No offense, Scott, but this post shows just how out of touch you are with Hollywood and the business. Until now, I've given you the benefit of the doubt, despite the heat you've taken elsewhere at places like DoneDealPro over your Quest program and the fact that you aren't even repped, much less a "working writer" or "producer." Apparently, you did not reflect upon the recent findings from the WGA survey or working writers about the profound changes that are affecting their livelihoods, nor have you talked to many working writers lately. It also appears you are unfamiliar with the commentaries of folks like Craig Mazin or John August about what's going on. Or maybe you just see it as more "whining." I'll be very curious to see who weighs in on your proclamations.

Surely the point Scott's making is that, even in an utterly perfect world, writers would still whine? I know I do. In fact, I think I whine more when I've got work and money coming in than when I haven't! :)

No offense, asshat, but your out of line attack on Scott's timeliness doesn't speak well of your own teading comprehension, as the words "originally posted September 22, 2011" literally are right above your ill-informed and unnecessarily beligerant ramblings.

And that should be "reading comprehension." sorry, typing on my phone

All I can say is, the first review of my first draft is in: "One long boring chase scene."

http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/07/wga-screen-survey-yep-things-pretty-much-suck.html Listening to Espenson on podcast (Nerdist writer panels! if you haven't discovered, go! right now!), she shared story re how much intonation (change in pitch) conveys, she shared idea with someone she hoped to get hired by, then intonated (mumbled, no clear words, but really it was quite clear), "I don't know," and without pause the guy responded, "oh yeah [it's so clear!], 'wanna have sex?'" Humanity is so funny, and we're all steeped in frames of reference that influence what we take in and what we express. And benefit of the doubt is a wonderful thing to supplement frames of references that might at that moment be too narrow and/or born of frustration. Creatives have had challenges getting decent support and compensation throughout history. Galileo ended up in a tower. Might our plight turn out better. The scale of problems now is kinda new, and reflects where country is now, so no surprise it's worse than ever for writers. Who isn't aware of that? And is there any writer, or any good-hearted person, who doesn't want far better working conditions for writers? What I got from post, no emo where inappropriate (with the people that need to see you first as positive and problem-solving, else you won't get hired). And that's just smart advice.

John, I'm not sure how you missed the tongue-in-cheek tone of the post, but clearly you did [along with the note at the bottom "Originally posted September 22, 2011"]. Every writer who works in Hollywood knows about the whole whining thing. It's an inside joke that's not so inside. I played around with it in the post to have some fun, but also make a point about being mindful of where and with whom it's 'appropriate' to whine. Sorry you didn't see that point. Second I did post on the recent WGA survey here the day after it came out. Even though it's a message aspiring screenwriters may not like to hear, I have never shied away from describing the difficulties and challenges of being a working writer in Hollywood. To do otherwise would be a disservice to this blog's readers as they deserve to know the facts. As to my awareness of issues facing screenwriters, I do like I have done every day for 25 years: Track the news, communicate with my Hollywood contacts, etc. For the last 4 plus years on a daily basis, I have posted relevant items along with observations and analysis here on the blog. So I like to think I'm at least reasonably well informed. Re The Quest and producing, I addressed that here. Re your other points: I don't have the time or inclination to respond at length, but in short, the fact is for family reasons, I took a gig as a producer for a TV production company and worked there for 8+ years. That took me away from my screenwriting. In fact, one of the reasons I started GITS was to reconnect with the craft. That has led to all sorts of opportunities - teaching, consulting, and yes, writing. The irony is I may not be living in Hollywood, but I am more connected to the community than I ever was when I lived in LA. Bottom line, everything I post here is my take on things. I never claim to be THE expert on things, just one voice among many. As I often say, there is no right way to write. Every writer is different. Every story is different. Primarily what I attempt to do here is create a dialogue between writers about screenwriting, honor the craft and the men and women who do it, and hopefully in my own small way help to inspire and inform writers on their creative journeys. I wish you the best with your writing career.

Love the blog, love the constant nudges from the Quest to keep writing and love the community on GITS. Was that too winey? Puts down me glass