Someone should cut out and keep that 200 word "Comedy commissioning for idiots" Michael Jacobs posted.
Can you sticky one post and not the rest of the thread? 
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Quote: David Salisbury @ December 15 2009, 8:09 PM GMTSomeone should cut out and keep that 200 word "Comedy commissioning for idiots" Michael Jacobs posted.
Tell me, as an idiot, did you get commissioned?
Quote: Griff @ December 15 2009, 6:10 PM GMTGavin changed his avatar, if that helps?
Quote: Micheal Jacob @ December 15 2009, 4:36 PM GMTAnd I didn't like to barge into your discussion! Aren't we all very polite...
I'm not convinced you'll change the way people react to comedy and likewise I guess the opinion in the business of this board being full of bitter wannabes won't change either (I know Aaron would have a fit if the board filled up with sychophantic writers, but it's a shame that currently people do go too far in their scathing critisism).
Is there an argument for warning writers that they need to be prepared for this and that they shouldn't take it personally? There is the occasional constructive comment that could help them improve, but in the main they may want to avoid forums altogether - in the same way X-factor contestants who are suddenly made into celebrities are advised to avoid the papers.
I don't know if my opinion counts for anything (probably not), but I think this board in particular is a lot fairer than other boards everywhere. The criticism is usually backed up with some fair opinion and is rarely a scathing 'This is just shit!' comment (I admit it happens but rarely compared to elsewhere).
I never get the feeling 'it's just bitter writers'. Conversely maybe 'it's just defensive writers' might be more appropriate 
Dan
I wouldn't characterise the people here as being bitter wannabes. I just try from time to time to make the point that the route from script to screen is complicated, and that discussion about strengths as well as weaknesses makes for a better debate from which people can learn. If people feel a show has no strengths, then that's fair enough, but if a broadcaster invests in a show and puts it on, then a bunch of people will have seen positives, and identifying them might help writers examine their own work and make it more marketable.
Quote: Griff @ December 16 2009, 11:26 AM GMTand as a writer, being associated with this place is probably damaging to your reputation.
If true that would be very sad. I see it like drinking in a pub; there might be some arseholes there, but it doesn't mean everyone is.
Yeah, and I very much doubt I would have got this far with my writing if it wasn't for this place. Regardless of the 'lovely people I've met' schmaltz (that is also true; I just feel a bit sicky saying it.)
Dan
Quote: swerytd @ December 16 2009, 11:34 AM GMTYeah, and I very much doubt I would have got this far with my writing if it wasn't for this place. Regardless of the 'lovely people I've met' schmaltz that is true too.
Dan
I've met two sets of people who I now work with on different things through this site, so I'm grateful for that.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ December 16 2009, 11:31 AM GMTIf true that would be very sad. I see it like drinking in a pub;
Pretty much my view.
For a friendless hermit like me, this forum is the closest I get to pub banter most weeks.
Quote: Griff @ December 16 2009, 11:26 AM GMT(for those who have the courage to identify themselves on here).
Courage? 
It never crossed my mind to use a fake name. Plus I don't ever post 'This show is shit and the writer's a dickhead' style posts, because I'm not a twat. (yeah, shut up 
)
Quote: Griff @ December 16 2009, 11:39 AM GMTWell, there are some people on here who talk a big game because they know nobody knows who they are. That's not particularly courageous.
Yeah.
I never understand why anybody would care two hoots about what's written on this or any other site. Whether they be industry figures like Michael or ordinary Joe Schlubs. As for me, I rarely tend to bother dissing the shows I hate because I don't watch them. I'll watch the first episode and, if it's not for me, we'll go our separate ways. The people who watch shows they hate week after week and then come on here to post seem slightly perverse.
Quote: chipolata @ December 16 2009, 12:09 PM GMTThe people who watch shows they hate week after week and then come on here to post seem slightly perverse.
I'd agree there. Some people will watch two or three series of a show they hate, seemingly just so they can post about how much they still hate it!
Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 16 2009, 12:15 PM GMTI'd agree there. Some people will watch two or three series of a show they hate, seemingly just so they can post about how much they still hate it!
It's insania!