Readers speak, part one
In the recent survey, I got a lot of hard numbers to back up and/or refute my assumptions about who reads johnaugust.com. I also got a lot of good suggestions from Question 10, which read: “If I could do one thing to improve johnaugust.com, I would…”
Here’s a sampling of what people wrote, and how I might implement their advice. Today, we’ll look at suggestions about content. Tomorrow we’ll cover everything else.
Update the site daily.
Increase the frequency of updates (no matter how breezy or trivial).
I do my best to post a couple of times per week. Realistically, that’s the best I can do while holding down a full-time screenwriting career. Unlike Jason Kottke, I don’t think any number of micro-patrons is going to enable me to quit my day job. Though at times, it’s tempting.
- Increase the Q&A sections, or at least make the IMDb columns less of a rehash from what’s already been posted on the website.
The IMDb columns are the same questions I answer on the site. I could divvy them up differently, but I’d still be answering the same number of questions.
- Be funnier. It’s a little dry.
Alas, dry is what you get. The truth is, I’m not crazy yuk-yuk funny, as you might guess by the movies I write: entertaining, sure. Hysterical, not so much. This site isn’t really meant to be a hoot-and-a-half. At its best, it’s probably edu-tainment.
- Avoid marketing the site and keep it as is: personal and friendly.
The survey was never part of some marketing master plan. I don’t really have any goals further than what I’m currently doing with the site. I was just curious who was actually reading the site.
- Post your critiques/thoughts on more movies (e.g. Phantom of the Opera).
We’ll see. The reality is that unlike an actual film critic, I have to work with many of these filmmakers, so it literally pays to keep my mouth shut sometimes.
Share more personal experiences (insider stories) with screenwriting and the industry.
Discuss your experiences on previous films you worked on more (“Charlie’s Angels,� etc.)
More personal Hollywood stories. These are very interesting.
The secret to my success, in addition to some writing talent, is that I’m good at getting along with difficult people. Inconsiderate people. Assholes, frankly.
So the problem with most of my juicy Hollywood stories is that they involve these assholes. I’m happy to spill a few details over cocktails, but it’s another matter to write it down, where anyone (including the aforementioned assholes) can read.
I do have many positive experiences in the industry, however, and I’ll try to include more of them on the site. There really are good people in Hollywood, and I tend to work with them multiple times.
- Talk more about the life of a professional writer – the nuts and bolts of daily life.
Yeah, I should. And I’ll try to get other writers to explain their work situations, because I’m hardly the template.
- More posts about the thought process you had with a certain project (e.g. how did you come up with the “great idea�).
Good idea. I’ll try to do that more often.
- Posts of “corrected exercises.� Problems you had in the past with dead-end situations and how you escaped them.
Tricky to show on screen, but worth the effort. I’ll try to find examples that make sense.
- Focus on the technique and style and craft of screenwriting and cut the “how do I get a job/agent/manager/lawyer� questions for the gurus who advertise their “Incredible Industry In$ider Seminars� in the pages of Variety and Backstage West.
Wow. I feel like if I dodged the agent/manager questions any more, I’d start looking like Keanu Reeves during the rooftop sequence in The Matrix. But thanks for giving me permission to do less.
Stick to the questions about craft and execution. While the geek stuff (RSS feeds, etc) might be interesting, writers want to know more about screenwriting from a true professional.
Avoid posts discussing blogs and blog technology. Other people cover this topic much more thoroughly and many are here to read about screenwriting and your career as a writer.
Points taken. The truth is, I have a range of interests outside of screenwriting, and it’s hard not to write about these off-topic topics. At some point, I may start a second blog dedicated to my geekier side. In the meantime, I’ll try to keep johnaugust.com focused more narrowly on screenwriting and the film industry.
More interviews of other notable people in the industry by you.
More columns from guest writers.
I’ve slacked off on the First Person articles. I’ll try to beat a few more out of my fellow professional screenwriters. The interview idea is a good one as well.
Tomorrow, I’ll list readers’ suggestions about everything else site-related. In the meantime, feel free to use to the comments section on this post to address anything you agree or disagree with so far.
Articles
May 5th, 2005 at 12:35 pm
I like when you mention other blogs…thats how I first learned about complications ensue, which is great!
May 5th, 2005 at 12:44 pm
John, I would prefer that your site stay online, that you are happy writing, and the rest falls in place. Your site is valuable to me and I would rather have it available than have it gone because you burnt out
May 5th, 2005 at 12:51 pm
Don’t worry about the funnies, John. I think we the talkbackers and question askers provide the comedy around here. Though maybe not on purpose;).
