Screenwriting : Social Networking for screenwriters by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"

Let's get right down to the kernel. What good is social networking for screenwriters. There are a few folk that I co-write with (about 4) and I'm very busy with my production schedule over the coming summer - I don't have time or inclination to waste time on Facebook, Twitter and the rest of 'em. Why should I care about "likes" or hits on YouTube. I barely have time enough to waste here on Stage 32 - but I stop in whenever I have a moment of down time. Maybe one of you can explain what I'm missing. Thanx.

Doug

Doug:

And I for one am damn happy you're taking the time out of your days to post.

Doug: I think it all depends on what you define as "good."

I've made connections here and elsewhere that have led to friendships; potential projects; paid (and free) writing and marketing assignments; and job offers outside of writing. The connections range from local to national to people in other countries. I have connections with local people that have pro equipment that cover everything involved in making films, music and other art forms. I've developed relationships with producers and media company owners who, as a result of our correspondences, will pretty much read anything that I write. I've ghost-written one business book and have turned down other business book assignments as a result of one connection on LinkedIn. I wrote jokes for a popular comedy club M.C. through a social media connection. I jam with a band as a result of a social media connection. I've also had friends visit me, and vice-versa. One of the scripts that I worked on helped a person meet with a producer, who was a social media connection of mine, and it's in pre-production in Europe, and will probably be shot later this year (fingers crossed).

All in all, that's pretty good.

I'm not a Facebook or Twitter guy, but I think social media sites like this one and a couple others that I belong to can have pretty good benefits - at least for me.

God bless stage 32! I'm met Bill Costantini here. Friends till the end. Or at least until the zombie apocalypse happens.

I understand both sides. I didn't know anyone in the game when I joined S32 so I had more time to network. Now, I'm so busy with writing projects from those connections, there's only time to do my thing here. My goal is to be in a solid network and write. Never having to social network again. I'll give back with S32, classes, podcasts. But 'social networking' - looking for creatives to connect with - is hard f@@king work. Except STAGE32 MEETUPS! Those are fun!

Shawn hits on an important part of social media: you have to make it work for you, and you not work for it. I know how a lot of people can just kinda float their way through a lot of zombie social media surfing, and without making anything substantial happen. I've never really done that, or at least not that much. Maybe because I was older when I started using Social Media, and saw the business value of it instead of the "fun" value of it. I really like to have a reason for accepting or sending a network offer here or elsewhere. And nobody wants to be my friend, anyway. Heh-heh.

But that's the best benefit of social media - at least to me, anyway.

Just to add something that will always be very important to me and is not screenwriting/music/art related. I hooked up with a brilliant attorney on LinkedIn a while back, and I convinced her to quit her job and to start her own law firm in San Diego - as the economy was crashing, and as banks were foreclosing on over 500 homes a day, and sometimes over 1,000 homes every day, and just in San Diego County. Over the next six years, I helped her save thousands of peoples' homes - and not just their homes, but their businesses, too, and their livelihoods, and in some cases, their sanity's and even their marriages. We helped keep people from having to uproot their lives, and helped keep their children in the schools and neighborhoods and homes that they were used to being in, and helped prevent a lot of even more serious turmoil and shock from damaging those families and those kids. I've done a lot of rewarding things in my life, but that was the most tangible and the most profound - every day for six years that I saw right before my eyes - in terms of helping others. That would have never happened - at least not for us in that capacity, and maybe not for some of those families, either - without LinkedIn.

Way to go in your successes, Shawn and Phil!

Bill C:

Good work in SD my friend. You have many layers.

