suggestion Member Interaction

So, there have been a decent amount of new people (including myself) signing up. And a good number of member films have been added to the showcase.

With this, you would think there would be more chatter/reviews/feedback happening. So far I only know of about 2 or 3 people who have recently become members that provide feedback or comment on other folks posts routinely.

The folks that have been here for a while have done their best to reply/respond/post to all this new content... But they can only do so much.

If we have this many new folks, I think with the sake of creating a sharing and caring atmosphere of collaboration, all new people should be able to review a couple of films in the showcase, or post/reply every so often.

Not demanding this by any means, just a respectful request to all of you who joined. Don't let this become a place of pawning your wares or talents. Let "getting noticed" be the icing on the cake. In the meantime, post/reply/like/review other works or threads.

Getting fresh faces is awesome, but without sharing your experience or thoughts, you aren't doing anyone any favors. You aren't helping the site you signed up for. This community can't grow without interaction and feedback.
 
I totally agree, I have uploaded a couple of scripts and not one person has commented. I'm reading and commenting on some, I know we are all busy with our stuff but like you say we've joined here for a reason. My reason for joining was to learn and to get critique/feedback.
I noticed one member apparently gets lots of comments, advice and feedback but they never even say thanks for those taking the time to read and comment, that's just selfish.
 
The good news is the site is growing. We get new members daily. We need to let the ratios work themselves out. For example, you can't expect every single new member to be productive. But we can expect a certain percentage to be. So let's see what happens as we grow! This site has been around since 2003, but it was stagnant for awhile and the relaunch (June 2019) is what spurred this new activity. So we need to give it some time. :)
 
I totally agree, I have uploaded a couple of scripts and not one person has commented. I'm reading and commenting on some, I know we are all busy with our stuff but like you say we've joined here for a reason. My reason for joining was to learn and to get critique/feedback.
I noticed one member apparently gets lots of comments, advice and feedback but they never even say thanks for those taking the time to read and comment, that's just selfish.

Well being grateful, and being collaborative can go hand in hand. But saying thanks should never be expected when it comes to serving. It is very rare, and will always just lead to heartbreak if that is reason for helping out. You should help because you want to.

I get what you mean though, I personally try to say thank you to all those who help with my projects. Sometimes, on the other side of the fence... It can feel like my thank you's aren't even heard! Haha. Maybe I say it too much?

I can take a look at one of your scripts, but that also depends on how long they are. Right now, I have time to watch 5-10 minute films, share my thoughts in a couple of sentences, and read threads... But actually reading a full feature script takes time. Time that I personally wouldn't have to really enjoy it.

I'm starting to think that we filmmakers are the worst at reviewing, because we are always busy.... Maybe that's why? But I'd like to start paying it forward as I get more and more experience.
 
The good news is the site is growing. We get new members daily. We need to let the ratios work themselves out. For example, you can't expect every single new member to be productive. But we can expect a certain percentage to be. So let's see what happens as we grow! This site has been around since 2003, but it was stagnant for awhile and the relaunch (June 2019) is what spurred this new activity. So we need to give it some time. :)

Oh cool, never realized it was recently relaunched. I actually found this site looking up "Top 20 Filmmaking Websites" on various places like Raindance blog and No Film School.
 
Oh cool, never realized it was recently relaunched. I actually found this site looking up "Top 20 Filmmaking Websites" on various places like Raindance blog and No Film School.

We're also in the book Filmmaking for Dummies ©2003 lol... I remember people coming from there, and we had even just launched that year!
 
Getting fresh faces is awesome, but without sharing your experience or thoughts, you aren't doing anyone any favors. You aren't helping the site you signed up for. This community can't grow without interaction and feedback.

Some people want feedback to let there skill's and story grow. Some of them can progress feedback... but sometimes I have the feeling that I am wasting my time giving feedback or criticism on a script, short movie or just a sequence of camera footage. I like to look at a thing when people are really making something good, original or have a spark with passion. Your project is one of those projects where I have the feeling that it will be really good..........not a waste of my time.
 
I totally agree, I have uploaded a couple of scripts and not one person has commented.
Really? Not one?

Yeah, I thought this was an odd remark, considering that @Geezer has not only replied on-thread to a series of comments on the uploaded script, but also referenced those same comments in another!

While I agree that it's frustrating to see drive-by posters on any forum, you can't force people to contribute to a discussion. Something I've seen all across the 'Net, though, is a tendency for any specialised forum to separate into a relatively small group of experienced professionals having highly technical discussions, and a large group of lurkers either talking nonsense amongst themselves ... or too afraid to ask a beginner's question for fear of being ridiculed. So far, this forum appears to be avoiding that fate; long may it continue!