May 5th, 2005 at 12:53 pm
I agree with Michael (second one). I think we’re lucky to get anything, and while there might be a few things we’d like more or less of, we’re in no position to make demands or bite the hand that feeds. I say, it’s your site and you should do as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and we can take it as it comes. I admit I made suggestions too, but you can’t be on here 24/7 to placate us. I feel pretty placated as is.
May 5th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I’m sorry but I disagree with a few of the comments:- - I don’t find the site dry; I enjoy it quite a bit. Love the tone. - I like the ‘Geek Alert’ stuff. Firefox, Wordpress and Mac are integral parts of my geek-life as well; keep it coming.
May 5th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
I find it funny that people had…confidence? to call the site a little dry. It’s been said already but I’ll add to the support pile: do what you feel. This site is a HUGE resource for aspiring/current screenwriters and as far getting “insider info from REAL WORKING PROFESSIONALS” it beats the hell out of Zach Braff’s blog.
You might not be able to remember your own “first experience” (don’t know how long ago it was for you) but I remember the first time I read a post that answered one of the first “format” questions. Should I capatlize this? Etc… It’s INVALUABLE to have someone who you can TRUST (or someone who is as close as you can get to trustworthy) actually tell you “how it is” and what “Rules Of Screenwriting” aren’t exactly written in stone.
It’s like having a cop friend to run license plates for you or get you mugshots of people you know. INVALUABLE. Don’t ever stop. We appreciate it. I’ll come mow your lawn one day if you need proof.
May 5th, 2005 at 1:38 pm
I like the geek stuff.
May 5th, 2005 at 2:09 pm
John, i second (third?) Michael and Derek’s emotions. if you’re happy and updating because you enjoy it, i’m happy and enjoying your updating.
May 5th, 2005 at 2:13 pm
Agreed with the other commentators suggesting that you don’t burn out trying to amuse/entertain the readers. I am pretty happy with what the site contains, as is.
–Sam
May 5th, 2005 at 2:16 pm
First of all this site is free and so I can’t imagine you’re making any money from posting all these interesting and free articles for our pleasure. For that I am very grateful, and happy to have found johnaugust.com. I like this site just the way it is. There’s no pressure from me.
Although…
Please change the site’s colours to red, white, blue and gold just like Superman and then I’ll bookmark.
Just kidding, I do that sometimes. I’m retarded.
May 5th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
I’m a huge fan of the site. And while I’m not as inclined to read the “GEEK ALERTS” I still do – hell you turned me on to firefox. Anyway, I didn’t leave and comments, but I guess the one I’d love ot hear more about is just your life in the BIZ, and more experiences (vague, as to avoid the assholes) you’ve had in the industry. But, really I love it all. And, if you could just go ahead and update twice a day, I think we’d all be happy :-)
May 5th, 2005 at 3:01 pm
Everything I learned about blogging learned from you, John. So I can’t really cast a vote for limiting the geek stuff. Who else is going to write CSS for screenplay formats?
As for being more entertaining — well, we can’t all be Kung Fu Monkey. Frankly, I don’t think we need another blog full of rants and tirades, no matter how humorous. I appreciate the professional tone of your blog and that you don’t deal in dirt and gossip.
May 5th, 2005 at 3:55 pm
These blogs by established writers, and the comments too, are the best thing since formatting software! I read most of the how-to and how not-to books, but that is a stale one dimensional world. Now with blogs it feels like a cyber community, up to date, ‘live’ ya know? Keep up what you are doing, we all are having fun while learning
May 5th, 2005 at 4:10 pm
Totally agree with the general gist of feedback. It’s your personal site! That’s what makes it great. The way it is shows your personality. So don’t worry about ‘being funny’, or ‘updating daily’, and laying off ‘the geek stuff’. However it’s nice you’re considering readers’ input. Damn you ARE a nice guy, aren’t you? Keep it up!
May 5th, 2005 at 4:33 pm
I love the informal nature of this site, and would say you shouldn’t be concerned about adding too much more or updating more frequently. If I knew there would regularly be new entries each and every day, I would waste even more time online than I already do. Hell, I’m trying to write too!
That being said, I had suggested guest columns because it could be a nice way for you, our gracious host, to feed our hungry minds while lessening the possibility of your burnout. Give us the same amount of content with less effort.