Phil, but do you think if you didn't keep using these silly monikers - and changing them to boot? - you might do better? Your current name, which is not your actual name, so for branding purposes it's a fail, seems to poke fun at a certain ethnicity and religion. It's also silly and not professional. I can tell you for a fact there are some people that look at it - the moniker and the picture - and think it's not only unprofessional, but possibly offensive. You will probably laugh at this. Also, it's been my experience that when you're not positive such as your comments about Linked In - "The net result has been Jack and shit." - it gives off a negative vibe. I questioned writing this, as I know these comments will not be taken well, nor will you take my opinion seriously. I also believe your latest name is meant to thumb your nose up at the whole concept of professionalism. But, eyes are ALWAYS on you in this business. I can assure you of that. Perhaps if you did things differently, you would be looked at differently. My own cousin, Danny Aiello, gave me some advice long ago - "Kid, why not make a short? My dear friend Christine Lahti did and I was in it and she wound up winning the Oscar." And, you can look it up - She directed Lieberman in Love, although it was written by W.P. Kinsella and Polly Platt - and it won Best Live-Action Short in 1996. And, Kinsella had already written the book (Shoeless Joe) that Field of Dreams was based on, so shorts weren't too small for him. You currently have one short writing credit and one optioned feature film screenplay credit. Couldn't you use another credit and some Awards for your IMDb page? Why not take some pictures on the Red Carpet (you currently have one on IMDb). You've attended two of the Stage 32 parties during the Austin Film Festival? You didn't feel it was beneficial to take a picture on the Austin Step and Repeat? It's a HUGE Festival! Or to take some pictures with some producers and even people from Stage 32? That's what branding and social media is all about. Why not post a bio of yourself on IMDb? You have one here. You're a writer. This shouldn't be hard for you to do. And, in my experience social media can be a HUGE FACTOR - IF you know how to work it. From your bio here on Stage 32 and the contests you've won, it appears that you can write. But, in terms of branding yourself and social media? I think you are not doing it correctly. Why not have your actual NAME and a photo of YOURSELF on here? So, you know, people might actual see you as a real person. Being personable is always better than being silly. Please understand I get nothing out of this - other than informing you that your latest moniker is offensive to some. It's certainly NOT professional. A person can't even look you up under that moniker, because you've changed your name so frequently it doesn't register under a search. Please keep in mind that social media ONLY works for you, if you brand yourself correctly. Doing all of the above, may, indeed, still be branding you, just not in a way that is actually helping you, no matter how fun it is for you to keep creating these childish names. It's like your holding yourself back. And, no one here wants to tell you. BUT, isn't this what Stage 32 is for? I know, as a producer, I find it offensive to the professional in me - these little characters you keep creating. I met David Mamet during one lunch meeting in Los Angeles and he was David Mamet, professional. He didn't have a Facebook page that said, "D-Dog, Dave," with a picture of Droopy Dog on it. That's in direct opposition to the way you brand yourself. Perhaps if you did things differently, you would be looked at differently. After all, what's the definition of insanity?

Sam:

Thanks for all your advice. My antics haves been holding me back for years. I guess that’s why I have three college degrees, have real estate licenses in both California and Texas (that includes closing three deals this month) and have an excellent reputation in all things I do, including writing. This past year alone, I’ve signed six option and right to shop agreements, including one two weeks ago with De Pass Jones Entertainment (Lonesome Dove, The Jacksons mini-series, Motown 40 and many other credits) https://www.depassejones.com.

I currently have at least ten other producers reading my screenplays and not one “industry professional” has reproached me about my social networking activities, let alone even mention Stage 32 posts. And that’s not a slight on this website. I’m just stating material facts related to my creative endeavors. And none of that stuff is mentioned on IMDb, including most of my other current agreements, which have all been signed since September.

Additionally, over the past several years, I’ve had no problem getting material in front of major industry people (I won’t bore people with the list of names) via representation and my bold and innovative style of marketing has worked brilliantly for me. And guess what? My house and car are paid for, so as far my career and where and who I take pictures with? I’m doing just fine.

I have many writing friends and associates. I continue to offer them nothing but positive waves and support and get tons of that back in return. None of that’s listed on IMDb either.