Specifically in respect of this forum, I wonder if what @onebaldman sees as a lack of engagement is due to many members - like me! - trying to fit what is essentially an amateur activity into an already busy life. I've had this tab open on my computer for three day, meaning to reply, but there's always something else demanding my attention. I'd hoped to critique @Geezer 's revised script too by now, but ... life, ya know? :wait:
 
I'm a member of another site and it seems the opposite there, people get some good tips and advice from feedback but they never thank the people for taking the time or have a discussion. I see a lot of people getting frustrated with taking the time and effort and then getting no response from the person wanting the feedback.
 
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see a lot of people getting frustrated with taking the time and effort and then getting no response from the person wanting the feedback.
I hear ya. I took the time to read and comment on your script and
you think “not one person has commented”. So did CelticRambler
and DrKHawonaha. It can be frustrating.

I've been on indietalk for a while and have chosen to wait a bit before
taking the time to read a script and write up some notes because there
are so many drive-bys. I sure would be nice if people who wanted eyes
on their movies or scripts would return the favor.
 
@Geezer
 
I hear ya. I took the time to read and comment on your script and
you think “not one person has commented”. So did CelticRambler
and DrKHawonaha. It can be frustrating.


Yeah I know you and others did, I got a bit confused. I was talking about my scripts on simplyscripts, I confused the two sites... honest :seeya:
 
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I do think that there are times when someone is too busy with the craft, or just having a bad day and not great at giving feedback. That happens to me, often.

But honestly, it may be because people are thinking too long and hard on what to say about a particular film or idea... Rather than just shooting from the hip and going with gut instinct.

There are films that have recently caught me by surprise because, I feel as if I am the total opposite of all reviewers in liking something that people despise, or hating something that people love. I'm thinking the critiques are busy thinking about how their opinion will make them appear to others, rather than giving a real review to something.

The strange thing is, I love the classics just like everyone else. So what gives? I just watched "Apocalypse Now", and agree with everyone that it is a mind twisting masterpiece. I watched the new Lion King, and hated it.

I have begun call it Youtube syndrome. Where your appearance becomes more important to you than the content you are actually making.
 
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I think some people feel overwhelmed and aren't sure what they can contribute to the conversation. I don't think a forum is as easy a place as a comment section to simply say congratulations or I enjoyed the work. Maybe that's just me...I don't know. I often want to interact more here but I am not sure my advice or words of encouragement or whatever would be worth it. Also, there are probably just too many people that come here hoping to advertise and have no intention of interaction.
 
I'm thinking the critiques are busy thinking about how their opinion will make them appear to others, rather than giving a real review to something.

The strange thing is, I love the classics just like everyone else. So what gives? I just watched "Apocalypse Now", and agree with everyone that it is a mind twisting masterpiece. I watched the new Lion King, and hated it.

I have begun call it Youtube syndrome. Where your appearance becomes more important to you than the content you are actually making.

I suppose that's plausible. If true, you can hardly blame them in the age of cancel culture in which unpersoning is a real possibility. No longer is "looking dumb" or losing some work in the biz all that's at stake. Looking back myself, I suppose I should have made far fewer posts and been far more reticent in what I wrote. *wink

It also may be the simpler explanation suggested by CelticRambler and others: that we are all just so busy and there are so, so many other distractions these days.

But your sentiment is great and really appreciated. It reminds me of a similar thread from some time ago in which the poster lamented how indie filmmakers have failed to do enough to support other indie filmmakers. Recently, I happened to recall that thread and was trying to account for how much or how little I have done to support indie filmmakers, especially those who have participated here on IT. I'm sure you're right; I could do more. :)
 
But your sentiment is great and really appreciated. It reminds me of a similar thread from some time ago in which the poster lamented how indie filmmakers have failed to do enough to support other indie filmmakers. Recently, I happened to recall that thread and was trying to account for how much or how little I have done to support indie filmmakers, especially those who have participated here on IT. I'm sure you're right; I could do more. :)

I'm hardly an example of a perfect supporter, but I actually do try and fund the random crowdfunding campaign I like, always try to support fellow filmmakers, and review stuff here.

Most of the time, you never get anything in return for doing it. It hurts sometimes, especially when it feels like you go out of your way to do the right thing... And even more when its from people you thought really wanted to help. But I'm trying to get myself to a point where I help with no expectation. When I stop expecting, it feels even better when the love and support comes.

I'm finding it very hard to put myself in that mindset (I'm a spoiled child), but I think it is a mindset that will be helpful in the long run.

And, I'm not only talking about reviews/funding/feedback. Sometimes someone like you, just willing to share their thoughts is more than enough.
 
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