formatting issues simply because I know a properly formatted script has more chance of being read by a producer, or advancing in a competition than a badly formatted one. But lets be clear guys, there's no hard, solid locked screenwriting rules. There's guidelines. Some guidelines can be bent, others broken.

https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/there-are-no-screenwriting-rules-310610bc8c9d

It does frustrate me when I see review comments which claim a script is a fail because it used one unfilmible comment when describing a character or if there's too many orphans. Sure, mention them as all review comments help, but making formatting the main focus of your review isn't really helping. If there's loads of errors this is obviously a new writer or someone who did a vomit draft last minute. So yeah, say this needs a lot of work to fix the issues, seems rushed, but then look at the core - the story.

To be a good script writer is not about getting the guidelines correct, it's about creating very compelling and believable stories and characters. That's the important thing. To me it is anyway because the audience won't be compelled with a perfectly formed script but they will be compelled with a gripping story, one they can't guess what's going to happen next.


-Mark
Posted by: Warren, October 24th, 2017, 3:54am; Reply: 229
I comment heavily on formatting because I love rules and guidelines. I learned to write out of one of those books that everyone hates. I also comment on the story but less so than formatting because I struggle to come up with my own ideas let alone how to change or better someone else's.

For me PERSONALLY I absolutely love opening up a well-formated piece of writing, I can get through a bad story that is well formatted a lot easier than I can get through a good story that is badly formatted. I'll read all the scripts for the OWC because I personally think it's the right thing to do, but if I was just opening a randomly submitted short to SS and it was badly formatted I would probably pass. Saying that I personally think it is in the writers best interest to have good formatting. Now I'm not saying you have to be OCD like me and follow the rules that the wannabe gurus make but its really easy to do basic things like checking punctuation, grammar, and spelling. (spellcheck and Grammarly are free)

I don't think I'm one to blow my own horn, other than putting up news of an option or a produced film but I've been on SS for about a year and a half, maybe a little more. I had written one feature before I joined. Had never even thought about writing a short. Now I have three produced films, one in post-production and one set to film in the next few weeks (my script from the last challenge), I also currently have several shorts on option. So although I think I'm far from professional, and I never want to be, I like my day job, I do feel like I must be doing something right.
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 3:57am; Reply: 230

Quoted from Don


If the reviews start turning abusive and insulting, I will just close this store down.

Don


Please don't even think about that. Since the last year and myself finding this site, it's genuinely got me through more than most should have to deal with, a welcome distraction from the troubles of daily life.

There's always a spectrum of opinions, the vitriolic end of it I've raised my opinions on previously and don't want to go over it again, but there's too much beauty around here to consider what life would be like without this place.

I know it's probably a burden at times on you, Don, to keep this up and running when things get niggly and crap, but believe me it's appreciated. I know I'm grateful beyond any logical comprehension anyway.
Posted by: Warren, October 24th, 2017, 4:04am; Reply: 231

Quoted from Cameron


Please don't even think about that. Since the last year and myself finding this site, it's genuinely got me through more than most should have to deal with, a welcome distraction from the troubles of daily life.

There's always a spectrum of opinions, the vitriolic end of it I've raised my opinions on previously and don't want to go over it again, but there's too much beauty around here to consider what life would be like without this place.

I know it's probably a burden at times on you, Don, to keep this up and running when things get niggly and crap, but believe me it's appreciated. I know I'm grateful beyond any logical comprehension anyway.



Totally agree, I live on this site. I have two computer screens at work and SS is up my entire work day, and then I'm on and off all night at home. When OWC's come around I don't sleep well because I constantly feel the need to check my phone for a comment.

This is my social media. Love it!
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 24th, 2017, 5:59am; Reply: 232
I've read them all now and I echo what has been said above. Things may get a bit heated in here but it's only because everyone is so passionate about this craft. I would be lost without SS and the OWC. Not only have I learned a great deal on these forums but the OWC is on of the writing highlights of my year!

Keep up the great work Don!

-Mark
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 7:52am; Reply: 233
It's possible to give critique that is harsh yet beneficial. It's the comments like "utter bore of a read" or "so very poor I can't continue" that serve no purpose whatsoever.

The one bad thing about an anonymous challenge is that we can't ask, at least not right away, how long the person has been writing. Maybe this is their first ever attempt?

Bottom line is you don't need to be "nice," but rather show at least a bit of encouragement.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 24th, 2017, 8:11am; Reply: 234
Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion but I would suggest if you don't like a script, that's fine, but if someone else comes in and says they like it, you don't then add a sarcastic comment or challenge them because they happen to like a script you don't. It doesn't happen that often (thankfully) but it's really irritating when it does.

Phew, there you go, I've had my bitching session now!
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 8:12am; Reply: 235

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion but I would suggest if you don't like a script, that's fine, but if someone else comes in and says they like it, you don't then add a sarcastic comment or challenge them because they happen to like a script you don't. It doesn't happen that often (thankfully) but it's really irritating when it does.

Phew, there you go, I've had my bitching session now!


"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." - My mother and hopefully most of yours.
Posted by: eldave1, October 24th, 2017, 9:15am; Reply: 236

Quoted from Steven


Yea I dunno, I don’t typically critique others work as I don’t feel qualified to do so. If there is a formatting or “how to do something” type of question I’ll give my opinion. I’m also more active on /r/screenwriting over on Reddit.



You don't need to be "qualified" to weigh in on whether you like the dialogue, found the story interesting/boring, call out a typo, state whether you think they met the parameters,  and a ton of other things.  
Posted by: eldave1, October 24th, 2017, 9:27am; Reply: 237
For me:

Any review is better than no review.

Harsh reviews are fine and in fact often times needed. Ideally avoid inflammatory terms.

If you can give a harsh review being nice rather than being mean without losing the essence of your review -  default to nice. However, never be nice for the sake of it. False praise is one of the worst things a writer could get. It pushes them in the wrong direction.

The person who receives a harsh review and is offended by it has just as much responsibility in responding like an adult as the reviewer does. Just type back - thanks for taking the time to read my work. I thought your words were a bit harsh, but I appreciate you taking the time. - that would normally end it.

Exceptions to the above are personal insults - if someone calls you a moron, idiot, etc, - have add it (note, often leads to entertaining thread reads anyway). Reviewers should avoid words like garbage, trash, did you graduate high school, etc.

Nothing pisses me off more than writers who post that they are interested in feedback and then don't even bother with a thank you when they get it (okay - there are things that piss me off more than that - but it still pisses me off somewhat).

I'll make one exception to the above - newbies. Often you can tell, and while I will be frank, I will try to steer them in the right direction a little more gentle. However, that wears off if they don't respond or continue the same pattern.

Anyway - I got five scripts left to read which I will do tomorrow (a casino day today). Hopefully the number of reviews will pick up.

Final Add - I never went to a screen writing class - started as a cold newbie and 90% of what I have learned I learned here - yeah, I would Google stuff as well but didn't even know to google it until some one pointed something out. This site rocks!! - it's a go to for me everyday and on everything I write.  
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 9:33am; Reply: 238

Quoted from eldave1
For me:

Any review is better than no review.

Harsh reviews are fine and in fact often times needed. Ideally avoid inflammatory terms.

If you can give a harsh review being nice rather than being mean without losing the essence of your review -  default to nice. However, never be nice for the sake of it. False praise is one of the worst things a writer could get. It pushes them in the wrong direction.

The person who receives a harsh review and is offended by it has just as much responsibility in responding like an adult as the reviewer does. Just type back - thanks for taking the time to read my work. I thought your words were a bit harsh, but I appreciate you taking the time. - that would normally end it.

Exceptions to the above are personal insults - if someone calls you a moron, idiot, etc, - have add it (note, often leads to entertaining thread reads anyway). Reviewers should avoid words like garbage, trash, did you graduate high school, etc.

Nothing pisses me off more than writers who post that they are interested in feedback and then don't even bother with a thank you when they get it (okay - there are things that piss me off more than that - but it still pisses me off somewhat).

I'll make one exception to the above - newbies. Often you can tell, and while I will be frank, I will try to steer them in the right direction a little more gentle. However, that wears off if they don't respond or continue the same pattern.

Anyway - I got five scripts left to read which I will do tomorrow (a casino day today). Hopefully the number of reviews will pick up.


Critique - a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.

Some of the feedback I've seen on the OWC stuff (including myself) hasn't been critique of anything. Pointing out the obvious flaws doesn't serve much of a purpose unless you suggest something which can make those flaws better.

