Shop Talk Writers : Where to Go

Where to Go

I'm pretty sure a number of the regulars have mentioned other forums where they discuss screenwriting and/or other kinds of writing with like-minded people.

Please share links to the sites you visit and your user name there, if you don't mind us knowing it's you. If you feel like it, you can tell us a bit about each site.

I only go to one other writing site, http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forum.php. I'm not at ease sharing my user name there in public. (One stalking was sufficient.)

What I like about the site is its moderation. A lot of the goings-on that drove good people away here would have been stopped way before they got that far. Bans tend to stick, unlike here where you just make a new account. Some people consider that level of moderation too strict, but AW does not have trolls or flame wars. They do have spirited discussion and sometimes anger, but users are expected to attack the argument, not the person making it, and to back up any claims they make.

I know at least two people from here are also members there.

Besides screenwriting, they also have boards for scripts of every kind (stage, radio, etc.) and for virtually every genre of writing.

Later: I made a welcome post for anybody who goes there. It'll help you all find one another. http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?326058-IMDb-Shop-Talk-Writers&p=10090199#post10090199

SPEED
P.S. This is how part of the alphabet would look if you eliminated Q and R

Re: Where to Go

I definitely recommend the Screenwriting reddit. Nice mix of people. Some moderation but not too heavy handed.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

I've gotta mention Simply Scripts.

http://www.simplyscripts.com Main site

http://www.simplyscripts.net Message board

After a troll (The_Strangeler, I think his name was) tore a script of mine to shreds using destructive criticism and outright trolling. He even blasted a revised draft of my script, sight unseen (!), seconds after I posted it! Another writer (forget the name, sorry) recommended other sites. I chose Simply Scripts, and I'm glad I did. Even if my scripts take a beating or two, they offer CONstructive criticism. We don't always agree with each other, but that's a matter of opinion, style, and taste.

Highly recommended.

Mary Tyler Moore 1936-2017 RIP

Re: Where to Go

Don't ask for opinions of your work if you don't really want any.

Re: Where to Go

What a prick^.

Re: Where to Go

I used to go to Done Deal often, but their boards are also possibly closing. The great thing about that site was that a bunch of pros posted there... and many of the non-pros who posted there became pros.

I also used to post frequently on WordPlay - and would love to see that site get more traffic. Owned by the #2 Box Office screenwriter in the world. In the old days, filled with name writers. Some still check in every once in a while.

I spend time on FB screenwriting groups and poke in at Stage 32 every once in a while.

Despite all of the troubles I've had here off-and-on with morons, I've met some great people here and have enjoyed interacting with probably 75% of you.

- Bill
Free Script Tips Every Day:
http://www.ScriptSecrets.Net

Re: Where to Go

Now DOne Deal is closing too?

G0ddamm1t man, what is going on in the world?????


I sincerely do not get all this.


WTF

Re: Where to Go

I'm a member there, but I've never posted. Right after I joined a few years ago, life got in the way and I just never went back when it calmed down.

I have boards/forums/communities listed in these threads:

List Of Writer Workshops:

http://remly.proboards.com/post/2102/thread
http://remly2.proboards.com/post/90/thread

List of Writer Forums / Communities:

http://remly.proboards.com/post/2093/thread
http://remly2.proboards.com/post/265/thread

I created those threads years ago, so some links may not work anymore, or the sites may have made changes. You can try Googling for the site name to see if it has a new link.

The threads are open to the public. No having to signup to get the information. However, there are forums/boards there that guests are allowed to post on, so everyone can use them to get into contact with each other after these boards are gone in order to pass on links to sites where you want to reconnect. (Just in case. Though two weeks should be enough time to get a plan in place.)






