I got some GREAT feedback from an unlikely source today... a vfx artist who is not necessarily a "writer" but his way of making story suggestions were completely palatable and actually inspiring. It was obvious from his "citing the details" that he paid very close attention and tried to understand.
Every time a write a script I am reminded of the stinging sensation caused by either a "friend's" half hearted emotional review (without suggestions)... or even worse, when a friend says "they'd love to read it and give notes", and then they don't. About the only good that has come from these apathetic occurrences is MY OWN motivation to feedback accurately, carefully, and quickly (in that order) has gone way up.
As much as we'd like to convince ourselves that "it's not a big deal what they think"... the fact is, it's a huge deal. Asking for a review is like the ultimate compliment fishing session... sure we want to fix what's wrong with the piece and we might admit that it will be easier for an outsider's perspective to find those "fixable" areas... but deep down, the real motivation is to get some props and verify that we matter.
There is nothing that screams, "you don't matter" like when a friend won't follow through on their commitment to read (or watch) your art.
I have actually been hit up QUITE often by fellow writers to review their stuff WHILE my stuff is still with them waiting to be reviewed! It gets better... AFTER I give them a careful extensive review of their stuff... they suddenly feedback about mine. Really? I wasn't worth the energy without some guilt thrown in there to tip you?
The more carefully I review other's stuff, the better my stuff gets. Funny how the golden rule actually yields gold.
