Helping other writers

[streaker12345]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer? The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers. I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

[CColoredClown]

Can you help me get a read? :)

[streaker12345]

Sure, what genres do you write?

[CColoredClown]

Comedy, but the kind that cause the reader to take a rape shower after they've finished my script.

[Rantanplan]

Where's this coming from Streaker? A bad experience here? Generally speaking, I think people are pretty cool on this board.

Now actual FRIENDS, well that's another thing :)

I never really expect anybody to come through on anything, just one of those things life teaches you, but I nevertheless try to believe them when they say they will and am pleasantly surprised if and when they do in fact come through.

[Jules]

I think this is a pretty broad statement. I know a lot of writers on this board have helped other writers in one way or another. And others who can't or won't have their reasons, whatever they may be. Some just don't have the time to help others with their own scripts when they are struggling to find the time to write themselves.

I've had a lot of help from members of these forums, but I would never ask another writer for coverage, it just takes too long to read a script, let alone write notes on it. And referrals? What do they know about me other than what I volunteer in the forum? I could well be, and probably are, deranged.

Congrats on your impending sale though; the end is nigh...

[CColoredClown]

Where's this coming from Streaker? A bad experience here? Generally speaking, I think people are pretty cool on this board.

Now actual FRIENDS, well that's another thing :)

I never really expect anybody to come through on anything, just one of those things life teaches you, but I nevertheless try to believe them when they say they will and am pleasantly surprised if and when they do in fact come through.

I agree. There's many nice people here willing to share lots of valuable information, but I don't know what angered you.

[jimjimgrande]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer?

I know, it's like someone posts a question asking for contact info and NOBODY EVER pm's them with exactly what they're looking for, or Joe or Telly NEVER refer people to their managers or contacts, or EvilRbt is NEVER available to do professional coverage - this community sucks fuzzy balls.

The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers.

Like funny ha-ha, or funny strange, or funny cause you're one of them.


I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had.

Don't believe everything Dogtown told you.


One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself.

Um, you've guaranteed two things...


People suck and make me sick.

Or they just meet your expectations

Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

Amen, sister! Remember, there's no I in guarantee! In fact, there's no we either.

There's a U though, and for you, I'll put a big F in front of it.

[joe9alt]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer? The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers. I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

It's because of d-bags like you that I'M DONE referring people from this board.

I've given my time to SO MANY writers from this board over the past few years, most of whom couldn't write their way out of a ****ing paper bag.

I've passed on COUNTLESS scripts to TONS of legit managers and agents I know.

I've helped get an emerging director repped.

I've helped get an emerging writer repped by my agency.

LIMAMA's rep list that gets passed around on this site like a cheap whore...I started that list and I was the one that started passing it around. This was AFTER I was repped by the way. I had no interest in maintaining a rep list. I could gain nothing from it...but still I spent a day digging up old emails and email addresses all because I wanted to help people like you.

I've gone above and ****ing beyond time and time again for you and others like you.

I would tell myself I'm building my karma. I'm doing for others what posters of the past that I admired like TaoTropics did for me.

Some of you deserved the help, were thankful, and have paid it forward.

Most of you didn't deserve ****, though, and I regret ever lifting a finger for people like you, streaker.

What did I get for all my troubles?

Goofballs calling me AT MY PLACE OF WORK?

Idiots making light of people with developmental disabilities and me taking them to task for it because I have an autistic son only to have all my posts erased.

Ya know what, GET OVER IT STREAKER.

STOP BEING A *****.

MAN THE **** UP.

Keep climbing the mountain or turn the **** back already. You'll be one less carcass I have to step over on my way to the top.

And who the **** are you gonna refer anybody to anyways so no big loss there, right?

I'm sick of all the whining and complaining and bitching and moaning that I've noticed lately on this site.

"Oh, poor us, we can't get our work read. Nobody will help us. It sucks to be an aspiring screenwriter."

Guess what, THIS DOESN'T SUCK. If you're coming correct and true to this game then this pursuit is the greatest thing that will ever happen to you and if you're not, well, newsflash, you probably can't get your work read because your querying skills suck and when you do get your work read nobody wants to rep you because your scripts probably suck, too.

Get better.

Work on your craft instead of bitching and moaning and crying in your beer.

Shut the **** up and quit being such a *****.

Anybody on this site or anywhere else who's gotten anywhere HAS WORKED THEIR ASSES OFF FOR IT.

Every rung of the ladder has been hard fought and there are blood, sweat, and tears to prove it.

You wanna point the finger at somebody try pointing at yourself.

Figure out what you're doing wrong and fix it.

Or just quit.

You'll be sitting on a bar stool in twenty years talking about what coulda been...talking about how you used to write screenplays and hopefully you'll be twenty bucks lighter cause you just came from seeing one of my movies or somebody else's movie who worked their ASS off to advance in this game.