With this whole thing being anonymous right now, no one has the opportunity to say anything to their reviewers, which sucks. There's a lot of "can't even get through it - PASS" type of "reviews" and the writer has no ability to say anything back.

Say what you want about my participation habits here, but when I'm given feedback I always tell a person that I appreciate it and take their advice to heart and most of the time incorporate the changes they'd suggest.
Posted by: eldave1, October 24th, 2017, 9:44am; Reply: 239

Quoted from Steven


Critique - a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.

Some of the feedback I've seen on the OWC stuff (including myself) hasn't been critique of anything. Pointing out the obvious flaws doesn't serve much of a purpose unless you suggest something which can make those flaws better.

With this whole thing being anonymous right now, no one has the opportunity to say anything to their reviewers, which sucks. There's a lot of "can't even get through it - PASS" type of "reviews" and the writer has no ability to say anything back.

Say what you want about my participation habits here, but when I'm given feedback I always tell a person that I appreciate it and take their advice to heart and most of the time incorporate the changes they'd suggest.


Could not disagree more.

The critique definition is silly. We are not expecting formal critiques. Google comment or opinion instead.  

Always point out the obvious as you have no idea whether the writer knows it is obvious. There were typos pointed out on my script and the reviewer need not tell me how to spell it correctly - the fact that they spotted a typo was beneficial.

PASS - is valuable feedback. It tells you a reader thought it wasn't for them.

Anonymous has little to do with comment volume - For example, you comment sparsely whether it is anonymous of not.  And the issue with your comments has never been whether you appreciate comments on your work or not. That's a misdirection. It has always been on whether you comment on others.

Another way of saying it - IMO - feedback is the currency of the site. Some pay it, some don't.
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 9:51am; Reply: 240

Quoted from eldave1


Could not disagree more.

The critique definition is silly. We are not expecting formal critiques. Google comment or opinion instead.  

Always point out the obvious as you have no idea whether the writer knows it is obvious. There were typos pointed out on my script and the reviewer need not tell me how to spell it correctly - the fact that they spotted a typo was beneficial.

PASS - is valuable feedback. It tells you a reader thought it wasn't for them.

Anonymous has little to do with comment volume - For example, you comment sparsely whether it is anonymous of not.  And the issue with your comments has never been whether you appreciate comments on your work or not. That's a misdirection. It has always been on whether you comment on others.

Another way of saying it - IMO - feedback is the currency of the site. Some pay it, some don't.


Pointing out a typo is fine, no need to correct the word for them. If you have a long ass sentence, tell them to restructure it, that's all...I agree with that.

Writing "PASS" is pointless, how about just don't even comment?

I know I don't comment on others work, hardly at all, not trying to deny that. I do participate more in the "Screenwriting Class" forum.

I'll post up a random short that I wrote in a day and say hey, if you want to read it that would be cool, maybe let me know what you think. If I don't get feedback on something I post, whatever, but I'm still going to post it.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 10:09am; Reply: 241
These heated "debates" always amaze me.  They always confuse me.  And, much of the time, they really annoy me.

Feedback is often nothing more than an opinion, and that can be helpful, when reasons or examples are given.  When someone says, this is great, or this sucks, that does absolutely nothing to help the writer.  ZERO...no help at all.

Pointing out "obvious" mistakes is an interesting comment, because if these mistakes are so obvious, why did the writer make them?  And why does the writer make them over and over again?  Because to them, they aren't obvious.

If you want to be a writer, you need to learn how to write, and I'm not talking about character arcs, hero's journeys, and the like.  I'm talking about the nuts and bolts of solid writing, including grammar, punctuation, sentence and passage structure, Screenwriting 101 through Screenwriting 600.

Every story does not need to be a cookie cutter setup and walk through of anything else.  Stories are unique, their structures are unique, their characters are unique.

Some of the very best movies are very simple and even been done before, but the ones that work, work for a reason.  Because the characters are real, their dialogue is believable, their actions and reactions are those of real peeps.

It's obvious when someone is just trying to be mean with their words.  It's also obvious when someone is trying to help by pointing out exact instances of things that are incorrect.

Quid Pro Quo, peeps...Quid Pro Quo!!!
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 10:37am; Reply: 242

Quoted from Dreamscale
These heated "debates" always amaze me.  They always confuse me.  And, much of the time, they really annoy me.

Feedback is often nothing more than an opinion, and that can be helpful, when reasons or examples are given.  When someone says, this is great, or this sucks, that does absolutely nothing to help the writer.  ZERO...no help at all.

Pointing out "obvious" mistakes is an interesting comment, because if these mistakes are so obvious, why did the writer make them?  And why does the writer make them over and over again?  Because to them, they aren't obvious.

If you want to be a writer, you need to learn how to write, and I'm not talking about character arcs, hero's journeys, and the like.  I'm talking about the nuts and bolts of solid writing, including grammar, punctuation, sentence and passage structure, Screenwriting 101 through Screenwriting 600.

Every story does not need to be a cookie cutter setup and walk through of anything else.  Stories are unique, their structures are unique, their characters are unique.

Some of the very best movies are very simple and even been done before, but the ones that work, work for a reason.  Because the characters are real, their dialogue is believable, their actions and reactions are those of real peeps.

It's obvious when someone is just trying to be mean with their words.  It's also obvious when someone is trying to help by pointing out exact instances of things that are incorrect.

Quid Pro Quo, peeps...Quid Pro Quo!!!


I sometimes make obvious errors in my writing, and I get pissed off when someone points them out to me - not because they found an error in my stuff, but because I didn't see it. So for me, I can take the harsh criticism, and I have from people here. People have said my shit doesn't make sense at times, or I'm too wordy, or I have a thousand grammatical errors, etc. I have thick skin so words don't phase me.

My point was just to take into consideration the length of time someone has been writing. If they're a newbie, treat them a little better than you would someone with a few produced pieces.

I know I need to learn more about writing, as I can get sloppy and I tend to use commas too much. I'm probably one of the few here that doesn't have a college education. I'm an engineer professionally in case anyone was wondering. I've been learning as I go and I've been somewhat successful at this, with the help of critique both here and on Reddit's /r/screenwriting.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 24th, 2017, 10:59am; Reply: 243

Quoted from Steven
I'm probably one of the few here that doesn't have a college education.


I don't even have a high school education. I only went to school nine years and in a different language too. It was also way before the internet so people didn't speak English to other people around the world like they do now. So, it's been a looong learning process for me, but people here were always nice to me and people like Breanne would always take her time and explain certain grammatical rules and such. That's priceless. Free constructive reviews that you actually learn from. And never once was anyone harsh either. I'm happy to say that nowadays when I send out scripts for coverage, I usually get scores in the mid 90s on the writing. I have people here to thank for that.

In short, everything you point out about a script, wether typos, grammar, story, character or whatever, the writer might appreciate all of it and learn something from it.  
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 11:04am; Reply: 244

Quoted from Grandma Bear


I don't even have a high school education. I only went to school nine years and in a different language too. It was also way before the internet so people didn't speak English to other people around the world like they do now. So, it's been a looong learning process for me, but people here were always nice to me and people like Breanne would always take her time and explain certain grammatical rules and such. That's priceless. Free constructive reviews that you actually learn from. And never once was anyone harsh either. I'm happy to say that nowadays when I send out scripts for coverage, I usually get scores in the mid 90s on the writing. I have people here to thank for that.

In short, everything you point out about a script, wether typos, grammar, story, character or whatever, the writer might appreciate all of it and learn something from it.  


Thanks for sharing. Having children got in the way of me finishing college, so live and learn I guess. I don't regret it, just saying.

My lack of participation regarding critiquing other's scripts could probably be chalked up to laziness, maybe selfishness, not sure. But I don't hide it.
Posted by: khamanna, October 24th, 2017, 11:51am; Reply: 245
Steven, you haven't reviewed even a couple? I don't know what benefits me more - reviewing or being reviewed. I mean reading other scripts helps a lot too.
And if you read them why not to leave a comment.
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 11:57am; Reply: 246

Quoted from khamanna
Steven, you haven't reviewed even a couple? I don't know what benefits me more - reviewing or being reviewed. I mean reading other scripts helps a lot too.
And if you read them why not to leave a comment.


I did comment on like 5 or so of them yesterday, haven't had a chance yet to do the rest.

What we're talking about is regarding my participation in the "My Work in Progress" thread.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 12:17pm; Reply: 247

Quoted from Steven


I did comment on like 5 or so of them yesterday, haven't had a chance yet to do the rest.

What we're talking about is regarding my participation in the "My Work in Progress" thread.