As far as my “silly monikers”, I’m going to keep them coming. And let’s take a logical and objective look at them to evaluate why they would be offensive to anyone.

1) Uncle Phil. I’m sure that’s offended many people around the world. Yet none of them have contacted me about it. Other than that, it was intended to be humorous. Sorry if that was somehow lost on you.

2) Zen Master Phil was in response to some trolls that were attempting to engage me in BS forum arguments and to demonstrate I was going rise above that fray. In my world, I call that an inside joke. I used a cartoon picture of “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski. So I’m not sure how that would harm me or anybody else.

3) The current name, Rashsneeze Guru Phil, is a nod to a documentary being broadcast on Netflix. The picture that goes along with it was not, or is not intended to be a slight on any race, ethnicity or religion. It happens to be the great writer Omar Khayyam, a historical figure. So I’m not sure how or why that would offend anybody and commend you on your vivid imagination, and for reading so much into that particular moniker. Franky Scarlett, I don’t give a damn what you think. I hope you don't find that statement too negative.

As far as what I posts in this forum? I’m not here telling anyone what I believe is the Gospel truth. Nor am I bringing down tablets for Mount Sanai. I’m attempting to post some interesting topics to generate discussions about people’s experience. Sorry if you don’t like my direct style and my remarks offend you. If Linkedin has worked for you that’s great; It’s done nothing for me and I stated that in a blunt way because I don’t sit a room deliberating whether my statements will offend some guy in New York I’m wholly unconnected with in any way. It’s called freedom of speech and expression. I think it's kind of groovy. Don't you?

Since it’s too time consuming, I won’t be rebutting any more of your posts in this thread. Plus, I'd really like this thread not to be about me but you do what you must. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and I wish you success with your career and projects. I personally spend to try less time evaluating other people based on limited information and personal opinions; or worrying about other people’s careers and rendering personal advice; and spend more time trying to create original thought and content.

Sam: no disrespect to you - you're one of many proven commodities in the film business, and you make loving stories about your subject matters, and I commend you for those accomplishments, but Phil is just having fun with his "image" on Stage32.

He's a great writer and his stories are brilliantly crafted. Getting an agreement from Suzanne de Passe is no small feat - I know this first-hand because I was contracted to write a script that was based on a real-life person (Gwen Gordy) and real events (how Motown changed the world) that Ms. de Passe herself was a part of at the time when she worked with Berry Gordy and his sisters at Motown. I thought that it would be a slam-dunk as far as her wanting to produce it from that first meeting, but instead she suggested that I turn it into a book before she would consider producing it, in order to have a proof-of-concept and a built-in audience from the book sales. An agreement from Suzanne de Passe is almost as good as gold, and I give extra kudos to my competitor/comrade Phil for that great accomplishment. Suzanne de Passe doesn't toss those around so freely.

I think Phil has done everything right, from a writer's viewpoint, in terms of getting his high-quality scripts out there; marketing himself; and making a name for himself among dozens of powers-that-be people. Not many writers - even people with several produced credits with or without a consistent body of produced work - can say that. We all know there are many "levels of levels" in these endeavors - from becoming a writer who masters the craft of writing; to becoming a writer a writer who masters the craft of marketing; to becoming a writer who develops personal relationships with some of the powers-that-be; to becoming a sold writer; to becoming a writer who regularly sells and can make a living at it. He's done everything right to get to that last stage.

IMDB is certainly a great advertisement/validation for established people in the business, and produced credits are certainly the goal of writers like Phil and all the rest of us. I don't toot my own horn about my many options, shopping agreements and a contract on un-produced projects, but I can understand how some people would feel differently, though. I look forward to the day, which probably isn't so far off, when Phil has a whole bunch of produced credits - and he will, and probably before Oprah becomes our next President. And thank goodness on both!

Much love, respect and kudos to you both, and keep on fighting the good fight!

Well, at least I'm keepin' it real.

