THE GITS BOARD

[Barry Renton]

The more boards and sub-boards this messagboard gets the more it moves away from the mission of the board....for ScreenWriters to post their Writtern Scripts for review/critique from fellow writers.

Not it feels like its trying to be the NBC of messageboards. Does anyone else want to go back to the boutique premium channel feel of the early days?

Not trying to start a war, just a discussion......

[mscherer]

Barry,

I’m sorry you don’t agree with the direction GITS Club has taken. Let me provide some background that may, or may not, sway your opinion.

On September 26th I posted to the General Board (Time To Revolt) asking the membership what enhancements/changes they would like to see to make GITS Club a better place for screenwriters. They responded with several suggestions which I then rolled up into a poll for the membership to vote on. I then implemented the top four vote getters into the board:

1. Have a pick of the week (POW).
2. Have a writing challenge.
3. Have a collaboration section.
4. Have an Art of Screenwriting section.

These things were implemented over the next week or two. Now, to your point that GITS Club has lost sight of its mission.

The main focus of GITS is still peer review of scripts. After all, I did add two (2) more peer review boards (POW and writing challenge). But if GITS Club only provided peer review for scripts, how boring would that be? Would you shop at a store that only sold brown shirts? I don’t think so.

I totally agree peer review is a vital part of GITS, but screenwriters need to grow, to stretch, to develop style. That can only be accomplished by sharing knowledge, learning from one another, having healthy discussions.

GITS Club is not, and will not, be in competition with any other screenwriting site. Each has its own niche. GITS Club, I believe, is unique in that we offer a tad bit of everything for our members. We are the Walmart® of screenwriting. ;D

Again, I’m sorry you are disappointed in the direction GITS Club has taken. The only true and valid measure of that direction rests with the membership response to these changes. And I have not heard one negative comment from any member.

Thanks for stopping by and always,

Keep Writing!

[lazzard]

IMHO the board has taken a good direction.
I don't get a hell of a lot of time to review and am often not in a position to put stuff up (contractually).
Still need to talk though.
And as somewhee to talk about what we do, this place is far superior to cetain 'other' peer-review sites with their leaugue tables etc, where most of the members are just chasing a good review and conversations seem to mainly take the form of a pissing match.
Don't go changing....

[mscherer]

Larry,

Thanks for your support and for your valuable contributions.

Hope the writing is going well.

Cheers!

[oz]

Sorry, Barry, I've got to agree with Mike and Larry.

The board has evolved per member input, plain and simple. Not all suggestions were executed because Mike carefully evaluated them to ensure this place stayed true to its mission and I personally believe he succeeded. I don't participate in every available section yet I'm certain there are others who benefit solely from the sections I rarely visit. All writers, regardless of their level of experience, should benefit here.

It can never please everyone so it must be administered with sanity. Thanks for that sanity, Mike.

[mscherer]

Donna,

Thanks. Your input is always apprciated.

Hope you are feeling better as you,

Keep Writing!

[singsalsing]

I was under the impression that the GITS Club was a place we could discuss ALL aspects of screenwriting.
There are plenty of other sites out there where you can just post your script and receive critique. Here, at GITS, you not only receive honest review but helpful advice and guidance. I think Mike has created a good balance between peer review and general discussion.

[mscherer]

This is why I do what I do here at GITS.... thanks for the support one and all. ;D

[atb]

Totally agree.

Personally, I love that -- as a writer -- you can really get the opinion of your peers as you BEGIN the writing process. From an idea into a fully fleshed out spec. Being able to get everyone's opinion of a logline before you even begin outlining is extremely helpful and one of my favorite things to do here in the GITS Club.

And the other threads -- ranging from topics like "What is the Sequencing Process?" to "How do you format a montage?" -- are great for anyone still learning about screenwriting.

If you just want to post your script and have people praise your limited use of adverbs then skip on over to Triggerstreet. Or if you want to post your first draft and have others rate your script from one-to-five stars then head over to Scripped. The GITS Club is more like a fraternity of screenwriters that aren't worried about receiving praise and accolades. We're more like aspiring writers that are looking for guidance and a little convo over some coffee-black on Sunday mornings.

I'm guessing Barry Renton could use some guidance too. So pour yourself some coffee, old boy, and pull up a chair. There's plenty of topics to discuss and plenty of writers with whom to discuss them.