The 2018 Writers' Tournament.

Welcome to the 2018 Writers' Tournament.

During the course of this tournament, you will be competing directly against other SimplyScripts writers and vote for your favorite scripts. The people with the more preferred scripts will move on to the next round until a champion is crowned.

So, come one, come all and test your writing skills against your peers. Please sign-up below.

Details:

Multi-round tournament.
Direct competition against another SimplyScripts writer.
Scripts 1-5 pages.
48 hours to complete a script.
Posted anonymously.
Highest score as voted by the SimplyScripts community wins.
No script entry = automatic disqualification.
Sign-ups are open until 11:59PM EST on March 15th.
Tournament begins March 16th at 12:00PM EST.

Round Two schedule:

3/25 11:59 pm scripts due - Timer
3/29 11:59 pm voting due - Timer - Guessing can begin
3/30 11:59 am (noon-ish) next prompt sent out (reveal who wrote what)

Okay, just before I pop off to bed, (it's the 14th now) ;) is it possible for a little more clarification on this one?

Is it a page, five pages? How's this gonna work exactly?

Thanks in advance, will check in after forty winks.

Sean, something beautifully intricate going on here but I'm a bit lost.

So, we select a pair of actors, right? Then what?

I'm down.

Still have no idea what this is but put me down for 'maybe'.

This is separate from the character-actor tournament?

Quoted from Stumpzian This is separate from the character-actor tournament?

I hope it is, because this one sounds more interesting to me than the actor brackets. (Though now I can't get the image out of my head of Christopher Walken and Christopher Llyod yelling at each other.)

Sorry, guys. Facing down a blizzard and consistent power outages. Will keep you updated, I promise.

Have no idea what you're doing, Sean, but good luck with this. Sounds like a lot of fun.  8)

Quoted from MarkItZero Still have no idea what this is but put me down for 'maybe'.

I'm going with "perhaps"

If I have time, I may give this one a go. Don't like the actor thing though... but I'm not a film nerd so don't know most of the names on the list anyway. Might know them by face, but, meh. I couldn't care less about any of them. If they died tomorrow, I wouldn't give an eff. In some cases, I might even cheer.

Interested maybe? But not quite sure what the parameters and time constraints are. Is this in lace oft he OWC or in addition to? Anything on the table for the winner?

I just ask as I landed a writing gig that's gonna monopolize most of my time for the foreseeable future and though I love participating and learning from these challenges, time is gonna be an issue for me.

Quoted from CameronD Anything on the table for the winner?

The chance to win!

It's quite a coveted title. I write full time now, but I should still be able to find time for this. A lot of great writers here to compete against. That alone is priceless.

So, the questions I guess would be:

Do we have to choose a pair and stick with the pair we choose, no mix and match?
What's the page length?
Genre - I assume any?
And how long do we have, a week?

The last one is about the logistics of the tournament - the scripts will be judged within the divisions, right?

Quoted from khamanna So, the questions I guess would be: Do we have to choose a pair and stick with the pair we choose, no mix and match? What's the page length? Genre - I assume any? And how long do we have, a week? The last one is about the logistics of the tournament - the scripts will be judged within the divisions, right?

Not sure we're supposed to pick the actors or a pair of actors - there have been no parameters as of yet.

What is this about an actor challenge? I can't find a thread on this.

Quoted from eldave1 Not sure we're supposed to pick the actors or a pair of actors - there have been no parameters as of yet.

There are a plethora of different tournament formats, so it doesn't do much good to guess. But if it is a bracket with seeds, my starting position would be low enough that I'll be paired against someone with an Oscar on their shelf  :o

Quoted from Steven What is this about an actor challenge? I can't find a thread on this.

It's a completely separate, really elaborate thing over here.

Quoted from FrankM It's a completely separate, really elaborate thing over here.

Thanks.

Im so confused.

Quoted from Warren Im so confused.

Indeed.

My guess (just pulling it out of my ass) is that somehow these two unrelated things will end up being related.

First - we got the "It's coming 3-13-18

On 3-13-18 - We got the Character Actor Bracket. Simply a voting for your favorite actor thing

Then - same day - a mysterious writer's tournament.

Ergo: me thinks:

The parameters (themes, genre, pages) etc. of the writing challenge will be announced soon.

Rather than traditional voting - the scripts will be listed in a bracket format much like the actor one and we will vote on who advances to the next round, then the next round then ultimately the finals.

Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge.

That's all I got

Quoted from eldave1 Indeed. My guess (just pulling it out of my ass) is that somehow these two unrelated things will end up being related. First - we got the "It's coming 3-13-18 On 3-13-18 - We got the Character Actor Bracket. Simply a voting for your favorite actor thing Then - same day - a mysterious writer's tournament. Ergo: me thinks: The parameters (themes, genre, pages) etc. of the writing challenge will be announced soon. Rather than traditional voting - the scripts will be listed in a bracket format much like the actor one and we will vote on who advances to the next round, then the next round then ultimately the finals. Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge. That's all I got

Love the idea of a knockout writer’s tournament (anonymous I assume?).

Not so fussed on the actor voting thing.

Quoted from Warren Love the idea of a knockout writer’s tournament (anonymous I assume?). Not so fussed on the actor voting thing.

Would be cool - like I said - just a wild guess

Quoted from eldave1 Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge.

Mr. Blonde has agreed to pay out-of-pocket to hire the Final Four of the actor tournament to do a table read of the winner of the script tournament.

I think. I had just read an article about how easy it is for fake news to spread on the Internet ;)

Quoted from FrankM Mr. Blonde has agreed to pay out-of-pocket to hire the Final Four of the actor tournament to do a table read of the winner of the script tournament. I think. I had just read an article about how easy it is for fake news to spread on the Internet ;)

good one

I'm in for a writing challenge. As long as I'm able to come up with something to write :o

May not be on the right track at all, but the more I think of it a script vs. script knockout tournament would be pretty awesome.


Oh unless you come up against Mark or Dave in the first round, then you’re f@#ked.

One of the possible ways to make the two related is - the scripts will be judged on the merits of two main characters created by a writer. Just a guess - to connect the two.

So, the first round is not a script against a script, but characters independent of plots against the characters of another script.

I'm so sorry for leaving all of you guys in suspense yesterday. To catch you up, I was putting the finishing touches on the first round of the March Madness tournament as a blizzard was starting to ramp up. I kept losing power for the briefest of moments (5-30 seconds at a time). By the time the whole losing power thing was done, my internet was knocked out and didn't come back online this morning. Now that I'm back, I can finally clarify exactly what's happening:

The two tournaments are separate entities that will run concurrently. The tournament on this board will be as follows: the tournament will be a multi-round writing contest where you, and the writer you are competing against, will be given a specific topic to write about in 1-5 pages. You will have 48 hours to write and submit your short, then they will be posted together (anonymously) and everyone will vote for the script they think is the best. The script with the highest score moves on to the next round. If you sign up and aren't able to complete a script in the given time, you will be eliminated and your opponent will move on, so at least put out something.

I will also be posting this in a more direct way on the OP, so it will be easier to refer back to.

Sign-ups are open until 11:59PM EST on Thursday, March 15th.

What sign-ups? I don't see the sign-up sheet/sheets(

I want in for sure, where do I sign?

You just say that you're interested in the thread and I add your name to the main post.

Stumpzian's in.

I remember doing these types of informal showdowns a few years back.

Is there a deadline for being in? Okay, I see it's the 15th.

I need to know details as to how this is going to work before committing. I don't understand how two writers can compete against each other anonymously.

Unless all scripts are entered at once and then sorted into random pairs.

Else there could be some bias in determining which writer versus who, and with that comes a skewing of results depending on personal preference.

Sure. I'll clarify a bit more. When I know who's in, you'll be randomly paired off (that's where the brackets come in). By PM, you will both receive your topics. You'll write your scripts then submit them, as you would do with an OWC. Then, like an OWC, the scripts will be made available, except there will be two scripts on that page instead of just one. People will have your script and logline, but no name. They will vote on the one they like the best. Highest score moves on.

Quoted from LC I remember doing these types of informal showdowns a few years back. Is there a deadline for being in? Okay, I see it's the 15th.

Those were a lot of fun. I remember going against Ryan Lee. That was a disaster, for me I mean)

I'm in, Sean.

OK. I'll play. I'm in.

Looking at the names already down, this is going to be brutal.

Yea looking at the names, this isn't going to be easy.

Sounds fun.

If there's a voting aspect to it, shouldn't the scripts be submitted without names, at least? Just saying, we all like some people better than others. ;)

Could you sign me up as a maybe still? When could I start writing?

-Julio

Julio, they will be submitted without names. I'll mark you down for now and the tournament begins on Friday.

Well, my name's on there so I can't bail now. Richard Sharpe would never refuse a duel.

1-5 pages? I'm in.

In

I’ll throw my hat in the ring, though don’t expect to last very long...

Okay, sign me up!

-R.J.

Some great writers in so far. It's not going to be easy to take out the crown.

In like Errol

Quoted from stevie In like Errol

"My Wicked, Wicked Ways."

Newbie here. This sounds like fun! Reading, writing and voting on shorts every 48 hours.

If it's possible, please sign me up! Thanks!

Quoted from MartinS Newbie here. This sounds like fun! Reading, writing and voting on shorts every 48 hours. If it's possible, please sign me up! Thanks!

Oh gee, I dunno, Newbs usually have to pass the initiation tests first.
Plus there's that little matter of you thinking this is 'fun'?!


Only kidding. :D
Welcome aboard the best script writing site around, Martin.

Quoted from LC Welcome aboard the best script writing site around, Martin.

There are others?

The sign-up period ends tonight at midnight for anybody interested in joining.

Do previous OWC winners get a 1st round bye? :D

Perhaps, but just for asking, you will most definitely NOT get a first-round bye... Lol. =)

I don't deserve it anyways lol.

Well, it's hard to say who'd get a bye at this point, anyway. There are fifteen entries thus far, so that's only one bye. If two more enter, all but two will receive the bye. Just a matter of luck at this point.

Couple of questions:

Will all writers see the PM at the same time? i.e., do we all have the same two days too write and submit a script and then they're just revealed in a bracket format?

Will there be parameters other than the page (e.g., a theme, genre, etc) to be announced?

I will have the PMs sent out as close to the same time as possible. Certainly, the ones for the people who are paired together will go out at the same time, but they should all be out within the span of 5-10 minutes.

Your story parameters will be randomized for variety. I have a bunch of topics and other goodies saved up, so we should be good to go.

Will we know who we're up against?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde I will have the PMs sent out as close to the same time as possible. Certainly, the ones for the people who are paired together will go out at the same time, but they should all be out within the span of 5-10 minutes. Your story parameters will be randomized for variety. I have a bunch of topics and other goodies saved up, so we should be good to go.

Thanks for the clarification

Interesting idea. I'm tempted to sign up however I only really have the weekends to write and I'm concerned about having to post a big fat goose egg. Sean, how long will each round stay up, and will the new round start every Friday evening like the first one?

Khamanna, once registration closes tonight, I'll randomize who goes against who, then I'll post up the bracket ahead of time. This should probably be around noon tomorrow.

Thanks. I'd prefer we didn't know, but oh well - it's the next best thing.

I'd prefer you assigned us a letter (for youself to keep track of who is who). It would be more fun to guess to the very end who stayed and all.
But, your call.

Anthony, each round will end up being about five days total (two to write the script, then when Don gets them available. Then, not including the day they go up, you'll have two days to review them). The following day, you'll get your next topic. So, realistically, five or six days per round. I mean, I suppose we could have two days, then the upload day, then have through Thursday to review. If you guys would prefer that, I have no problem with it at all.

Yikes, forgot about having to review others' work.  Do any of you really have that amount of time on a daily basis?

If so, can I come work for you?

(0:

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Well, it's hard to say who'd get a bye at this point, anyway. There are fifteen entries thus far, so that's only one bye. If two more enter, all but two will receive the bye. Just a matter of luck at this point.

Then ideal for you would be an exactly 16 or 32 of contenders?

So, as no. 16 I'd pretty damn sure in an extra round if math haven't left me completely or nobody else enters later on.

Whatever, I like the page count, so put me down.

Either way is good. I know how to order it if we get an odd number, Prussian. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Anthony, each round will end up being about five days total (two to write the script, then when Don gets them available. Then, not including the day they go up, you'll have two days to review them). The following day, you'll get your next topic. So, realistically, five or six days per round. I mean, I suppose we could have two days, then the upload day, then have through Thursday to review. If you guys would prefer that, I have no problem with it at all.

Hmm. So if I understand it, you could be writing up to 5 scripts if there are 32 and 4 scripts if there are 16.

e.g., if there is 16 participants, you could be writing as many as:

Write a script for round 1. After that, 8 remain

Write a script for round two - after that 4 remain

Write a script for round three - after that 2 remain

Write a script for the finals - winner selected

Yes?

And - if so - will writers have a choice sticking with their same script or must they write an original one for each round?

Exactly. If we get another entrant, somebody could, theoretically, have to write five scripts. And, yes, you will be writing a new script for each round, with a new topic. No carry over.

Quoted from ajr Yikes, forgot about having to review others' work.

Wait, we have to give feedback on every script too? Can't we just pick a couple and do thorough notes on those?

In the later rounds, it'll end up being plenty of feedback.

I can go 5 rounds... <<<< final words before an early knockout.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde No carry over.

"Sergeant, a huge mass of zombies is converging on our location!"

"Don't worry, Private, we're in a comedy. No one will get seriously hurt."

Moments later...

"What do you mean the genre changed to horror? Why wasn't I notified?!"

Quoted from MarkItZero Wait, we have to give feedback on every script too? Can't we just pick a couple and do thorough notes on those? In the later rounds, it'll end up being plenty of feedback.

This tournament relies on people reading the scripts and picking which of the two they think were better. Although, depending on the lengths of the scripts, I doubt the feedback will have to be extensive.

But wait, Sean, if I see two scripts, and know who the authors are - I'll know which belongs to who cause it's easy to tell if there's only two scripts. How's that anonymous?

How will you know who the authors are? Are you talking, in the case of your match-up?

If there's Script 1 and Script 2. And I know the authors are let's say Alex and Dave I'll be able to put the names to the scripts.

Or do I misunderstand the whole thing?

Sign me up

Quoted from khamanna If there's Script 1 and Script 2. And I know the authors are let's say Alex and Dave I'll be able to put the names to the scripts. Or do I misunderstand the whole thing?

How will you know the writers if it is posted anonymously? Unless you mean at the very end of the bracket?

Sign me up.

I see ya' got 16. Nice number. Don't want to mess it up, but if someone drops, I'll take the slot.

Just sign-up if you want to. I know how to bracket it. Also, have g internet problems again. Will update tonight.

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect How will you know the writers if it is posted anonymously? Unless you mean at the very end of the bracket? Sign me up.

I might be misunderstanding the whole process. If I know two scripts and the writers for every two are announced - I'd be able to tell for the most part. I mean out of those whose work I read before.

But that doesn't matter actually. I don't have problems with anyone. And I'll be fair)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Just sign-up if you want to. I know how to bracket it. Also, have g internet problems again. Will update tonight.

Alrighty then, I'm in.

The ideal solution would be to refer to scripts by title only with no author information whatsoever. Readers just know it's "The Unpleasantness in Pleasantville" vs. "Boy Meets Girl Meets Zombie Meets Chainsaw".

If that's a logistical problem, go ahead and assign each author a random letter.

I'm a beginning writer but I would like to give this a try

Quoted from FrankM The ideal solution would be to refer to scripts by title only with no author information whatsoever. Readers just know it's "The Unpleasantness in Pleasantville" vs. "Boy Meets Girl Meets Zombie Meets Chainsaw". If that's a logistical problem, go ahead and assign each author a random letter.

My thoughts, exactly.

Although anonymity shmamomymity.

Tentative
I'm in the process of revising older unfinished stuff of mine. But I might be able to squeeze something in. It all depends on what's in the wheelhouse.

.

I’m interested to know how the voting will work, as in, by signing up are you making some sort of commitment to read and vote on all the scripts till the end of the challenge? What happens if you get knocked out in round one?

I have no issues seeing it through even if I get knocked out early but I can definitely see people losing interest.

Sounds interesting, sign me up.  It's been a while!

I missed the thread this week and just got Don's email. Put me down for a"Hell yeah!" I'm in. My biggest issue is that I'm traveling and only have my phone until Saturday night! I guess I know what I'm doing Sunday morning.

