Quote: Leevil @ October 24 2008, 12:48 AM BSTI'm sure anyone who puts their mind to it can be a good writer, even a great one. What makes anyone a great writer anyway, is it a God-given gift? Or a product of environment?
Nietzsche
What's the best book you've read about writing? Page 5
*Googles*
*dies*
Or was it nurture? I can never remember.
*shrugs*
IMO "Talent" is as subjective as comedy. It's all about opinion isn't it?
You might think yourself a talented writer for example (generalising), but if no-one's interested in reading your stuff, or the majority think it's shite, then ARE you a talented writer? Subjective. We could argue about that one all day.
Comes back to the subject that often rages on here about how good or how bad a certain sitcom is for example. I don't like "Two Pints", I don't watch it - it doesn't appeal to my sense of humour - but I wouldn't slag it or its writers off, because the writers have tapped into other people's sense of humour, so who am I to judge? IMO they ARE talented writers because plenty of people enjoy the show, even if I don't.
Maybe the the words "natural talent" are what rile people Seefacts? Can anyone define natural talent?
Like Marc P says, very few people earn money from being naturally talented at anything. MOST people can string a story together (we all tell stories, every day of or lives), but surely it's the luck, hard work and persistance, that get you noticed... eventually.
but you can't learn to have that extra spark that makes you a good writer.
I think I know what you're saying, but I'd be interested in hearing you elaborate a bit on this point Seefacts.
Ooo, avatar *guh* 
OK, I'll stop now. 
Quote: Seefacts @ October 23 2008, 11:14 PM BSTDoctors have rules and scientific practices to follow. Writer's don't.
Ironic typo LOLs.
Quote: Leevil @ October 24 2008, 12:48 AM BSTI'm sure anyone who puts their mind to it can be a good writer, even a great one. What makes anyone a great writer anyway, is it a God-given gift? Or a product of environment?
I think it's a product of environment, but that's just my view.
But not everyone is good at any one thing. Why can some young people take up football and be naturally good? Or why can people pick up a guitar and just be good quickly. Why are some people funny and some not? Why are some people just good at maths and some not?
Quote: Rustle T Davis @ October 24 2008, 7:23 AM BSTIMO "Talent" is as subjective as comedy. It's all about opinion isn't it?
You might think yourself a talented writer for example (generalising), but if no-one's interested in reading your stuff, or the majority think it's shite, then ARE you a talented writer? Subjective. We could argue about that one all day.
That's a very valid point, one that can be argued until the end of of the world.
Quote: Rustle T Davis @ October 24 2008, 7:23 AM BSTLike Marc P says, very few people earn money from being naturally talented at anything. MOST people can string a story together (we all tell stories, every day of or lives), but surely it's the luck, hard work and persistance, that get you noticed... eventually.
Yeah, but if you're shit at writing , all the persistence in the world won't get you anywhere.
Quote: Rustle T Davis @ October 24 2008, 7:23 AM BST"but you can't learn to have that extra spark that makes you a good writer."
I think I know what you're saying, but I'd be interested in hearing you elaborate a bit on this point Seefacts.
Well, some people just have had an natural aptitude for comedy. That's why you'll meet people who can dish out a one-liner in a conversation before anyone else. They have a gift for it. Where does that gift come from? I don't know, but I can't read a book to learn how to write infectious melodies like all the best songwriters.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 24 2008, 10:37 AM BSTWell, some people just have had an natural aptitude for comedy. That's why you'll meet people who can dish out a one-liner in a conversation before anyone else. They have a gift for it. Where does that gift come from? I don't know, but I can't read a book to learn how to write infectious melodies like all the best songwriters.
Yes, but books might help somebody hone and develop their talent further. There are a lot of naturally funny people but they haven't got a clue how to put that altogether in a script.
Quote: chipolata @ October 24 2008, 10:51 AM BSTYes, but books might help somebody hone and develop their talent further. There are a lot of naturally funny people but they haven't got a clue how to put that altogether in a script.
Yeah, that's probably a valid point.
My point is reading a load of books will not make you a writer.
And that's about it for me really!
Quote: Seefacts @ October 24 2008, 10:59 AM BSTAnd that's about it for me really!
Promises, promises. 
Quote: chipolata @ October 24 2008, 11:03 AM BSTPromises, promises.
No, I've been in this argument (I mean 'discussion') before, so I'll leave it at that! I've got other stuff to be doing.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 24 2008, 11:05 AM BST
No, I've been in this argument (I mean 'discussion') before, so I'll leave it at that! I've got other stuff to be doing.
The BSG is made up almost entirely of arguments and discussions we've had before. It's like we're trapped in a time loop, endlessly repeating ourselves.
If it's not Seefacts arguing a point, it's Griff. They should team up.
Quote: Leevil @ October 24 2008, 11:10 AM BSTIf it's not Seefacts arguing a point, it's Griff. They should team up.
Christ, could you imagine a more disagreeable duo?
Quote: chipolata @ October 24 2008, 11:12 AM BSTChrist, could you imagine a more disagreeable duo?
We'd be good in a cop show.