Phil, you absolutely have freedom of speech - that's the groovy part of it. And, I assure you NOTHING was lost on me. I thought calling a grown man "Uncle Phil" is both silly and unprofessional. You do as you please. Yes, I totally got The Big Lebowski reference - and recognized the logo. Your recent moniker does seem offensive to more than just me. You're not sure how the picture could be offensive? Well, when it goes along with a name like "Guru Rashsneeze Phil," it does seem to poke fun at a certain ethnicity and religion. Now, maybe that wasn't your intention, but if you can't see how people who may not have the "explanation" you provided above, might get that impression, then perhaps there are some things lost on you. I think, as a professional, your ever-changing names, no headshot is both silly and unprofessional. However, rather than fight with you I will take the high road here and just stop. It's a waste of breath to argue with a wall. However, if you come back at me, than I won't take the high road.

Phil, please don't allow anyone to squeeze you into a box. We value and appreciate you just the way you are. Keep on truckin'!

Unfortunately, there are those on this site who'd like to force everyone else into a mirror-image of themselves. What these finger-pointers fail to realize is that RB and Stage32 don't just appreciate diversity, they CELEBRATE it... with gusto! We have folks on this site from all different age, gender, educational, geographical, religious, race, experience, and political backgrounds, including both IMDB and non-IMDB page posters like myself (although I've made 10 films, all highly profitable).

In the JIm Crow days of the Deep South, the "good old boys" of the white establishment did everything in their power to keep blacks from expressing their opinions at the voting booth. Much of their oppostion centered around those registering to vote, with flimsy excuses like "You're not educated enough", "You're photo doesn't look professional", "You're handwriting isn't legible", or the big one "You don't have a Voter's Card." But it was bigotry, pure and simple.

Today, discrimination is more nuanced, more subtle, especially here on Stage32 when you have a different point of view than someone else. We sometimes see responses like "How dare you disagree with me? After all, you don't even have an IMDB page!" or "You use silly monikers! That doesn't measure up to my narrow criteria of what constitutes professionalism" or "What do you know? You're only a high school kid from Lithuania!" Usually these comments are made under the guise of "helping" someone. But at its core, it has the same goal as in the Jim Crow days, to stifle diversity!

Bill, I disagree with you completely. I am a professional and will stay that way. You won't see Sammy Sam on my profile with a picture of Shrek. I don't think it's fun. It's people minding "my business," which I take very seriously. I began as a writer looking to direct and then I learned producing, and I will say this: Producing has taught me to be way more professional - and I was professional to begin with. As for your comments about IMDb, well, please understand that IMDb is the way the industry judges you. Its not some vanity sight. I have been with casting directors, producers and other directors and even writers when they immediately go to IMDb and check someone out. And, that can certainly help quell "mild-interest" in an artist. You can't have it both ways, my friend. You are either professional or you're not. Barring any rude comments (I don't mean you), that will be my last words on this subject. Good Luck to you all. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH!

working folks use Studio System database.

Erik A. Jacobson DON'T YOU EVER accuse me of discrimination. I suggest you look at the name of Phil's profile picture and his picture itself. You want to jump into the fray and say libelous things, I suggest you be careful. I never accused Phil, I said it was offensive to some and it is. BUT, if you continue to ACCUSE ME OR ANY FORM OF DISCRIMINATION, I will take appropriate action. And, yes, that is a valid argument - not having an IMDb page. THIS is an entertainment social media site. If you've done nothing in entertainment WHERE is the justification for YOU to give advice? And, yes, like it or not, PROESSIONALISM still counts for something in this business. Profile pictures - using your actual name, acting in a professional manner - these things count. And, if you can't see that? Well, that just might be the reason you don't have an IMDb page or anything produced. You can't handle asking for your resume, which is essentially what an IMDb page is? "Under the guise of "helping" someone?" Do you think the industry just pats you on the back and says nice job, every ten seconds? That's not how it works, guy. To try and make a connection with someone talking about professionalism with discrimination and racism is not only a HUGE STRETCH, it is, Erik, LIBELOUS. Do it again, and I will take the appropriate action. I've offered a lot to this community and made many friends. Wrote two of the most populated, commented on and liked BLOGS. You can look it up. I've noticed you twice when you came back at me with smarmy remarks. But, I ask you again, where is your resume? Your IMDb page? Where can we view your work? Isn't that what this site is for? To help others achieve their ultimate goals? I would be careful what you say to others in the business.