Sign me up.  Can we tweak old scripts or does it have to be fresh and new??

Go on then, I'll try and shoe horn an entry in...

Quoted from Joe Allen Barniak Sign me up.  Can we tweak old scripts or does it have to be fresh and new??

New scripts. Defeats the purpose of the challenge, being that you need to write a new script in 48hrs for each round.

But no one is going to know if you manage to cram the parameters of the challenge into an already finished script. It's not advised though and wouldn’t be in the spirit of the challenge.

Anyone seen Jeff? I’m surprised he hasn’t popped his head out for this one yet.

Question for Blondie:

Are you using a random logline generator off the Internet for each round?

Quoted from Warren Anyone seen Jeff? I’m surprised he hasn’t popped his head out for this one yet.

I think he's probably busy with his new job. Moving on up.  8)

So how long will we have to read the first round of ALL the scripts? It will get easier as times goes... because there will be less if I am reading everything correctly.

Heck, if you have room, put me down as 'in'. Even though I'll probably be 'out' after the first run! :)

Hey,
Sent a p.m. to Mr. Blonde earlier today about joining this tournament but saw that he was dealing with internet/snow storm related issues.
It's probably just my awful o/c/d kicking in right now but I want to make sure I have a backup plan to get in this thing 'cause it sounds like a damn good time.
Looking forward to a fun competition,
Nate

Quoted from Warren Anyone seen Jeff? I’m surprised he hasn’t popped his head out for this one yet.

I believe he's on the road tracking down orphans. :-)

Not quite tracking down orphans. I do have my phone to keep track of everyone who wanted to enter so I've been keeping up to date on current events. Everyone who posted in here or messaged me is going to be added to the list.

Some questions that popped up that I can answer:

Nobody's going to force you to read and review all the scripts, especially once you get eliminated. However, I would ask that you do your best and if you read a script in a match-up, read both so you can vote on that match.

No, I'm not using a random logline generator. Rather, I'm inclined to make you guys suffer. You will be dealt a character (you can add others, as well, but you must use the one you're given), a location, a genre, a theme and a wildcard (which is any available item. For example: if you're dealt comedy as a genre and the wildcard ends up being sci-fi, you now have to write a sci-fi comedy) and you'll have to abide by those rules.

Quoted from eldave1 I believe he's on the road tracking down orphans. :-)

Literally laughed out loud :)

Sign me up, please. God, I need to check my emails more thoroughly. Goddamn spams. That was a close call.

This thing is getting massive!

Sweet! Realxwriter is in the ring, ladies and gentlemen. And then there were none!

Wait a second. Does this mean I'm going to eliminate myself too by the end of the tournament? Did the murderer die too in the end? I never got to reading that masterpiece.

Quoted from Warren Literally laughed out loud :)

Yep orphans.

And slugs...don’t forget SLUGS

I just saw this .  am I too late

I got the notice from Don today and got here now, my first chance.  I'm truly bummed because this sounds like fun and the notice from Don is not even 24 hrs old.

So let's do this, if the deadline is final.  If you need one more entry, can you let me in?  You need even entries right?

Thanks
Dan

I can still add you, Dan.

Had to make one last minute change to the bracket. Had an entrant send a PM to me as I uploaded it. This lineup is final.

I may have misread or misunderstood how this is supposed to work but...

How can postings be anonymous if the writer brackets are shown using our real forum names?

Anonymous becomes just one of two people, which doesn't feel very anonymous.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Anonymous becomes just one of two people, which doesn't feel very anonymous.

Yeah, I'm out. It's not anonymous.

It still can be anonymous if we don't know which group of two wrote what.

Dustin you're funny, we'll know your entry by a mile anyway.

Hey Sean, I fell asleep and didn't enter. If you can squeeze me in I'd like to try it. If not, no big deal.  AJR

You know who you're against, but nobody knows whose script is whose? Dustin, if you still want out, Anthony, would you like Dustin's spot?

I just got the email from Don
No time for this one (at work now).
It will be fun to rread them though.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Dustin, if you still want out, Anthony, would you like Dustin's spot?

I'll stay in.

Okay. I'll talk to Zombie Sean.

I've just noticed the other thread and I assume Zombie had been paired with Cameron. If so, I don't mind taking a full point bye in the first round. Although, I'm happy to write too.

The brackets aren't changing from this point. I sent a message to Sean about Anthony to decide what he'd prefer to do.

Just curious if each contestant will get a distinct prompt (which could make comparisons difficult), each competing pair will get a distinct prompt, or if everyone in the round gets the same prompt?

Only the people in a matchup will receive the same story setups. I mean, the luck of the draw says two matchups could receive similar setups but identical is unlikely.

So 3 hours till this starts...

Not a bad time for me. Next week may be a slight issue as I am out Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening playing chess.

Those are review days. Just as a heads up.

Also, Dustin. 90 minutes.

How do I submit my script for the tournament?

Oh, wow, this is starting soon. Good luck everyone.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Also, Dustin. 90 minutes.

Ah, EDT, not EST. Cheers.

Hopefully, Cameron has to work hard all day, then put a few hours into whatever script he's working on and then, completely shattered, he attempts to write for this tournament. Or better, he gets a virus... not a serious one... maybe just a bit of delirium... and the shits.

Official parameters have been made. These came out a lot better than I thought they would. A couple of you are going to have some tough scripts to write, so I'm going to apologize to you in advance. Writing up the PMs now.

All PMs have been sent out. If you didn't receive one, please let me know as soon as possible and I'll get one out to you. Thank you and good luck.

For the couple people I've received messages from, in case this wasn't completely clear before: this round's scripts are only up to five pages long. This does not include the title page. Do not go over this number, please. I will also make this note on the OP.

Just to make sure - less than five is okay as well, right?

Also, no actor was assigned, right? To me at least.

Up to five and any point in between and, no, no actors. Everyone was assigned a location, a genre and a modifier.

And the location has to absolutely play part in the overall plot?

Your story should, for the vast majority of it, take place at that location.

I might have missed this; where do we submit?

Any breadcrumb droppers should be punished with disqualification. So anything like this:

"Oh, I was really tired so could only manage a few pages (wink, wink)."

Instant disqualification.

"Well, you know me and how I love anything to do with magic (wink, wink)."

Disqualified.

A Beatle fan writing about the Beatles -- disqualified.

Well, I wrote one. It's 11PM here in Baku, so I had to act fast on it. This way I get to read it today and tomorrow.
The only thing is I might trash it if I read it. What to do... what to do...

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect I might have missed this; where do we submit?

This is the link to submit your scripts to:

simplyscripts.com/owc

It’s on Realxwriter, it’s on.

That's fast work, K. I'm only 1.5 pages in but I have lost a couple hours tonight having to drive my son to a concert. Gotta pick him up in a while too. I have a story, just need to get that sucker down.

Any chance we can get a counter on the page to see roughly how much time is left?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde This is the link to submit your scripts to: simplyscripts.com/owc

Thanks.

Looking forward to duking it out with the Deuker.

Looks like I drew the #1 seed.

Good luck!

Also, when is 1st round due? Set time please.

Quoted from CameronD Looks like I drew the #1 seed. Good luck!

haha. Very kind... but I think there are a number of number 1 seeds here. I do think some have been given easier match-ups... but for the most part, this is filled with writers that can win, yourself included.

This is what I imagined when I said this was going to be brutal. Some great writers are going to fall in round 1.

11:59PM EDT (Dustin) - (-5 GMT) on Sunday, March 18th.

Anyone know how long we have left? I just woke up to an email and have no idea how long it's been sitting there. I'm sure I could work it out but my maths is shit.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde 11:59PM EDT (Dustin) - (-5 GMT) on Sunday, March 18th.

Love to say this helps, but not so much.

Two days and seven hours.

Great, thanks:)

Yeah I just saw mine too.  Couple of questions.  Open budget?  Actually silly query cos the one I got is high budget anyway lol.  Do both contestants get the same one to write?  Is there a theme behind the log? Or just random stuff in what is basically a long scene I guess. TIA

Quoted from Warren Love to say this helps, but not so much.

Waz, it’ll be about 1pm Monday arve for us

Quoted from stevie Waz, it’ll be about 1pm Monday arve for us

Thanks mate, that clears it up.

I don't think this is a "breadcrumb" as Dustin put it, but I really thought the perimeters of the challenge would be easier considering the time constraints. I think I'd struggle to get something out in a normal OWC with mine.

Will give it a shot but not looking good already.

Did I read in here somewhere that we can't use more than 5 characters?

What if they don't speak?

Quoted from ajr Did I read in here somewhere that we can't use more than 5 characters? What if they don't speak?

Details:

Multi-round tournament.
Direct competition against another SimplyScripts writer.
Scripts 1-5 pages.
48 hours to complete a script.
Posted anonymously.
Highest score as voted by the SimplyScripts community wins.
No script entry = automatic disqualification.
Sign-ups are open until 11:59PM EST on March 15th.
Tournament begins March 16th at 12:00PM EST.

Okay - submitted. One two hour session did the trick. We'll see if it shows.

An odd feeling this one - almost looking forward to not moving forward to be relieved of having to write another one. Normally I'm chomping at the bit.

Look forward to see what folks come up with.

I'm actually having a hard time with mine. I think I'll play some Fortnite to let my mind wander and hit it up again later.

Quoted from stevie Yeah I just saw mine too.  Couple of questions.  Open budget?  Actually silly query cos the one I got is high budget anyway lol.  Do both contestants get the same one to write?  Is there a theme behind the log? Or just random stuff in what is basically a long scene I guess. TIA

I don't believe in budget constraints. Yes, the person you've been paired with received an identical set of parameters. Try to write a complete story. I will say that the MoviePoet vets will probably have the advantage on this one.

Quoted from ajr Did I read in here somewhere that we can't use more than 5 characters? What if they don't speak?

If you did read that, it wasn't from me. No character limit. Just be smart about how you use them, due to the page limit.

I have 5 lines, and zero direction. Does 5 lines count as one page? haha

Quoted from Warren I have 5 lines, and zero direction. Does 5 lines count as one page? haha

Ernest Hemingway's shortest book was 3 Lines long.

Baby shoes.
For sale.
Never worn.

You're in good company

Quoted from eldave1 Okay - submitted. One two hour session did the trick. We'll see if it shows. An odd feeling this one - almost looking forward to not moving forward to be relieved of having to write another one. Normally I'm chomping at the bit...

Why, Dave? Your mission accomplished in two hours! Shows you might be on a roll.

I will definitely be reading, folks. And looking forward to what Blondie came up with for you all. :)

Quoted from LC And looking forward to what Blondie came up with for you all. :)

Well, I think next week will be a cause for celebration, so I'm prepared to see what'll happen, myself... =)

Quoted from eldave1 Ernest Hemingway's shortest book was 3 Lines long. Baby shoes. For sale. Never worn. You're in good company

Excellent, I'm a shoe in.

So wait when are they due?

Quoted from Warren Excellent, I'm a shoe in.

Lol

Quoted from Warren Excellent, I'm a shoe in.

Lol

Quoted from LC Why, Dave? Your mission accomplished in two hours! Shows you might be on a roll. I will definitely be reading, folks. And looking forward to what Blondie came up with for you all. :)

I wish. Twas just all the time I had

Got mine finished, decently happy with it.

Quoted from Steven Got mine finished.

ahaha, you won't get me worried, I finished mine yesterday!

Quoted from khamanna ahaha, you won't get me worried, I finished mine yesterday!

Don't listen to her, Khamanna is in the future.

Got mine in. This should be fun.

Quoted from eldave1 Ernest Hemingway's shortest book was 3 Lines long. Baby shoes. For sale. Never worn. You're in good company

Dave you'll be glad to hear that I've trimmed some serious fat from my script and managed to get it down to 3 lines.

But in all seriousness I have managed to get something together. I truly believe it is the worst thing I've ever written and apologize in advance to anyone that reads it.

I misinterpreted the brief entirely, wrote a 5 pager I actually kinda like but now have to start again! Luckily I have an idea... how long have we got left?

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I misinterpreted the brief entirely, wrote a 5 pager I actually kinda like but now have to start again! Luckily I have an idea... how long have we got left?

It can be one to five pages can't it?

From this moment, everyone has another 39 hours.

Due Sunday at 11:59 am for those of us in the EST?

PM.

Ah! Great, I'll screw off some more then...

I've finished my effort.  That was a toughy!

I'll post in a day after a mini edit I'm sure I'll have to do.

Quoted from Warren Excellent, I'm a shoe in.

I see what you did there :)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde From this moment, everyone has another 39 hours.

That's different from what it's originally been, not? Now I need to reconsider.

So is it 11.59 pm on Sunday regarding the clock from simplyscripts???

Quoted from PrussianMosby That's different from what it's originally been, not? Now I need to reconsider. So is it 11.59 pm on Sunday regarding the clock from simplyscripts???

The original plan was to give everyone 48 hours. That seems to have shifted to "two full days, not counting the part-day when assignments were given."

SimplyScripts is set to display Eastern Standard Time by default, but you can change that in the Member Center.

Is it not possible to get a Countdown showing in the usual place?

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Is it not possible to get a Countdown showing in the usual place?

I think only Don can do that and I think he's traveling this weekend, but who knows, maybe he can do it on his phone.  :)

Maybe an hourly post from Mr Blonde then ;-)

According to my counting, it's 33 hours left at this point.

A day for me anyway as I'll have to submit tomorrow before going to bed. I can't submit anything earlier than the very last minute as that's when the changes come. It's right after I enter.

When we get to Sunday, you'll get indications of when it'll end.

Assuming we don't sign our scripts - do we make up an alias?

You can, but I would honestly suggest against it.

So just the title, no "by"?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde When we get to Sunday, you'll get indications of when it'll end.

Yeah but that's the point. Sunday is a margin of many hours regarding the board's members and time zones. You should have kept the original schedule imo.

Done and submitted.

I'm not happy with it at all, but it's as good as it's going to get.

Good luck everyone, and thanks to Sean for holding such an awesome contest!

Gonna start on mine now. Its all in me head just need to write it lol. Its 0825am Sunday here in Oz so by my reckoning I have till 1pm tomoz - Monday - to get it submitted.  Give or take a coupla hours lol

The review process will be interesting.

A short time period to review 32 scripts - albeit short ones.

I am definitely going to limit notes and just add standard language that author can PM if they want more details - i.e., Liked to read as many as possible as opposed to crafting notes. Think I'll just comment on which one I thought was the best.

Quoted from stevie Gonna start on mine now. Its all in me head just need to write it lol. Its 0825am Sunday here in Oz so by my reckoning I have till 1pm tomoz - Monday - to get it submitted.  Give or take a coupla hours lol

As a sportsman that I am, good luck. It's 23.41 here. I go sleep now.

Quoted from PrussianMosby As a sportsman that I am, good luck. It's 23.41 here. I go sleep now.

Yeah all the best PM!

Quoted from Mr. Blonde You can, but I would honestly suggest against it.

I always suggest against It. That is a seriously creepy clown, would probably give you nightmares.

This is only the first round and I'm dying... what have I gotten myself into...

Where are you, Vicki!? Why must you play these mind games?

For the title page, are we to put anything? Or do we even include one?

You can, but no requirement.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I think only Don can do that and I think he's traveling this weekend, but who knows, maybe he can do it on his phone.  :)

Apparently Don has an awesome phone, because the upper-right part of the site is now counting down.

I wonder if it will count down for the review period as well?

I've been out of town. I will write my last minute... tomorrow night.

Thanks for putting the countdown up. It always helps me get my ass into gear. :)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde I'm so sorry for leaving all of you guys in suspense yesterday. To catch you up, I was putting the finishing touches on the first round of the March Madness tournament as a blizzard was starting to ramp up. I kept losing power for the briefest of moments (5-30 seconds at a time). By the time the whole losing power thing was done, my internet was knocked out and didn't come back online this morning. Now that I'm back, I can finally clarify exactly what's happening: The two tournaments are separate entities that will run concurrently. The tournament on this board will be as follows: the tournament will be a multi-round writing contest where you, and the writer you are competing against, will be given a specific topic to write about in 1-5 pages. You will have 48 hours to write and submit your short, then they will be posted together (anonymously) and everyone will vote for the script they think is the best. The script with the highest score moves on to the next round. If you sign up and aren't able to complete a script in the given time, you will be eliminated and your opponent will move on, so at least put out something. .