No we're not.  We're talking about peeps leaving meaningful, useful feedback in the OWC.

Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 12:18pm; Reply: 248

Quoted from Dreamscale


No we're not.  We're talking about peeps leaving meaningful, useful feedback in the OWC.



Sorry, not you, I mean't myself and eldave1.
Posted by: khamanna, October 24th, 2017, 12:22pm; Reply: 249
Good I asked, Steven. That was confusing because you answered Pia.
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 12:26pm; Reply: 250

Quoted from khamanna
Good I asked, Steven. That was confusing because you answered Pia.


Yea sorry, was only referring to critiques other than this OWC.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 12:50pm; Reply: 251

Quoted from Steven
Yea sorry, was only referring to critiques other than this OWC.


Why?  Why reference something other than what this thread is all about?

I honestly don't get it.

Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 12:56pm; Reply: 252

Quoted from Dreamscale


Why?  Why reference something other than what this thread is all about?

I honestly don't get it.



Just nevermind, eldave1 and myself were talking about something and that's that. Should have been through PM but it wasn't, and now that's over.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 2:10pm; Reply: 253
OK, I've attempted to read them all and commented on every single entry.

IMO, one of the poorer batches of OWC scripts ever, but maybe it's just me.

Of 30 "scores", 13 were ZERO stars, and another 5 were ONE star.  Not good.

I think there are 2 scripts here that were good to very good for a week's worth of time and  tough parameters.  I will not reveal those now, considering how few reads most scripts have.

Sorry to anyone I offended with my feedback.  It was not meant to be a personal attack.

If anyone wants more feedback or clarification, just PM me, and I'll see what I can do to help.

Peace out.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 24th, 2017, 5:54pm; Reply: 254

Quoted from Steven

My lack of participation regarding critiquing other's scripts could probably be chalked up to laziness, maybe selfishness, not sure. But I don't hide it.


Wow. I believe your way of living is the most profitable nowadays. It's really honest you openly say that.

And it's growing. I just hope there's an opposition against it, daily, and everywhere, so that I can stand up against that shit. A frightening statement of you. I just ask myself if this notion you show here, soon will be a regular, all day, way of human thinking.
Posted by: khamanna, October 24th, 2017, 6:00pm; Reply: 255
Alex, it's not about the OWC. Steven is talking about submitting scripts here in general. Yeah, it confused a few of us)
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 24th, 2017, 6:14pm; Reply: 256
Yeah, I know that it's a general attitude of him on the board. I don't like it.

I give some smileys  :K) :o  :X  to  not give too much troublemaker position and I rip for tonight.  ;D
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 6:19pm; Reply: 257

Quoted from PrussianMosby


Wow. I believe your way of living is the most profitable nowadays. It's really honest you openly say that.

And it's growing. I just hope there's an opposition against it, daily, and everywhere, so that I can stand up against that shit. A frightening statement of you. I just ask myself if this notion you show here, soon will be a regular, all day, way of human thinking.


I'm just aware of my flaws, more so recently for whatever reason. Sorry to get a bit personal but I've catered to many over the years and got little in return - not that I deserve anything - but a gesture here and there would be nice.

I'm married, have four young boys (oldest is 12), so I know where my priorities are. I'm sorry if I don't use this place for exactly the way intended, but I'm also not some asshole parading around here like I'm a great writer.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 24th, 2017, 6:25pm; Reply: 258

Quoted from Steven
...but I'm also not some asshole parading around here like I'm a great writer.



That's a good thing, Steven, because your parade would be over long ago.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Posted by: Steven, October 24th, 2017, 6:31pm; Reply: 259

Quoted from Dreamscale



That's a good thing, Steven, because your parade would be over long ago.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


I’m used to not being liked so it’s all good!
Posted by: Gary in Houston, October 24th, 2017, 7:27pm; Reply: 260

Quoted from Steven


I’m used to not being liked so it’s all good!


Hey, at least you get a reaction. I been here about 8 years and I doubt most people here don't even know my name.  Most of my posts tend to be real thread killers.

My thought on all this is that you typically get exactly what you put into it.  I didn't enter a script this time around but thought I come and read some of the scripts anyway.  My comments try to be supportive, even if the script has major flaws, and with those, I'll try to point out in a polite way what they can do to improve it.  Maybe that's why I get overlooked.  Perhaps I should just be an arse instead.  Seems to work for a lot of people, including our President.
Posted by: MarkItZero, October 24th, 2017, 7:50pm; Reply: 261

Quoted from Gary in Houston


Hey, at least you get a reaction. I been here about 8 years and I doubt most people here don't even know my name.  Most of my posts tend to be real thread killers.

My thought on all this is that you typically get exactly what you put into it.  I didn't enter a script this time around but thought I come and read some of the scripts anyway.  My comments try to be supportive, even if the script has major flaws, and with those, I'll try to point out in a polite way what they can do to improve it.  Maybe that's why I get overlooked.  Perhaps I should just be an arse instead.  Seems to work for a lot of people, including our President.


Oh I've been watching you Gary and the fluctuating value of your "two cents" this OWC. Do not believe the value of this man's two cents, folks. It could be worth nothing or a million cents... we'll never know.
Posted by: eldave1, October 25th, 2017, 10:38am; Reply: 262

Quoted from Gary in Houston


Hey, at least you get a reaction. I been here about 8 years and I doubt most people here don't even know my name.  Most of my posts tend to be real thread killers.


Well, that kills the thread for me.

Kidding - you're posts have been valuable - stay aboard.

Posted by: eldave1, October 25th, 2017, 11:06am; Reply: 263

Quoted from Steven


I'm just aware of my flaws, more so recently for whatever reason. Sorry to get a bit personal but I've catered to many over the years and got little in return - not that I deserve anything - but a gesture here and there would be nice.

I'm married, have four young boys (oldest is 12), so I know where my priorities are. I'm sorry if I don't use this place for exactly the way intended, but I'm also not some asshole parading around here like I'm a great writer.


They don't need to be mutually exclusive. It's not an either/or. You can use the site as intended and not be an asshole parading around like a great writer.  But even at that, I would prefer the participating asshole to the nice non-participator.

Like I said before, reads and comments are the currency of the site IMO. There are a ton of sites one can post scripts. This site shines because of the interaction. I have gotten invaluable feedback on my scripts here -  it improved my scripts and made me a better writer better. I would still be at square one without the feedback. As such, I feel an obligation to reciprocate.

I don't know you so I don't dislike you. I do dislike your lack of reciprocation. Obviously, you are comfortable with that - so just marshal on.  
Posted by: eldave1, October 25th, 2017, 11:45am; Reply: 264
Okay - have read and rated all.

I thought the challenge parameters were great and I think it may be the highest rate of actually meeting the parameters that  I have seen in the OWCs I have participated in.

Struck me that there were a lot of newbies in this one. Hope that they took all comments as intended. In case they're reading this - Newbies - Google is your friend. Know what you don't know. e.g., Google how to write a scene heading, read the results, use them and probably 95% of the time you will nail it in the future.

They were two scripts that were better than the crowd for me. Won't reveal now since scoring is ongoing.

To Khamanna, Don et al - thanks for hosting as always. UB Rockstars.
Posted by: khamanna, October 25th, 2017, 3:38pm; Reply: 265
I've done with the reads too and commented on all.
Didn't have any idea some of those phobias existed. I thought people would go for easier/more obvious ones - like fear of clowns, spiders, snakes. Happy to see you haven't.
I liked quite a few, will submit my vote today.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 25th, 2017, 4:50pm; Reply: 266
Had a good time as always. I wrote last minute the night of...so I'm sorry if mine was a chore for some. Thanks K for hosting this year's October OWC and Thank you Don for making it happen and giving us this great place to learn and grow. Fun times.
Posted by: JEStaats, October 25th, 2017, 5:25pm; Reply: 267
Done and done. My votes are in. Some very interesting submissions and threads!

Thanks to Don and K for all their hard work, and to everyone that participated in the reviews.

Good luck everyone!
Posted by: LC, October 25th, 2017, 5:46pm; Reply: 268

Quoted from Gary in Houston
Hey, at least you get a reaction. I been here about 8 years and I doubt most people here don't even know my name.  Most of my posts tend to be real thread killers.

Us old stalwarts know who you are, Gazza.  :)
For years my posts were pretty much ignored too. I prefer to keep a lowish profile and hopefully be a quiet achiever. That's not necessarily a good thing but there's all types and hopefully there's room for us all to get what we deserve. Gotta keep trying anyway. If it's in yer blood it's there to stay. What else you going to do?

