Well said, Scott. And in this age of the pdf and the Internet, it's easier than ever to read pro specs, the best way to develop the "shock-proof sh*t detector" that Hemingway said is the essential tool of a writer.

I wholeheartedly agree that reading is still the best way to learn how to write. Some years back I belonged to an online writers workshop. (This was for fiction as opposed to screenwriting, but it's the same idea.) Members of the group could have their own work critiqued, but also had to provide critiques for fellow members. While having my work critiqued was valuable, I think I learned even more from reading and critiqueing the works of others.

I love the part about the importance of having something to say. I see so many writers who can write beautifully but have no concept of story.

We had a book in Primary school called Reading To Some Purpose. So true.

Pogue! That guy's been on Wordplay for years (or had been the last time I was there, I don't post regularly as I used to do). I remember many debates with him as an integral and important voice.