I'm done, but I don't see a place to submit. I'll do it with "unproduced" scripts with a tag of 'March Madness'.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley I'm done, but I don't see a place to submit. I'll do it with "unproduced" scripts with a tag of 'March Madness'.

simplyscripts.com/owc

Quoted from Steven For the title page, are we to put anything? Or do we even include one?

I like title pages.

I think the extra few hours allotted makes it fairer for the writers that may have been asleep when the tourney started.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I think the extra few hours allotted makes it fairer for the writers that may have been asleep when the tourney started.

I wish I knew of them earlier. Because I felt under pressure to write, thinking I had just a day to read and submit. I could have thought of other ideas if I knew.

I've just submitted my effort.

Hopefully it makes the grade.

Quoted from khamanna I wish I knew of them earlier. Because I felt under pressure to write, thinking I had just a day to read and submit. I could have thought of other ideas if I knew.

There's still time. I wrote my idea out in the first few hours, I've spent the rest of the time polishing it. Given the time allotted, it's probably best to run with whatever we come up with first.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I wrote my idea out in the first few hours, I've spent the rest of the time polishing it. Given the time allotted, it's probably best to run with whatever we come up with first.

That's what I'm saying. I wrote mine literally in the first hour so I that I have time to read and polish. I don't know if I would rush that bad if I knew there's more time.
It's not a bad idea though. I'm fairly satisfied with it but let's see what you all think. --submitted mine.

Steeeeven. Steeeven

https://youtu.be/Yhv-AClYEzI

Quoted from khamanna Steeeeven. Steeeven https://youtu.be/Yhv-AClYEzI

Yes? Haha

Quoted from khamanna I wish I knew of them earlier. Because I felt under pressure to write, thinking I had just a day to read and submit. I could have thought of other ideas if I knew.

For some reason (entirely my mistake - read the rules wrong) I thought I had very little time to write and submit.

Have no idea where it will land. What I learned though is that my lack of writing sometimes must be attributed to laziness rather than to "writer's block" because knowing that I had to get something done real fast really made me focus and pound away. Going to rethink how I approach this hobby.

Submitted. Interested in seeing where my opponent went with it.

On Time and Timing.

The short notice is one of the aspects of the challenge.  Can you write a script in a short amount of time on short notice.  This aspect of the challenges is suppose to emulate real life experience.  Someone says to you, "I need a script/scene/rewrite on short notice. Can you do it?"

Can you do it?

With regard to the extra time given in this challenge.  Remember, you can resubmit as many times as you want up to the deadline.  Extra time is Mana from heaven to re-read and revise.

- Don

Quoted from eldave1 For some reason (entirely my mistake - read the rules wrong) I thought I had very little time to write and submit. Have no idea where it will land. What I learned though is that my lack of writing sometimes must be attributed to laziness rather than to "writer's block" because knowing that I had to get something done real fast really made me focus and pound away. Going to rethink how I approach this hobby.

Writer's block is a figment of your imagination. I can write three 5-page shorts in 24 hours if I put my mind to it. I'm sure you could too.

Quoted from Don On Time and Timing. The short notice is one of the aspects of the challenge.  Can you write a script in a short amount of time on short notice.  This aspect of the challenges is suppose to emulate real life experience.  Someone says to you, "I need a script/scene/rewrite on short notice. Can you do it?" Can you do it? With regard to the extra time given in this challenge.  Remember, you can resubmit as many times as you want up to the deadline.  Extra time is Mana from heaven to re-read and revise. - Don

I liked the time constraints for that very reason. Made me practice a new approach.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Writer's block is a figment of your imagination. I can write three 5-page shorts in 24 hours if I put my mind to it. I'm sure you could too.

Yep - kind of the point. This one taught me that if I keep hammering the keys rather than over thinking every letter - wala - stuffs come out.

Quoted from eldave1 Yep - kind of the point. This one taught me that if I keep hammering the keys rather than over thinking every letter - wala - stuffs come out.

For me, the thinking comes after. I get an idea and run with it... doesn't always work out, but it does most of the time.

Quoted from DustinBowcot For me, the thinking comes after. I get an idea and run with it... doesn't always work out, but it does most of the time.

It's definitely a different strokes thing.  Minds work differently. I am much more deliberate (like to arrange the messy details before starting - it's the old bureaucrat in me).

That's what I liked about this exercise. Just opened a screen and started hacking away.  An approach I think I will use more often.

Quoted from eldave1 That's what I liked about this exercise. Just opened a screen and started hacking away.  An approach I think I will use more often.

That's true for me as well, several ideas came readily and I went with one right away. I thought it's because of the strict requirement received from Sean. That must have helped as well.

Quoted from khamanna That's true for me as well, several ideas came readily and I went with one right away. I thought it's because of the strict requirement received from Sean. That must have helped as well.

Indeed - mine was specific enough to to permit a lot of roaming. A good thing.

I might be wrong, but I think that the whole write this on short notice thing is a little overblown?

My experience has been that unless you're a TV writer, Hollywood moves at a glacial pace, not the other way around. I'm not saying you'd have months to complete an assignment, however I don't think it's 48 hours, or even a week, either.  Not from conception. Rewrites, yes.

There was one time, here, where someone said I have a hospital set for the weekend and I need a short script fast. One time in all the times I can remember.

Again, I could be wrong.

Quoted from khamanna That's true for me as well, several ideas came readily and I went with one right away. I thought it's because of the strict requirement received from Sean. That must have helped as well.

Unfortunately, some people got "easy" topics and some got "hard" topics. I hope people will keep that in mind when voting.

Hypothetical:
Let's say your opponent fails to enter. You win automatically.
Round Two comes and you get a new topic. Your poor script from Round 1 didn't actually beat anyone, and it just disappears.
Right?

No. It'll stay in the thread or you can re-up to the shorts section.

Is 5 pages a hard limit? Do we lose points or get DQ'd if we end at 6?

It is a hard limit. That said, I'm not going to DQ anybody and automatically give a win to your opponent. However, I'm certain you'll be hit hard by the reviewers for it. My suggestion is to make cuts where you can.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Unfortunately, some people got "easy" topics and some got "hard" topics. I hope people will keep that in mind when voting.

Voting in this should be easier I think as all we do is picking one out of two written on the same topic and in the same genre.

Quoted from khamanna Voting in this should be easier I think as all we do is picking one out of two written on the same topic and in the same genre.

Just a matter of who made the most out of their lemons. =)

1-5 pages is one of the parameters. Not hitting that parameter will instantly disqualify a script for me.

Quoted from DustinBowcot 1-5 pages is one of the parameters. Not hitting that parameter will instantly disqualify a script for me.

I don't disqualify scripts. I'm sure you guys will handle that amongst yourselves.

Yeah, I read your last post where you said that you wouldn't disqualify a script if it was over... but when it comes to the vote, I would automatically disqualify a script if it was over and vote for the other one without even reading it.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Yeah, I read your last post where you said that you wouldn't disqualify a script if it was over... but when it comes to the vote, I would automatically disqualify a script if it was over and vote for the other one without even reading it.

Which will always end up resulting in a debate between logic and emotion. That's why I'm leaving it up to you guys instead of ruling on it specifically.

Page length is going to be a hard parameter for me too. I won't look past it.

Done and submitted.

This script is mean and lean as I had to cut any trace of extra fat to fit a complete story in 5 pages. But I managed. Just hope it's good enough to give Dustin a run for his money! But I think it turned out well. Good luck!

I don't understand why people would want to lose votes automatically. Many writers that worked hard to stay within the parameters will frown upon those that didn't.

Quoted from CameronD This script is mean and lean as I had to cut any trace of extra fat to fit a complete story in 5 pages. But I managed.

This would ordinarily count as a breadcrumb. However, on this occasion, it keeps us on an even keel as I have also just managed to fit a complete story in 5 pages.

I'm confused. What difference does a breadcrumb make in this case, Dustin? You two are going against each other...

Quoted from Mr. Blonde I'm confused. What difference does a breadcrumb make in this case, Dustin? You two are going against each other...

What's the point in it being anonymous if we are allowed to give clues to which script we wrote?

Quoted from DustinBowcot What's the point in it being anonymous if we are allowed to give clues to which script we wrote?

But I think the voting can be set up so that readers won't know which pair of authors wrote those two scripts. Then you need a breadcrumb that not only contrasts with your opponent, but with everyone else in that round.

You know, like "I had a really hard time fitting my story into 5 pages... at least until I turned the font size down to 9 points."

I'm still in the dark to how it's going to be. Sean, are you going to announce that these two scripts belong to these two writers, or you'll just list the scripts and we'll vote for the scripts without knowing which two they belong to?

No, I agree when it comes other people, but saying you just got in under the 5-page limit isn't a clue. There are 32 scripts (if all enter) coming. You think that'll be the only one that uses every last bit of it? It's not like he even hinted at a clue of which script he wrote.

Quoted from FrankM But I think the voting can be set up so that readers won't know which pair of authors wrote those two scripts. ."

Yes, I'd like that better.

Quoted from khamanna I'm still in the dark to how it's going to be. Sean, are you going to announce that these two scripts belong to these two writers, or you'll just list the scripts and we'll vote for the scripts without knowing which two they belong to?

You know how the OWC scripts are posted? Well, it'll be the same thing, except there will be two scripts and loglines per post instead of one. When voting is over, everyone can announce which script was theirs.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde You know how the OWC scripts are posted? Well, it'll be the same thing, except there will be two scripts and loglines per post instead of one. When voting is over, everyone can announce which script was theirs.

It is fully anonymous then! just like it's always been. Good)

Khamanna, that's how I've been trying to explain it. That has always been a big problem of mine, but the intention was always "two scripts in the same post, no names. Vote for the best." Lol.

Off to bed. Good luck to everyone. I just reread mine and resubmitted, not going to do it again.

Phew! That was rough. Done, dusted and submitted. Bring it on, DanC!

And submitted, looking forward to reading what people have come up with in their respective jackets.

Quoted from DustinBowcot 1-5 pages is one of the parameters. Not hitting that parameter will instantly disqualify a script for me.

I agree, the point of the challenge is meeting the criteria of said challenge.

Submitted earlier today. I can't remember whether we get a confirmation. I assume it arrived.

I don't know whether my topic falls into Sean's "hard" or "easy" category. For me, it was hard.

Ok yall.. just sitting down to write. This ought to be interesting! :) Doubt this chic will make it past round one. :)

Failed to go to bed and resubmitted two more times. Crazy.
My apologies to Don!

Hey Blonde or anyone who knows-

I know it was said that the location was to be the predominant place in the script... if my location is three pages and the rest is out is that ok to submit??? Rules guys...

Quoted from Stumpzian Submitted earlier today. I can't remember whether we get a confirmation. I assume it arrived. I don't know whether my topic falls into Sean's "hard" or "easy" category. For me, it was hard.

I did get a confirmation, but it was several hours later (probably when Don got a chance to check it).

Thanks, FrankM. I just got Don's email. And thanks, Don.

Turned mine in just now.

Now we wait for the Hammer of Judgement. (Too big?)

Just turned mine in. Not particularly happy with the end result, but what does one do? Looking forward to reading the entries!  ;D

Ok I finished. I WAS going to bail/ forfeit whatever you call it because I don't really think ...well, I know how strict you guys are around here on parameters ... so maybe I'm disqualified for writing too many pages... ha .. I never write too many pages but seriously probably disqualified on this one. Anyway ... I wrote it in three hours. Sorry ahead of time readers. I do not have as much free time as I'd wish for sometimes... :)

Quoted from Pale Yellow Ok I finished. I WAS going to bail/ forfeit whatever you call it because I don't really think ...well, I know how strict you guys are around here on parameters ... so maybe I'm disqualified for writing too many pages... ha .. I never write too many pages but seriously probably disqualified on this one. Anyway ... I wrote it in three hours. Sorry ahead of time readers. I do not have as much free time as I'd wish for sometimes... :)

Translation, "Suck it, you talent-less hacks."

Any idea when the scripts start coming out to be read once entries close?

JE be prepared to go down.

Over how bad mine is.  Oh man, that one aspect of the challenge was crazy hard, wasn't it?  I mean, it just didn't scream porn, right??

Ah, that's a joke.  We didn't get porn for our modifier.  

But, it was hard.  I submitted mine, and I think I did what I was supposed to, but, who knows.

JE, best of luck.  I'm a lightweight here, but, I can take a punch!!

Dan

Submitted. There are words on pages. I think some of them may form sentences. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine.

Best of luck to all.

Quoted from MarkItZero There are words on pages. I think some of them may form sentences.

I knew I forgot something.

Quoted from Warren Any idea when the scripts start coming out to be read once entries close?

I will make best effort to get them out as soon as possible after midnight.  However, it may be 24 hours or so before the voting is sorted.  Or less.  Or more.  Dunno.

- Don

Quoted from DanC Over how bad mine is.  Oh man, that one aspect of the challenge was crazy hard, wasn't it?  I mean, it just didn't scream porn, right?? Ah, that's a joke.  We didn't get porn for our modifier.

I was really hoping serial killer would come up with your guys' topic. I think that would have been so cool. Not kidding, that would've been a script I would have legitimately written.

Guys how do I submit. I still got like 20 minutes right?

Go to this link:

simplyscripts.com/owc

Thank you Mr. Blond. Can someone hold the clock hands for me please?

You'll make it. Don't worry. =)

submitting now  wheres that link on the site?

Stevie, just type in simplyscripts.com/owc

yeah sorry  done and submitted   had to cut 3 full pages in the final hour lol  

Wow,
Just squeaked my submission in 15 minutes before midnight. No matter what happens with the voting that ticking clock and this contest was personally an amazing exercise to help me regain my focus and finish something without endlessly rewriting and second guessing myself.

Not a big poster here, but still a huge fan of the site and community. Big thanks to Sean and Don for the opportunity and good luck to everyone!
Nate

Wow great work Don.  Is there any way we can see what the theme and modifier etc was for each script so we can get a feel for what’s it about?

Hey realxwriter--curious if you got your script in. It'd be nice to have competition, and not win by default, though I'm pretty sure if you copied the side of a cereal box it'd beat my entry.

Really want to start reading but hard to judge without the script criteria and match ups. What's the deal?

Suppose, as Don said, that might take a bit more time. I can't even vote but it'll be good to see what's up against what.
Patience, Grasshopper.

But I wanna play!! Haha

Didn't mean to sound impatient, just keen to get going:)

Might start reading but not comment until I know what I'm judging on.

I counted, it's supposed to be 32 entries, but there's not.

I assume at some point the actual criteria for each bracket will be given? Otherwise how will we know if they've stayed on brief other than the 5 page limit...

Quoted from khamanna I counted, it's supposed to be 32 entries, but there's not.

Not everyone may have got a script together in time, it was bound to happen.

Quoted from Warren Not everyone may have got a script together in time, it was bound to happen.

Well, it's as many as 3 entries are missing. I didn't expect this many.
I'm guessing the writers want to read their competition, otherwise there's no game, so I feel for those who submitted but didn't get to go against anyone.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I assume at some point the actual criteria for each bracket will be given? Otherwise how will we know if they've stayed on brief other than the 5 page limit...

This is very important.

No point in having an excellent serial killer script when the brief was happiness & sunshine.

Quoted from jayrex This is very important. No point in having an excellent serial killer script when the brief was happiness & sunshine.

I can read and store them in my memory, then recall what it's about and my reaction to them. I may go over a few.

Reading but not commenting right now.

My notifications from SS go to junk folder for some reason by the way. They always were in my good folder. Anyway, I had all four notifiers. Now I'm feeling such a remorse for sending my entry 4 times! 2 am - I couldn't think straight, that's when my obsessive-compulsive wakes up.

Yeah, seeing the criteria for each entry would be nice. Makes the judging a little more consistent.

That's why I'm giving a score for each script. Highest score wins.

Quoted from DustinBowcot That's why I'm giving a score for each script. Highest score wins.

But what if it doesn't meet the criteria considering we aren't 100% sure what it is?

Quoted from Warren But what if it doesn't meet the criteria considering we aren't 100% sure what it is?

I'm leaving that up to the tournament organisers. If the script is in, it meets the criteria.

That's a lame way to look at it. But whatever.

I'm guessing the voting bracket threads will have the parameters.

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect That's a lame way to look at it. But whatever.

Why is it a lame way to look at it, but whatever?