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2017, 7:39pm; Reply: 269
Most feedback - 23...least feedback - 7.

Pathetic!  Absolutely terrible on the part of those that entered.  Even worse, several peeps who did not enter did provide feedback.

I honestly do not get it, and I'm honestly not happy.

WEAK!!!!!!!
Posted by: eldave1, October 25th, 2017, 7:53pm; Reply: 270

Quoted from Dreamscale
Most feedback - 23...least feedback - 7.

Pathetic!  Absolutely terrible on the part of those that entered.  Even worse, several peeps who did not enter did provide feedback.

I honestly do not get it, and I'm honestly not happy.

WEAK!!!!!!!


I thought so too. Kind of hoping that there is a last minute charge in terms of posts. It is a bit disheartening. I am naive. I always think that 30 entries are going to illicit a min of 20 responses. This is especially weak in that some of the comments are from peeps who did not even enter.  Alas.
Posted by: eldave1, October 25th, 2017, 8:14pm; Reply: 271
Probably 19 is a better number in terms of review - 3 of the posts - including one of mine - had nothing to with the script (side debate on the Priest issue). So the max is really 19. Sad. I can't see how one can't read/comment on a min of 15 - at least 10!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2017, 9:39pm; Reply: 272

Quoted from eldave1
Probably 19 is a better number in terms of review - 3 of the posts - including one of mine - had nothing to with the script (side debate on the Priest issue). So the max is really 19. Sad. I can't see how one can't read/comment on a min of 15 - at least 10!


With you, brother, 100%.  I just don't get it...

Posted by: Don, October 25th, 2017, 10:12pm; Reply: 273

Quoted from Dreamscale
Most feedback - 23...least feedback - 7.

Pathetic!  Absolutely terrible on the part of those that entered.  Even worse, several peeps who did not enter did provide feedback.

I honestly do not get it, and I'm honestly not happy.

WEAK!!!!!!!


It is this kind of vitriol that is the reason I only do these once a quarter. Based in this bullying that I am seeing, this may be the last one for a while. I am not sure who elected you to pass judgement and berate folks on the quality of their reviews. You do realize that this only drives people away. It reduces the number of folks leaving comments.  

Not sure why you are sabotaging these challenges, but I think you have succeeded.

- Don
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 25th, 2017, 10:46pm; Reply: 274

Quoted from Don
It is this kind of vitriol that is the reason I only do these once a quarter. Based in this bullying that I am seeing, this may be the last one for a while. I am not sure who elected you to pass judgement and berate folks on the quality of their reviews. You do realize that this only drives people away. It reduces the number of folks leaving comments.  

Not sure why you are sabotaging these challenges, but I think you have succeeded.

- Don


I'll bow out then, Don.  I guess it's not worth my time or effort.

My apologies.  I'm out.

Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 26th, 2017, 3:31am; Reply: 275
I don't think Jeff is deliberately sabotaging the challenges - that's a little unfair. In his own way, he's trying to help by 'encouraging' others to participate more.

Whether or not he is actually sabotaging them is a different matter. I suppose we should look at the evidence of previous OWCs. Is this one much different from any of the others? I don't think so. Maybe a little light in terms of entries but not by much. 30 as opposed to 36.

The reviews and the arguments of non-reviews come up every OWC. Jeff lays his usual guilt trip on people and maybe this encourages one or two to make some extra time. I don't believe that he is in any way to blame for the light attendance this time around.

I didn't participate because I didn't like the line of dialogue at the end. If I'm being paid, then yes, I'll write whatever I'm told to and I'll find a way to make it work. I know I can do that and don't need the practise. Giving myself a headache for free isn't something I was down with. I imagine a couple others felt the same.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 26th, 2017, 4:10am; Reply: 276

Quoted from Dreamscale
Most feedback - 23...least feedback - 7.

Pathetic!  Absolutely terrible on the part of those that entered.  Even worse, several peeps who did not enter did provide feedback.

I honestly do not get it, and I'm honestly not happy.

WEAK!!!!!!!


Is it just me or does this read like a Donald Trump tweet? Come to think of is, has anyone seen Jeff and Trump in the same room together?!  ;D

Seriously guys, this is a free challenge, with free feedback, all on a voluntary basis. It is suggested that people who enter review at least three but there's no hard rules. Just treat it like a bit of fun and more people may be encouraged to take part more.

-Mark
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 26th, 2017, 4:23am; Reply: 277
It seems nonsensical to me that a guy complaining about nonparticipation is blamed as the cause of that nonparticipation.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 26th, 2017, 4:32am; Reply: 278
I just read the Touche thread and yeah, I can see that Jeff has gone a little off the rails in there. In my opinion, the best feedback we can have as writers is when the reader simply enjoys the story for what it is.

I'd far rather somebody say they like it than offer suggestions as to how to 'make it better'. I find it kinda patronising and try not to do it myself unless it's to genuinely offer a solution in regard to a plot hole or other.
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 26th, 2017, 4:50am; Reply: 279
Oh for ****'s sake. There goes my quarterly release on Celtex then, can't we just reign in the general dickheadery and not go full blown critical on other folk's reviews?? At least they read the thing!!

And sorry for my part re the religious comment thing. But I was glad to see that calmed down quickly, a point was made and everyone just respected the thread and carried on.

If it is the last for a while, thanks for the time and the space as per usual, Don.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, October 26th, 2017, 5:37am; Reply: 280

Quoted from DustinBowcot
I just read the Touche thread and yeah, I can see that Jeff has gone a little off the rails in there. In my opinion, the best feedback we can have as writers is when the reader simply enjoys the story for what it is.

I'd far rather somebody say they like it than offer suggestions as to how to 'make it better'. I find it kinda patronising and try not to do it myself unless it's to genuinely offer a solution in regard to a plot hole or other.


Interesting.

I prefer comments about how to make it better, personally.

Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), October 26th, 2017, 7:29am; Reply: 281

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films


Interesting.

I prefer comments about how to make it better, personally.



I like hearing what people don't like, or what they believe doesn't work but that's different than being told what to write. Unless the credentials are there, or I'm being paid to write a certain way, most advice boils down to how another writer would themselves tackle the same issue... and if that worked for them in their own work then they'd have the credentials to back it.

Plenty of scripts have been heavily criticised on this site and then gone into production. Unless the writer has a vested interest in the script, their recommendations should be taken with a pinch of salt as they are worthless.
Posted by: Steven, October 26th, 2017, 8:10am; Reply: 282

Quoted from DustinBowcot


I like hearing what people don't like, or what they believe doesn't work but that's different than being told what to write. Unless the credentials are there, or I'm being paid to write a certain way, most advice boils down to how another writer would themselves tackle the same issue... and if that worked for them in their own work then they'd have the credentials to back it.

Plenty of scripts have been heavily criticised on this site and then gone into production. Unless the writer has a vested interest in the script, their recommendations should be taken with a pinch of salt as they are worthless.


Agreed, and i think that I follow this method of critiquing pretty well. I mean, unless someone is specifically asking for other ways to do something, I won't make suggestions. I mainly comment on dialogue realism and formatting over anything else, and whether I like the thing or not.
Posted by: eldave1, October 26th, 2017, 10:52am; Reply: 283
Enjoying a morning cup of coffee - thought I would weigh in before getting to more mundane tasks.

To me, there is an unspoken deal in the OWC. No, it's not a contest. But it is specifically designed to incentive writers to write a script, within given constraints, for an interactive experience. That being you will have a chance to receive reaction to your script and in return react to scripts written by others.  If it is just about writing a short - well, you can do that anytime.  

It does irk me when writers don't step up to the plate in this regard. I can't help that think an easy bar is for writers who enter to read and comment on at least half of the scripts. Reading and commenting on 15 scripts should take somewhere between 3 to 5 hours.  That doesn't seem like a huge commitment to me - especially for a writer (part of writing is reading).

In terms of the comments - that obviously varies on reviewers and we seem to have a good mix of dialogue people, format people, structure people, all of the above people, etc.  To me the comments made are generally fine.  If someone finds a typo or a format issue I want to hear. IF all they have to say is that they loved it or hated it - okay too.

That's just my take. Now unfortunately I have some editing to do - ugh - least favorite part of writing.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 26th, 2017, 11:59am; Reply: 284
From my experience after having been here for twelve years.

First off, it's nearly impossible for the mods to read every single post during an OWC. Especially in the frenzy following when the scripts are first posted. It's easy to miss an insulting or "bad" comment. We try to keep up, but we do have real jobs too. This gig here is for the love of the site.