Sam: I understand how you feel that IMDB is a reference resource. But it's not the way that "the industry" judges me, or Phil: people in the industry judge us by our spec scripts that we write, and by our scripts that we write that are based on their ideas or are a result of their assignments. And people in "the industry" judge Erik Jacobson by his skills and successes, and he seems to be doing all right without an IMDB page.

I'm not dissing IMDB at all. I mainly disagreed with your assertion that Phil was potentially damaging his reputation by using humorous aliases here on Stage32, which I don't think he is.

Both you and Phil are valuable contributors to Stage32, and I bet you'd both get along quite well in person. You're both passionate people about what you do, and I hope the two of you continue your comments in the future without any lingering bad feelings about this one.

Dan, No offense to some working folks, but I know a major New York casting director that goes right to IMDb to check someone out. I know actors who do it. I know several major directors who use it. And, I deal with a lot of studio folks. I don't think they'd take to kindly to someone calling himself "Guru Rashsneeze Phil." I know someone on who was offended by it. Someone on Stage 32 asked me, "Is he Indian?" They were wondering what his intentions were with that moniker. And, if a person doesn't have an IMDb page, it's kind of funny if they are going to be a working writer, producer or director. Any "studio" or "indie" is listed on the site. So, if a person's projects are NOT listed on the site, what does that say about them? "I'm a major filmmaker, but none of my projects are listed there." Personally, I was done with this thread until Erik decided to accuse me of racism and discrimination. Not cool.

Sam B:

Seriously, I bear you no malice. I've read your recent remarks and understood your message (no sarcasm) but disagree with you. You offered your advice and you didn't insult me. And, I endeavored to do the same with you. But I say here is this thread I respect your achievements and have no more to say on this topic.

You dig me, don't you? And, you came into to ingratiate yourself with old Guru Phil. And you have. When I’m in LA, we can meetup at the Alcove for coffee and get to know each other better. Nothing would give me greater joy than to hear your passionate beliefs about how I could be a better person like you. You're no bully.

You keep posting Laura. I find you amusing.

Let's be clear folks. This thread is about social networking. But just for the record, my lovely wife is a California bar passed attorney and advised me a few weeks back that someone committed libel "per se" against me in one of these threads. And, that I should put them on notice of legal action. I chose instead to delete the thread.

Here's a very good definition of libel Per Se. And what would constitute legal action.

libel per se

n. broadcast or written publication of a false statement about another which accuses him/her of a crime, immoral acts, inability to perform his/her profession, having a loathsome disease (like syphilis) or dishonesty in business. Such claims are considered so obviously harmful that malice need not be proved to obtain a judgment for "general damages," and not just specific losses.

See also: defamation libel slander

Just for the record, I don't have syphilis. At least I don't think I do.

Erik, that's making quite the leap... for differences of opinion on what some people may deem "poor taste" or various differences of professional opinions and/or practices. I also stress caution about posting such accusations.

My opinion as someone who has formally worked in advertising and brand design and development for over 15 years: Being consistent is often best, especially if working and promoting across several mediums, media, and social networks. You want to be easily identifiable and recognizable, however, or whatever you are marketing. For example, I really like Lucy V Hay. I think she gives great tips. I enjoy her books on screenwriting. She teaches classes, consults, edits, etc. But then... she has a website called Bang2Write. It looks nothing like her other ventures. It also has a completely different visual tone. Her name gets lost in the fray. It's hard to understand—the design is poorly done, etc. I would suggest to her to work with a brand design firm and/or consultant—cause it's all over the place and it's not consistent—especially if she plans to expand. Consolidating her brand would be a good thing.