The organisers set the criteria if the script meets the criteria then it's in. Just like in a nightclub with a door policy. The bouncers don't wait until people get inside and wait to hear everyone else's opinion on what is allowed.

See how I explain why your logic is nonsensical, I don't just call it lame, but whatever?

The thing at the top of the page says Read Now.

I'd rather have the entries paired up, along with the parameters, so I can fix in my mind which of the two I like better as I read.

But -- you can't always get what you want.

Two entries to a thread would work better, but it would take a longer time to add the parameters while also checking the scripts meet them themselves. I do agree though that each of the two competing scripts should be paired in the same thread. Even that though would take extra time in sorting out.

Yup, can't always get what we want and it helps if we can all work together to make this a success. This is all for free and I know there will be a bunch of produced scripts from this exercise.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Yup, can't always get what we want and it helps if we can all work together to make this a success. This is all for free and I know there will be a bunch of produced scripts from this exercise.

Well said.

I suspect Crisis In The Red Room and Fake News are up against each other.

Short / Horror 'Monster in the Whitehouse'.

If anyone notices a pair they should perhaps note it.

Quoted from LC I suspect Crisis In The Red Room and Fake News are up against each other. Short Horror 'Monster in the Whitehouse.

And:

The Lazy Eye
paired with
Untitled Short - A Vomit Draft

Well done, Kham. :)

We'll have a list in no time if everyone is on the ball.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm leaving that up to the tournament organisers. If the script is in, it meets the criteria.

Maybe I’m wrong but they said you only get disqualified if you don’t submit. So who knows if the parameters are met. I’m sure they didn’t read every single entry.

Pearl of Wisdom and Fish Escape seem paired.

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect Maybe I’m wrong but they said you only get disqualified if you don’t submit. So who knows if the parameters are met. I’m sure they didn’t read every single entry.

Looks like Sean sets the parameters but Don is the one who checks uploads into the system.

I’d like to know the prompt, not to ding people on points, but to find out that “a cartoon bunny that speaks only in expletives” was a requirement rather than the writer’s choice.

Apologies all,

I could not get the parings up last night and I am in transit.

The pairing will go up at 5:00 pm edt.

Don

It should be easy to guess the parameters once the pairings are up.  If a serial killer script ends up alongside a rom com chances are something's amiss.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Two entries to a thread would work better, but it would take a longer time to add the parameters while also checking the scripts meet them themselves. I do agree though that each of the two competing scripts should be paired in the same thread. Even that though would take extra time in sorting out.

That was the original plan, but this is the first time doing this, so we're trying stuff out.

Quoted from Don I could not get the parings up last night and I am in transit. The pairing will go up at 5:00 pm edt.

Don't sweat it, Don. I'm already working on them. They should be up in the next half hour or so. Sorry about the delay, everyone.

If you could give us a list of pairing - that would be as good, Sean, I think. And Don could take his time.

just saying)

Oh, you're going to get the list. I assure you of that.

Says that the voting will start in 24 hours or so...Any sense are how long the voting will be opened? Trying to plan time and get a sense of when my last read opportunity will be.

Probably until late on Thursday. Give you guys as much time as possible to review, but still allow me time to make the brackets for the subsequent round.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Probably until late on Thursday. Give you guys as much time as possible to review, but still allow me time to make the brackets for the subsequent round.

Perfect - that's plenty

Quoted from eldave1 Perfect - that's plenty

For now, it is. Just wait 'til you see what I've got planned for you guys over the next four weeks... =)

Firstly, I have to say that I'm a little bummed that my opponent did not post a script for the challenge. I would have liked to participate in the first round.

Secondly, should entrants be critiquing scripts on the script page? It might be too late to make a decision on that. The reason I bring this up is because there is an "influence" factor. It's the reason why the Blacklist allows hidden scores. Corporations use influencers to pose as civilians when selling products because they understand this phenomenon.

Reading through the scripts, I've encountered some that I would consider "weak" that are garnering praise. Also, there was one that was being thrown under the bus that I thought was one of the stronger offerings.

I realize that it's subjective, but I can't help but think (especially since there doesn't seem to be any contradicting critiques) that the "influence factor" is in full swing.

Quoted from RJP Firstly, I have to say that I'm a little bummed that my opponent did not post a script for the challenge. I would have liked to participate in the first round. Secondly, should entrants be critiquing scripts on the script page? It might be too late to make a decision on that. The reason I bring this up is because there is an "influence" factor. It's the reason why the Blacklist allows hidden scores. Corporations use influencers to pose as civilians when selling products because they understand this phenomenon. Reading through the scripts, I've encountered some that I would consider "weak" that are garnering praise. Also, there was one that was being thrown under the bus that I thought was one of the stronger offerings. I realize that it's subjective, but I can't help but think (especially since there doesn't seem to be any contradicting critiques) that the "influence factor" is in full swing.

This is a very valid point... and I agree. But what can be done about it? Is there a solution?

It would be great if somehow the critiques could be sent in blind in a separate file. This would make for some interesting reads instead of seeing most people just agreeing with the majority.

Quoted from RJP Firstly, I have to say that I'm a little bummed that my opponent did not post a script for the challenge. I would have liked to participate in the first round. Secondly, should entrants be critiquing scripts on the script page? It might be too late to make a decision on that. The reason I bring this up is because there is an "influence" factor. It's the reason why the Blacklist allows hidden scores. Corporations use influencers to pose as civilians when selling products because they understand this phenomenon. Reading through the scripts, I've encountered some that I would consider "weak" that are garnering praise. Also, there was one that was being thrown under the bus that I thought was one of the stronger offerings. I realize that it's subjective, but I can't help but think (especially since there doesn't seem to be any contradicting critiques) that the "influence factor" is in full swing.

You make a valid point, but there's nothing inherently wrong with that bolded statement. You simply disagree with the majority, which is fine and not necessarily an issue, IMO. I haven't even looked at most of the thread comments before commenting. Then again, I can only speak for myself.

Personally, I've seen a lot of variation in the feedback, although blind critiques would be cool next time around. As has been said already, may be too late in that regard.

I think it's fine as is.  It's worked pretty well for other OWCs.

Quoted from ReaperCreeper You make a valid point, but there's nothing inherently wrong with that bolded statement. You simply disagree with the majority, which is fine and not necessarily issue, IMO. I haven't even looked at most of the thread comments before commenting. Then again, I can only speak for myself. Personally, I've seen a lot of variation in the feedback, although blind critiques would be cool next time around. As has been said already, may be too late in that regard.

My point is that I might not be disagreeing with the majority. That's how influencing works. The majority of voters may very well have thought that script was weak. But after 1 or 2 respected members give it a good review, someone who didn't like it is far less likely to post their opinion. And believe it or not, there will be people who change their minds based on the opinions of others.

Years ago when I was making indie computer games, you needed your game to be voted-in to be accepted onto Steam (distribution network). They used a platform called "green light" and you would post gameplay videos and people would give a yes of no. Anyways, what would happen is that you would get weeks and weeks of positive reviews until 1 GUY says something horrible about your project. You can guess what happens after that-- another guy, then another guy, then another guy. You'd be surprised how strongly people tend to follow others. Steam thankfully would allow you to remove unwanted reviews. Yes, obviously it manipulates opinions in the other way, but who wouldn't...and guess what happens? Months of only positive reviews.

From first hand experience I know how strong this can be. What can be done? Probably nothing in the first round, but people could agree to stop doing it in subsequent rounds. Doesn't matter either way for me. It won't effect my vote.

where do we read the scripts?

Because this is head to head, I think comparisons between the two scripts are justified and actually needed. Otherwise this is just a bunch of mini OWCs all thrown into one. Nothing wrong with that, but we lose the uniqueness of the brackets.

@RJP - let's hope that critiquing doesn't equal voting.

We don't review in pairs as they weren't posted in pairs. Maybe critique would be different if we read one after another or were cornered to make a choice.

But I hear you. We sometimes parrot each other. It's in human nature, and I read several times it's been proven by some studies. I can see it on my own example - I never bring down a script if it's highly praised just not to walk over someone's parade, but rather try to sound impartial.

Isiah - the pairs and the criteria are here - http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-tournament/m-1521470272/

Click on the script title and it'll open the scripts page where you can leave comments, click on the script title on this page and it will open the script as a pdf for you.

Ah cool that’s better.  It would’ve been fine if the parameter was in with each script but the pairing is great. Now I can start reading as I know exactly what the script is meant to be about

Everyone, I just need to make a quick announcement. When it comes to the polls, make sure you put a vote in for your own script. Seeing as we can't see the names of people who vote (only the last person to), there's no fair way I can think of to fairly keep track, except to take one vote off for each participant (the vote for themselves). I hope this seems fair to everybody, but I honestly don't know of another way that's guaranteed to work (and even this isn't guaranteed).

In addition to that, I will also act as tiebreaker. I haven't read the scripts or any of the script notes (except one. Full disclosure) and I don't actually remember off the top of my head who wrote what script. I hope this all seems fair and makes sense to everyone. Thank you.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Everyone, I just need to make a quick announcement. When it comes to the polls, make sure you put a vote in for your own script. Seeing as we can't see the names of people who vote (only the last person to), there's no fair way I can think of to fairly keep track, except to take one vote off for each participant (the vote for themselves). I hope this seems fair to everybody, but I honestly don't know of another way that's guaranteed to work (and even this isn't guaranteed). In addition to that, I will also act as tiebreaker. I haven't read the scripts or any of the script notes (except one. Full disclosure) and I don't actually remember off the top of my head who wrote what script. I hope this all seems fair and makes sense to everyone. Thank you.

Wouldn't voting for ourselves right off the bat break the anonymity? Perhaps that should be the absolute LAST thing we do... I'd clarify that, assuming we're on the same page!

Not sure why people are complaining about the time frame in which the complete their script. I think it's fun to write under pressure (with no stakes). Churn something out, it is what it is...it's fun.


I'm content with the feedback I've received so far, and I agree with just about all of it.


I don't think anyone expected first draft masterpieces.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Everyone, I just need to make a quick announcement. When it comes to the polls, make sure you put a vote in for your own script. Seeing as we can't see the names of people who vote (only the last person to), there's no fair way I can think of to fairly keep track, except to take one vote off for each participant (the vote for themselves). I hope this seems fair to everybody, but I honestly don't know of another way that's guaranteed to work (and even this isn't guaranteed). In addition to that, I will also act as tiebreaker. I haven't read the scripts or any of the script notes (except one. Full disclosure) and I don't actually remember off the top of my head who wrote what script. I hope this all seems fair and makes sense to everyone. Thank you.

Do we simply just enter the Poll thread, and type the title of the script we're voting for?

Quoted from Steven Do we simply just enter the Poll thread, and type the title of the script we're voting for?

Steven,

There is a circle next to the script titles.  Pick a circle, e.g.,

O Sophie The Gelded Space Stallion
O Run, Dorothy, Run

Quoted from Don Steven, There is a circle next to the script titles.  Pick a circle, e.g., O Sophie The Gelded Space Stallion O Run, Dorothy, Run

Thanks, I didn't see that when I asked the question!

So can we vote on our own just so we can see the running poll?

If we all do it then the votes will just cancel out so no issue.

Thoughts???

There is an option to just view the poll. But yeah, can we vote in our own category?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Everyone, I just need to make a quick announcement. When it comes to the polls, make sure you put a vote in for your own script. Seeing as we can't see the names of people who vote (only the last person to), there's no fair way I can think of to fairly keep track, except to take one vote off for each participant (the vote for themselves). I hope this seems fair to everybody, but I honestly don't know of another way that's guaranteed to work (and even this isn't guaranteed). In addition to that, I will also act as tiebreaker. I haven't read the scripts or any of the script notes (except one. Full disclosure) and I don't actually remember off the top of my head who wrote what script. I hope this all seems fair and makes sense to everyone. Thank you.

Sorry just read this, answers my previous question.

It doesn't matter when you do it, just do it before it locks. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Everyone, I just need to make a quick announcement. When it comes to the polls, make sure you put a vote in for your own script. Seeing as we can't see the names of people who vote (only the last person to), there's no fair way I can think of to fairly keep track, except to take one vote off for each participant (the vote for themselves). I hope this seems fair to everybody, but I honestly don't know of another way that's guaranteed to work (and even this isn't guaranteed). In addition to that, I will also act as tiebreaker. I haven't read the scripts or any of the script notes (except one. Full disclosure) and I don't actually remember off the top of my head who wrote what script. I hope this all seems fair and makes sense to everyone. Thank you.

I am lost. Are we to indicate our vote on the actual thread? ? Not going to be a separate pm like other owcs?

Are we missing the Private Hell thread?

Quoted from eldave1 I am lost. Are we to indicate our vote on the actual thread? ? Not going to be a separate pm like other owcs?

Check box in the thread is how to vote.

What if the other guys script is better than mine? Can't I vote for his/hers?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :P ::)

All my votes are in, good challenge.

When does the next round actually start?

I’m quite surprised at how good some of these scripts are, considering the time constraints and relatively hard topics there are some really solid entries so far.

Go team!

Quoted from Warren I’m quite surprised at how good some of these scripts are, considering the time constraints and relatively hard topics there are some really solid entries so far. Go team!

Agreed. I think the rush allowed people to NOT overthink stuff and just go with their initial idea.

Steven - How can all your votes be in? Some polls still show zero votes?

Quoted from Warren I’m quite surprised at how good some of these scripts are, considering the time constraints and relatively hard topics there are some really solid entries so far. Go team!

Same reaction

Never mind... my bad. You must've been a readin' fool today to get them all done!

Quoted from eldave1 Same reaction

Unfortunately I don’t include myself in that statement and maintain mine is the worst piece of writing I have ever produced.

Was a fun challenge though. Should at the very least become an annual event I think.

Quoted from JEStaats Steven - How can all your votes be in? Some polls still show zero votes?

Really? I could have sworn I got them all.


I also didn't see the post for the Private Prison topic. But I think that's because one entry was disqualified.


EDIT: Which poll do you see that doesn't have a vote?

Quoted from Steven Agreed. I think the rush allowed people to NOT overthink stuff and just go with their initial idea.

While I’m happy with my initial idea, thoughts on how to improve it arrived promptly on the morning after the deadline. Which I’m sure happened to all of us, so it’s a level playing field  :P

Did I read this right on the other thread (that I can't post on,) that non competitors can vote?

Quoted from Steven Really? I could have sworn I got them all. I also didn't see the post for the Private Prison topic. But I think that's because one entry was disqualified. EDIT: Which poll do you see that doesn't have a vote?

There are enough threads on the board that it stretches to two pages.

Quoted from FrankM While I’m happy with my initial idea, thoughts on how to improve it arrived promptly on the morning after the deadline. Which I’m sure happened to all of us, so it’s a level playing field  :P

Same for me. Though I kind of just wrote it and didn't think about it again. I had some additional thoughts once I read a couple of comments this morning.

All in all I'm happy with it.

Quoted from LC Did I read this right on the other thread (that I can't post on,) that non competitors can vote?

Libby, I'm pretty sure any board members can vote. Vote away!)

Well, that's cool. Thanks Kham. :)

* I suspect it'll become obvious if it won't let me vote so I'll give it a whirl.

I'm running out of time. I have to work for 6 hours tomorrow and then try to find time to read 12 or so more entries. I also have to play chess... not just play chess but I also have to prep before the game which takes a couple of hours. The thing is, I have the same schedule until Thursday. I thought I was only playing 3 times this week, but it's 4. I had a good result tonight, I really should have won, but I was playing an expert and I made an inaccurate move that allowed him in for a repetitive check so I had to accept the draw despite being materially better. My 12-year-old son played on the board above me and checkmated a player of expert level.

I'm sure you all wanted to know that... but I think I'm going to need a couple of days to get through the rest. I'm sure others must be struggling to read them all quickly too.

Quoted from Warren Unfortunately I don’t include myself in that statement and maintain mine is the worst piece of writing I have ever produced. Was a fun challenge though. Should at the very least become an annual event I think.

Concur - it's a fun one

Have there been any posts about when voting closes, or is it just when everyone has voted?

I may have missed that.

Quoted from Warren Have there been any posts about when voting closes, or is it just when everyone has voted? I may have missed that.

Late Thursday

Quoted from eldave1 Late Thursday

Thanks, so late Friday.

I am with Dustin.  I can only read so many before my neck implodes.  I will do my best to read them all, but, 30 entries is a lot.

