Quoted from eldave1 That's a mistake IMO particularity given this finite set of parameters. i.e., it'll be a head-scratcher for many readers until they actually see the constraints. But whatever -  onward.

I'll happily explain my logic. Say you have two scripts. Script 1 followed the rules perfectly while script 2 broke one of the rules.

Everyone is in agreement that script 2 is the much better script, but because it broke the rules, some people would be pissed that it moves on to the next round. They would rather see the weaker script which adhered to the rules perfectly be the one that moves on.

See, this tournament, in full transparency, has taught me to hate people much more than any contest I had done before this.

During this tournament, I had complaints about a script that was winning the voting in its match-up, which caused the writer to withdraw their script and leave the site. I had somebody withdraw from the tournament because there were pretty much no parameters at all, I've had numerous complaints about the scripts not being EXACT when it comes to the rules along with the few other problems.

The point is, just write a good script. This is just for fucking fun.

You are missing my point - my fault for not being clearer.

It's less about whether a writer is breaking or not breaking the rules. It's more about a reader understanding the framework under which the story had to be developed.

To your other points: I wouldn't sweat them.  Every OWC has the exact same challenge/problem - it's the nature of the game and this one will as well - it's just delayed. i.e., You're going to post the parameters when voting opens so any angst/opinions will take place then rather than during the reads.

But whatever - we'll go your route. Thanks for the space to allow me to make the point. I'm done and moving on.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde During this tournament, I had complaints about a script that was winning the voting in its match-up, which caused the writer to withdraw their script and leave the site. I had somebody withdraw from the tournament because there were pretty much no parameters at all, I've had numerous complaints about the scripts not being EXACT when it comes to the rules along with the few other problems.

Good grief. Sounds like a behind-the-scenes shit show.

I think we all need to buy Sean a beer or two (or ten).  He deserves it.

Quoted from Gary in Houston I think we all need to buy Sean a beer or two (or ten).  He deserves it.

I don't. Two things:

1. Don did a hell of a lot more work this tournament than I did.

2. Just finish the tournament and that'll be a prize enough for me. Then, somebody else can run this cursed thing again at some point in the future.

It's disappointing to hear about the negativity.

However, one way to like at it might be: you've created something that people care about. No entry fee. No prize. Nothing on the line, and still, people got fired up enough about things to quit over it.

If this were a script, you'd have to consider that a win.

Love it. Hate. Just, please, don't be apathetic about it.

Wait. Aren't I supposed to be busy writing something?

I guess this is our stab at Oscar, the only one some of us would get - so we make it as dramatic as possible to really live it.

I think you should forgive us, Sean

But great challenge. Original, full of twists and else - like riding a writing roller coaster! Never would have thought something like that was possible. And the last three rides were a blast: three one-pagers, then a pairing twist and now something I for one keep wondering about. Can't wait to see what it the challenge is.

Quoted from PKCardinal However, one way to like at it might be: you've created something that people care about. No entry fee. No prize. Nothing on the line, and still, people got fired up enough about things to quit over it. If this were a script, you'd have to consider that a win. Love it. Hate. Just, please, don't be apathetic about it.

But, apathetic is my default mode... =)

Quoted from khamanna I guess this is our stab at Oscar, the only one some of us would get - so we make it as dramatic as possible to really live it. I think you should forgive us, Sean

Sure, why not? I've already forgiven a couple writers. You get forgiveness and you get forgiveness and you get forgiveness. Lol.

I take it the person who left was not a regular?

People get a little competitive and very serious when you call something a contest, even without a prize.
Quite amusing. But vexing for you, Sean, by the sounds of it. Least it's been 'never a dull moment'.

Thanks Sean. Thanks Don.

Quoted from LC I take it the person who left was not a regular? People get a little competitive and very serious when you call something a contest, even without a prize. Quite amusing. But vexing for you, Sean, by the sounds of it. Least it's been 'never a dull moment'. Thanks Sean. Thanks Don.

If someone leaves over an OWC dispute - this might not be the site for them

Quoted from eldave1 If someone leaves over an OWC dispute - this might not be the site for them

Maybe screenwriting period isn't for them.

Quoted from LC I take it the person who left was not a regular?

It was someone I was fond of on the site, but it's something that happens.

Quoted from eldave1 If someone leaves over an OWC dispute - this might not be the site for them

I suppose, but you get the idea that this had been building up for a while. Live and learn, though, right?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde It was someone I was fond of on the site...

That's pretty sad.

If he or she is reading this, I hope you rethink your decision.

Quoted from LC That's pretty sad. If he or she is reading this, I hope you rethink your decision.

A few things.

I totally missed voting.  Sorry about that.

I agree with Libby, as seemingly always.  To the person who left, it's a contest.  Get over it.  Writing is hard.  If it wasn't everyone would do it.  Life is short and hard.  We've lost too many for dumb reasons.  We need to stick together, not fracture apart.

I will admit that I'm a rules stickler, but when I lost. I didn't get upset at anyone else but me because I didn't write a good enough script to win.  I'm glad my opponent is in the finals.  I like both people, so good luck to both.

But, seriously, writing is hard, life is harder, but the only way to get better is to grow as a writer and a person.  Keep the trajectory moving upwards of you can, and if you write a pile of steamy crap, make the next one better.  I feel better about my stories than I ever have.

I see more today.  The only way to do that is with growth and experience.

Dan