Critique Rules

This message will hopefully point newbies to threads of interest to help them get the most from this section.

1) The BCG forums are remarkable in that debate is almost completely free of trolls and bruised egos. Please help keep it that way by remembering that feedback / comments are meant to develop ideas and writers; not to cripple people with cruel barbs. When you post material for critique, you will then appreciate the free and frank (but considerate) opinions. Remember comedy is subjective and not everyone will give glowing praise. In fact, negative points are the ones to be thankful for as they allow us to re-examine our work and help us develop.

2) For new writers there are two great threads: Here be Pirates and Rough Idea as they rapidly develop into interesting debates re: Plot v Gags and Mid-series v Pilot.

3) Please refrain from using insulting names that are aimed at particular people. For example, calling executive producers twats (as a group) is allowable. Calling a particular producer a twat is not. This is an example, it also refers to other users. Please help maintain this as one of the most pleasant message boards available.

There's a whole lot of bumping going on.

The subject of bumping was mentioned in a previous thread. At that time it had occurred once or twice but recently it is becoming a trend. I know what it's like to wait expectantly by the computer after posting my latest files but please respect the fact that people can be busy and that the internet is a very dislocated medium. I.e. people are not always online, 24/7.

There are more polite (and more ingenious) ways to attract attention to your thread without resorting to a lazy and abrupt "Bump!"

Read https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/714/ for a recent discussion amongst the group re: this practice.

Just a word on copyright as it has been asked a couple of times:

You will remain the copyright holder of any scripts you post here. Be aware that anyone can view this forum though so only post your material if you are happy for the world to view it.

That said, I'm not aware of any ideas having been 'pinched' from this forum yet - most comics and companies are reputable and those that are not are unlikely to steal from here as their plagiarism may be spotted (everything you post is time stamped).

For more on this topic please see: https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/2406/ https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/1715/ https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/1131/ https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/454/

4) Please do not use ALL CAPITALS IN YOUR THREAD TOPICS. And please do ensure that at very least the topics, if not the post contents, use correct spellings.

5) I have been keeping my mouth shut, but I'm getting a little annoyed with people deleting their sketches once they feel they have had enough of comments they don't like.

At the end of the day you post up your work not knowing what response you will get. Live with it, I'm not targeting anyone in particular, this has been done by other writers and I've personally had enough of it, especially as I enjoy reading everyone’s sketches and I like it when I come along to a controversial sketch that I can sink my teeth into.

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS ANY MORE.

Thank you

6) Sorry just got round to this, has been raised by writers recently that many threads are going off topic in Critique and actually missing the point of what the thread was started for originally.

Just remember Critique is where you place an opinion on a sketch, sitcom or whatever is being posted. You want to discuss how your cat has tics, take it to general. Ellie loves all that crap.

Another side note, many members don't like having re-writes made of their work I have noticed a lot of people doing it, we know you're only trying to help but again it can distract from the original post.

Thanks for reading my rantings!