In the early days, the OWCs were definitely more fun and more friendly. There were fewer entries and because of that, each script got better longer reviews. Over time, everything changes. Even the OWCs. It's now a far more serious events. The quality of scripts have gone up a lot in general, but a lot of the comments have become shorter and much less helpful. Some comments seem more like the reviewer just want it to be known s/he read the script. Not much more.

The tone of the reviews have also become more harsh over the years. Yes, we all need to have thick skin as writers so we can deal with rejection of our work. However, as a mod, I know we get lots of complaints from writers too about some of the critique they receive or see someone else receive. Although, I'm sure Don gets the brunt of it.

I've also heard in the last two years or so, that people don't want to enter because they simply can't commit to reading them all. I don't blame them. There have been some OWCs where there were over 40 entries. That's a big commitment. It has always been seen as bad etiquette to not read any. When those writers were revealed at the end, most people would just go back and delete their comments on that writer's script. That's how we dealt with those people back then. Honor system. If you have the time, by all means, read them all, if you don't, read as many as you can. No one should be shunned for not reading all.

In short, some things have changed for the better, but other things not so much...
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, October 26th, 2017, 1:02pm; Reply: 285
We always have these disputes. I love the OWC and the world wouldn't be the same without it.

I wasn't involved in this one, but I enjoyed the reads. There were a handful of stellar ideas. More than one film worthy, in my humble.

I thought the concept was good as well. The phobia thing is very fertile ground.

Well done all.

I would live to host one in the near future. I have an interesting idea that would be unlike anything we've done before and one that would see less competition and more collaboration.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 26th, 2017, 1:03pm; Reply: 286

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

I would live to host one in the near future. I have an interesting idea that would be unlike anything we've done before and one that would see less competition and more collaboration.

Just float that by Don.  8)
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 26th, 2017, 2:56pm; Reply: 287

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films


I would live to host one in the near future. I have an interesting idea that would be unlike anything we've done before and one that would see less competition and more collaboration.


Sounds like you gotta great idea! Collaborating is great! I love collaborating. :)   If you need a prize.. I will throw in a free copy of Movie Magic. Kev and I won it in our last prose contest and we will not use it. :)
Posted by: stevie, October 26th, 2017, 3:53pm; Reply: 288
Just my two bobs worth - no one has ever been 'shunned' for not reading them all! If you choose to read them all - as Jeff does each time and I try and do when I enter - then good luck to you and go for it.

But the main prob started a few years back when a writer entered, read zero scripts and was voted the 'winner". He was called out but never even took the time to say anything at all! That pissed me off - not because their script won - it was good lol - but the writer didn't participate at all.

Look, we all know Jeff wears his heart on his sleeve with his reviews and I'm not trying to sugarcoat him - hmm nasty image that lol - but he hasn't really done anything different this time around as Dustin pointed out, and the non reviews continue to be an issue.

Cheers all.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2017, 4:13pm; Reply: 289

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

I would love to host one in the near future. I have an interesting idea that would be unlike anything we've done before and one that would see less competition and more collaboration.

Yep, what Dena says. I never collaborated but that sounds a lot of fun.
Hope the collaborator will be assigned.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2017, 4:14pm; Reply: 290

Quoted from Pale Yellow


Sounds like you gotta great idea! Collaborating is great! I love collaborating. :)   If you need a prize.. I will throw in a free copy of Movie Magic. Kev and I won it in our last prose contest and we will not use it. :)


Dena, did you win NYC Midnight?
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 26th, 2017, 4:24pm; Reply: 291

Quoted from Dreamscale


With you, brother, 100%.  I just don't get it...



I read them all this time! :)
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 26th, 2017, 4:27pm; Reply: 292

Quoted from khamanna


Dena, did you win NYC Midnight?


We got 5th ($200 and software) in the short screenplay NYCMidnight...

We are in the flash fiction NYCMidnight now and will know in a couple weeks if we will advance to the third round. We came in 5th as well in the first round. Five seems to be our number but we really really want top 1, 2 or 3! :)

Crossing Fingers.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2017, 4:31pm; Reply: 293
Wow, NYCMidnight is a lot of entrants. Congrats on coming 5th and best of luck in the most recent one! Hope you can turn it into a script or something later too.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2017, 4:41pm; Reply: 294
Stevie - I know the OWC you're talking about. The guy came around and now submits, does the reads and comments regularly. He's a good SSer now.
So good things happen - Don might hold another OWC and Jeff will come back. Let's hope so)
Posted by: eldave1, October 26th, 2017, 4:45pm; Reply: 295

Quoted from stevie
Just my two bobs worth - no one has ever been 'shunned' for not reading them all! If you choose to read them all - as Jeff does each time and I try and do when I enter - then good luck to you and go for it.

But the main prob started a few years back when a writer entered, read zero scripts and was voted the 'winner". He was called out but never even took the time to say anything at all! That pissed me off - not because their script won - it was good lol - but the writer didn't participate at all.

Look, we all know Jeff wears his heart on his sleeve with his reviews and I'm not trying to sugarcoat him - hmm nasty image that lol - but he hasn't really done anything different this time around as Dustin pointed out, and the non reviews continue to be an issue.

Cheers all.

Well said
Posted by: Warren, October 26th, 2017, 5:05pm; Reply: 296
I guess my main issue is, at the moment my entry has had less than (edited - not enough) reads from members that can actually vote, and although I've been lucky enough to have some work produced and for me that is worth more than anything. I would still love to have the recognition of my peers by taking out the writer’s choice.

Now I'm not really sure how the voting system works but I'm guessing a script that has over 20 reads has an advantage over ones with a lover read count.

I don’t know if that’s selfish, but doesn’t everyone secretly, or not so secretly want to get the writers choice?

Anyway, it is what it is and at the end of the day I think all the heated debate just shows how passionate everyone is about the craft and that can only be a good thing.

Personally I have no issue with Jeff's reviews; he has given me some great advice in the short time I’ve been here and also some comments that I just let slide off my back. Everyone has their way. Everyone sees things from a different perspective. You are never going to be able to put this many people together and have everyone have the same standard. I do think it is a shame with regards to the reads though.

EDIT ON THE EDIT

My words are not "not enough" that’s not how I feel so that’s a misrepresentation. The number I gave was higher than the actual amount of reads so no one would have been able to pick the script from that information. My point is only about how can a script with a low read count compare to one with a higher read count.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, October 26th, 2017, 5:11pm; Reply: 297

Quoted from stevie
Look, we all know Jeff wears his heart on his sleeve with his reviews and I'm not trying to sugarcoat him - hmm nasty image that lol - but he hasn't really done anything different this time around as Dustin pointed out, and the non reviews continue to be an issue.

I agree with everything said. Although Jeff does not need any defending, he is a completely authentic and qualified OWchallenger and reviewer.

In general, I believe it must be considered that most participants here are at different stages of their lives, got different ambitions, made different experiences, come from a different age group, write about different topics and fields.

Of course, it is diverse. How couldn't it…

From my side, the board needs each and every individual comment, also those who are divergent and reasoned in a different way.
Posted by: MarkItZero, October 26th, 2017, 5:50pm; Reply: 298
I'm not in but read a decent number. Congrats to those who entered.

Great job on running the challenge, Khamanna. You weathered pitchfork attacks and drama.

Looking forward to the reveal. Lets all get drunk.
Posted by: khamanna, October 26th, 2017, 5:59pm; Reply: 299

Quoted from MarkItZero


Great job on running the challenge, Khamanna. You weathered pitchfork attacks and drama.

I knew you would be jealous - it was all peace and quiet during the quicky challenge!
Posted by: eldave1, October 26th, 2017, 10:52pm; Reply: 300

Quoted from Warren
I guess my main issue is, at the moment my entry has had less than (edited - not enough) reads from members that can actually vote, and although I've been lucky enough to have some work produced and for me that is worth more than anything. I would still love to have the recognition of my peers by taking out the writer’s choice.

Now I'm not really sure how the voting system works but I'm guessing a script that has over 20 reads has an advantage over ones with a lover read count.

I don’t know if that’s selfish, but doesn’t everyone secretly, or not so secretly want to get the writers choice?

Anyway, it is what it is and at the end of the day I think all the heated debate just shows how passionate everyone is about the craft and that can only be a good thing.

Personally I have no issue with Jeff's reviews; he has given me some great advice in the short time I’ve been here and also some comments that I just let slide off my back. Everyone has their way. Everyone sees things from a different perspective. You are never going to be able to put this many people together and have everyone have the same standard. I do think it is a shame with regards to the reads though.