Time for some tough love around these parts.

No more Mr. ****ing Nice Guy.

[wcmartell]

I love it when people complain about others and then do the same thing themselves. Doesn't that just prove you are a bigger a-hole than everyone else?

Here's what I will do streaker: This is my 20th year as a professional screenwriter, I have had 19 scripts produced... and I will give you all of my agent and manager info. All of it - YOURS TO USE!

Deal?

- Bill

[Sinnycal]

This is my 20th year as a professional screenwriter, I have had 19 scripts produced...

Way to drop the ball that one year.

[Jules]

That was the year he was busy doing drugs with the two Coreys.


And Kudos to Joe for another great post.

[Ulysses]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer? The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers. I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

You are very useful for this board.

You can serve as a bad example.

[Knaight]

I can't imagine where I'd be right now without the help of other writers. When I've asked for help I've nearly always received it and I've always been happy to return the favor and pay it forward.

[Terrance Mulloy]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer? The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers. I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

I've actually found the opposite to be true. I've had tons of people willing to give me reads for free. I've always done my best to return the favor and help out with sharing scripts, etc.

Plus Joe was crucial in helping me land my agent. And I found my manager from Limama's "manager list." It's all karma. Treat people with respect, and remember that nobody owes you sh!t. You've got to earn the right to have someone offer up a referral.

[Jules]

Maybe people would be more forthcoming to you, Streaker, if you had an avatar. Make it a good one.

[wcmartell]

That was the year he was busy doing drugs with the two Coreys.

You left out the Penthouse Pet Of The Year part.

Oh, and my one year boxing career. I wanted to fight Mickey Rourke, but he retired on me.

You know, every time someone asks a question here, it gets answered. Joe's post does a great job of mentioning some things he's done to help people and that people have done to help him and seeing how many times he can use **** in one post. And there's another post in the thread somewhere listing some other helpful things folks do on a regular basis.

You know, none of us ever have to show up here.

You want my agent and manager info - they are still all yours.

- Bill

[Jules]

Laughing on the Rourke line. So you have only recently got the representation, Bill? I guess congratulations are in order. Long over due and all. :)

[Knaight]

Laughing on the Rourke line. So you have only recently got the representation, Bill? I guess congratulations are in order. Long over due and all. :)

I think his point is that he's made it as far as he has without representation.

[Jules]

This thread is prime for a good Rixon joke.

[THEUGLYDUCKLING]

It is about helping the right people joe! and though we never converse you got heart. streaker you are a a hack with no talent. live with it.

[Jules]

How do you know whether he has talent or not?

[THEUGLYDUCKLING]

familarity with the board and poster.

[THEUGLYDUCKLING]

I was #181 to register on this site. i haue seen it all.

[jtwg50]

Streaker, I hope you'll take this in the spirit it's offered, which is sincere with the intention of being helpful. I've been coming here since the spring of 2006 and I have found people to be NOTHING BUT HELPFUL. Among others, Joe9 was extremely helpful to me, only to then have me become one of the idiots who in my enthusiasm called him at work (I'm a freelance writer-journalist who works at home so it was an innocent mistake but a mistake nonetheless).
The entire point of DD -- despite the sometimes insane flame wars and general mayhem that people like Dogtown or Rixon or BrosHarrow incite -- is for us to help one another.
Given your post, you clearly have no clue what this business is really about (it is colaborative on every level, from day one to the grave). And I agree 100% with everything Joe said.
Dude, if you got s*** on, and especially on a regular basis, here or anywhere else, you've either got some serious karma issues, or some talent issues. Or just a lack of basic people skills. Here, what you give is what you get, as in life.
Either way, suck it up and get on with your life. I've been a professional writer for a long, long time (newspapers and magazines, as well as a published author) and I've never made my living as anything other than a writer.
But I've also never encountered anything as tough as breaking into screenwriting. If you can't face that every day and deal with it, you really should consider a different goal.

[LIMAMA]

Joe pretty much nailed it--but let me add this.

This is a community. A writer's community. And I take my responsibilities here as a caring, thoughtful and generous member very seriously.

When I was repped, I gladly and freely referred other writers. And other writers here have referred me. That's how it works. Paying it forward, karma, whatever you call it.

I've read countless scripts--for free.

I used to pen a column here--again, for free.

I took it upon myself to compile and maintain the manager list. I saw a need and decided to fill it. Is it a pain in the ass? It sure is, but that's what being part of a community is. Doing those pain in the ass things and not whine about it because if only one person was helped by it, that's enough for me.

I keep up my Media File script library for public use. I don't do it for the guts and glory, trust me.

