Fear. Fear of writing a bad screenplay. I've met tons of people on my blog who've never typed fade out on their first screenplay for fear of it not being good.

They'll never know if they don't finish.

Aspiring writers (like myself) need honest feedback from their peers.

However ...

Sometimes that feedback can turn into nitpicking, which can quickly induce doubt. Which can lead to abandonment.

And it seems that one of the more common examples of negative feedback is focused upon...formatting!

After my first draft, I threw my SP on one particular site and the thing got drilled many times over for improper formatting.

**BUT I FOLLOWED THE "RULES!"**

Then...I read their SP's.

Boy did I feel better! : )

As Scott mentioned a few days ago, focus on the story, there is no "official" way to lay it down.

Originality, that's what sets us apart...right?

Yes, there are guidelines to consider as to present yourself as a professional ...

But focus on the story.

Read other screenplays...watch movies then...

Tell the story!

I'd have to say Experience is a big one, living, I just got back to my home town with no money since I've been in europe and living around in different places for almost a year, and I wrote a ton, a novel, few screenplays, and play. Now, back in my old town, I haven't written in like 3 weeks and it's weird - time to get the hell out of dodge again. It always amazes me how some novelists and playwrights, who clearly haven't been engrossed in screenplays and film, can spit out amazing screenplays when need be. I'm sure there is many who struggle as well.