Sorry for the OT, but I'd love to hear a screenwriter's take on Vonnegut's tips for short story writers : http://www.openculture.com/2012/06/kurt_vonneguts_eight_tips_on_how_to_write_a_good_short_story.html 1-6 seem utterly applicable, but 7 and 8?

Group 2 >>> http://youtu.be/sifESist1KY

LOL! I had to tweet this with a HT to you, Michael. Brilliant!

Love that video, Michael. And I'm sure you've met plenty of Group 2 and even Group 1 types in Hwood.

I single-handedly ruined the experience of watching films for my other half because whenever we watch a movie, I break down the script/story and make notes (out loud) as to why something works or doesn't work. Or I'll get excited at a fantastic piece of writing or set-piece and keep blabbering on about it. He is now unable to watch a film without going through the process with me and will often make notes himself. Even though he is not a writer, he watches films like a writer. And he still hasn't forgiven me for it.

1-6 are gold. 7-8 are certainly strange and not always applicable. If you are writing a suspense story, the last thing you want to do is show your hand early on in the story.

Hitchcock would like to have a word with you.

I think the business is mostly compromised of number 2's and all they do is create problems with strings attached. I've never met you in real life but you are obviously a 3 and it's rare. Most producers ought to take your class if they want to know how to talk to writers.

I've done the same thing to a couple friends. We went to see Dark Shadows and afterward they were like, "You suck. You ruined movies for me." Whoops...

My husband's in the same boat with me, though bless his heart, he tries as he cries out, "The all is lost moment, the all is lost moment! Right?" :-) sb