Screenwriting : A positive field to plant your creative seeds. by Neville Steenson

Here, here Neville! Let's show some emotional maturity and constructively help. I will say this though, if I write something that's crap, I don't want sunshine blown up my skirt. And of course, there are many ways to say that to me without taking the air out of the room.

I agree Steven and this goes without saying. We should support each other and encourage as opposed to shooting down their idea just cause someone is having a bad day. Leave the Ego's at the login page and embrace.

The thing is... Rainbows and unicorns, or pink fluffy rabbits, do not make us better writers. We need to be challenged. We need to be provoked. Controversy helps you learn where you stand and how best to respond to it. We need to be snapped out of our own reverie from time to time. Most new writers are too precious about their writing. Why post if you truly can't handle feedback? Why waste everyone's time and energy? If you only want to hear how great you are then go ask your mother about your logline, right? (LOL!) I have been on Stage 32 for over two years and I really have not seen many huge egos. HONESTLY. I find this oversensitivity to commentary interesting. Most of us here are encouraging. We are! Nonetheless, I completely agree, rudeness is never okay. But, sometimes 'support' is disguised as tough love. ;) xxooxxoo

The Film Industry is tough so I applaud your attempt to create at least one thread that was entirely positive. I haven't made it big yet but I have some shorts with credits and I've done a lot of practicing. Along the way I met a lot of great people who were nothing but encouraging and helpful. Statistically I believe they are the majority but as with lots of industries, the haters are the loudest of the bunch. My advice to folks is not to take them to heart, stick with it and have fun. Hard work, practice and enjoyment is what makes us better writers, not responding to negative feedback like an animal in a Pavlovian experiment.

It's hard to keep your spirits up, and this is a very subjective calling. -- You're an Artist (with that capital A) and the world needs you. Show it Truth. Pick yourself up from negative feedback, find the kernels that were hidden by the commenter's inartfullness and get writing. Give the world what it needs. But, honest, it's so much easier to criticize than to create. Maybe we should all spend some of that saved time, being especially kind. Good thread. Thanks for wanting to have it out there, Neville.

Wow, is it really so hard to show a little self control and post only positive things in a thread that asks people to post only positive things? Save me Pink Fluffy Bunnies! Save me from the negativity!

Nothing on this thread has been negative. It's all supportive. It's all constructive. These statements DO make a difference -- for the better. :)

Great point Alle. There is a difference between negative feedback and negative personalization. A lot of issues or disputes on these threads are a result of confusion or misunderstanding between the two -- usually by those receiving feedback. Of course, negative feedback should always be given in a supportive and encouraging manner. Intentions can also become clouded with unintentional and often misread subtext. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps that's where the 'fluffy pink bunnies' can help. :) My mother used to say, "a little bit of sugar always goes a long way."

Yes, giving somebody one's time, attention and energy is a positive force, even if perceived differently or even if the commentary/feedback is negative. Reminds me when Stephen King wrote a commentary, or just commented, about Twilight series writer Stephanie Meyers. Basically, he called her writing crap. All I could think was, "WOW, Stephen King paid attention to her! Read her writing! Felt a need to comment!" I'd be thrilled if Stephen King ever called my writing crap. LOL! :)

The mediocre are always at their best. Yes? Mediocrity is something I never wish to achieve. If a verbal shove or kick in the butt helps push me into higher levels of creative brilliance, then I'll take 'em. Especially, if sprinkled with a little sugar. :) Best to you all!

Simply another viewpoint: The best scene study teacher I ever had could find 5, 7, 9 ways to "critique" and improve someone's work before he ever said anything negative, if ever he did. He once threatened to stop attending movies with me if I couldn't come out and say 7 nice things about it before I started picking it apart, because of something I already knew but obviously hadn't internalized: Criticism is easy; creation is hard. People often ask for very specific things (affirmation, production leads), and commenters jump in to pick apart ancillary topics, or tell them why they are not ready, or in this case, to say why it is perfectly all right to criticize. It is not weak to be supportive. I find it respectful to honor a poster's specific request or stay the heck away. I find it helpful to my own growth to be able to wish someone well when they've had a small victory (and are presenting it as such), without mentioning that I think some part of their project is obviously crap. My point being: Neville was very specific, here. He asked that "we restore balance and share a little creative love" and that we do it in a specific way: "big pink fluffy rabbits dancing under cotton wool clouds kinda thing." It is possible that he saw a need for the group that others had missed, an imbalance that he thought he would go out on a limb and address by being vulnerable and silly? Telling him why tough love is being supportive and parsing the differences in types of criticisms is trying to teach him why what he wanted is invalid. IMO. If I thought it was invalid, I might consider staying away because (obviously, lol) not every thought that falls from my "lips" is a golden gem to be shared. I do know that all who comment, want what is best for those whom they comment, upon. But, sometimes we might be missing what they actually need, by a simple misreading of what they are specifically asking for (a failing I am certainly heir to). -- Yay! Ended with a preposition twice in one sentence!! Personal best! Neville: I think fluffy bunnies are nice. Consider this my sad little attempt to affect the imbalance you perceived. Let loose the dogs of war. \m/,

Hey Jeffrey, you lost me there a little... I am in no means trying to 'teach' Neville, or anyone else, different types of criticisms, nor telling Neville that what he wanted for this thread is invalid. Not at all. I am only presenting a different side to the conversation, and attempting to do so with some levity. I'm looking at this subject holistically. My intention here -- as always -- is to be helpful and positive. :) Best to you!