And... I'm with Dan Guardino. I'm only on Stage 32. I just don't have the time, nor am I promoting anything. I'm here on S32 to make connections, to share resources and information, to discuss all things screenwriting and film and creating, to learn, and to help wherever and whenever I can. You know, pay it forward. ;)

Beth:

Thank for your post. You and I have our differences. However, you are very helpful to many people. You can also ask Dan G and several other folks about the many hours I've spent assisting them with their writing needs and asking nothing in return. That's what friends do. In turn, I've received so much support and help from Dan G and all the others. So it all evens out in the karmic universe.

Very interessing! Thanks

Dear Laura:

One woman's A-holery (not a word by the way) is another man's humor, which you Madame are sadly lacking. Good day to you!

Personally speaking, I don't care for Done Deal Pro. Sure, there are some great discussions on that board to read, particularly from those writers you mention, Laura, but it is also riddled with some awful commentators—much more so than here. Thick skin is required indeed! :)

Beth:

I've heard the name. What does Done Deal Pro do?

I just received this lovely not from The Newcastle Omar Khayyam Society:

Dear Mister Hardy:

Thanks so much for using Omar Khayyam’s likeness for your Stage 32 Image. Since we haven’t had much publicity lately, it’s good to see someone of your stature and influence using Omar’s picture to promote the wonderful things you do at Stage 32. The members of the club were all atwitter (pardon the pun) about your social networking post and wanted to say “chin-chin old boy and keep a stiff upper lip” and that we wholeheartedly support your activities. Remember, Omar says “The moving finger writes.” And you’ve been a busy chap. So keep it up mate, we have your back, and Omar’s smiling down from his magic carpet in the sky.

Warmest Regards,

Mortimer Chelmsford

Club Mascot

Phillip, it's just another message board. And... you know, there are preferences on S32 for profile names to be actual names of members. Just saying... ;)

Guru Phil or whatever you are calling yourself today. Keep doing what you're doing. I like it rough. Wenn wir alle abstimmen würden, würde die Welt ein langweiliger Platz sein. We don't always have to see eye to eye.

Yup, different strokes. So apparently S32 is beneath your expectations, Laura? Your thread comments certainly come across as such. Care to post or start topic discussions of your choosing? Always appreciate different posters with different points of view and/or questions. ;)

Thanks Julie and Nina. I find your lack of hostility refreshing.

An interesting thread to my simple question. I receive requests to join my network almost daily - from folk all around the world. Obviously they don't read my home page where I state that I hold my network to those nearest me (so that I can work with 'em) and there are a couple of others who I come to know and respect from Stage 32. Other than that - No. I only want folk in my network that I can help or that I respect. Is that wrong?

I have profiles on LinkedIn and Stage 32. LinkedIn is focused on my day job (Director level at an enterprise software company). I've done some mentions of my writing on LinkedIn, but should probably do more with cross-linking my Stage 32 profile to LinkedIn.

Laura: Do you make a lot of money off your humor? I'd love to see a demonstration of that. I've also noticed you don't post any of your own threads. But like to act like a camp guard in my threads that actually demonstrate some form of original thought. Why is that? I think I'm a bit older than you. Are you having what Freud and Jung called Father Issues? Here's the thread if you'd like to read up on it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_complex

