The advice and tips I have received since joining this forum has been brilliant. My writing has improved tremendously because of this site (I think!). Also, the writing a sitcom as part of a group was fantastic. There are a lot of talented people on here. Certainly plenty of people more talented than me. It's been and continues to be a pleasure to talk to and write with everyone on here.
I had an idea for a sitcom and so posted a couple of scripts on here. I was expecting to be lauded as some sort of insightful comedy genius, but for the most part people were pretty honest and told me that it was just wrong! After I got over the initial shock of people not begging me to write with them, I realised that they were talking a lot of sense. I took their ideas on board and was able to realise that my initial sitcom premise had no legs. So, along with 'How to be a sitcom writer', this site has been beneficial for my writing.
There is a lot of good advice, the best place to hear about new competitions, the best place to read up on sitcoms and whats coming up on tv too.
Some very good debates, some daft ones too but I've learnt a lot and its made me think loads about all sorts of stuff like why did I come to this site before having breakfast this morning? I'm now very hungry.
Its also great to be around people who going through the same experiences as me and also to see them get some success. Well done BSG!
Oh and without enraging anyone with my frank comments, the site works!
Quote: Fred Peters @ August 4, 2007, 6:36 PMThis is meant to be a positive reflection on how this site has benefited you, not a provocation to be negative!
Helped me raise my game in the writing sence, as when I left 4laughs a lot of you hated my stuff but as times gone by and I purposely try to improve you only hate half of my crap now! So result 
I enojy the site and I genuinely think most of the people on here talk sense. Writing, especially humour / comedy writing is probably the most competitive field, and people are rightly guarded about lauding things which need work. The problem with comedy in general is that everyone thinks they can do it, and there's only about 2% who can consistantly turn out professional work. So the idea of having a platform where you can talk to other writers, maybe develop ideas and have some sort of semi-interactive workshop is a good one.
The drawback is that once you put something up on line, you run the risk of it being copied. Any professional writer probably won't, but there are many who will. There are also people who like to bitch for no reason, to discourage and to give critiques which are both unkind and unhelpful. This is true of many forums on the Internet, not just here, and is normally just someone with some very bitter grapes venting their wrath.
I like it because the people I have met, especially Leevil, Dave Chapman, Scott, Charley, Ellie and Jude are all talented and genuine people, and it's nicec to talk to that sort of person.
There's loads of talented people on here.
The problem with these forums, and why I cut down my time here, is that spending time on forums actually detracts away from the time you can spend writing. So I have limited myself now, otherwise I get carried away.
Quote: Ed Parnell @ August 7, 2007, 5:40 PMI like it because the people I have met, especially Leevil, Dave Chapman, Scott, Charley, Ellie and Jude are all talented and genuine people, and it's nicec to talk to that sort of person.
There's loads of talented people on here.
The problem with these forums, and why I cut down my time here, is that spending time on forums actually detracts away from the time you can spend writing. So I have limited myself now, otherwise I get carried away.
Can you say that a bit louder!!!
I agree though - it does take a lot of time when I could be writing so I skim the threads a lot more nowadays.
Quote: Ed Parnell @ August 7, 2007, 5:40 PMespecially Leevil
Cheers mate, I like you too, not in a queer way, but in a happy gay way 
Thanks Ed. Ditto
Quote: Leevil @ August 7, 2007, 11:05 PM
Cheers mate, I like you too, not in a queer way, but in a happy gay way
Damn you, Leevil, I warmed my crumpet for you to take from behind, but I can see I wasted my gas token. Yet AGAIN. 
Awww thanks Ed! 
I agree... i like the fact from the first minute i introduced myself everyone was really friendly and welcomed me in! Now i feel apart of something.
The site has also encouraged to start writing and even submit something (even though it was only one thing)! Everyone's comments were really helpful and i can't wait to start writing properley.
You guys rock!
I like the fact that most of the people who use this sight haven't succeeded yet. Basically, I love the fact that we're all failure bubling along on the bottom. It's vaguely cheering.
lol.
Quote: chipolata @ August 8, 2007, 10:27 AMI like the fact that most of the people who use this sight haven't succeeded yet. Basically, I love the fact that we're all failure bubling along on the bottom. It's vaguely cheering.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. With the proverbial hammer. And proverbial hand holding the hammer, with a plaster on it because of the last time you used the hammer. Don’t touch the hammer or knock in the nail or hit me on the head.
Keeps us writing though. Most of it shite, but writing nevertheless. Has anyone seen my donkey? Taxi!
Yeah, i'm trying to curb my time on here and facebook so I can concentrate more on writing.
I guess that means I won't improve my chances of making the 'genuine people' list but thats just something I'll have to struggle to live with. 
Quote: chipolata @ August 8, 2007, 10:27 AMI like the fact that most of the people who use this sight haven't succeeded yet. Basically, I love the fact that we're all failure bubling along on the bottom. It's vaguely cheering.
Here's to looking back in ten years time and realising that we've achieved nothing. Cheers!