Dan

Am I the only one, or is there no voting for one topic:
Horror, personal prison, guardian angel for Cell Mates and Blood and Feathers.  I've looked a few times and just don't see it.

Any change we can move the polls above the listings?  It'd make it much easier to spot them vs the stories.

Dan

Some people may have missed that but we are supposed to vote for our own. Each one votes for his own.

Sorry guys, seen the email from Don yesterday and hadn't a clue what was going on.  Only just spotted this forum...and I visit this place several times a week so I can't believe I missed it.

Good luck to all and I hope you are having fun!

Yes, this one is pretty amazing and I agree with Warren and Bill - you people are crazy talented if you could come up with such clever well-thought out scripts. Great tournament, thanks Sean.

@Sean - I'm just sad for that one thing. You know. It makes me very sad, maybe I'm a bit sick in the head as it shouldn't)

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Sorry guys, seen the email from Don yesterday and hadn't a clue what was going on.  Only just spotted this forum...and I visit this place several times a week so I can't believe I missed it. Good luck to all and I hope you are having fun!

You're being missed and at the same time some writer is crazy lucky you're not in.

Quoted from khamanna You're being missed and at the same time some writer is crazy lucky you're not in.

I'm going with their second one! Would have been bloody hard to beat.

Quoted from eldave1 Late Thursday

Great, so there's no rush then.

Haven't finished but having a really hard time deciding on one. I think I'll skip it so close it is.

I think a lot of the entries could use work (mine certainly does) but most of them are pretty decent. It's probably due to the time limit. In any case, I'm really enjoying myself so far and can't wait to see how the rest of the tournament pans out.

A lot of these entries are great for the time and content constraints. I haven't read them all but a few pairs gave me a tough time on voting. I'd love to see some of these expanded if the authors decide to do so.

I'm also glad mine is getting as good of feedback as it is, since mine I felt was a crummy POS. My competitor's is really good too. Ahhhhhhhhh

Quoted from Zombie Sean I'm also glad mine is getting as good of feedback as it is, since mine I felt was a crummy POS. My competitor's is really good too. Ahhhhhhhhh

I'm just waiting until I can thank people properly for the feedback I see so far.

My reaction was along the lines of "WHY DID I NOT SEE THAT?" ::bangs head on desk:: "I'm fine now."

Quoted from FrankM I'm just waiting until I can thank people properly for the feedback I see so far. My reaction was along the lines of "WHY DID I NOT SEE THAT?" ::bangs head on desk:: "I'm fine now."

You're not kidding. Mine has an absolutely fatal error that I can't believe I didn't see. It's still doing rather well, though, and it's gotten lots of valuable feedback.

It definitely sucks when people are like: "So many typos" and your reaction is "No Way, not mine!!"

Then you go look and duh.....I suck.

Quoted from khamanna Haven't finished but having a really hard time deciding on one. I think I'll skip it so close it is.

I've felt similarly. Please don't leave out the feedback! I'm sure the writers would appreciate it immensely. :)

DAMN!!!!  How did I miss this?

Oh man...looks like fun.  Just now saw the threads.

Best of luck to all who entered!

So far I've voted on all the contests I've read. In a couple of pairings I think both scripts definitely had issues, and in others both scripts were worthy of moving on. So I'm going to try, unless there's a compelling reason not to, to throw a vote behind someone. Great job so far everyone, this is truly impressive. And congrats to Sean and Don for getting this together and running it so smoothly...

AJR

Also, what happens if there's a tie between votes? If that even occurs.

Quoted from Zombie Sean Also, what happens if there's a tie between votes? If that even occurs.

Sean said earlier he would act as a tie-breaker at the very end.

Quoted from khamanna Sean said earlier he would act as a tie-breaker at the very end.

Ah okay. I was hoping more for a duel or fight to the death or whatever, but I guess a mediator will do.

Quoted from Zombie Sean Ah okay. I was hoping more for a duel or fight to the death or whatever, but I guess a mediator will do.

"You each have 48 minutes to write the remaining 105 pages of your story."

Quoted from FrankM "You each have 48 minutes to write the remaining 105 pages of your story."

Challenge accepted.


Although I will not swear by the quality of said finished product.

I really think the 5 page rule was a handicap for me, it prevent me from fleshing out important scenes.

It still reminded me of the old days with MoviePoet.  Aw nostalgia.

How long have we got to read everything by?

Quoted from jayrex How long have we got to read everything by?

Thursday.

I'm like dying to respond to some of the feedback I've received.

Quoted from jayrex How long have we got to read everything by?

Thursday at 11:59 pm edt

Do you need another timer?

Quoted from Don Thursday at 11:59 pm edt Do you need another timer?

I thought the timer was handy.

Seems like most script have pretty close matchups in terms of votes. Only a few that are getting steam rolled.

Sean might actually have to do some reading.

Well this seemed like it would have been a fun contest to enter....

Good luck to all who did.

Random question but how much do people think readers are influenced by previous comments on the script, be they positive or negative?

Quoted from Warren Random question but how much do people think readers are influenced by previous comments on the script, be they positive or negative?

Zero for me in any OWC, Waz. I always read the comments before I read the script just for the hell of it then I give my two bobs worth   Don't really give a tinker's tossbag about the other comments lol because thats those guys opinions as well.

Quoted from stevie Zero for me in any OWC, Waz. I always read the comments before I read the script just for the hell of it then I give my two bobs worth   Don't really give a tinker's tossbag about the other comments lol because thats those guys opinions as well.

I’m the same, but I generally read the comment after reading the script. I don’t think anyone would personally admit to having their preference swayed by previous comments.

Just something I often think about during OWC's. Maybe I'm paranoid haha

I never read comments prior to posting my own for that exact reason. I don’t want to be influenced by anyone, and I wanna make sure I give the script a fair shake regardless of what anyone says. That said, I really haven’t even been commenting on scripts this time around. I’m just voting. Honestly, just not enough time for me. Hoping I can finish reading them all as it is.

Quoted from SAC I never read comments prior to posting my own for that exact reason. I don’t want to be influenced by anyone, and I wanna make sure I give the script a fair shake regardless of what anyone says. That said, I really haven’t even been commenting on scripts this time around. I’m just voting. Honestly, just not enough time for me. Hoping I can finish reading them all as it is.

I do sometimes think it would be good if the comments were only accessible to the writer until after voting is completed, then they became visible to everyone. I realise that is unrealistic though.

Where I think it becomes an issue is if something is pointed out that can negatively influence the voting that most or no other people would have picked up on, then it becomes a case of "oh that’s a good point, they shouldn’t have done that". Does that even make sense?

I promise I'm not a conspiracy theorist :) :)

So... on another random tangent, if a script doesn’t get even one vote is that a nudie run, or is that just an Australian thing?  :P

I pay no attention to what others say.  The last OWC winner I didn't care for and there was a story in this event that most liked save for me and Warren (I think) and I gave the same review.

Quoted from Warren So... on another random tangent, if a script doesn’t get even one vote is that a nudie run, or is that just an Australian thing?  :P

Jeff will do it for nothing. He’s always nude just needs a taser to make him run :P

Quoted from FrankM "You each have 48 minutes to write the remaining 105 pages of your story."

Sounds great! But I would have to throw in one or more of the following:

*Strippers/strip club scenes.

*more sex scenes that would make  Christian Grey blush.

* Endless f bombs, like three for every line spoken.  Not in a good way like Three Billboards, Glengary Glenn Ross or even Scarface, but annoying filler

*at least three car chases. One involving a golf cart.

* two explosions

and a Partridge in a pear tree, cuz, y'know it takes place on Christmas Eve .

;D

yeah no problem.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Sounds great! But I would have to throw in one or more of the following: *Strippers/strip club scenes. *more sex scenes that would make  Christian Grey blush. * Endless f bombs, like three for every line spoken.  Not in a good way like Three Billboards, Glengary Glenn Ross or even Scarface, but annoying filler *at least three car chases. One involving a golf cart. * two explosions and a Partridge in a pear tree, cuz, y'know it takes place on Christmas Eve . ;D yeah no problem.

If you promise me that it could get made, I could write it.

Am I just an idiot (don't answer that) or is there a reason why we don't vote between Cell Mates and Blood and Feathers?  Those are 2 stories, both are still listed to be read.  

Are they both moving on, neither?  Was it an oversight?  

I just finished reading my last story and voting.  It was hard, but, to my shock, I got them done!!

Dan

Quoted from Warren Random question but how much do people think readers are influenced by previous comments on the script, be they positive or negative?

If we merely ask ourselves then, of course, we never allow what previous posters have said to affect our vote... but in reality, not one of us can help but judge and implement bias... it's human. We can't help it. Especially the lazier readers.

How much easier is it not to have to read something all the way through and simply mimic what the majority have said?

I think I'm done. Let me know if I've missed anything.

I have three to judge. and two more to read as there are scripts with no pairings.

Quoted from khamanna You're being missed and at the same time some writer is crazy lucky you're not in.

Quoted from Warren I'm going with their second one! Would have been bloody hard to beat.

Thanks guys, that was really nice of you to say. The bitcoins have been sent!

Maybe Mark and some others, I mean old members, can still get in and do the second round? We could vote on them maybe. Just a thought.
Probably will not be seen by Sean anyway (sigh)

I see quite a few old members that missed the start date. And having them around would make it more fun.

I see the messages, but I'm not intending to re-seed the tournament. If something like this is done in the future, it would have more buildup before, so everyone would be aware of it. I severely underestimated how popular this would be.

Looks to me everyone is enjoying this tournament! Kudos to Sean for injecting some energy and excitement to the boards! 8)

PS: I have no idea what's going on!  ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear Looks to me everyone is enjoying this tournament! Kudos to Sean for injecting some energy and excitement to the boards! 8)

But I really screwed up on a few things. Taught me some important things for the future.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde But I really screwed up on a few things. Taught me some important things for the future.

That's usually what it takes to learn. It probably won't be perfect for the next one either.

Read all and voted. Now writing (brief) comments on as many as possible.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde But I really screwed up on a few things. Taught me some important things for the future.

I think everybody understands the complexity of this one and appreciates all you've done to make it work.
Henry

Sean, don't be so hard on yourself. You did an amazing job on this.

So what pairing does everything think had the hardest promps?

Mine was pretty difficult. The genre was fine but the requirement within the genre was weird.

Quoted from Steven Mine was pretty difficult. The genre was fine but the requirement within the genre was weird.

That's pretty much all of them :)

Quoted from FrankM That's pretty much all of them :)

There were some that were easier than others, for sure. A couple were completely out of left field and the rest were just tricky.

If I advance to the next round, I'm hoping I have something super crazy and weird.

How much time did each writer have to write their script?  I never saw this until yesterday.

FUCK!!!

Quoted from stevie Jeff will do it for nothing. He’s always nude just needs a taser to make him run :P

You old goatfucker!!!   ;D ;D ;D

Why didn't you tell me about this?  I would have loved to be a part of it.

Quoted from Dreamscale How much time did each writer have to write their script?  I never saw this until yesterday. FUCK!!!

I wrote mine in about 20 minutes, about 24 hours before it was due...and I think it shows.

If I make I beat my competition, I'll try a bit harder.

I wrote mine in an hour or so, but I only had five minutes or so to revise before submitting; no particular reason, just life. It's been doing rather well, but in my haste I let a couple of nasty errors slip by.

I finished mine in about three hours, around 36 hours before the deadline, and even sent in a revision to correct typos... yet left a gaping, obvious error that I didn't see until a reader mentioned it.

It's really hard to proofread your own work without letting it sit for a while. My hat's off to people who pulled off a coherent entry.

Quoted from Warren Random question but how much do people think readers are influenced by previous comments on the script, be they positive or negative?

For me:

Only positive comments affect my view - by affect I mean think about it.

1. I always read the story before I read the comments.  

2. When done, if I thought something was weak but other writers loved it I'll read again to see if there was something I missed. Maybe was just in a pissy mood or something. Most times my view does not end up changing.

I don't read the comments until I'm done writing my own. Even if I'm duplicating comments, I'll still write them.

There are few commentators that say stuff like: I agree with everyone else. And then I think: what??? Not the case for me, I identify with the other "everyone". I don't intervene then, but generally don't like that kind of defining a group of people and somehow confirming something as the "validated opinion". It's what imo strengthens that herd behavior that some might have talked about before if I understand it right.

But a big wtf

It's a fun challenge

I think it's partly through laziness and partly through being afraid of having a different opinion to the majority. Either, or, or a mixture of the two.

I've caught myself doing it too. I'm not immune. Just aware of it.

I generally don't read the comments until after I post my review, but I did do so on accident on at least two occasions during this round. I think it's great advice to hold off on looking at the comments until one has formed their own opinion, but there's no real way to police that. The very nature of voting on something as subjective as a creative work simply lends itself to that sort of thing.

I agree that there's a potential for bias and/or parroting here, but I also feel that some people may be overthinking it a little bit. Even if there is something at play, I highly doubt that most of the writers here lack the autonomy to take these things into account. I think most of us can make a fair vote.

Simply ask yourselves these questions:
If a script you liked got poor reviews, would you complain or seek to invalidate the consensus?
If a script you hated got good reviews, would you complain or seek to invalidate the consensus?
If your own script got poor reviews, would you complain or seek to invalidate the consensus?
If your own script got good reviews, would you complain or seek to invalidate the consensus?
If your answer is "yes," then simply vote to the contrary and make your opinion known to maybe help people see why they're wrong. There are threads in which to do so. That's the whole point of a voting system.

I also think we could all benefit from discussions on the paired threads once the voting is done. No one should have to "justify" their votes, per se, but perhaps knowing people's reasoning for why they felt the way they did would help assuage some people's fears of parroting or bias.

Yeah, well, all right of course, we're all bound to subjectivity, for sure. And so I only agree with my sight on injustice :-)

I do sports with a funny cop. When something goes wrong in his eyes he sometimes suddenly stops playing and shouts: I hate injustice.

I always chuckle within myself and love it when he's doing that. One second later he fetches after the ball again...

I've read on these comments on comments.

Somehow I can still have an independent view of the value of comments.

I believe the same is true for scripts.

Who justifies himself, accuses himself. ;-)
No, seriously believe you, bro.

The 12 Angry Men plot is fantastic because it builds up on that one deep statement of the oldest juror who declares in case of the architect juror that it's not easy to stand alone against all, so he should talk.

Quoted from ReaperCreeper I also think we could all benefit from discussions on the paired threads once the voting is done. No one should have to "justify" their votes, per se, but perhaps knowing people's reasoning for why they felt the way they did would help assuage some people's fears of parroting or bias.

I've commented on every script..... why comment on the paired scripts too? Next time all comments can just go in the paired threads as there will be no single ones. Few bumps in this one, but it's a learning curve.

The parroting thing is something we just need to remind ourselves of from time to time. No harm in bringing it up or for wanting for a solution.

Very easy to claim the majority don't do it while also including yourself amongst that number. That you don't do it is neither here nor there as this conversation is only in regard to those that do - whether that be a minority or otherwise.

Quoted Text I've commented on every script..... why comment on the paired scripts too? Next time all comments can just go in the paired threads as there will be no single ones. Few bumps in this one, but it's a learning curve.

Yes, this is what I would like next time around. We agree.

For this one, though, I still would suggest it as something optional that people could consider doing, since most of the comments on the individual script threads are generally isolated to the script in question, at least for the most part... there are certainly exceptions. What I was thinking was more along the lines of a compare-and-contrast just to see how differently the writers dealt with the assigned themes and parameters. I pictured it as something optional, like a bonus. Not a requirement.

Quoted Text The parroting thing is something we just need to remind ourselves of from time to time. No harm in bringing it up or for wanting for a solution. Very easy to claim the majority don't do it while also including yourself amongst that number. That you don't do it is neither here nor there as this conversation is only in regard to those that do - whether that be a minority or otherwise.

Lol, fair enough, I guess. I just don't see it as much of a big issue. Others do and that's OK. I did it myself on occasion, as I stated, but didn't feel as though I was swayed one way or another.

It's a bigger issue than we probably realise. I haven't factored member popularity in yet. Certain members are respected for their opinion, or the way they present their opinion (using obscure vocabulary, for example) and this on its own can be enough to sway another's.

I read all the scripts. Then I voted. Then I read the comments.

I'm one of those that would occasionally say things like "I agree with others who have said..." I find it helpful as a writer to know if there's a common reaction to a particular element of my script. If that reaction is counter to what I'm attempting to accomplish, I know to make changes.