EDIT ON THE EDIT

My words are not "not enough" that’s not how I feel so that’s a misrepresentation. The number I gave was higher than the actual amount of reads so no one would have been able to pick the script from that information. My point is only about how can a script with a low read count compare to one with a higher read count.


That is a sticky widget for sure.  I had one OWC where I was near the bottom in terms of total reviews and had the same concern. I don't know how the scoring goes for this one. I do know (probably many OWCs ago I brought up that it ought to be an average score rather than a cumulative point total so that the number of reads would not be a skewing factor. i.e., you have the same chance of winning with 10 scores as you do with 20. I think they may be doing something like that now.  Maybe someone can weigh in?????

In terms of wanting to win the challenge I'll make no secret about it. For me it's - hell, yeah I'd like to grab the mug! It's a great ego boost especially since it is picked anonymously.  Your script speaks for itself.  That is pretty cool stuff.
Posted by: Warren, October 26th, 2017, 10:56pm; Reply: 301

Quoted from eldave1


In terms of wanting to win the challenge I'll make no secret about it. For me it's - hell, yeah I'd like to grab the mug! It's a great ego boost especially since it is picked anonymously.  Your script speaks for itself.  That is pretty cool stuff.


Okay great, I'm glad it's not just me ha-ha :)

Posted by: eldave1, October 26th, 2017, 11:03pm; Reply: 302

Quoted from Warren


Okay great, I'm glad it's not just me ha-ha :)



I call it peer treasure :)
Posted by: LC, October 26th, 2017, 11:50pm; Reply: 303
Course it's not just you. We all want the mug! Well, least you can count me in as one who does. Got to be in it to win it though, so it's definitely not gonna happen for me this time around.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 27th, 2017, 7:11am; Reply: 304
I've got two mugs, not trying to show off but while it is nice to get the 'top script', that sense of achievement quickly dissipates. What is priceless though is the feedback. With every OWC (both those that I've done well in and those I've done terrible in) I've used the feedback to do a second draft and they've become much, much better. They are a great addition to my portfolio and I've had some success with them in competitions.

The Enchanted Quill for example, which came second in a OWC, just featured in the finals of Shriekfest over in LA. On a sidenote, another OWC script called Seek which didn't get many nice reviews in that particular OWC was also in the very same finals. I didn't win BTW, but to have 2 scripts in the finals is good for my portfolio and I'm getting a radio interview out of it sometime next year, plus referrals to producers - which is nice. All because of a couple of OWC's.

Sure I've not had thirty+ reviews when there's been that many in the OWC but it's always gone into the page 2 of reviews and there's always been enough feedback for me to get an idea of what works and what doesn't.

I think this desire to win is the source of a lot of the flames that goes on here. As cliche as this sounds, it really is the taking part that matters more.
Posted by: Steven, October 27th, 2017, 7:26am; Reply: 305
Thanks to everyone that checked mine out, I didn't get a chance to read them all but I did vote on the ones I checked out.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 27th, 2017, 7:42am; Reply: 306

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I've got two mugs, not trying to show off but while it is nice to get the 'top script', that sense of achievement quickly dissipates. What is priceless though is the feedback. With every OWC (both those that I've done well in and those I've done terrible in) I've used the feedback to do a second draft and they've become much, much better. They are a great addition to my portfolio and I've had some success with them in competitions.

The Enchanted Quill for example, which came second in a OWC, just featured in the finals of Shriekfest over in LA. On a sidenote, another OWC script called Seek which didn't get many nice reviews in that particular OWC was also in the very same finals. I didn't win BTW, but to have 2 scripts in the finals is good for my portfolio and I'm getting a radio interview out of it sometime next year, plus referrals to producers - which is nice. All because of a couple of OWC's.
.


Agree totally with this. And I remember The Enchanted Quill ...loved that one very much. I value all of the feedback And the exposure here. Most that I've had produced was found right here on SS.
Posted by: LC, October 27th, 2017, 7:54am; Reply: 307

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I've got two mugs...

Show off!    ;D  ;)


Quoted Text
I think this desire to win is the source of a lot of the flames that goes on here. ... .

Oh, I don't think so.
Imh, the quality scripts win the popular vote just cause they're better stories and better written.

P.S. Congrats Mark on your success.
I do think OWCs can definitely act as incentive to get something written. Best I've done is 'writers also liked' and I'm pretty proud of that one cause I rewrote it and it got somewhat of a popular vote on SR.
Posted by: eldave1, October 27th, 2017, 3:28pm; Reply: 308

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I've got two mugs, not trying to show off but while it is nice to get the 'top script', that sense of achievement quickly dissipates. What is priceless though is the feedback. With every OWC (both those that I've done well in and those I've done terrible in) I've used the feedback to do a second draft and they've become much, much better. They are a great addition to my portfolio and I've had some success with them in competitions.

The Enchanted Quill for example, which came second in a OWC, just featured in the finals of Shriekfest over in LA. On a sidenote, another OWC script called Seek which didn't get many nice reviews in that particular OWC was also in the very same finals. I didn't win BTW, but to have 2 scripts in the finals is good for my portfolio and I'm getting a radio interview out of it sometime next year, plus referrals to producers - which is nice. All because of a couple of OWC's.

Sure I've not had thirty+ reviews when there's been that many in the OWC but it's always gone into the page 2 of reviews and there's always been enough feedback for me to get an idea of what works and what doesn't.

I think this desire to win is the source of a lot of the flames that goes on here. As cliche as this sounds, it really is the taking part that matters more.


Well said - and congrats on the Shriekfest - well done
Posted by: ReneC, October 27th, 2017, 6:04pm; Reply: 309

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I've got two mugs, not trying to show off but while it is nice to get the 'top script', that sense of achievement quickly dissipates.


Don wouldn't send me another one after my first. You're lucky you got two. I was hoping for a collection...  :'(

Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2017, 2:30am; Reply: 310
Most of you are probably sleeping but I'll still say that voting ends in 2.5 hours (according to Baker Island Time)
May you see me in your dreams telling you this and wake up.
Wake up.
Wake up and vote.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 28th, 2017, 6:02am; Reply: 311

Quoted from ReneC


Don wouldn't send me another one after my first. You're lucky you got two. I was hoping for a collection...  :'(



That explains why I didn't get one for Cyborn. Pity, I was planning on opening a Simply Scripts themed coffee shop!
Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2017, 11:42am; Reply: 312
Any guesses about who wrote what?)
Posted by: Stumpzian, October 28th, 2017, 11:49am; Reply: 313
I have Jeff for Touche. Granted, I didn't read all but took a look at most last week (before the flare-up). That one had his imprint.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 28th, 2017, 12:26pm; Reply: 314
I was thinking Jeff wrote Hell Bent. :)
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 28th, 2017, 12:35pm; Reply: 315
I'm with you Dena. Hell Bent is Jeff's, I'm pretty sure. I think he might be taking a break though...
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 28th, 2017, 12:47pm; Reply: 316

Quoted Text
I have Jeff for Touche


No chance, Touche was Dave, pretty much 100% certain. I've figured out his tells and there's one phrase in there in particular that Dave uses, and also added to my first script on this site
Posted by: Stumpzian, October 28th, 2017, 1:04pm; Reply: 317
Will check out Hell Bent. Maybe it's one I missed.


---------------------

Okay, I read it. Not Jeff's.

Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2017, 1:24pm; Reply: 318
I'm thinking Summerwind is Jeff's.
Posted by: khamanna, October 28th, 2017, 1:37pm; Reply: 319
Sweet Sara must be Cam's!
Posted by: Cameron (Guest), October 28th, 2017, 2:44pm; Reply: 320
Lols, I wish mine was that one! Mine was yet another disaster, need to go back to comedy as I can't do this drama/horror shizzle!!!
Posted by: eldave1, October 28th, 2017, 3:10pm; Reply: 321
I am horrible at the guessing game. I know who wrote one for certain because the author dropped hints throughout - everything else is a mystery to me.

These are the ones that made it to my top third (I always read these twice before voting to separate the best from the very best). In no particular order of preference they were:

- Living Nightmare
- To Have and to Hold
- Desquamation
- Origin of Fear
- Damn Your Eyes
- Touche
- Brown Water
- Eisoptrophobia

That was the list from which I selected by top three. Again - other than the one reveal - ain't got a clue on the writer.  To Have and To Hold had a Libby vibe to me - that is far as I will go.

My Own Awards:

Best Title: Tie between Disquamation and Summerwind

Best Logline: To Have and To Hold.