Threads with links to boards/sites that I've come across on IMDb boards where I post/lurk:

http://whooshorg.proboards.com/post/144696/thread
http://remly1.proboards.com/post/27/thread
http://remly2.proboards.com/post/1028/thread
http://remly.proboards.com/post/3415/thread






=========
http://tinyurl.com/TwilightSagaBoard
http://tinyurl.com/ProWhoosh

Re: Where to Go

Thanks to everyone here for trying to offer new options, but for me that's aside the point. I already have other boards, sure, but IMDB was unique in its chance to converse on very very obscure titles, old films, foreign titles, odd little niche elements (like some grip who worked in the industry in the 1960s or whatever; I made that up as an example) ...etc


IMDB boards were like cine-wormHoles through which you could consort with other people anywhere in the world about specific topics never discussed anywhere else.


This is terrible shocking news, and I detest the ones who decided to close these boards.


I detest them.


They have seemed bound to defy their own supporters almost from day one. (I've been on since 2001)


Talk about tossing the baby with the bath water, geesh!



IMO this decision is 999 ways of stupid.

Re: Where to Go

Hahaha,
I cannot help but laugh at your rant.

You detest the very people who have enabled you to have fun and converse about your hobby film for 15 years (you said you have been on since 2001)?

Your name is "TheFriendlyWriter".
Never mind "friendly" at the moment, but as a writer you should be able to put yourself into other people's shoes.

So put yourself for a moment into the shoes of those who have had to spend their working days deleting accounts, deleting unsavoury comments, and for eight hours (or more) dive into the very absurd world of trollism - instead of doing what they probably love best, too: enjoy movies and people who are creative and passionate about them.

I for one can understand their decision - I am sure that IMDb will be much better now: a site full of information about movies and the people in the industry PLUS a professional site for people who actually work in the industry and are willing to pay for the extra features and additional information.

And since those people cannot afford to embarrass themselves in front of their peers and colleagues, there goes the world of trolls on IMDb... pretty elegant, that.

ALWrite

Re: Where to Go

Your attitude really disappoints me, ALWrite.

Imdb is shutting down something that brings many people much pleasure, info, community, etc. I have learned information from the message boards that I never would have learned elsewhere. I've made contacts and friendships here that I would never have made otherwise.

Above all, imdb is destroying a vibrant and lively forum for communication. As a writer, one who communicates for a living, you should mourn.

Instead you laugh. Disappointing.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

Let me just say that while I have learned a lot, too, I have learned this from a handful of pros and not from the trolls that change every serious question and answer into a puerile dispute and d*-measuring.

Frankly, the time I spent searching for meaningful information and getting frustrated at having to read through argument after argument would have been better spent researching and writing. (My bad. But that's the nature of the internet and the boards: you always hope for some interesting bit of news and keep browsing.) So, speaking for myself, I am pretty sure that from now on I will spend more time researching and writing.
No, sir. No mourning on my part.

To the pros I am speaking of: I'll miss you guys (gals). Hope we can keep in touch somehow.

ALWrite

Re: Where to Go

You clearly don't get it.

That's fine. Best too you. Now shuffle off little fly.

Re: Where to Go

And let me just say, if you think I'm talking about Shoptalk Writers, then you really don't get it.

Nobody is saying you have to mourn the closing of the message boards. To laugh at the genuine sadness of people who do, however, makes you little better than the trolls you purport to condemn.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

There's nothing to be sad about, just maintain your friendship online elsewhere.

Re: Where to Go

Your comment carries the implicit assumption one already has all the friends they will ever meet.

There's plenty to be sad about. If you don't feel that way, that doesn't mean it's not valid that others do.

Re: Where to Go

No it implies you have a few days to get the contact details from friends you met on this board and before you get tossed out like a used condom.

Re: Where to Go

Friendship is only one of several things I mentioned I will miss about the imdb message boards.

Very few marketplaces of ideas online are this lively and diverse. I know some people are offended by the messiness of (relatively) unregulated forums for expression. But free speech is messy and offensive.

