Quote: Seefacts @ May 21 2008, 10:31 PM BSTHe kept pm'ing me that's why.
Anyway it's over now.
Unlike the Champs League Final - nice work John Terry.
Indeed it is for both Jake and Chelsea.
Sad way to lose a final
Starting Out? Page 9
At least Ronaldo did the stupidest penalty in the world. I don't think I can stand 12 months of utd fans bleating on and on and on and on.
Quote: jacparov @ May 21 2008, 10:39 PM BSTAt least Ronaldo did the stupidest penalty in the world. I don't think I can stand 12 months of utd fans bleating on and on and on and on.
Ref should have blew as soon as he stood still.
You're never going to beat a keeper standing still, he can spot where's it going a mile off.
Good to see Terry f**k up though, magic.
I can't speak for stuff going on in the background but my guess is that Aaron's banned him for multiple issues. My only question is why only temporary? The guy has been banned for short terms several times, and he's blatantly flouted forum rules on numerous occasions (we all know he's had several user names, Aaron, don't defend it or say there's no evidence). He always comes back and does it again. Other people have been banned (it seems, from public evidence at least) for just disagreeing with moderators in a slightly rude way. Yes, Jake How/Jamie Jones or whatever he/she is called at the moment does seem to be a bit of an attention seeking fantasist and might be worthy of some understanding on that score, but when he/she disrupts the forums to such an extent so often, how many chances does he/she deserve?
If you keep on letting him back, there'll be plenty more threads like this which have been wasted in a mire of Jake-isms, Jake-baiting and Jake-prompted confusion. It would be nice to allow threads like this to stick to the point. Ban Jake for good, and that will help.
So, any tips for writers starting out? 
Oh yeah, erm I'm no expert but I would say just write alot. Don't even think about selling your first or second script.
Read alot of good scripts and bad. Analyse them to see what makes them work. Learn how to format and how language works.
Perhaps start writing jokes then sketches and sending them off to radio/stageshows etc, build up some contacts etc.
Hope that helps but to be honest it's doing sod all for me! Damn lack of talent!
Quote: Matthew Stott @ May 21 2008, 10:17 PM BSTWhy was Jake banned? Just for being a bit of a harmless fantasist? Seems a bit harsh if it was for that; its not as if he was fooling anyone.
Quote: Aaron @ May 21 2008, 10:09 PM BSTOne reason, yes.
Also, watch a lot. But don't watch it to enjoy it, if you know what I mean. Record some episodes. Make notes as you pause and re-watch. Work out why they did it the way they did. Learn from watching good stuff AND bad stuff. In the former, make note of how they used dialogue well, moved the plot along without you really noticing, etc. In the latter, spot where attempts at humour fall flat, and ask yourself why. Did the lines sound wrong? Was the character's reaction unconvincing? Time the length of scenes. How many are there? Were they too long or too short? There'll be a style that suits you.
So, my tips are Read; Watch; Write.
Having received my fair share of Jake PM's I suggest we start the "Baron Münchhausen Memorial Thread" for anybody who feels the need to embellish their achievements...
Quote: Badge @ May 21 2008, 10:47 PM BSTSo, any tips for writers starting out?
Write everyday... even if you think it's crap...
Carry a pen and paper at all times...
Read scripts...
look at the mechanics... why does that joke work and that one not?
Have a look at... http://www.rpglibrary.org/articles/storytelling/36plots.html
Watch episodes of your favourite sitcoms... are they using a 2 or 3 act structure, try and spot the act breaks and the plot "Beats"...
Learn from others mistakes and be happy to make your own...
kjs
I'm worried this might need a new thread. We've gone disturbingly on-topic.
Just to say - I endorse this ban completely - for those that might not have the full background - it is fair as Jake has been a pain for quite a while now, it's not just this one instance. He was told to stop lying, but he keeps on doing it.
To address the question above as to why it is only two weeks, everyone gets another chance (except spammers). This is always communicated to people, but most choose not to come back which is why they appear to remain banned. If Jake does opt to return, if he puts a foot out of place then that is it for him. I think that's fair enough and win-win for everyone now.
Anyway, I've broken my own rules of taking things off-topic... I think we've done this banning discussion to death now so suggest we leave it there, but if anyone else has feedback on this, you can PM me or Aaron.
The only trouble is I don't have any good advice on starting out writing, so heading things back on topic is hard. Um... All I will say is if you're really serious about making it, I think networking is key. Sadly being funny is rarely enough in this game - it should be, but it isn't - you need to know the people behind the door too.
Possibly best thread ever. Miles off topic and Jake got killed in the library with a great big lead pipe by Captain Scarlett. Good stuff. Applause wildly.
Quote: Alan C @ May 21 2008, 10:10 PM BSTAgreed but in every group of people you will always have exceptions to the norm, surely?
Thank you.
The last five pages is a good example of what happens when people should have been watching the football instead.
I totally agree with the moderating team with Jake's ban but the idea put forward by some members to justify the baiting (that Jake's 'contributions' were somehow dangerous or that people might mistake his doodlings for that of a professional) is plainly ludicrous.
Badge makes some excellent points re: starting out. And KJ's point about write always, is the best habit you'll ever nurture. Even if the output is crap, you're training the body to put your mind into the zone. And when your mind is in the zone, the ideas will come.
This thread is (mostly 
) really helpful!