Best Reviewers: Warren Duncan and Stevie Miles. Both with in depth comments on all scripts.

As a side note, in future OWCs - I think it would be nice to have an actual award for the best reviewer based on the number, extent and quality of reviews - I am willing to front the cost for a Reviewer's Crappy Mug if anyone at SS is interested in pursuing this.  All we would have to do is add that field (best reviewer) on the bottom of the score card. Food for thought.

Posted by: Warren, October 28th, 2017, 5:15pm; Reply: 322

Quoted from eldave1
I am horrible at the guessing game. I know who wrote one for certain because the author dropped hints throughout - everything else is a mystery to me.

These are the ones that made it to my top third (I always read these twice before voting to separate the best from the very best). In no particular order of preference they were:

- Living Nightmare
- To Have and to Hold
- Desquamation
- Origin of Fear
- Damn Your Eyes
- Touche
- Brown Water
- Eisoptrophobia

That was the list from which I selected by top three. Again - other than the one reveal - ain't got a clue on the writer.  To Have and To Hold had a Libby vibe to me - that is far as I will go.

My Own Awards:

Best Title: Tie between Disquamation and Summerwind

Best Logline: To Have and To Hold.

Best Reviewers: Warren Duncan and Stevie Miles. Both with in depth comments on all scripts.

As a side note, in future OWCs - I think it would be nice to have an actual award for the best reviewer based on the number, extent and quality of reviews - I am willing to front the cost for a Reviewer's Crappy Mug if anyone at SS is interested in pursuing this.  All we would have to do is add that field (best reviewer) on the bottom of the score card. Food for thought.



Double thanks, Dave.

Made your list and thanks for the review mention, although I think some might disagree ha-ha :)
Posted by: RJ, October 28th, 2017, 5:55pm; Reply: 323
Main guess I had was Dena for Brown Water.
Posted by: eldave1, October 28th, 2017, 6:06pm; Reply: 324

Quoted from Warren


Double thanks, Dave.

Made your list and thanks for the review mention, although I think some might disagree ha-ha :)


Hey - glad you were there.  You reviews are always thoughtful, frank and generally spot on - sure that all appreciate them.

Posted by: MarkRenshaw, October 28th, 2017, 6:51pm; Reply: 325
I can never figure out who wrote what :-( I don't even know which one I wrote. :-(
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 28th, 2017, 7:56pm; Reply: 326
Sometimes you can open a script and the formatting will give it away.

I think there were four or five I gave the highest score. It was hard to tell for me this time though who wrote what. Everyone here is growing and getting better I think.

I love these challenges. Really gets my writing bug crawling back under my skin again. Hmm was that gross?
Posted by: eldave1, October 29th, 2017, 12:03am; Reply: 327

Quoted from Pale Yellow
Sometimes you can open a script and the formatting will give it away.

I think there were four or five I gave the highest score. It was hard to tell for me this time though who wrote what. Everyone here is growing and getting better I think.

I love these challenges. Really gets my writing bug crawling back under my skin again. Hmm was that gross?


Yeah - would have made for a good phobia - title of course = "Write Crawler"
Posted by: DanC, October 29th, 2017, 1:22am; Reply: 328
Hey guys
    I'd like to sincerely apologize for my lack of reading.  I only managed to read 10 this week and comment on.

I thought I'd take the rest of the week off and recuperate and do the rest next week.  I even missed my own birthday party (yes it got cancelled) due to fatigue

I will read them all.

Why the less time?  I thought the first week was to review, then the second week you had the entire week to turn in your votes.  That didn't happen this to e

I haven't even read the reviews on my entry yet, though on sure they are severe since I only wrote a vomit draft.

Again, I am sorry for dropping the ball.  I thought I'd have this whole week to catch up and read and vote.  If I had known about the less time, I never would have entered.

I do promise to read them all.

My 2 cents for the argument.  Give people more time and make it mandatory that all entries must read at least 50% or their story gets pulled.  Or, before you can enter a story, you must have at least 25 comments in the previous 3 months.

I will also add that as a person who has read every short in the OWC up to now and commented, it is very intimidating to see that there are 30 entries.  I think that reviews go down and become quicker because there are so many others to get thorough in such a short time.  I mean, we barely had a week to read and post 30 reviews and vote.  Is it insane to think that more time to do things would lead to better feedback??  More time to really think about a story and let it digest, even for a night??

I feel like I have to crank them out so fast.  I think 7 days to read and leave feedback is fine for 15 entries, but for this many, at least I needed much more time.

Why was the timeline shortened for this challenge??

I guess I will see how bad the reviews were for my story now.  This should be fun, really...

Anyone have any clue what I wrote??

Dan
Posted by: khamanna, October 29th, 2017, 4:02am; Reply: 329
Dan, I know, usually it's too weeks for reads and reviews. Although that's been norm only for the last couple of years I think. If I recall correctly previously OWC's moved pretty quickly.

Anyway, this time round it's because people started complaining about lack of reads too early so it moved very quickly toward closing.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 29th, 2017, 7:04am; Reply: 330
One thing to note here. Everyone does reviews differently and we are all at different levels in our writing curve. so I believe we should not fault someone for any review even if we feel like they could've put more time into it. Perhaps they didn't see the story the same way as the last person. I have paid for coverage before and gotten two reads... and end up with two totally different reviews. Same price. One hated it/ one loved it. One gave great advice/ one was a waste of my money probably BUT they were still both individual reviews. If you start making these things where even a reviewer can be faulted or his story taken down because he does not review it 'enough' or the 'way' someone else feels it should be reviewed, you will have less participation. We all know this October OWC is the biggest and there are ALWAYS 20-40 entries. So if one writes and enters this one, they know the reading is going to be a bit of a chore. If you do not have the time to read, then don't enter this one. I also remember when there were no complaints if readers read at least half the entries and just didn't vote on the ones they did not read. Either way... I will be in on these owcs. October OWC will always be my writing anniversary, so it's special to me. I've learned so much from ALL the feedback here over the years. Grateful for it. Whether it is one line or a page, I feel like it's helped me. There are a few that I feel seek me out to destroy, but I'm not even that bothered by those. I welcome the feedback. It's how we grow. No judgement from me on feedback. Just happy to have some.

One other thing, I very recently paid a well known reader to review a short for me that I was going to rewrite. $75 is what it cost me. 8 pages. ONE review. Most of the OWC scripts go at least 12-15 reviews FREE of charge ... GREAT service we have here folks. Stop complaining and appreciate it for what it is. :)
Posted by: SAC, October 29th, 2017, 8:34am; Reply: 331

Quoted from khamanna
Dan, I know, usually it's too weeks for reads and reviews. Although that's been norm only for the last couple of years I think. If I recall correctly previously OWC's moved pretty quickly.

Anyway, this time round it's because people started complaining about lack of reads too early so it moved very quickly toward closing.


We have this same issue almost every OWC. I really hope it doesn’t become a trend for Don to make adjustments to the OWC based on some comments. The OWC is freakin awesome!
Posted by: DanC, October 29th, 2017, 11:38am; Reply: 332

Quoted from SAC


We have this same issue almost every OWC. I really hope it doesn’t become a trend for Don to make adjustments to the OWC based on some comments. The OWC is freakin awesome!


Thanks for the considerate words.  I don't think it's fair to change the norm of 2 weeks.  Or, it should have been posted this could happen.

Look, I feel awful for my SS brothers and sisters.  I feel like I let you down.  I'm someone who wants to be counted on.  This change really hurt my ability to be a good contributor.

Dan
Posted by: khamanna, October 29th, 2017, 12:04pm; Reply: 333
Dan, sorry you didn't get a chance to vote.
I say don't worry about it. And like you said it's not your fault, usually, these reading periods go for two weeks, you're right.
Posted by: khamanna, October 29th, 2017, 12:28pm; Reply: 334
I really liked the entries. I know many resented RIP at the end, but it was done intentionally to push you down the murder road. At the same time, it felt wrong to stifle you that badly, so the genre was not limited to horror.

And I'm happy with the turnout. All the entries went different directions with the RIP. In some a phobic nutcracker wacks someone at the end and the murderer turned out to be a good guy - how cool is that.

I had 9 favorites, picked out 4 ultimate favorites in the end and marked accordingly. One of my "ultimate favorites" I liked more than the others but I didn't mark down the three others because of that. That could be a good discussion topic I think. Some strong entries just make it difficult to score the other. But I chose not to compare much.
Posted by: eldave1, October 29th, 2017, 12:34pm; Reply: 335

Quoted from khamanna
I really liked the entries. I know many resented RIP at the end, but it was done intentionally to push you down the murder road. At the same time, it felt wrong to stifle you that badly, so the genre was not limited to horror.