But, I do understand the point regarding group think.

I can honestly say that I don't let what others wrote influence my opinion.  I read them to make sure I don't beat a dead horse further into the ground.  

Will someone please acknowledge why the pairing with Cell Mates has no voting site??

Back to the topic,  there was the preacher script.  Most liked or loved it.  I disliked it and said so and voted for the other story.  So I'm pretty sure that I don't let others influence me.

Dan

I read the script, write my comments, and before submitting I read through the other comments in case they pointed out something that I forgot to mention, or would like to expand on.

Quoted Text Will someone please acknowledge why the pairing with Cell Mates has no voting site??

I believe it's because one of them was disqualified for not meeting the parameters of the script. At least, that's what I'm guessing.

Quoted from DanC Will someone please acknowledge why the pairing with Cell Mates has no voting site??

Acknowledged. As for why, I don't want to upset or embarrass anybody publicly or privately.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Acknowledged. As for why, I don't want to upset or embarrass anybody publicly or privately.

Plus, the author of one of those stories already stated why.

I don't want to heat that up- but I probably do. I don't know what happened re Sean's comment. But damn, these both were the heaviest draw of all IN my opinion.

And the writer who pulled, (again I don't know what happened), met the criteria better. The other one has no Guardian Angle at all. And I believe he has the self-reflection to admit that fact.

Quoted from DanC I can honestly say...

I stopped listening at this point.

Lot of close races

It's interesting but I think if I know a person I can be fairly sure how he'll vote on this or that entry (including mine) and for what reasons. Some of you I know for sure.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I stopped listening at this point.

… lol you're thinking about that relativization is negation. If you like to, and have the possibility to manage something, call me out for a chess match, here or private. Not sure if I'm a worthy opponent since I play autodidactically and don't go in competitions. Just for fun.

Quoted from khamanna ... and for what reasons. Some of you I know for sure.

Hahaha. I know you know. Very simpatico.

Quoted from eldave1 Lot of close races

Anyone else finding this super stressful? Fun but stressful.

I'm waking up in the middle of the night and checking SS for the latest vote count.

Sometimes I feel like this site means way more to me than it should, but I bloody love it!!!!

Quoted from Warren Anyone else finding this super stressful? Fun but stressful. I'm waking up in the middle of the night and checking SS for the latest vote count. Sometimes I feel like this site means way more to me than it should. But I bloody love it!!!!

Not the middle of the night but yeah same here. I wake up in the morning (here in Baku it's say 11 pm SS time), check SS and really get amazed at how the numbers may shift in a couple of hours.

Quoted from Warren Anyone else finding this super stressful? Fun but stressful. I'm waking up in the middle of the night and checking SS for the latest vote count. Sometimes I feel like this site means way more to me than it should, but I bloody love it!!!!

No clue what you’re talking about. ;D

On the subject of comments affecting subsequent comments:
I just read comments on "1952 Drummer Street." Five people used the phrase "overwritten."

Every OWC seems to have repeated phrases. In a recent one, the phrase "spot on" was used over and over. In this one, "solid job" is used most often.

My conclusion? Most of us do it without realizing it.

I wonder if we can play guessing game after the party is over. Do we still get time I mean?

It's a tight race for my one.  Getting stressful not knowing how it's going to end.

Quoted from Stumpzian On the subject of comments affecting subsequent comments: I just read comments on "1952 Drummer Street." Five people used the phrase "overwritten." Every OWC seems to have repeated phrases. In a recent one, the phrase "spot on" was used over and over. In this one, "solid job" is used most often. My conclusion? Most of us do it without realizing it.

Although overwritten, I think your comment is spot on. Solid effort :)

Quoted from Stumpzian On the subject of comments affecting subsequent comments: I just read comments on "1952 Drummer Street." Five people used the phrase "overwritten." Every OWC seems to have repeated phrases. In a recent one, the phrase "spot on" was used over and over. In this one, "solid job" is used most often. My conclusion? Most of us do it without realizing it.

Or another way to look at it is, we're on the same wavelength to come up with similar feedback.  That's if we comment without reading other feedback.

No breadcrumbs, bro.

Quoted from eldave1 Although overwritten, I think your comment is spot on. Solid effort :)

I was going to say exactly the same thing. Freaky.

Will there be a reveal after the first round? I’m guessing there will be. Right?

Quoted from SAC Will there be a reveal after the first round? I’m guessing there will be. Right?

As per Sean - we can reveal ourselves if we want to.

So, yes, if we don't reveal right away we can make guesses (not that you asked - talkign more to myself here).

Quoted from PrussianMosby � lol you're thinking about that relativization is negation. If you like to, and have the possibility to manage something, call me out for a chess match, here or private. Not sure if I'm a worthy opponent since I play autodidactically and don't go in competitions. Just for fun.

I have accounts on chess.com where I play as ArmlessRegent and on Lichess with the handle dustin7375. We can play correspondence chess or live games on either site.

Quoted from khamanna As per Sean - we can reveal ourselves if we want to. So, yes, if we don't reveal right away we can make guesses (not that you asked - talkign more to myself here).

Please wait until after the voting has concluded.

Don

Quoted from Don Please wait until after the voting has concluded. Don

Oops, sorry. I did mean after the 1st round is completely over.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I have accounts on chess.com where I play as ArmlessRegent and on Lichess with the handle dustin7375. We can play correspondence chess or live games on either site.

Correspondence is possible anyway, although I don't like it. I have no time to play online frequently. But if you say one of the sites is "user-friendly" I'd join. Actually I just want to know how good you are. I meet with a friend once a week and we play. It's more connecting, not about being superior. I have no mathematical approach, always thought its getting ugly, professionel then.

https://www.chess.com/member/armlessregent

There is a link to my profile that gives an accurate guide to my playing level. My blitz level is 1950+

1975 is expert level. So I am close to expert. After expert is Master, Grandmaster, and Super Grandmaster. In the US they don't have experts but instead call them Candidate Masters.

Quoted from DustinBowcot https://www.chess.com/member/armlessregent There is a link to my profile that gives an accurate guide to my playing level. My blitz level is 1950+ 1975 is expert level. So I am close to expert. After expert is Master, Grandmaster, and Super Grandmaster. In the US they don't have experts but instead call them Candidate Masters.

That's intimidating. (Probably) I was a bit naive here. However, I really wanna know what you do on the board, go with horses or whatever.

But I don't want to disrespect you. I'm really not a mature player, and because of that fact you shouldn't have to spend time with me.

Quoted from jayrex It's a tight race for my one.  Getting stressful not knowing how it's going to end.

And for most, if everyone votes, it’s still too close to call.

Quoted from Warren And for most, if everyone votes, it’s still too close to call.

Three are in dead heats - gotta be a bit nerve racking

Quoted from eldave1 Three are in dead heats - gotta be a bit nerve racking

Nerve-wracking for who? I've got to potentially be the tie-breaker for a couple of these and be solely responsible for eliminating people. That's depressing. Break those ties! Lol. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Nerve-wracking for who? I've got to potentially be the tie-breaker for a couple of these and be solely responsible for eliminating people. That's depressing. Break those ties! Lol. =)

Do not envy you that task at all.  

You may want to consider advancing all ties to the next round and just have some brackets with three scripts rather than two. Just a thought.

Quoted from Warren Anyone else finding this super stressful? Fun but stressful. I'm waking up in the middle of the night and checking SS for the latest vote count. Sometimes I feel like this site means way more to me than it should, but I bloody love it!!!!

To my surprise, I wouldn't worry Warren.
Having time to reflect on my entry, I'm choosing to rewrite it, adding a page or two, and changing the title.

Unless something really funky happens in the next 24hrs, I'd say you might be safe out of our bracket.

note; as of now,the average vote count for most polls is 22 total.  

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley To my surprise, I wouldn't worry Warren.

Thanks... I think haha.

I’m under no illusion that my script isn’t up to scratch. I honestly can’t believe it’s been so close.

We've leaped frogged a bit. I still think it’s very much anyone’s game.

For the next round, does everyone think it would be helpful to put some clarifying notes on the title page?

SON OF A BEACH

2018 Writer's Tournament

Criteria: horror, set on one or more beaches, live action but one of the characters is a cartoon

(c) 2018

Quoted from PrussianMosby That's intimidating. (Probably) I was a bit naive here. However, I really wanna know what you do on the board, go with horses or whatever. But I don't want to disrespect you. I'm really not a mature player, and because of that fact you shouldn't have to spend time with me.

Haha... horses. Yeah, I think it would be a different level. I play a London System as white and as black it really depends what white does but my main lines tend to fall into Sicilian Pterodactyl lines (g6, Bg7, c5), although I am also comfortable playing Benoni, Modern, Kings Indian Defence, and Pirc lines that I can fall into from the same opening - depending what white does. Although I am also fairly good with The Dutch (Classical and Stonewall, not so much the Leningrad variation) which starts with f5 usually.

Anyway, I've given you the link. Sign up. It's free and free to play if you don't mind a few ads. You don't have to play me as there will be lots playing at your own level. If you put in a lot of effort you could reach my level in 5 years or so.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Haha... horses. Yeah, I think it would be a different level. I play a London System as white and as black it really depends what white does but my main lines tend to fall into Sicilian Pterodactyl lines (g6, Bg7, c5), although I am also comfortable playing Benoni, Modern, Kings Indian Defence, and Pirc lines that I can fall into from the same opening - depending what white does. Although I am also fairly good with The Dutch (Classical and Stonewall, not so much the Leningrad variation) which starts with f5 usually.

WTF!

I think I'll stick to Connect Four.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Haha... horses. Yeah, I think it would be a different level. I play a London System as white and as black it really depends what white does but my main lines tend to fall into Sicilian Pterodactyl lines (g6, Bg7, c5), although I am also comfortable playing Benoni, Modern, Kings Indian Defence, and Pirc lines that I can fall into from the same opening - depending what white does. Although I am also fairly good with The Dutch (Classical and Stonewall, not so much the Leningrad variation) which starts with f5 usually. Anyway, I've given you the link. Sign up. It's free and free to play if you don't mind a few ads. You don't have to play me as there will be lots playing at your own level. If you put in a lot of effort you could reach my level in 5 years or so.

Yeah. I'll consider looking into that page. Those chess players really don't give themselves humble categories in their System (expert, grandmaster etc...). Will look up for the openings/styles you mentioned as well. I once beat my friend with a pawn that with my king in tow crossed the whole board, standing far behind his own king then, and against a big disadvantage. Couldn't believe it's possible to position those two that effective.  

Back to this game. Still some time to read. I just realize that when you're logged in you cannot vote again on the polls you've voted before. Not that I wanted to, rather I thought "damn did I forget that one".

Quoted from PrussianMosby rather I thought "damn did I forget that one".

You can see if you voted or not. If you're logged and it doesn't let you vote and it says "you already voted on this poll"

I just made sure I clicked on the right script. Too bad I can't check - I like doing things then checking. I always need to check.

Speaking about checking - just checked if I voted on all pairs and yes, I did.
Now to the loners, I mean the scripts that don't have a pair and the ones that pulled out.

About those that run close together - too bad you have to be a tie-breaker, Sean.  Any other member won't be viewed as a tie-breaker, he's just a voter as much as any other. But your voting is a different thing. Maybe you can ask a member to read or something.

I think if they're tied they should both go through.

Voting when they're obviously so closely matched in writing quality and story is going to be subjective. Imh, of course.

Or another tie-breaker round.

Just throwing this out there - Sean 'breaking the tie' is really just like an 11th hour vote from another writer, isn't it?

He's a writer, and who better than him to judge whether the scripts had adhered to the given criteria?

Quoted from ajr He's a writer, and who better than him to judge whether the scripts had adhered to the given criteria?

I really like this thought. Maybe if he has the time he could read few other scripts as well as opposed to just ties and tell us. This way it won't be just breaking a tie but doing a round of reading. I mean I don't think he should or anything.

Is there a link to the writers who were paired up? I’d like to see that again.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-tournament/m-1521177586/

This should do it, Steve.

Thanks Libby!

I click on the link in the top right hand corner - it's right under the ticking clock and says "Link to Voting Pairs. Anyone Can Vote"
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1521470272/s-0/

It's easy to check there if you forgot to vote and such.

Ugh, I'm getting crushed on this one. I've already sent congratulations to my competitor as there's no way for a hail Mary comeback for me.

I'm making excuses now but the page limit killed me on this one (aside from the genre everyone loves).

Now it's time for me to catch up on reading/voting....

Quoted from JEStaats Ugh, I'm getting crushed on this one. I've already sent congratulations to my competitor as there's no way for a hail Mary comeback for me. .

Ha ha I've done the same! My competitor and I were neck-and-neck for the longest time and now he's in the lead. Sent my congrats, even though it was early, but looks like I'm gonna be out :P

Mine was in the lead, and now not by a sliver. It's been super exciting. I'd totally do this again.

I do feel for those that had to write out of genre if they don't make it through. Not only do you not make it through but the whole thing has been a waste of time as the story is likely shite.

I'm thankful that with mine I went my own way and have a short - with an increase in page count - worthy of production.

Never a waste of time. I always look at it as a learning experience, thanks to all the fine comments and suggestions.

Quoted from FrankM For the next round, does everyone think it would be helpful to put some clarifying notes on the title page? SON OF A BEACH 2018 Writer's Tournament Criteria: horror, set on one or more beaches, live action but one of the characters is a cartoon (c) 2018

Don't think it's needed

Surprised some people liked mine, I thought it was pretty weak to be honest.

Another thought (for future rounds/tournies) in terms of tie breakers.

Maybe we

1) vote for each script
2) Give points on a 1-5 scale for the overall quality of each script

Should there be a tie, use the total points from  #2 as the tie breaker

Just spit-balling as I do think the further this thing moves along the greater chance for ties

I feel bad mine's going through when there's some really good scripts that might not. But that's just the nature of this type of tournament.

I'm gonna get crushed next round if I don't step my game up. Can't wait to see what new torture Sean has devised for round two. I'm thinking he adds another parameter.

Quoted from eldave1 Another thought (for future rounds/tournies) in terms of tie breakers. Maybe we 1) vote for each script 2) Give points on a 1-5 scale for the overall quality of each script Should there be a tie, use the total points from  #2 as the tie breaker Just spit-balling as I do think the further this thing moves along the greater chance for ties

Do you mean to make this obligatory? Because it's very hard for me to quantify my connection to the story. I liked how some of the reviewers give ratings to scripts -  I especially liked Alex's - he has a number for a story, character and writing. But I put different weight on those. And sometimes I think that the writing equals 0. I wouldn't want to say that outloud though because it goes for new writers mostly.

Not quite. But, you'd better hope you get eliminated in round 2 because I'll be torturing you in round 3... =)

Quoted from khamanna Do you mean to make this obligatory? Because it's very hard for me to quantify my connection to the story. I liked how some of the reviewers give ratings to scripts -  I especially liked Alex's - he has a number for a story, character and writing. But I put different weight on those. And sometimes I think that the writing equals 0. I wouldn't want to say that outloud though because it goes for new writers mostly.

Yes - obligatory and anonymous.

Right next to where you pick script - assign it a value - example - 1 for good, 2 for great, 3 for outstanding.

Then assume that two scripts tie. As a tie breaker use the total points a script got.

e.g., Tom script = 10 votes
        Mary Script = 10 votes

Everyone who voted for Tom gave his script a value of 4. Everyone who voted for Mary gave her a 5. Tom's value rankings = 40, Mary's = 50. Mary moves on to next round.

Again - just spit balling.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I do feel for those that had to write out of genre if they don't make it through. Not only do you not make it through but the whole thing has been a waste of time as the story is likely shite. I'm thankful that with mine I went my own way and have a short - with an increase in page count - worthy of production.

Yes - out of your wheelhouse is a tough one.

"Everyone who voted for Tom gave his script a value of 4. Everyone who voted for Mary gave her a 5. Tom's value rankings = 40, Mary's = 50. Mary moves on to next round. "

Which means that Tom may get more votes while Mary may appear an overall winner.

I'd really like that, but think it's a lot of hassle for the organizers.

Quoted from khamanna "Everyone who voted for Tom gave his script a value of 4. Everyone who voted for Mary gave her a 5. Tom's value rankings = 40, Mary's = 50. Mary moves on to next round. " Which means that Tom may get more votes while Mary may appear an overall winner. I'd really like that, but think it's a lot of hassle for the organizers.

