Screenwriting : This is a poll, not a pole. What's the best online resource for screenwriters? by Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique

Crap, I was looking for a pole. Seriously, I wouldn’t say best, but I have gotten some decent info from screencraft.com and scriptbully.com

I don't "feel obligated to say Stage32", but I think Stage32 is easily the best, all things considered. No other website offers all of the functionality, features and services to writers that Stage32 offers, and I'd imagine more great stuff is probably in the works, too.

I've received/have access to a lot of great information; pitched to professionals and gained invaluable feedback; made relationships in many creative fields; can hire people, be hired by people, or barter; can enter door-opening contests, or have doors opened in other ways; can communicate in a well-run global forum (and on a variety of topics); can help and get help; can showcase my work/market myself; and can even interact with the owner and staff. And relating with people "in many creative fields", is important to me - as a writer, and as an aspiring film producer. Being able to do that online, from the comfort of my home, office, car, backyard, grocery store, etc. Nothing beats that. Nothing. And for any person to say anything to the contrary...well...they just aren't as relationship-inclined, results-seeking, or as motivated as I am.

A lot of sites do "some" of that, but Stage32 is the only site that does "all" of that. That's as good as it gets. Stage32 is easily the best.

I think you ought to look at each in context. Some of the by invitation only screenwriting groups are excellent when it comes to aid in story development but they're very narrow in scope. Those fostered by various festivals and similar groups are great sources of 'scripts' to read & study - but little else. Stage 32 is fragmented into many sub categories, giving it a much wider appeal base but I also think a much thinner base. So which ones are better - all or none. It's my humble opinion that the best networking, camaraderie, feedback and pitching is best done in eye to eye, face to face meeting; This online stuff really just doesn't cut it.

Back in the AOL internet era, I was on wordplayer.

Now i dont know what’s best but I do know there’s an explosion/implosion of screenwriting sites, blogs, podcasts, webinars, festivals. Pick your poison.

The only two besides stage32 i follow regularly are script revolution and simply scripts. Also prodeals is the best when talking business side.

Dan Maxx, I was at wordplayer too. There was a time it was quite big and had good traffic and lively discussions. But then they had a two tiered site where there was the writing film and the film appreciation forums. it died down when they booted the film club aspect. It never recovered just slowly faded away. Has some good archive stuff to read, but it's seriously dated now. All before streaming.

I've made some great friends through Stage 32 and the wide-ranging facilities on here are excellent. Without obligation my vote is S32.

An honourable mention for the Bang 2 Write Facebook group - lots of friendly, helpful souls on there too.

FaceBook / screenwriting group is useful as is

sub reddit screenwriting.

I second Ken Zakreski the r/screenwriting subreddit is one of the best resources and top 10 communities on reddit. Your questions can be so trivial or complex and everyone is ready to throw their opinions and experiences in to help you. The mods are constantly making the sub better, Even a drive of scripts and books. Definitely should check it out.

Doug: that's unfortunate that you feel that way. You should read RB's blog today about a Stage32 member whose latest film directly benefitted from the Internet and his Stage32 relationships. You can find it here, if you're interested:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/A-Filmmakers-Journey-Part-1-How-Three-Creat...

Best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Doug!

https://johnaugust.com/podcast

While you HAVE to have a Social Media presence and I think Stage 32 is certainly great and one that you need to frequent, I am emphasizing the BEST RESOURCE is to get out there and meet people. These days, at most Film Festivals I attend, I either meet a contact to work with, a potential money-person, someone whose interested in my writing or directing and almost always someone who wants me to produce for them. Now, yes, I have a track record and a lot of contacts. But, I got that by putting the time in. Again, I think you have to have an online presence and STAGE 32 has so MANY GREAT RESOURCES, but there is NO SUBSTITUTE for Festivals, Screenings, Premieres, Events and Get Togethers. Now, for those, who "Don't live in L.A. or NYC," I don't want to hear it: There is a worthy Festival within 90 minutes driving distance (and likely closer) of just about anyone. You'd be surprised how much NETWORKING goes on at these Festivals and how many contacts you can meet. I've heard Dan MaxXx talk about getting a job on a low-budget film sets. I completely agree. Work as a PA or whatever you can do, and pitch your short film / feature script idea to one of the producers WHEN the moment presents itself, be it lunch or a wrap party. If it's a low-budget set they will be more open to listen. Get out there at Festivals, Sets, Screenings and meet people. You can even buy a ticket to a Special Screening and if you're lucky meet someone who can help after the Q&A. And, for the first person who says they can't do it, don't live close enough, can't afford it, I did this for more than 10 years building up my contacts before I became a full-time working professional. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! BREAK LEGS out there! ;) GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3

lots happening over at LinkedIn (screenplay, screenwriters). Too much, any recommendations there?

Don't like social media anymore and quit all my accounts except of Stage32 where I also can find inspiration from stage people, musicians, radio and tv people etc.

You work hard and believe me some door will open. If no door is opened, some windows will open!

Yeah, I had an account for a short time got tired of seeing people post what they ate for breakfast.

Well I purged my twitter, kept friends and a few people for comedic relief, googled "screenwriters on twitter" and found a list "60 of the best writers to follow" I followed them and their suggested followers. They post the breakfast pics but also drop nuggets of info and the occasional behind the scenes.

It looks like the polemic on twitter and social media can lead us to a post a newbie can use. "which is the best online resource for screenwriters?"

Coming into this project writing my first screenplay I have to include YouTube and especially Film Courage for a great overview of the basics of pretty well all facets of screenwriting.

RB is actually one of my favorite follows, He always posts great things and I learned about stage32 from one of his "introduce yourself" tweets.

Hey Phillip! You're on it! Stage 32 has a ton of resources for screenwriters. Did you check out the Stage 32 Writers' Room? There are a ton of webinars on screenwriting. I actually hosted a few myself. There is also the Stage 32 Education services. These webinars are all taught by working executives and producers.