Phil, While I won't continue the fight, I will say that I wasn't going to post again, until you posted that note. My point, being is, that if I posted a picture of Marlon Brando and called it, "Sam the Garlic Eater," which I would NOT do, and someone from the Marlon Brando Appreciation Society thought it was funny, would there still be Italians, who took offense? Similarly, while I would think it was TERRIBLE BRANDING to call yourself "Guru Phil" and use the photo of Omar Khayyam, clearly NOT you, and even silly, it becomes "offensive" to some - particularly some Persions and even Indians (referring to yourself as a Guru) - when your moniker becomes "Guru Rashsneeze Phil," regardless of the thoughts of Mr. Chelmsford, who seems more interested in promoting Omar Khayyam and his society than he does human decency. If you could see that point - and I concede offending others may not have been your intention - then we would have a middle ground here. In regards to the other stuff, we couldn't disagree more, but I guess, variety makes for the spice of life.

Gawd, stop. Sigh... My comment to Laura was regarding her comment: "I'd much rather be on a board that provides better information." Asking her to then perhaps post and start topic discussions of her choice. I too don't really care for the "humor" of this particular thread either.

And, Freud? Really?! Please...

Beth

I posted a good topic. Where other people take it is out of my control. I will go easier on my decorations of Love after this.

Beth: sorry if you were offended by my attempt at a humorous metaphor for the path of this topic. I deleted it.

Laura, we have "serious" people here as well. Those same questions are asked and answered. :)

Bill

Damn you! Now I'll have to delete mine.

Guys, no offense was taken! Lol! :))) It just seemed to me that the intent of my comment to Laura was misunderstood. I'm not taking "sides" here...

My understanding of Done Deal Pro is that there is a yearly subscription fee, right? It is a screenwriting news and resource site only, but also has forums. I think it is a lot older than Stage 32? Dating back to 2000?—I believe, I'm not sure? S32 launched in 2012. And I mean this in a joking manner... but, Laura, I wonder if you also like it because "pro" is in the title. Lol! :)

Beth

We're good.

Beth: Oh drats - I thought your comment was aimed at me. I'd send an email to my archivist to get it back up, but she's left early for the Passover Holiday. Oh well, no biggie.

Mazel tov and Happy Holidays to my Jewish friends...Happy Easter to my Christian friends...and Happy Hanuman Jayanti to my Hindi Friends!

And if everyone can, just for a few private moments, send some good thoughts and wishes to Evie, my neighbor's cat who has been missing for 19 days now...I'd really appreciate that. I love that little kittie and hope we can mend some broken hearts soon!

Ah, Done Deal Pro is also a database: "Done Deal Pro tracks the various script, book, treatment, and pitch sales and options made in Hollywood each day. Subscribers are able to search our database of thousands and thousands of film & TV deals by title, writer, representation, company, genre, date, and more." ;) I'm not subscribed, so for me, the only time I have read some of the DDP forum discussions is when/if something happens to come up during some Google search of mine. Again, there is some good stuff there. :) Cheers!

Beth

I'll take a look at that website. I thought they were mainly script consulting.

Oh, and lastly... Reddit. No one has mentioned Reddit yet, right? That's another one that gets nasty at times. Thick skin required. :)

Laura: Cool! True, the DDP message boards are free—sorry, I didn't make that clear. ;)

So, ain't nobody gonna answer my question. So be it on Stage 32.

Doug, sorry, I missed your question. You use the site as you see fit. ;) Some members prefer to keep their networks small and/or be selective. Whatever works best for you. ;)

Doug, I'll answer! At least for me, I'm pretty open to accepting any and all with the exception of those selling services, loans, insurance, etc.

Doug: I answered the question right after you asked it. So did Shawn, and Beth answered a little later as well.

Doug

The Guru is here to pose the questions, not answer them.

Bill, yes I went back & read your response (what I consider "good" is that it be for my benefit and for the requester's benefit) - you did knida answer my question. It's just that I see no benefit to including random names from all over the world on my computer in my professional network. My wife's son owns a brewery here and he's in my network - so my beer is free (but I think his network is pretty small too.)

Sorry, I just got bogged down wading through all the hip deep bah-bah sticky in here.

Dan, we're on the same page.