I have my lil Script Co-op. We're doing fine.

I could go on, but I won't.

PS I think Martell was being ironic about sharing his agent and manager info. So far as I know, he's not repped (correct me if I'm wrong, Big Man).

[Richmond Weems]

This is my pledge:

When (not if) I become a Hollywood Bigshot, I will help each and every one of you by allowing you to be in my presence. For those with the right attitude and toadying skills, I will make you part of my entourage. And the female with the warmest hands will be my fluffer. I will give you demeaning jobs that you will be happy to take - my own living ottoman, for example - in the off-chance that something will come of it other than a bruised ego and a crushed soul. I will do my utmost to become abusive towards you which you can then parlay into a bestselling book and an Oscar-winning movie detailing the horrors you endured for a future profit. I would hope that you will also do the same after I'm gone.

This I pledge.

HH

[jtwg50]

This is great. Thanks to this thread and my recent post this morning, I now realize I owe LIMAMA an apology for not citing her specifically, along with Joe. Not long ago, she read multiple drafts of my new script and provided multiple sets of superb notes -- notes so good that they amounted to a major rewrite. As a result, I agreed in writing to share story credit with her and to give her a small percentage of any sales price if we are so lucky as to get a deal.
My apologies MAMA. Rock on. If you weren't already banging Dogtown and Rixon, I'd come over and give you some Sunday relief.

[LauriD]

I've helped other writers and other writers have helped me. (Thanks, Paula!)

What bites is when you give 3 pages of thoughtful notes on Zoe and then the person flames you publicly for being "mean."

L.

[Buzz2074]

I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

Why don't you put your name where your mouth is. Post your real name now, and then one December 1, post the rest? Go on. Won't it be so satisfying to show all us unworthy ingrates your progress?

[Twofingeredtypist]

I love it when people complain about others and then do the same thing themselves. Doesn't that just prove you are a bigger a-hole than everyone else?

Here's what I will do streaker: This is my 20th year as a professional screenwriter, I have had 19 scripts produced... and I will give you all of my agent and manager info. All of it - YOURS TO USE!

Deal?

- Bill

That Corey picture you worked on, Bill, is rarer than hen's teeth! I have been watching Soft Target and have The Base lined up for tonight.

Yes, I am your stalker and No.1 fan, Bill. :bounce:

[Terrance Mulloy]

This is my pledge:

When (not if) I become a Hollywood Bigshot, I will help each and every one of you by allowing you to be in my presence. For those with the right attitude and toadying skills, I will make you part of my entourage. And the female with the warmest hands will be my fluffer. I will give you demeaning jobs that you will be happy to take - my own living ottoman, for example - in the off-chance that something will come of it other than a bruised ego and a crushed soul. I will do my utmost to become abusive towards you which you can then parlay into a bestselling book and an Oscar-winning movie detailing the horrors you endured for a future profit. I would hope that you will also do the same after I'm gone.

This I pledge.

HH

Gold. Just gold. :D

[jtwg50]

Put me down for that offer, too, Streaker -- and double it. Once you have your deal, I know Patrick Goldstein at the L.A. Times (true). I'll pitch him on a story -- "the newbie scribe who beat the tough spec market of 2010" -- and get you some well deserved publicity. But I called Vegas this morning, and the current odds that you're just another naive chump who doesn't get it yet are currently at 69-1. Go figure.

[Terrance Mulloy]

I can certainly understand Streaker's frustration. It sucks when it feels like you're getting nowhere. But he's just gone ahead and shot himself in the foot, because I hardly think anyone will bother to help him now, especially after he's just told us all to go fvck ourselves.

So that puts him among the the ranks of Rob123, Tsinogatorp Eht, and BrosHarrow.

Unfortunate. :rolleyes:

[Twofingeredtypist]

I've had unsolicited offers to read my material from people who have seen through my tight-arse British reserve and embarrassment over actually asking for a read and for that I'm eternally grateful and intend to take up their kind offer once I'm done.

I will also swallow my fear and pride and request help and advice when the time comes for seeking reps and getting my stuff out there, because there are some wonderfully helpful/connected people on here and everybody needs help at some point. That's one of the things DD offers and makes it the great place it is. It's incredibly hard to do things alone and I'm sure everybody who has visited this site has benefited one way or another.

Sometimes people will not or cannot help, and that should be understood and respected; getting pissy about it is pretty selfish. Think about what life was like before you were able to talk to a whole community of writers on Done Deal.

[Mycroftbrett]

I guess my demands/expectations are lower, becuase I've found this place and the people to be very helpful.

[Write-Away]

So that puts him among the the ranks of Rob123, Tsinogatorp Eht, and BrosHarrow. Unfortunate. :rolleyes:

I miss Rob123. His posts actually made me LOL.

