Quote: Seefacts @ July 5 2008, 11:57 AM BSTMaybe it's also to do with the fact that a 'first' sitcom script - as in first ever attempt - will be hideously amateurish, and beyond help. I think you need to have written for a good few years before you start to produce anything of real quality.
That's not my point and it's not true. My point is if all somebody is going to say is this is a piece of shit, why bother saying aything at all? I don't understand the motivation.
Quote: Marc P @ July 5 2008, 12:01 PM BSTThat's not my point and it's not true. My point is if all somebody is going to say is this is a piece of shit, why bother saying aything at all? I don't understand the motivation.
But no one that I know of has said 'this is a piece of shit'.
Quote: Winterlight @ July 5 2008, 12:00 PM BSTWhy do you need to sugarcoat a negative feedback though? I don't mean that being blatantly rude is fine, but saying "I don't think it's funny" isn't that offensive. If you can offer some constructive criticism on why it's not funny, then fine. If you can't offer any, then fine again.
It's my belief (with no evidence, mind!) that the best time to develop a thick skin is as an amateur.
Voice of reason.
A load of back-slapping isn't helpful.
Can't believe some of the comments here...if it's rubbish don't say anything, only say negative stuff in a nice way.
This is the Internet equivalent of a school sports day where even the fat asthmatic that comes in last gets a medal.
Quote: Seefacts @ July 5 2008, 12:03 PM BSTA load of back-slapping isn't helpful.
Err yes it is. Haven't you found it helpful???
Quote: Pete @ July 5 2008, 12:05 PM BSTCan't believe some of the comments here...if it's rubbish don't say anything, only say negative stuff in a nice way.
This is the Internet equivalent of a school sports day where even the fat asthmatic that comes in last gets a medal.
And a big cup of really weak squash.
Quote: Marc P @ July 5 2008, 12:06 PM BSTErr yes it is. Haven't you found it helpful???
Who's been slapping my back?
I know a few people who'd like to slap my face!
Quote: Jonathan21 @ July 5 2008, 11:57 AM BSTI don't understand why somebody would post something if they didn't want negative feedback? If you think your work is perfect, send it to production companies rather than posting it on forums!
I only posted my first sketch this morning, and I've already had useful constructive criticism. And actually the criticism *was* 'you need to put a joke in there'.
No one has a problem with useful, constructive criticism. And I would include 'you need to put a joke in there' under that heading. It is the suggestion that anyone who needs such advice is 'beyond help' that puts backs up.
Quote: Marc P @ July 5 2008, 12:01 PM BSTMy point is if all somebody is going to say is this is a piece of shit, why bother saying aything at all?
While no ones said it....if you think such advice is of no value then what value is "this is great"?
Shit and great are just two points on an unmarked slide of perceived quality to the person giving the feed back. The only "useful" advice is change this, alter that, that bit doesn't work and heres why, etc, etc.
Your comments suggest the real issue is about being polite and nice and cuddly.
Quote: Timbo @ July 5 2008, 12:09 PM BSTNo one has a problem with useful, constructive criticism. And I would include 'you need to put a joke in there' under that heading. It is the suggestion that anyone who needs such advice is 'beyond help' that puts backs up.
Johnathon had need for one gag in a small sketch (and some formatting - his was rubbish) There are sitcoms on here though that have a need for a joke every other line. How many times can you say "need a joke" before wondering if the writer isnt funny? It's like saying "needs to be in tune" to a singer every 20 seconds.
Quote: Pete @ July 5 2008, 12:11 PM BSTWhile no ones said it....if you think such advice is of no value then what value is "this is great"?
Shit and great are just two points on an unmarked slide of perceived quality to the person giving the feed back. The only "useful" advice is change this, alter that, that bit doesn't work and heres why, etc, etc.
Your comments suggest the real issue is about being polite and nice and cuddly.
The real issue IS about being polite. It's called manners.
There is merit in saying something is great because it can be a real confidence booster. There is merit in saying something isn't good (and why) because people can learn from it. There is no merit in saying "this is shit".
Quote: Seefacts @ July 5 2008, 12:07 PM BSTWho's been slapping my back?
I know a few people who'd like to slap my face!
Lol.
What I meant was the production company is presumably encouraging you and helping you with your script.
Quote: Marc P @ July 5 2008, 12:15 PM BSTLol.
What I meant was the production company is presumably encouraging you and helping you with your script.
But a back slap is only as good as the person it came from, surely?
Quote: Pete @ July 5 2008, 12:14 PM BSTYour comments suggest the real issue is about being polite and nice and cuddly.
What is your hang up with fat or cuddly people?
Quote: Marc P @ July 5 2008, 12:17 PM BSTWhat is your hang up with fat or cuddly people?
Pete came last in sports day, behind a fat asthmatic kid.
Didn't you, Pete?
Quote: Pete @ July 5 2008, 12:11 PM BSTWhile no ones said it....if you think such advice is of no value then what value is "this is great"?
Positive feedback is affirming. It builds confidence in one's ability and faith in one's own judgement. It makes you stronger.If I really like a piece I always make a point of saying so, even if I have nothing constructive to add.
Seriously, have you ever had any experience of working with people?
Quote: Griff @ July 5 2008, 12:18 PM BSTPete (or should I call you M Lewis ?), Seefacts etc, you guys carry on being as rude and disdainful as you like, if that's what gets you off. I've yet to see either of you post a helpful suggestion.
Nothing anyone can do about it, and anyway people will soon learn to distinguish between useful criticism and self-aggrandizing noise.
Anyway. Back to the Comedy Unit. I've always found them very helpful too and I agree with their new policy.
'Needs more jokes' is helpful.
The Comedy Unit ARE very helpful, yeah. I wonder that because of their original policy they must have got millions of scripts. If ALL companies were more open, and opportunities were a bit more wide-spread, each prodco many well have got LESS stuff as it'd be spread out more. Maybe.
Quote: Badge @ July 5 2008, 12:14 PM BSTThe real issue IS about being polite. It's called manners.
Which is why we need a forum where such nonsense can be left at the door. If i post a piece i want to hear want peoples reactions to my work are....not what they think will make me happy. I want to hear great but I'll take shit on the chin as its the same comment from the other end of the scale.....of course, i also want feedback but 5 greats and 5 shits tells me more about my work than 10 people saying "it's got potential"
This is an art - it's odd that people are so tender to stirring emotions in those who see their work. I remember Gervais saying he didn't want more than 4 million viewers because he'd be doing something wrong. As long as i get a few people that like it i'll take all the shit the rest can throw.