Thank you one and all for all perspectives to this thread. I see all points of view here and I would never suggest we butter over a less then on par project and say it is awesome when clearly it is not. We would achieve nothing other then building up a false sense of security for that given writer. However I am most in agreement with Jeffery as in always find the good things first in each project and be constructive with what didn't work so well. I feel to many people in today's culture see it as "Cool" to slate the new big budget film as it leads them to believe they are having their voice heard. To be honest not every film made or screenplay written is going to be a home run. However if you look close enough each has that little something, it's reason for being created. My point was in this post to help nurture that little thing creatively and who knows what that seed will grow into. Oh yeah Jeffery "Dog of War" certainly works also ;) Thank you all again, you rock.

All of this reminds me of a good Robert Heinlein quote: "Moving parts in rubbing contact require lubrication to avoid excessive wear. Honorifics and formal politeness provide lubrication where people rub together. Often the very young, the untraveled, the naive, the unsophisticated deplore these formalities as “empty,” “meaningless,” or “dishonest,” and scorn to use them. No matter how “pure” their motives, they thereby throw sand into machinery that does not work too well at best."

I like that Trey :-D

The Robert Heinlein quote is a good one, especially when talking about manners. I'm not sure if your use of this quote is directed at me or not... but, if you are implying that I am ill mannered, young and inexperienced you would be incorrect on all counts. Again, best wishes to all of you.

I like the quote very much Beth and it never crossed my mind and very much doubt it would be aimed at you. After all in the spirit of this thread we are happy and love eachother :-D.

It was not directed at you Beth, but rather at those the original post was directed at.

My point being: Tough love is a great thing. Stark "truth" often saves heartache down the road. If people ask for it, I am (sometimes, after reflection on the probable effect) happy to provide. But (and possibly forgive me any "my words your mouth" Neville) -- Neville asked if there could be one thread of simple niceties, not all threads. One. This one. He seemed to think one thread of simple positivity could perhaps influence the whole. -- Ah do believe it was an experiment. We should perhaps wonder what it is in our makeup that when someone puts out a call for extra-careful-civility, we come to it of our own free will and explain how our way of doing things is more efficacious. Like I'm doing now. My bad. "Waiter? More drinks for all! The bunnies, too!!"

Okay, my bad guys. Sorry Trey... as I said, I wasn't sure. :) Neville, yes, absolutely, it is all about the love! :) Jeffrey, here's the thing, honestly, this post has remained completely positive -- at least in my mind. The fluffy pink bunnies are still alive and well! Negative or positive feedback is always a good thing. When it turns bad, or ugly, is when negative feedback is given with spite and is meant to be hurtful. That has not happened here. Again, my point was just to present another side of the discussion. Too much "sweetness" isn't always the best approach, neither is cruelty. A constructive, encouraging approach seems to strike the right balance when either talking about negative or positive points. :) Okay, virtual group hug? Yes? xxoo

I "liked" your comment because you added "at least in my mind" (since at least Trey certainly didn't see it that way, and I also later saw it differently, that would obviously be a subjective thing, as you have pointed out) and all of the rest of it was spot on. You, go!

and, hug.

I didn't see any of the comments here as negative so much as misunderstandings of the OP. I thought the request was very straight forward and tried to follow them. Others felt a need to explain things instead. Not negative maybe but not what the OP was asking for either. As my editor would gleefully say, too much exposition. :D And may the Pink Fluffy Bunny gods smile upon you and send unicorns across rainbow bridges to bring you all love and hope.

See, Trey's so much smarter, than me.

Just better at faking it. :-D

May the Pink Fluffy Bunny gods smile upon you as well. :) LOL

This forum must be a safe place for all writers to give/take open and honest critique of our writing/writing skills. That said a truly professional writer understands that the critique and suggestions offered only apply to your writing. The unfortunate side of that is that this is a public forum open to all levels of skill and professionalism, and some haven’t yet figured it out. Let’s help each other, okay? (Of course if your shoes don’t match your purse – you must be a bad writer.)