[zim]

am I the only one who thinks the original post is a put-on? perhaps I'm naive, but are there really a**holes that dumb on this board?

[THEUGLYDUCKLING]

I have read more scripts from dds than anyone, including deus and condal, and i catch more grief than anyone.

[catcon]

I think its disgiusting how other writers will not lift a finger to help another writer. You ask for coverage, contact info, or any help and the response is all the same "why would I help, why would I give that info, why would I refer? The funny thing is 99.9% on done deal are unrepresented writers. I can guarantee by December I will have either sold, optioned, or gained reprensentation. I have people viewing my scripts that other writers wish they had. One thing I can guarantee is that I will not share, refer, or help anyone other then myself. People suck and make me sick. Maybe if people were not so selfish we would have a better chance.

Odd. I come on this board for the information. Never thought about asking anybody for help. Or referrals?! Wow. Does that go on via PM's or something? I guess.

I did poke at a guy who is "married to an agent" (yeah, yeah, that one) based on a post he made somewhere that I took almost as a solicitation, or a dare. Didn't work out, but that's okay. Very, very friendly tone about everything.

Anyway, I sympathize with the initial sentiment in the OP's post because I (and others) have been victims of a very few drive-by smears, by those few who apparently have nothing else to do but criticize. Sometimes it's a script they've never read and sometimes it's even its writer. But those appear a very puny minority.

Because we all have at least some self-respect, we come on here with our "opinions" on topics, but the personal attacks are, well, it's where I thought the OP was going and I was ready to do some stomping right alongside in my righteous indignation at it.

Lost me, though, on the "they've treated me bad so I'm gonna do it back" thing. Those who "return the nasty favors" really are the most aggravating types. You think you'd learn your lesson, and if you're a big person you can "pay it forward" not with meanness for meanness but beneficence toward someone who was in your shoes.

No, I'm not that stupid type saying to "turn the other cheek" so they can take another shot. I reserve the right to take them on at a later time of my choosing, but typically I leave behind those who've done me wrong.

There are lots of topics on other boards I participate in, where the flamer is waiting for me to return so that they can get the last word in. There are even a couple on this board. Well, I can tell you, you've got a a long wait. You got the last word, and it doesn't mean you won. It means I'm out there later today after cutting my lawn, now that I'm finished the outline, drafting my 4th script in about 4 months.

So I say, change your username, come back on, and observe, watch and learn. Then, maybe, if you've got something useful and positive to say, make yourself useful and help out some other newbies with the fundamentals, like the difference between INSERT and CLOSE-UP.

Then, the more experienced and successful on here who inconceivably offer their time and knowledge to everyone's benefit, can take on the more challenging issues, and we can continue to learn from them.

We can't all expect validation just because we've written "the first five pages of my epic space horror story". It's not a reason to be nasty, but neither should we expect an appointment to somebody else's manager. C'mon. :shifty:

[THEUGLYDUCKLING]

Cat, this is a bit of tough love, but you are part of the clueless brigade. slowdown.

[emily blake]

Last time I gave notes I didn't even get a thank you, even a sarcastic one.

Yet I just agreed to give notes on two other scripts when I don't even have time to breathe.

Go blow on your own penis, OP.

[jimjimgrande]

am I the only one who thinks the original post is a put-on? perhaps I'm naive, but are there really a**holes that dumb on this board?

both.

definitely a whiff of troll looking to incite folks.

[Knaight]

Last time I gave notes I didn't even get a thank you, even a sarcastic one.

Yet I just agreed to give notes on two other scripts when I don't even have time to breathe.


Been there a few times. One time was actually a GREAT writer from this board who wanted a couple of people to look at a new script. I did, and wrote up four pages of single spaced notes on the thing. Most of that was praise, with just a few suggestions and only one or two real big issues. I never got a reply to that e-mail, despite the fact that I spent nearly four hours of my life writing notes on that script. I was pretty blown away.

Immediately after that, though, I got to work on script notes for another writer I didn't really know. For the most part, I find screenwriters to be a great, helpful bunch.

[umo]

I love drama :love:

[Bense18]

streaker12345, PM your name and address, and I'll put it on my next screenplay's title page. You can have 99.9% of it's profits.

[jtwg50]

I can't help but note that Streaker has not had the cojones to respond to any of the posts that counter his viewpoint from personal experience, me included. What a p***y.

[Sinnycal]

Go blow on your own penis, OP.

That's the Holy Grail of self-gratification.

[cmmora]

I'm glad to hear that their are writers helping writers on this site. Really glad to hear that all the malcontent is just a cover for thoughtful folks helping each other. I may just have to start asking for help myself...:)

As to this thread, let's just let it go. Move on.

If you all want to continue, this is what 0o0 is for.