That's what makes it free.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

Totally agree with you. It will be an absolute disgrace if they delete the boards. The correct solution is proper moderation of the boards, and there are other solutions to the troll problems. Make everyone add a cell phone number to their account and then recieve a confirmation number by text or phonecall. Deleting the boards would be a disgusting and disgraceful act by IMDb.

Re: Where to Go

We have specific categories for Talk Writers, Directors, Actors and Composers

Try us for a spin !!

https://www.imdforums.com

Alex Vojacek

Re: Where to Go

I checked out the following two boards.

I like the feel and the members of https://www.imdforums.com.

I'm slightly disenchanted with http://imdb2.freeforums.net/.

--- each brain develops its own preferences ---

Re: Where to Go

Thank you for sharing that link. Much appreciated. :)

Not my Oscar speech - promise.

Had I not been contacted via PM I wouldn't have known that these boards were closing shortly. As well as some cracking screenwriting groups on Facebook, I'd highly recommend getting involved with the screenwriting/film/TV community on Twitter. They're great, love them to pieces. There's also communities for playwrights, novelists and poets, which often merges with film and TV community, for obvious reasons.

It's arguable whether I would've had the confidence or courage to push on with making strong friendships/contacts there; in some cases involving face to face meetings, had I not initially posted on this forum. However, I will be eternally grateful for the wise advice I've received from the pro writers, directors and industry folks, many of whom who used to post here and are now sadly long gone. I'm also grateful for the strong friendships I have made with these professional and supportive folks. A few worthy mentions of thanks go to... BobSnz (cannot wait to see Extracurricular Activities hit the big screen - brilliant screenplay, which I was honoured to read), Bill Martell for his sage advice, Speed, with whom you can't find a better and more supportive person when it comes to not only the process of writing but on the ups and downs that life throws at you, Firearmstrainer, who's been an absolute brick of support over the years, Myosis - we both share the same sense of humour as well as so many other things in common and finally a huge thank you to those who would still wish to remain anonymous - they know who they are - who have helped nurture and support me as a writer and as a consequence to have a better understanding of how the industry really works.

If I have a couple of regrets it's that I have haven't connected with a couple of other pros from here - we have mutual friends... *cough splutter*

Finally... If anyone would like to keep in touch with me you know where to find me [see below].

Happy writing everyone and I wish you every success with your endeavours.


RIP MUM 31/05/2015.

https://twitter.com/NomadicWriter

Re: Not my Oscar speech - promise.

Take care, Nomadic. Your sig brings a tear to my eye every time I read it. Remember, our mums are with us all the time x

Re: Where to Go

While I'll be looking at other forums, a board meant as a replacement for IMDb boards has come up. That includes an STW board: http://imdb2.freeforums.net/board/51/shop-talk-writers

All roads lead to truth if you're willing to travel honestly.

Re: Where to Go

Sky, have you checked out the screenwriting reddit?

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

I'm overdue to. I'm in a couple of FB screenwriting groups and have my in-person circle here, but haven't been on top of joining others. I'll have the time soon, but I've been juggling like a madman for some time now.

Any thoughts on it?

All roads lead to truth if you're willing to travel honestly.

Re: Where to Go

I really like it. A nice mix of pros and amateurs. Some formal moderation, but not too much. The informal moderation of the voting system helps keep people in check.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
LOST:http://eyemsick.blogspot.com

Re: Where to Go

One thing I'll miss is how no matter what the topic there were always
the regular miasma stirrers who could turn it into something personal
and create angry drama.

==================================================================
sat ci sat bene

Re: Where to Go

This is exactly why I will not miss these forums one bit. Unless there is tight moderation and someone to get these idiots booted the FIRST INSTANT they used their anonymity to insult other users, any new iteration will simply die from the weight of the trolls. The real professionals will stay away.

Look at how many of the good folks haven't be back in here in years.

The sad part is that if all these trolls and nobodies even knew who they were driving away with their immaturity and antics, they would be wetting their pants.

Re: Where to Go

👍 Exactly!
ALWrite
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