Then again, a large part of why I come here is to hear what YOU have to say.
RED
May 5th, 2005 at 5:48 pm
I prefer the inside stories, but i also learned a lot from your geek alert. Don’t stop that. You’re so updated on those stuff that i’m also feeling more updated than my usualy updated friends.
May 5th, 2005 at 5:50 pm
I trust you’d make whatever “changes” necessary by letting some or as few suggestions bother you! Progress is a decision… and none of us can take it for the owner and host of such a terribly neat and professional location, even if only virtual.
Bring ‘hem on those choices, we’ll gobble it all like candies and precious thoughts we’d otherwise remain unaware of.
May 5th, 2005 at 7:03 pm
I like the geek stuff too.
May 5th, 2005 at 7:03 pm
I like the geek stuff too.
May 5th, 2005 at 8:51 pm
I fourth Michael. It’s passed.
May 5th, 2005 at 8:55 pm
Love the site John. Do what comes naturally… If it comes naturally.
Thanks!
May 5th, 2005 at 9:00 pm
Love the posts just the way they are – geek stuff and all. You are one of the few writers of your level who shares openly what you’re really up to. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s a great resource. For people who really care about writing, it is anything but dry.
Thanks.
May 5th, 2005 at 9:09 pm
I’ll second Devan. I’m a geek on the side as well so I always enjoy the asides.
May 5th, 2005 at 9:26 pm
I personally think you should quit screenwriting and run this website full time. Charge a fee to be a member so you can continue to make a living. And then you can read our screenplays and recommend them to your agent since he won’t be getting anymore from you. We can then give you 5% of the option/purchase price (10% still to your agent) so again, you don’t starve. If that’s not enough, offer notes for our screenplays for $50. What do you think?
Yes, I’m kidding. I wouldn’t change a thing. This site serves the same purpose as any of those countless screenwriting books out there, except it’s free and written by someone with proven success. I’m also always surprised at how frequent you do update this site. And I don’t think any of us would visit unless we were actual FANS of you and your work. So no matter how you decide to run this site, we the fans will always appreciate the simple fact… that you do.
May 5th, 2005 at 10:29 pm
Fantastic site, acessible and informative.
I’m grateful that you’ve taken the time to provide such a valuable resource to dreamers, fence-sitters, and aspiring creatives.
Please keep it up!
May 6th, 2005 at 4:01 am
I agree with everyone else, this is a great site. I think you need the odd geek bit, or whatever catches your interest, in the mix as it makes the site feel more personal, in my opinion.
May 6th, 2005 at 5:00 am
I took am happy with the geek stuff. And find the site amusing enough.
Although disappointed to find that my suggestion of turning this into a friday afternoon bar-b-q with beers is not being implemented . . .
May 6th, 2005 at 6:00 am
Your site is great as it is. I’ve found myself becoming a regular visitor over the last couple of months, and I really appreciate the advice and insight you offer here. I like the suggestion about guest columns–a good way to provide extra content without taking up more of your time.
Thanks John!
May 6th, 2005 at 6:34 am
Yeah, I love this site too. It’s already great, but improvement never hurts. The best suggestion in my opinion is the Interviews with other Screenwriters. But I understand that you must be quite busy.
How about this for a suggestion. Get another Screenwriter to team up with you and share his wisdom here. Like Shane Black maybe. I hear he’s very supportive to aspiring writers too. That way you can relax a bit more and we still get the maximum on information and Inside-stories.
May 6th, 2005 at 9:43 am
Agreed – we come here for the invaluable advice and info. Do whatever you like on here, it’s your site. If I hadn’t come here, I would never have felt okay about thinking the Syd Field and McKee books were utter nonsense – finally, a real screenwriter says what I’d suspected all along. Keep it up John, exactly the way you’ve been doing.
Oh, more guest columns would be cool too, but you don’t have to…
May 15th, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Dear John, I just wanted to say one thing while talking about the site. I’m from Turkey -yes so far away country. Here I’m a columnist in a national newspaper. I’m looking forward “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” because when the movie comes Turkey I’m going to write that this movie is written by my elder brother. And Internet is a miracle! Thanks for johnaugust.com.
May 25th, 2005 at 10:47 pm
John, I’ve just recently been turned on to your site, and while my distraction ensemble didn’t need another dancer, I plan to be a regular visitor. It has probably been said, but bears repeating: This venture is not just a great resource, it’s incredibly generous. Thanks for the sanctuary.