Today I am offering some commentary on supporting your fellow writers and using this valuable resource we have in this forum. But allow me to digress. When I began my screenwriting journey, I reached out to many screenwriters who were contest winners and posted in some other website screenwriting forums. My posts were often ignored or met with hostility and contempt. I also exchanged screenplays at Trigger Street Labs and generally speaking, did not receive the same type of constructive reviews that I was providing to other writers. So I decided as I got better at what I was doing and if I ever achieved any levels of success that I was going to provide encouraging support to other scriptwriters.
I’ve been a member of the Stage 32 community for more than four years. To me, this is a very special networking resource where I’ve forged many friendships with other writers and have had a number of people reach out to me for help. I consider this a responsibility and always endeavor to provide the best support I can for other writers. Believe me when I say the positive karma philosophy has come back to me in spades. Just this month alone, three other writers have recommended me for potential paying gigs where they thought I would be a fit.
Finally, though we may have differing styles, methodologies and opinions about the screenwriting craft, I think we can also be respectful and supportive of our fellow writers. There’s enough conflict in the world without bringing it into a place where folks should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about their screenwriting adventure.
Emile: thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Boomer:
Thanks my friend.
Thank you for saying this! 100% agreed. This is what makes the community aspect all the more helpful.
Yes.
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It takes a village, does it not? ;) xoxo
Agreed. I've sought you out before for help and will continue to do so. You've helped me in many ways and I couldn't think of any other way to pay it back, better, than to share with other writer's what I've learned from you. #Onward.
Thanks all for the quick and positive response!
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Well....I prefer the way they settle things in movies....wild drag-em-outs.....like Phillip and I have done a few times in the past, and then everything is everything.
As a Buddhist-like alternative, though....maybe us Stage32ers can pop for a week-long Alaska vacation for Dan and C. Harris. It's a great place to do some spiritual cleansing and team-building this time of year, and will only cost around 5K. And who knows? They might come out of it with a co-written screenplay. How can we resist?
I'll put up the first hundred and the last hundred - only 48 to go. Let's get 'er done, Stage32ers - who is willing to contribute to this worthy endeavor?
Bill C: I'm broke but put me in for ten bucks. As always, you are a creative thinker and I love you for it.
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Bill
Can I just have the $200? Covers my 10-week course at CKO kickboxing gym. Gotta keep up with the Housewives and Soccer Moms.
Phil speaks the truth!!! Side note, he's also a very gentle lover.....I've been told.
Travis:
Thanks for your support and the rumors are true!
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Dan: Sure....I'll just deduct it from the past due interest on my script consulting bill for your last script. Let's see....you only owe $600.45 now. Aww heck....let's make it an even $600, this being Ash Wednesday and all! (Dan's last script, by the way, is a killllllllller comedy.)
I'll gladly share whatever I have learned since I started in the Jurassic era but vitriol gets you nothing. The old classic film industry was (is still) a very tight knit group and it has a long memory. I'm here to offer help & guidance in any way I can.
Doug:
Nice of you to offer your experience to people. You're quite right. Misplaced anger is a waste of energy. Better to use your time in pursuing things that can get you closer to your goals, if you have them.
Ah, the old TriggerStreet days. Was sad that after I took a few years break, I came back and it was gone. Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal" I agree with your sentiments.
Well said, Phillip. I know I'm a lot farther along as a writer because of some of the relationships I've formed here, and the inspiration and motivation that has come from being part of this community. When we help and look out for each other, we all benefit.