No - only go to the total points as a tie breaker if the vote is tied. e.g., in my example 10-10.

You are right that it may be too difficult.

Got it. Yeah, that's a possible tie-breaker.

Quoted from khamanna Got it. Yeah, that's a possible tie-breaker.

Again - too late for round one but my concern is that as we move on I think the likelihood of ties increase and one person having to read and decide is going to be a tough challenge -

As another alternative - Don could solicit three writers who didn't make it as the tie breakers for for the next round.

I think recruiting writers is more feasible and possible even at this stage.

For the next time - let's say I could read all of the entries but hold off voting. Then vote when the voting period is over but before the names are announced.

No guessing until the results are finalized I think.

Just checked the voting.  3 races are very close.  Let's get those votes in.  Full disclosure: My script is not close, so I'm cheer leading for those races that are so that the tie breaking procedure doesn't have to be implemented.

Dan

Quoted from khamanna No guessing until the results are finalized I think.

I thought we could guess, but we couldn't admit which script we wrote.

Dan

In an earlier post Don asked us to postpone guessing until the voting is over.

Comedy is a funny thing (no pun intended). I think most of can write it when inspired but when you're forced to do it, it's like having a gun put to your head and being told to spell restaurant (thank God for spell check).

It ain't easy....

Wanted to tell everyone... wait a sec, let me brush all these breadcrumbs off... I'll just say I don't expect to be in the second round.

This has been a fun writing exercise with great feedback, and I plan to (1) stick around and keep voting in the tournament and (2) fix the I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE THAT errors in my script and send it in as a slightly expanded short sometime within the week. Will try to stick to the bracket parameters if possible.

I should be through at this point unless the shit really hits the fan in the next 7 hours. I'm not sure I deserve it, and have been surprised at some of the positive comments on my script.

I personally think that most of the scripts that should go through will (other than the dead heats, who knows), It means round 2 is going to be brutal, good batch of writers that can navigate their way though some pretty tricky topics.

Sean, I am loving this!!!!! What a great idea.

And many thanks to Don for making this space available to all of us.

Quoted from khamanna In an earlier post Don asked us to postpone guessing until the voting is over.

Yes, please hold off on guessing or outing until after the voting closes.

Thanks!

- Don

Quoted from SAC Is there a link to the writers who were paired up? I’d like to see that again.

Who is paired - http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-tournament/m-1521177586/

The pairings -  http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1521470272/s-0/

Does anyone know when round 2 begins?

Tomorrow at noon aka 16 hours and 35 minutes from now.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Tomorrow at noon aka 16 hours and 35 minutes from now.

Thanks.

I'm a sore loser and don't care.

Ha! Just kidding! I can't wait to see the pain and suffering of you poor suckers in the next round.

Warren - I hope you get a western!

Quoted from JEStaats Warren - I hope you get a western!

Damn you to hell!!!


Just an aside, watched Damnation on Netflix recently, I actually quite enjoyed it. That was kind of westerny.

Due Sunday at noon or Sunday at midnight?

Midnight. Same rules as this week.

Quoted from FrankM Wanted to tell everyone... wait a sec, let me brush all these breadcrumbs off... I'll just say I don't expect to be in the second round. This has been a fun writing exercise with great feedback, and I plan to (1) stick around and keep voting in the tournament and (2) fix the I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE THAT errors in my script and send it in as a slightly expanded short sometime within the week. Will try to stick to the bracket parameters if possible.

Rewrite - but liberate yourself from the parameters if it'll make a better story.

Quoted from JEStaats Comedy is a funny thing (no pun intended). I think most of can write it when inspired but when you're forced to do it, it's like having a gun put to your head and being told to spell restaurant (thank God for spell check).

That sums it up perfectly

Just be over already!!!!

Quoted from JEStaats Comedy is a funny thing (no pun intended). I think most of can write it when inspired but when you're forced to do it, it's like having a gun put to your head and being told to spell restaurant (thank God for spell check). It ain't easy....

Comedy is a son of a bitch. A comedy western would be my worst nightmare.

Quoted from Warren Comedy is a son of a bitch. A comedy western would be my worst nightmare.

Lol come on Waz. That’d be a piece of piss!

Quoted from Warren Comedy is a son of a bitch. A comedy western would be my worst nightmare.

Don't forget the wildcard requirement. All dialogue must rhyme.

Voting has closed.

Does this mean the guessing can begin?

Quoted from FrankM Don't forget the wildcard requirement. All dialogue must rhyme.

Haha. Sean I hope you’re not taking notes.

Done???

Can we spill the beans?

Quoted from FrankM Voting has closed. Does this mean the guessing can begin?

Yes, let the guessing begin!

Quoted from Don Yes, let the guessing begin!

So we can't just claim our scripts?

Quoted from Warren Done??? Can we spill the beans?

Beans can be spilled.  Guessing can begin.  Outing can out.  

Excellent.

Quoted from Warren So we can't just claim our scripts?

Honestly, It is up to the individual.  If you want to wait a bit while folks guess, that would be cool.  Or, you can just out.   Sean is going to post the next round in about 12 hours or so.  I thought, perhaps, I'd post who wrote what then.  Sean may have ideas.

- Don

I know who my opponent was!!!  Does that count?

Quoted from Don Honestly, It is up to the individual.  If you want to wait a bit while folks guess, that would be cool.  Or, you can just out.   Sean is going to post the next round in about 12 hours or so.  I thought, perhaps, I'd post who wrote what then.  Sean may have ideas. - Don

Shit, sorry I just replied to mine. Early in the day here. My bad. I will delete it. Most wouldn’t have seen it.

okay?

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect I know who my opponent was!!!  Does that count?

Hey, I know that guy!

yep-

Quoted from Warren Shit, sorry I just replied to mine. Early in the day here. My bad. I will delete it. Most wouldn’t have seen it.

Warren, it’s all good, man. I’m not communicating well.  

Don

Really have no idea who wrote what. I did think that James wrote the Super Mart one.

Just saying SF one person only lying in a supermarket felt crazy to accomplish. Gets the Bravery Award.

DanC kicked my ass this challenge and it was well deserved, I guess. Not sure where my twisted sense of humor comes from but it doesn't transfer to words very well. It may not have been the funniest thing out there but, damn, nobody 'got it'.

Congratulations, Dan. I'm pulling for you on the next bracket!

Quoted from PrussianMosby Just saying SF one person only lying in a supermarket felt crazy to accomplish. Gets the Bravery Award.

“We come in peace.”

Done :)

Can someone help me?
I'm new to this site and am having trouble reading and voting
for scripts in this tournament.

Quoted from FrankM “We come in peace.” Done :)

Hahaha

Must have broken some synapses. Guess which one I had?

Quoted from JordanB Can someone help me? I'm new to this site and am having trouble reading and voting for scripts in this tournament.

Just a tad too new, the voting closed at midnight EDT. But there will be a second round of voting come Monday.

Quoted from PrussianMosby Hahaha Must have broken some synapses. Guess which one I had?

Don’t let the member “color” fool you, I’m still new here and don’t know folks’ writing well enough to recognize them. By the same token, I don’t expect anyone to recognize mine (without being in my bracket).

Meant re difficulty of topic

I'm sorry for not being on much today.  I have several email to respond to as well.

John, it was very hard because comedy and bombs don't generally mix.  I thought yours was well done.

Hey, I have to thank people like Bill, Mark, Anthony, Jeff, Dustin,Pia, Janet, Khamanna, and really a bunch more that I can't think of at this moment.  It was you all that hit me hard with the truth and pushed me to be better and go out of my comfort zone.

If I ever sell anything it's because of all of you.  This site is wonderful and thanks to Don for doing all this.

To the new writers know this.  If your script didn't do well, it's OK.  My first story was awful.  You can't change the past, but you can learn from it and craft better ideas in the future.  Don't give up because your script didn't go over very well.  Feedback makes us better.  So shake off the dust from being on the mat for the count, get up, and write.  Show everyone why writing something original that is good is the hardest thing to do.

Dan

Very good advice.

I'm glad to have gotten some positive reactions and actual votes.

Hmm, looking at how my script has fared I don't belong in the second round at all. And good writers had tho go, very good writers.
1952 Drummer Street (think it's Stevie's) - great work
Breakfast in The Air (John?) - memorable and funny
Blind Fate
Prescheduled
Crisis in The Red Room (Darren?)
Lazy Eye
Light
In some cases I voted for the opponent but the scripts I listed are very good, some rxcellent imo.

Also think
James ( Mark) - Pearl Harbour
Dave - Eat Fresh
Dustin - Exit Five Stages

Man, youre outting yourselves!
Well whatever

Yeah, polls are locked and Don let shine through that it's a free world again :-) Don't know if I leave it to my comrade to say which great one we drew.

I thought Saddie was yours, Alex.

I can't be Red Scare, can it? But you're with Stevie and Light can't be his

Blondie, is the next round a few hours earlier than the first. I think I got my pm Sat morning my time during the previous night?  And I had till Monday 2pm to submit?

Why can’t Light be mine, Khamanna?  ;D ;D

Quoted from khamanna I thought Saddie was yours, Alex. I can't be Red Scare, can it? But you're with Stevie and Light can't be his

Maybe, maybe not. No, I can say that he proceeds and I understand the reasons, which makes it deserved. Although, I was okay with my own performance. I did what I do. Now about you… hope I didn't trashed it but I have no clue honestly or haven't spend the energy yet to really think about styles I know. I found it actually hard to keep the overview this time. In the reviewing process as well. I always make word.doc since I need spell check and can organize things but this time I was scrolling up and down...

@Stevie Congrats, man.

Quoted from PrussianMosby Yeah, polls are locked and Don let shine through that it's a free world again :-) Don't know if I leave it to my comrade to say which great one we drew.

Go for it bro. We both did well with a toughie

Oops sorry Alex. Thanks mate and your script was good!

No, you haven't trashed it, you gave it that vote it desperately needed. I think.

Quoted from stevie Blondie, is the next round a few hours earlier than the first. I think I got my pm Sat morning my time during the previous night?  And I had till Monday 2pm to submit? Why can’t Light be mine, Khamanna?  ;D ;D

No music, no one drinks... the list goes on))

Quoted from khamanna No music, no one drinks... the list goes on))

Lol that’s funny!  I haven’t had a drink for 10 years

Got it
Vomit - Alex
Lazy Eye - stevie

I had Stump (Henry) down for 'Vomit'.

Probably it is Stump. My guesses are messed up this time.

Questions upon questions. It's actually fun to not know them all yet and I suddenly start to think, a bit.

What about the crazy Azakarri briefcase knife script f.i. or even Independence Day?

Could one of these be James?

Steven Clark for The Lazy Eye?

If James is not Pearl Harbour then he's Eat Fresh.

Would see Eat Fresh , (mixed up, I mean Fleshy Things) also more with Steven Clark...

James is not pearl.

Stump Sadie

I'm pretty sure James and Dave are Pearl and Eat Fresh. Maybe they don't even know who wrote what themselves.
I even think each wrote a half of each entry.

Quoted from khamanna Crisis in The Red Room (Darren?)

That's Classified, now.  ;D
other replacement titles I'm thinking over are:

Ladon in Olympus
A Vote For  Cthulhu
Cleaning House
It was the Russians
SJW : Blood Oath
Hidden Agenda
Making America Great Again

;D


Congrats to Warren.

Alex,

No, you’re wrong with that. Although, according to your system, I scored a 9, which I thought was pretty decent. That said, I thought Fleshy Things was the best of the bunch. And I liked Vomit Draft a lot, too.

It’s hard for me to guess this time. Usually I have good luck spotting Dustin’s scripts, but with the genres and topics we were given, a bunch of us had to write out of our comfort zones. A good thing!

I wasn't within my comfort zone, so I just wrote what I wanted to anyway. If I had gotten comedy I wouldn't have bothered with an entry at all as I don't have time to mess around. As it was I was able to slightly cheat the parameters and write a story I was comfortable with.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I had Stump (Henry) down for 'Vomit'.

I don't mind being associated with that one.

Fleshy might be Dustin. Pearl might be Dave.

Henry

Quoted from Stumpzian I don't mind being associated with that one. Fleshy might be Dustin. Pearl might be Dave. Henry

Interesting. Perhaps Dave wrote that one. He's a tricky fella though is Dave. Tough one to pin down.

Not sure what Fleshy is, wasn't me.

I don't do zombies... perhaps that one was Zombie_Sean?

Quoted from Warren Really have no idea who wrote what. I did think that James wrote the Super Mart one.

Quoted from PrussianMosby Just saying SF one person only lying in a supermarket felt crazy to accomplish. Gets the Bravery Award.

The lying aspect was the hardest thing to incorporate to the story.

I'm not expecting anyone to guess mine because I've been a ghost around here for years. So very few, if any people, know who I am. So I'll just come out and say it.

I wrote Incident at the Super Save Mart.

Sadie - ajr?

Hundred Midnights - Dustin

Khamanna, I wasn't going to out myself, however since you guessed it right... you're right.

Didn't expect anyone to guess correctly because there aren't a lot of people around from when I was really active on the boards around 2010-2013 or so.

I have no clue who wrote what so I'm not even going to try to guess.

Hundred Midnight's is more like something Dena would write.

Still, I'm probably wrong...

When do you all out yourselves?

Dan, if you're reading this: good job. I read that one just now. Pretty inventive and funny.

Dena wrote Blood and Feathers, Libby. She outed herself and pulled out the tournament long time ago(

Oh, really? Why?
That's a shame.

Edit: Okay. I read the thread. It appears a lot of readers liked it and thought it did fit the rules.  Pity it didn't stay up.

Quoted from khamanna Hundred Midnights - Dustin

I didn't enjoy the read. It wasn't visual enough.

Did any pairing end in a tie?

I don't know about ties.

So far we got:

Dave - Pearl Harbour
Isiah - Fish Escape

Dan - Exit Five Stages
John Staats - Operation South Lawn

TheUsual - Incident at the Super Saver
Frank - Customer Service

ajr - Saddie
Zombie Sean - Light

Warren - Fake News
Darren - Crisis in The Red Room

Dena - Blood and Feathers
Anthony - Cell Mates

6 pairs down, 8 to go.

Nothing ended in a tie. Three matchups were won by one vote (and that one vote wasn't me. Lol). The Round 2 bracket has now been posted. In a couple of hours, you'll get your topics for Round 2.

So, the Drummer one is Dustin.
Can't believe it didn't make it. One of my favorites for the round 1.

Quoted from khamanna So, the Drummer one is Dustin. Can't believe it didn't make it. One of my favorites for the round 1.

I cheated and didn't deserve to win. Cameron is a worthy winner.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Congrats to Warren.

Thank Darren, appreciate it. Was a nerve wracking wait. We were so close for the majority of the voting period.

Ooh! Me and James, head-to-head. Loving this.

How do you know who wrote what?

Quoted from DustinBowcot How do you know who wrote what?

Some outed. Some guessed out and thus got outed - like I guessed out ajr and you.

Yeah, I'm not loving going against Stump.
Embarrassment - that's what it's gonna be for me.

Quoted from khamanna Some outed. Some guessed out and thus got outed - like I guessed out ajr and you.

Oh, I see, of course. Good thinking.

Quoted from LC Hundred Midnight's is more like something Dena would write. Still, I'm probably wrong... When do you all out yourselves? Dan, if you're reading this: good job. I read that one just now. Pretty inventive and funny.

Thanks Libby.
     You're one of the many that helped me get better.  You're an exceptional writer and even a better friend and human being.  As I said earlier, I really was out of my comfort zone with this one.  I went for a cartoon of the 60s feel and achieved that.

Dan

I still can't believe that I won a round with comedy against John!!

I wrote The Apparition.

I felt that I hit the challenge with a short story, not too much backstory and a decent ending. Thanks to those that voted for me.

Quoted from Steven I wrote The Apparition. I felt that I hit the challenge with a short story, not too much backstory and a decent ending. Thanks to those that voted for me.

I thought it was pretty good and I voted for it because I felt for the kids.  

For those of us moving on, good luck to all.  Ajr, what did you write?  I wrote exit 5 stages left.  Perhaps all those moving on should list what they wrote.

And please don't give me Nuclear Holocaust, comedy, magical flying sword monsters,

Or love story, no dialog, no people

Or Trump, love story, Elsa.  Wait, that last one isn't too hard.