Stumbled across this thread. My first response was to ignore. Perused most of the responses. Again - just smile and sign off. But you know the first rule of writing: Writers write, even when not in the mood. Ultimately, this thread is harmless. Amusing. Pink Fluffy Bunnies indeed. Of course - they don't exist in this business. Unless you count the Pulitzer prize-winning "Harvey". But I doubt that's what the original poster had in mind. Criticism - constructive or otherwise - is the coin of the realm. If you ask for it - and get it -deal with it. Grain of salt. It's like getting notes at a meeting from an executive. You nod, and try to force a smile and say, "Interesting, let me think about that" - then go to your car - keep the windows rolled up - and scream. The mostly idiotic ones you ignore and hope they'll go away. The few and far between creative ones you address in your (hopefully) paid rewrites. I suppose there's room for optimism and glad handing and sweetness and light -but it accomplishes little. Like one poster who asked for no smoke to be blown up his skirt (kilt?) - if you aspire to be a writer - and sell you rwork and make a living at it - then sweetness and light and fluffy bunnies are a waste of time. That's a fantasy world. What people do here on Stage 32 - when asked - are to contribute the wealth of their knowledge - some in the same or similar boats (leaky and aspiring), others who've fought the battles and have the scars to show for it. And perhaps - still an axe to grind. If on occasion - their repsonses may not come off all candy-coated - it's for good reason. I would hope that no one sets out to be a prick and burst bubbles. But that being said - I find myself with a short fuse for those who are in the dreamer/aspirant stage and ask others to do their work for them ("here's my unwritten idea for a screenplay - what's my logline?") To those poseurs I have no time. Not looking for a partner and not looking to give it away for free. I've long been of the mind that you cannot teach someone to write - in the sense tht you can't teach someone how to concoct a viable IDEA for a story. Anyone can find the format for a screenplay - and put words to paper - and THEN - it can be critiqued and the good the bad and the ugly pointed out for revision and refinement and rewriting. But you really need to begin by doing the heavy lifting alone. Taking those blank pages and filling them with words and imagery and dialogue - BEFORE you can reasonably ask the more seasoned among us for help/criticism/praise. As far as the object of this thread being to provide a safe haven - replete with pink bunnies - from the naysayers and meanies out there - enjoy. But it accomplises little or nothing in the real world. If writing is truly your goal - and not some hobby - or fever dream - then write. And grow a thick skin. And maintain a sense of humor. And believe in yourself - because scant few others will. That - is the nature of the beast. And as I've said in these pages before - if anything less than fluffy pink bunnies will serve to hurt your feelings and scare you away - then I've done you a favor. Because that is the nature of the Hollywood beast. Much like Hannibal Lecter - they will eat your liver with a nice chianti and some fava beans - and not give it a second thought. This shit ain't for the faint of heart my friends. So let the bunnies beware. There be wolves amongst ye.

In my humble yet astute opinion, the glass half empty/lack/limiting statements are all founded in beliefs that many people embrace but unfortunately do not serve the greater good. In many ways this has MUCH to do with the media itself which focuses on what's wrong, missing or lacking in life. This is ANYTHING but an Abundance mindset and in no way inspires us to be, do and have more. A favorite quote goes "If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more and become more, then you are an excellent leader". If someone believes life is a struggle, unhappy and filled with adversity, guess what? It is. The opposite is a FAR better, more productive and abundant belief however. My $.02 :)

I sometimes feel that people are arguing with themselves, rather than responding to a post. We all see that it was only this thread that asked for affirmation, right? Not applied as a rule when criticizing, not suggested that you eat your true thoughts. Mindless, happy thoughts, here. Maybe da uplifting, while you're at it, if you could drag yerself, there. And, it's in response to some folk who were being dicks, as far as I can ascertain. I simply don't get how some feel that we don't practice "tough love" when it is called for. -- Yep, got it, ain't an idiot, etc. It's just a positive affirmation thread, lol. But, by all means, keep conflating the issue, and pretending someone is talking about doing it all the time. Far as I can tell, kindness is such a rare trait that we have to defend the use of it. -- It's only a positive affirmation thread. Be not afeerd.

Alle, thanks, but please do be aware that you were among the very first to correct Neville on what he was saying: "Neville, the problem is more a lack of ..." -- to point out ways to be passive-aggressive: "My greatest critic (sic) is not to make a comment to a persons post. That just means that the person and the posting is so beneath me, there is no point commenting ... My silence would be regarded as hostile and dismissive." -- and promoting your right to use Tough Love: "Sadly unless people PAY ME, they see my advice or guidance as "hostile" and really as they aren't paying me, etc ..." You had some perfectly solid and valid points in there, but you were, I believe, not addressing the hopeful (and DOOMED, lol) wish of the OP to provide one purely uplifting thread. I simply don't get why it is so hard, in this thread only to go: "Yah! The world is tough on Dreamers! You guys go!!" -- Not that anyone must abide or pay attention to someone's intention. Just, be aware that many of us (and me, absolutely, sometimes), are conflating, and, in this case, taking the opportunity to try-to-prove why we are right in our actions. As I have just done.

Not cracking on Alle. Again, solid and valid points in the midst of that. Just expanding what I've been saying. Thanks for your over-indulgence.

Let's all take a little break and remember what we have to be thankful, for (winky-face-emoticon): http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KIo.AXEA5UdWgA15n7w8QF;_...