Ideas

Hey Steve...

How do I know if my idea is a good idea?

To be honest, that question is irrelevant. It's not the idea - its what you do with it that matters.

Case in point: The famous novelist E.L. Doctrow wrote a book called "The Waterworks".

Set in 1890's New York - The Waterworks deals with a series of grisly murders around the Croton Reservoir. There's a lot of political intrigue and the protagonist is a crusading newspaperman.

At about the same time, a little known writer named Caleb Carr wrote "The Alienist".

The Alienist is also set in 1890's New York City. It also deals with a series of grisly murders around the Croton Reservoir. And yes - there's a lot of political intrigue and believe it or not, The Alienist's protagonist is a crusading newspaperman.

Two identical books? They should be the same, right?

Hardly. The Waterworks is as boring as Hell. The Alienist is a gripping page turner.

Same idea. Same setting. Same time period. Same characters.

One is a failure, the other is a brilliant success. <-- my opinion - but you're welcome to check out the reviews on Amazon.com. I'm not on the minority.

Happy Reading!

30,000 Hits

Well folks, we hit 30,000 on the Sitemeter today. That's kind of amazing. Thanks!

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. What can I say? I'm busy. That's a good thing.

With 30,000 hits come a number of letters, notes, requests, etc. Got one recently. A gentleman asked if I'd review his Pitch Bible. "Sure", I said. Send it over. Which he did.

In his cover letter, he mentioned that "another" pitch-bible expert had reviewed and liked his pitch. He wanted my thumbs up on it as well.

So here's the situation. Last year, someone asked my opinion of his pitch. I was honest - I said that it needed work and explained what I thought would improve his bible. He replied that (another writer) had reviewed his bible and thought it was fine.

I said, "fine" - accept the other guy's opinion and ignore me. But he wouldn't leave it alone. He called me from England and conferenced in the other writer from L.A. - so the two of us could "debate" the merits of this guy's Pitch Bible.

Excuse me?

My reply wasn't the least bit polite. If you disagree with what I think, you're welcome to find another opinion - but leave me out of it.

Getting back to the recent guy - collecting letters of "support" from Pitch Guru's means nothing. The only opinion that matters belongs to the production company or broadcaster who's prepared to option your property.

I'm always happy to lend and ear and give advice. But please don't go Guru shopping.

Thanks!