And I'm happy with the turnout. All the entries went different directions with the RIP. In some a phobic nutcracker wacks someone at the end and the murderer turned out to be a good guy - how cool is that.

I had 9 favorites, picked out 4 ultimate favorites in the end and marked accordingly. One of my "ultimate favorites" I liked more than the others but I didn't mark down the three others because of that. That could be a good discussion topic I think. Some strong entries just make it difficult to score the other. But I chose not to compare much.


Thanks for you efforts here.

I think this is the first OWC where I thought there were zero instances where a script did not meet the parameters.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 29th, 2017, 12:52pm; Reply: 336
Good challenge Khamanna!

The October OWCs are always my favorites. Wasn't able to take part this time due to trying to get those two short films ready and then having family visiting with the new baby...which means everyone within three hours of us is stopping by to visit! They're also staying for almost two weeks! And, they brought their dog and cat! So, I've been up to my ears in that kind of stuff. I hope you understand.  :)
Posted by: eldave1, October 29th, 2017, 1:00pm; Reply: 337

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Good challenge Khamanna!

The October OWCs are always my favorites. Wasn't able to take part this time due to trying to get those two short films ready and then having family visiting with the new baby...which means everyone within three hours of us is stopping by to visit! They're also staying for almost two weeks! And, they brought their dog and cat! So, I've been up to my ears in that kind of stuff. I hope you understand.  :)


Being a  grandfather of two very active boys - I can relate :)
Posted by: khamanna, October 29th, 2017, 1:16pm; Reply: 338
@Pia, maybe one day when I'm a grandmother I will.

I'm kidding. Have wonderful two weeks with the baby and guests!
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, October 29th, 2017, 1:17pm; Reply: 339

Quoted from khamanna
. I know many resented RIP at the end, but it was done intentionally to push you down the murder road..


Rest assured in my update there will be no rest in peace.
I only put it in in my entry because it was part of the OWC.
Cuffs are off. The oppressed are freed! ;D

Anyway Khamanna, you did a splendid job in coming up with th eseason's OWC.
Posted by: Lightfoot, October 29th, 2017, 1:36pm; Reply: 340
Great challenge Khamanna, I thought that RIP tidbit was going to be a pain in the ass to throw in, but as I worked through the story it sort of appeared naturally. Others seemed to do pretty well with that too. Figured it was going to get old fast and stick out like a sore thumb, some did but most were good.
Posted by: Pale Yellow, October 29th, 2017, 1:39pm; Reply: 341
Great challenge. Phobias cool theme. Really good job Kamanna
Posted by: Don, October 29th, 2017, 1:55pm; Reply: 342

Quoted from DanC


Thanks for the considerate words.  I don't think it's fair to change the norm of 2 weeks.  Or, it should have been posted this could happen.

Look, I feel awful for my SS brothers and sisters.  I feel like I let you down.  I'm someone who wants to be counted on.  This change really hurt my ability to be a good contributor.

Dan


Hi Dan,

The schedule was posted in the theme and genre, so please do not paint me as being unfair.  I moved up the voting due date only 24 hours.  This particular schedule does not prevent you from being a good contributor.  You have unlimited time to read and review the scripts of the challenge.

- Don
Posted by: Don, October 29th, 2017, 2:02pm; Reply: 343

Quoted from SAC


We have this same issue almost every OWC. I really hope it doesn’t become a trend for Don to make adjustments to the OWC based on some comments. The OWC is freakin awesome!


Steve,

As mentioned, the schedule was set out at the outset (October 29th - Writer's Choices submitted) and was dependent on me trying to do something cool for Halloween (which may or may not happen).   I only moved the voting due date up about 24 hours.

Don
Posted by: SAC, October 29th, 2017, 2:21pm; Reply: 344

Quoted from Don


Steve,

As mentioned, the schedule was set out at the outset (October 29th - Writer's Choices submitted) and was dependent on me trying to do something cool for Halloween (which may or may not happen).   I only moved the voting due date up about 24 hours.

Don


My bad, then. Look forward to your potential Halloween treat. A one day micro-script challenge???
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), October 29th, 2017, 6:27pm; Reply: 345
Just to not piss anyone off with anything I say...

2 guesses for mine are incorrect, as I told 1 of the guessers a long time ago, but he/she obviously did not believe me.

1 guess was correct, though.

Mine was brutalized and disliked by pretty much everyone, which is fine.

My apologies once again for questioning the number and quality of reviews.  I'll do my best not to state my opinion on anything other than what I read and choose to comment on, and those comments will be few and far between.

Kahm did a good job here.  Great challenge.  Kudos to The Don for putting up with the usual and doing his thang.
Posted by: eldave1, October 29th, 2017, 7:23pm; Reply: 346
I have no issues with folks who are critical of the number of reviews.  It irks me when folks only do a few. Don't think it wise to critique the quality as that is fairly subjective
Posted by: Steven, October 30th, 2017, 8:14am; Reply: 347
I'm going to take the advice of others and turn mine into a longer short, probably 20 pages or so. I had a lot of background stuff going on that I didn't get to explore due to page restraints, but I for sure want to stretch it out.
Posted by: ReneC, October 30th, 2017, 9:23am; Reply: 348
I got pulled into a project with a tight deadline, and coupled with the course I'm running I had to stop reading after reviewing just a few. I plan to read and review more, I'm just sorry I couldn't before the voting cutoff. I had to refrain from voting.

My own entry has been taking a justifiable beating. Rush jobs are never good. I just want to let everyone know I didn't rage quit to go sulk in a corner and that's why I haven't reviewed many.  ;)
Posted by: Grandma Bear, October 30th, 2017, 8:52pm; Reply: 349
Been really really busy, but just sat down and will have some time to myself. If anyone wants a read pm me and I'll read it tonight.  :)
Posted by: Gary in Houston, November 2nd, 2017, 4:02pm; Reply: 350
When is who wrote what being posted?  Always curious to see that.
Posted by: Don, November 2nd, 2017, 4:03pm; Reply: 351

Quoted from Gary in Houston
When is who wrote what being posted?  Always curious to see that.


Stand by...
Posted by: Steven, November 4th, 2017, 2:37pm; Reply: 352
Today is the 4th.
Posted by: eldave1, November 4th, 2017, 4:57pm; Reply: 353

Quoted from Steven
Today is the 4th.


Just assume that there is some kind of hiccup somewhere - e.g., either a technical issue or Don being overloaded with other stuff like loading the last 30 scripts - it'll come.
Posted by: Don, November 4th, 2017, 8:21pm; Reply: 354

Quoted from eldave1


Just assume that there is some kind of hiccup somewhere - e.g., either a technical issue or Don being overloaded with other stuff like loading the last 30 scripts - it'll come.


Bear with... trying to do something cool...

- Don
Posted by: eldave1, November 4th, 2017, 9:01pm; Reply: 355

Quoted from Don


Bear with... trying to do something cool...

- Don


OMG - you're going to going to film mine :)

Look forward to whatever you have up your sleeve. Ye
Posted by: DarrenJamesSeeley, November 5th, 2017, 1:15am; Reply: 356

Quoted from Don


Bear with... trying to do something cool...

- Don


Ordering a generic crappy mug for the victor
...from Romania.

Is it dishwasher safe? Only one way to know for sure...

Posted by: Don, November 5th, 2017, 11:51am; Reply: 357

Quoted from eldave1


OMG - you're going to going to film mine :)

Look forward to whatever you have up your sleeve. Ye


Oh, Dave. Honey. They can't all be winners...  


Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley


Ordering a generic crappy mug for the victor
...from Romania.

Is it dishwasher safe? Only one way to know for sure...



I had considered hand crafting each and every mug from locally sourced, artisan clay, however the early prototypes had unusually  high levels of lead in them...



- Don
Posted by: khamanna, November 6th, 2017, 3:12pm; Reply: 358
Don posted who wrote what!
Posted by: Steven, November 6th, 2017, 3:20pm; Reply: 359

Quoted from khamanna
Don posted who wrote what!


Where?


EDIT: Nevermind.
Posted by: khamanna, November 6th, 2017, 3:23pm; Reply: 360
Here you can see the names of the writers behind the scripts:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1508634019/

I always click the OWC button in the right-hand corner. See the bolded message that says "Who Wrote What - The October 2017 OWC" - that one gets always updated.
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