I think we've upset someone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/from_script_to_screen.shtml

It's notable than on websites frequented by aspiring writers, the vast majority of broadcast comedy gets a resounding thumbs down. This is hardly surprising - if people trying to break into a profession felt they couldn't do better, then they would never have a go. But there's a certain meanness of spirit on these boards, which is rarely found among more established writers, who know just how hard it is to get anything commissioned, never mind create a show which is universally liked or respected...

...The excitement of comedy is its imprecision. No one can guarantee a hit, and an identical writer and production team can follow a massive success with a complete turkey. That's why we keep trying. And that's why aspiring writers might be a little more generous in their responses - next time, it could be them.

What do you all think? I understand where Micheal is coming from on this. I've been very embarrassed by some of the vitriol thrown about on here at times and even found myself defending my BSG nemesis Seefacts against some very nasty posts on the night School Of Comedy was broadcast. On the other hand, I've put the boot in myself against shows I don't like. Like everybody I think that my posts are reasoned, constructive, and if I am doing an extreme slagging-off then it is clearly written in the style of over-the-top pub banter. It's everybody else who is stepping over the line, not me. But possibly this is self-deluding bollocks.

Ha! When I criticise comedy shows it's as a viewer and license fee payer and not as a writer. It's also good to see good comedy (even if it's just a new series of a more veteran show, like Peep Show); not only because it's something to aspire to, but as a viewer it's quite nice to have something to look forward to watching.

It's the same with stand-up comedy. There are so many crap open mikers. You give some people credit for having the nerve to give it a go, but when they're awful (mainly because they haven't written a decent routine and haven't rehearsed) and you've paid an entrance fee, there's only so much benefit of the doubt you can give.

Sounds more like Chortle.

But it's true, we're starting to become a right bunch of c**ts on this board too. This used to be the nice comedy website.

Well, we wouldn't be mean, if we didn't care. And it's people who care who will be buying the DVDs. Jeez. There must be a balls shortage in TV land.

HAHA! Brilliant!

Quote: Griff @ October 7 2008, 6:21 PM BST

and even found myself defending my BSG nemesis Seefacts against some very nasty posts on the night School Of Comedy was broadcast.

View original

Very nasty out of context, but very kind relative to the quality of the programme.

Anyway. Can't say I'm surprised at all by that blog entry. Well, no more than that it has taken this long. Jacob's spot on.

As not everyone here IS an 'aspiring writer' I don't see how anyone can complain about comments for or against any comedy. How would you know they are from a writer or fan? Or both?

No-one's ever gonna agree completely. And if he wants people to stop airing negative views, maybe 'they' should write some better stuff.

Message ends....

Micheal knows exactly who the aspiring hacks on here are.

o/

How dare anyone be more succesful than me.

I hate every one on Telly because I'm not.

Fern Britten, Churchill the dog, babies on nappy adverts.

Think you're better than me? Well do ya? I'm going to get even.

Oh yus.

Oh no, no, no, no.

Well, I have a £$%^%$ drink problem and have been guilty in the past of being obnoxious and rude.....sorry to anyone who suffered that.
i have to say though that Michael is fair/kind and the sitcoms he has produced have been of the best.
Now will somebody accept one of my $%£^&^%$£ scripts?

Quote: Griff @ October 7 2008, 6:21 PM BST

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2008/10/from_script_to_screen.shtml

It's notable than on websites frequented by aspiring writers, the vast majority of broadcast comedy gets a resounding thumbs down. This is hardly surprising - if people trying to break into a profession felt they couldn't do better, then they would never have a go. But there's a certain meanness of spirit on these boards, which is rarely found among more established writers, who know just how hard it is to get anything commissioned, never mind create a show which is universally liked or respected...

.

View original

Having read that what a vile self important load of tripe. So if something's popular it's good? If you feed the lowest common denominator cheapen yourself, and don't aim to create something of value then huzzah.

Frankly the BBC is a public service broadcaster, paid for by a grossly unfair poll tax. A poll tax enforced by it's own secretive enforcers.

To then be told that all this pile of over prvilleged fat cats have to do is shovel out the same crap as comercial channels is monsterous.

Fawlty towers, Monty Python all take their time getting picked up by the public.

But why bother let's have Jordan and Jonathon Ross shagging naked in baked beans whilst shouting bum.

Because the public should get what they want, at least what we think they should want.

Quote: Nil Putters @ October 7 2008, 6:55 PM BST

if he wants people to stop airing negative views, maybe 'they' should write some better stuff.

View original

Having read that what a vile self important load of tripe.

Honestly, I don't know where he gets the idea there's a meanness of spirit on these boards.