Dan

Quoted from DanC I thought it was pretty good and I voted for it because I felt for the kids.   For those of us moving on, good luck to all.  Ajr, what did you write?  I wrote exit 5 stages left.  Perhaps all those moving on should list what they wrote. And please don't give me Nuclear Holocaust, comedy, magical flying sword monsters, Or love story, no dialog, no people Or Trump, love story, Elsa.  Wait, that last one isn't too hard. Dan

Thanks.

Okay, since the field clears up, and Stevie gave me a go… we had the jet one.

The topic set a lot of pressure on me, I think on him too, so there was more of an act now or die without anything vibe for me.

I know nothing about fighter jets and needed to research a lot, what rank a pilot has, which type of plane flies in the region I set it into and so on… still not sure if it was all accurate but I invested there. Whatever, I'm happy I somehow could still act in a way that I can identify with storywise… the stuff I want to write.

Possibly, giving some replies on my thread later – I had the Breakfast one.

Getting Stevie was a very hard draw regarding the genre and topic. He knows his stuff and is especially well with dialogue which helps in that confined place.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I don't do zombies... perhaps that one was Zombie_Sean?

I kind of wish because I liked that script better than I liked my own, which was Light.

The comments started off great, and then ended with a bunch of people who didn't like mine as much as my competitor's. Oh well, it was still fun to write. Too bad I didn't make it to the next round but ajr deserved to move forward!

Darn, I missed out on all the debating. I wrote Fleshy Things. I still don't know how to write shorts and I better figure it out fast cuz I'm going against Steven Clark.

Do we know yet who wrote A Hundred Midnights? That was my favorite.

Since I'm new around here... and nobody would even know enough to guess... I wrote Vomit Draft.

Thanks to all the comments and feedback. All were helpful.

(BTW, this things a BLAST! Can't believe how invested I got over the week.)

Quoted from MarkItZero Do we know yet who wrote A Hundred Midnights? That was my favorite.

Stumpzian.

Hey PK Cardinal, I though Vomit Draft was really impressive. Are you new to writing, or just new to the board?

Stumpzian that was awesome, man. Amazing dialogue.

Quoted from PKCardinal Since I'm new around here... and nobody would even know enough to guess... I wrote Vomit Draft. Thanks to all the comments and feedback. All were helpful. (BTW, this things a BLAST! Can't believe how invested I got over the week.)

One of my favorites! Good work.

Quoted from ajr Hey PK Cardinal, I though Vomit Draft was really impressive. Are you new to writing, or just new to the board?

New to the board. I've been writing since 2012. Started with sitcoms, moved to contained thrillers last year. (I did have some contest success with my very first script, and even optioned it. But, it didn't go anywhere.)

The fact that I couldn't make Vomit Draft funnier was a source of immense frustration. This is my first "timed" event. I realized late that there just wasn't enough funny in there (not even close). But, by then it was too late. I'm lucky to get another shot.

You guys have a great site here. I've got so much to learn still, and this site is going to help immensely.

All of round 2's notes have been sent out. Good luck, everyone. =)

Quoted from PKCardinal New to the board. I've been writing since 2012. Started with sitcoms, moved to contained thrillers last year. (I did have some contest success with my very first script, and even optioned it. But, it didn't go anywhere.) The fact that I couldn't make Vomit Draft funnier was a source of immense frustration. This is my first "timed" event. I realized late that there just wasn't enough funny in there (not even close). But, by then it was too late. I'm lucky to get another shot. You guys have a great site here. I've got so much to learn still, and this site is going to help immensely.

There are different levels of humour. Your script nailed one of them.

Quoted from SAC One of my favorites! Good work.

Thanks! Much appreciated.

Which was yours?

Quoted from DustinBowcot There are different levels of humour. Your script nailed one of them.

Ha! I think I'm gonna like you.

Quoted from PKCardinal Thanks! Much appreciated. Which was yours?

I write Independence Day. Tough for me because I suck at sci-fi, that’s probably why so many said they didn’t get it, what happened, what did the ending mean? I wish I could tell you all. I wrote it in an hour the night of. Think I’ll start a little earlier this time.

Quoted from SAC I write Independence Day. Tough for me because I suck at sci-fi, that’s probably why so many said they didn’t get it, what happened, what did the ending mean? I wish I could tell you all. I wrote it in an hour the night of. Think I’ll start a little earlier this time.

I enjoyed it. Though, I'll agree, I didn't get the ending. You may have to make something up... just to give us closure! :)

Good luck in round 2.

Very nice work, PK.

And Alex, I remember your entry about the geese in the window - haha, didn't think you had it in you. Impressive, something that will stick with me. I was even thinking to reread it. The humor in it right up my alley, some of the sketches of my favorite show, Kids In The Hall, are just like that.

And Stevie's was pretty impressive as well. I must confess I voted for Stevie's but it was a pretty tough choice for me.

I'm going against the writer of A Hundred Midnights... Oh, man.

Sorry to ask on the main thread but it's probably good for all to know.

So, you all think ghosts are not a sci-fi?
It's paranormal and supernatural. So, it's either fantasy or sci-fi. I always thought that fantasy is more like Harry Porter.

The reason I'm asking - you all said I didn't stick to the parameters (You May Come In). Even those who voted for it said that. Which is fine. But I'm surprised how's that everyone else thinks differently.

I'm up against PKCardinal. He had a really well liked script from people here.

I'm going to need all the help I can get.

Good luck.

Quoted from khamanna And Alex, I remember your entry about the geese in the window - haha, didn't think you had it in you. Impressive, something that will stick with me. I was even thinking to reread it. The humor in it right up my alley, some of the sketches of my favorite show, Kids In The Hall, are just like that. And Stevie's was pretty impressive as well. I must confess I voted for Stevie's but it was a pretty tough choice for me.

Not sure if he sees it equally, but we both went with absurdity in my opinion – blind pilot against geese that can drop eggs in flight. Definitely short sketches these are but aren't those films as well? Imo anything else wouldn't have been justified executions. Rather, put them in a jet cabin and move toward a punchline at the ending.


Then your own entry rolled quite well, Kham. Just wasn't sure how the medium does what she does, which cost you points on story and character. Would be nice if you clear up once.

Quoted from PrussianMosby Then your own entry rolled quite well, Kham. Just wasn't sure how the medium does what she does, which cost you points on story and character. Would be nice if you clear up once.

Thanks. I'll answer you on my thread.

Quoted from khamanna Sorry to ask on the main thread but it's probably good for all to know. So, you all think ghosts are not a sci-fi? It's paranormal and supernatural. So, it's either fantasy or sci-fi. I always thought that fantasy is more like Harry Porter. The reason I'm asking - you all said I didn't stick to the parameters (You May Come In). Even those who voted for it said that. Which is fine. But I'm surprised how's that everyone else thinks differently.

Science fiction typically carries a connotation of space, aliens or future technology. Ghosts for more into horror/supernatural, neither of which are sci-fi.

Quoted from khamanna So, you all think ghosts are not a sci-fi? It's paranormal and supernatural. So, it's either fantasy or sci-fi. I always thought that fantasy is more like Harry Porter. The reason I'm asking - you all said I didn't stick to the parameters (You May Come In). Even those who voted for it said that. Which is fine. But I'm surprised how's that everyone else thinks differently.

Could continue on my last post here... The SF would be, to me, how she does it that the guy reappears, which wasn't clear to me. But you still captured the SF for me, only slightly, but some was there. It wasn't fully missed imo.

Quoted from khamanna Sorry to ask on the main thread but it's probably good for all to know. So, you all think ghosts are not a sci-fi? It's paranormal and supernatural. So, it's either fantasy or sci-fi. I always thought that fantasy is more like Harry Porter. The reason I'm asking - you all said I didn't stick to the parameters (You May Come In). Even those who voted for it said that. Which is fine. But I'm surprised how's that everyone else thinks differently.

I don't think of ghosts as sci-fi.

Supernatural is not a genre.
Horror they are actually not. There are harmless ghosts. Fantasy - yes. But there are discussions about this on the internet and some say sci-fi. Though I did have a feeling people here would disagree and had to play accordingly.

Just didn't want to settle for something scattered, something that didn't make sense.

Quoted from jayrex I don't think of ghosts as sci-fi.

I do but it comes to atmosphere and tone. It could be any other genre as well, see Ghost, or Casper.

There is also this certain sub genre mystery but I myself don't respect it as a main genre.

So, X-files is more of a SF series to me.

Alex, I answered you on my thread.

First of all, I'd like to say that society and pop culture in general gets too hung up on genre divisions (and yes, I totally do it too).

That said, to me, there are levels to it, and they depend more on the execution and intent of a certain plot point or element rather than the element itself. Some examples of what I mean:

-Alien is plainly a horror film in a sci-fi setting. The monster, at least until recently, was an unknowable and malevolent force that killed without mercy, almost exactly like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, etc. The being was monstrous and seemed entirely unnatural. It was Lovecraftian, which is another thing to think about... Cthulhu is basically just a big alien, much like Godzilla is just an irradiated lizard (or prehistoric monster depending on the version). Both of those concepts are sci-fi, yet Cthulhu is largely considered a major figure in horror literature, not science fiction.

-Star Trek is hard sci-fi in a hard sci-fi setting. Though clearly fictional, it at least attempts to make one believe that there's a scientific basis to the bulk of its concepts.

-Star Wars is essentially a fantasy adventure in a sci-fi setting. There is sound in space, mystical monk-like wizards with special powers, swords that power up with magic crystals, unexplained supernatural phenomena, etc. The bulk of its concepts depend on pure magic, despite the sci-fi setting. It's truly more like Lord of the Rings than Star Trek.

To me, there must be some semblance of science to it. Mediums and ghosts do not meet that criteria in and of themselves, unless there's some quantifiable attempt to make those ideas at least pseudo-scientifically possible.

Those are just my two cents.

Wait, who wrote Eat Fresh then?

Quoted from ReaperCreeper First of all, I'd like to say that society and pop culture in general gets too hung up on genre divisions (and yes, I totally do it too). That said, to me, there are levels to it, and they depend more on the execution and intent of a certain plot point or element rather than the element itself. Some examples of what I mean: -Alien is plainly a horror film in a sci-fi setting. The monster, at least until recently, was an unknowable and malevolent force that killed without mercy, almost exactly like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, etc. The being was monstrous and seemed entirely unnatural. It was Lovecraftian, which is another thing to think about... Cthulhu is basically just a big alien, much like Godzilla is just an irradiated lizard (or prehistoric monster depending on the version). Both of those concepts are sci-fi, yet Cthulhu is largely considered a major figure in horror literature, not science fiction. -Star Trek is hard sci-fi in a hard sci-fi setting. Though clearly fictional, it at least attempts to make one believe that there's a scientific basis to the bulk of its concepts. -Star Wars is essentially a fantasy adventure in a sci-fi setting. There is sound in space, mystical monk-like wizards with special powers, swords that power up with magic crystals, unexplained supernatural phenomena, etc. The bulk of its concepts depend on pure magic, despite the sci-fi setting. It's truly more like Lord of the Rings than Star Trek. To me, there must be some semblance of science to it. Mediums and ghosts do not meet that criteria in and of themselves, unless there's some quantifiable attempt to make those ideas at least pseudo-scientifically possible. Those are just my two cents.

Some good notes…

I add another one -- Jurassic Park. The whole second half is about the characters running for their lives from deadly dinosaurs.

As for the ghost discussion, if you meant this challenge's entry; don't forget, there also was that whole smartphone messaging thing and researching into those clients' deceased life and sending them messages in the name of… There was some of it that pointed in a certain direction. Take the general idea of an office that works that way… isn't that futuristic? Does it exist that industrialized? The medium f.i. was shown pretty professional to me, not as the creepy sitting in a tent version or weird talkshow guest medium.

That it missed full I wouldn't sign on. There were some aspects and I don't know if you may follow the actual thread, because I for myself thought there is even an explanation how the medium gets them back which just isn't on screen.

It wasn't spot on, there I'd agree.

Quoted from PrussianMosby Some good notes… I add another one -- Jurassic Park. The whole second half is about the characters running for their lives from deadly dinosaurs. As for the ghost discussion, if you meant this challenge's entry; don't forget, there also was that whole smartphone messaging thing and researching into those clients' deceased life and sending them messages in the name of… There was some of it that pointed in a certain direction. Take the general idea of an office that works that way… isn't that futuristic? Does it exist that industrialized? The medium f.i. was shown pretty professional to me, not as the creepy sitting in a tent version or weird talkshow guest medium. That it missed full I wouldn't sign on. There were some aspects and I don't know if you may follow the actual thread, because I for myself thought there is even an explanation how the medium gets them back which just isn't on screen. It wasn't spot on, there I'd agree.

Yes, what I was getting at was that I totally do see why the parameters weren't met for a lot of people, as ghosts aren't typically associated with what most consider sci-fi.

Yep. Understand. It's risky to go there. I also often think so about some light feel good comedies that shall just pass by, exactly as they are designed by their writer. Risky.

Is Ghosts of Mars sci/fi?   :P

Quoted from MarkItZero Stumpzian that was awesome, man. Amazing dialogue.

Thanks!

I just got in and am catching up on who won and who wrote what. Congratulations to all who entered and to those who moved on to Round 2. Will comment more this evening.

Henry

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect Is Ghosts of Mars sci/fi?   :P

Perhaps. But in order to avoid confusion, I tend to just classify it as crap. :)

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect Is Ghosts of Mars sci/fi?   :P

Yes. A more fair comparison, though, is whether or not Poltergeist is sci-fi...

Quoted from ReaperCreeper Perhaps. But in order to avoid confusion, I tend to just classify it as crap. :)

But, I like Ghosts of Mars. At least it was better than Vampires. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Yes. A more fair comparison, though, is whether or not Poltergeist is sci-fi... But, I like Ghosts of Mars. At least it was better than Vampires. =)

Sean what's the timeline for this one?

last round I already had the entry done by this time. this round I can't think of what to write about - not a good sign at all. plus it's night in Baku and I'm off to bed.

2 days and 7 hours.

Just got back on the PC and see we are outing ourselves.

I wrote Pearl of Wisdom - thanks all for the comments

Thought there were some solid scripts.

Toughest vote for me was between:

Blind Faith vs. A Hundred Midnights.

AND

You May Come In vs. The Apparation

In both of these the quality was very very close.

Nice work, Dave. Great script. You should do this for a living.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Nice work, Dave. Great script. You should do this for a living.

Thanks, mate - much appreciated

Thanks to all who read  mine - Missed It By That Much.
It was even funnier when I finished it but I was 3 pages over so had to really scrimp, slash and burn in the final hour before the deadline.

Kudos to all the other scripts - there was some real tough topics - and well done to Alex, my illustrious opponent who wrote a funny one a s well.

The new topic is up and I have an idea straight up and I will go with it. Good luck to my opponent Cam and everyone else!

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect Is Ghosts of Mars sci/fi?   :P

Yes. Plus the word ghost is used figuratively.

So, I'd had a few similar questions from people about this round. I'm sure most of the trouble should stem from two specific issues. Hence, I've updated the round 2 thread here so that there will be no worries about whether or not something is acceptable. =)

Hi Sean,

I understand the can't be dead before the script starts, but not so much the can't be dying as your script ends?

So they can die on the last page, but can't be dying? So you have to see them dead or know that they are dead?

Okay so we are going with most, if not all, BUT MOST of your script takes place at your ceremony. I guarantee people are going to get caught up on that. To me this means there can be a small portion of your script that does not take place at the event and that is acceptable?

I still have absolutely no idea where to go with mine but don't want to be disqualified.

Quoted from Warren So you have to see them dead or know that are dead?

Exactly.

Quoted from Warren Okay so we are going with most, if not all, BUT MOST of your script takes place at your ceremony. I guarantee people are going to get caught up on that. To me this means there can be a small portion of your script that does not take place at the event and that is acceptable? I still have absolutely no idea where to go with mine but don't want to be disqualified.

If I had it my way, they would take place at the location 100%. However, people like to have set-up, cutaways, flashbacks, etc, which might not necessarily take place at the location.

One thing I made a note of last round is that I do condone people bringing their own sets of values into the reviews. For some people, any time away from the location or genre (or modifier, in the last round) was a deal-breaker. Others were willing to look past that and see just the story. Neither one is wrong.

It's all about that line and whether or not you cross it. It's why art is called "subjective" and why I don't DQ, because where I stand is not the same as where everybody else stands.