tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post5876576222079902663..comments2023-11-05T02:57:06.922-05:00Comments on The Vault of Horror: The Emperor Has No Clothes; or, Payola in the Age of BloggingB-Solhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-72701732424376239282010-08-31T14:25:12.014-04:002010-08-31T14:25:12.014-04:00Thanks for this great post, my friend. The true op...Thanks for this great post, my friend. The true opinion of a blogger should be aired without fear of "raising a stink." One of the best traits for anyone in the creative business - writer, director, painter, what have you - is to develop a thick skin and learn how to use criticism to make one's craft better.<br /><br />Great article!Dodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13555228849584962346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-3267668761482322052010-02-21T23:13:44.032-05:002010-02-21T23:13:44.032-05:00Nah, I'd rather not expose them, as I feel tha...Nah, I'd rather not expose them, as I feel that would be terribly unprofessional. And that ain't my bag. I'll leave that to someone else they may eventually bully. <br /><br />As for Serial, I'm actually pretty friendly with Kevin Jamison, the filmmaker, and he had no issue with the post--in fact, he quite enjoyed it. In fact, we're planning to do a podcast soon discussing the whole Serial situation. <br /><br />I didn't intend the post as an attack on that film, and he understands that. That was just the touchstone that started me off on the topic.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-23586891829183032062010-02-21T17:42:28.983-05:002010-02-21T17:42:28.983-05:00Then maybe you are God... That was actually a poor...Then maybe you are God... That was actually a poor word choice on my part. I guess it would have been better to say that you believe your opinion to be absolutely correct, and anyone who disagrees with you on Serial: Amoral Uprising is absolutely wrong. Whether or not this is what you meant, this is what you wrote. (PS: I know that this sounds like I'm being nasty. But, I'm not)<br /><br />The problem is, you've written this post on the back of Serial: Amoral Uprising. Do they deserve that? Did the film maker or actors pressure you for a good review? No. At least you didn't say they did. But, you put the whole "Pressure from outsiders" on their film's name. It's the only movie mentioned in this post about blogger pressure from film makers and distributors.<br /><br />I completely agree that writers should always write truthfully and without pressure from anyone on the subject they're undertaking. That marketer ass was completely out of line, and you as a writer should expose them. Why keep them anonymous? Name the names. The truth shall set you free. I'm guessing and I could be wrong (I am so much) that the reason you don't want to say is because you want to continue being invited to their screenings and keep a working relationship. Or maybe you did expose them in the original mixed review, and just don't want to repeat yourself. In this case you should have. Because this is the one case of pressure that you felt as a writer. Instead of writing a truthful scathing review of SERIAL: Amoral Uprising, you chose to condemn the unprofessional industry personnel of which this movie apparently has nothing to do with. <br /><br />BTW: I'm not friends with Serial film makers. Never even heard of them before. I was doing a search of my movie to see if there's any new reviews, and this blog popped up. It seems I Love Horror commented on his review of Us Sinners at Horrornews.net being taken down, and a glowing review being put up. What he failed to mention was that his review was one huge spoiler (including ending spoilers), and littered with so many errors that the site voluntarily removed it. I only asked that the ending spoilers being removed. I think as an amateur or professional reviewer we can agree that those kind of spoilers have no place in any reviews.<br /><br />Anyway: If you'd like, I'll send you a copy of Us Sinners and you can rip it to shreds. But, if you do... : )Georgenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-28380878146456409572010-02-21T14:33:41.324-05:002010-02-21T14:33:41.324-05:00Not at all, George--I just think any reviewer ough...Not at all, George--I just think any reviewer ought to feel no pressure to give a positive review if that's not their true opinion. Which I do believe happens, whether the pressure is real, or just the writer trying to be nice.<br />My word is definitely not God--although my last name is Solomon, and he was friends with God, or something like that.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-41087677507390023442010-02-21T10:26:21.536-05:002010-02-21T10:26:21.536-05:00I made a micro-budget movie Us Sinners that has re...I made a micro-budget movie Us Sinners that has received two types of reviews "One of the best micro-budget horror movies they've seen" or "A piece of shit that so awful it can't even be called a movie". Who's correct? They all are. It depends on the viewer. <br /><br />So while you hated Amoral Uprising, you assume that everyone else should also. That people who enjoy it, are either forced to see the best and trying to be nice or else they're flat out lying. No offense, but your word is not God. You're one blogger with one opinion.<br /><br />I've personally never asked a reviewer to be anything but honest. The only time I'll ever bitch is when the reviewer puts in spoilers (especially ending spoilers) which have no place in any review, either professional or amateur.Georgenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-61231267889839413682010-01-22T00:44:16.811-05:002010-01-22T00:44:16.811-05:00I can honestly say that I for one appreciate the h...I can honestly say that I for one appreciate the honesty in any reviewers take on my movie. I know Jeff spoke up earlier, and believe me, there was nothing in Jeff's review that I took offense to at all. It was Jeff's opinion on the film, and I appreciated everything that Jeff had done for me and for the film, including the honest review. <br />It's a bit naive, and quite honestly counterproductive, for a filmmaker to be upset at a reviewer for a negative or neutral review of their film. As a reviewer, you should feel NO pressure EVER to pull punches, regardless of how nice the filmmaker was, or whatever. <br />From every single review, from sites, blogs, whatever, I have learned something new each time about the film, what people want from the next one, etc.<br />Stay honest.Cory J Udlerhttp://www.incestdeathsquad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-41944575540933445572010-01-21T15:46:27.783-05:002010-01-21T15:46:27.783-05:00Thanks, Anthony, glad I could inspire your ranting...Thanks, Anthony, glad I could inspire your ranting!!B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-81561540768273072412010-01-21T12:55:44.814-05:002010-01-21T12:55:44.814-05:00Loved the post!
It certainly got me thinking abou...Loved the post!<br /><br />It certainly got me thinking about the whole "when is promotion ok" angle.<br /><br />It inspired my own little rant on the subject! <br /><br />Maybe not so articulate, but it's certainly an interesting issue.Anthony Hogghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08647370834507823458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-81835140243406160362010-01-19T17:19:44.279-05:002010-01-19T17:19:44.279-05:00Guess I'm late to the show here but here's...Guess I'm late to the show here but here's my two cents.<br /><br />I've only been writing a blog for a little over a year now and have gotten a few screeners. Thankfully I enjoyed them all, except for one which was a little bland. Each flick got a completely honest review and if it meant that I would never get another screener, so be it.<br /><br />I always try to keep my reviews personal and point out what I like and don't like about them. If I said I thought the film was too violent someone else might think 'Hey, I love a violent film!' so my opinion shouldn't stop them from seeing that film. The fact that I said it was too violent may only encourage them to see it. I know I've been that way before.<br /><br />I always look at what the person says is good or bad about something to see if I agree with them on what is a good point or bad point of a movie. If a blogger says they enjoy a good romance movie, I usually know I'm not getting what I'm looking for.<br /><br />That's no reason to stop them from posting a review unless it serves your purpose. Besides, isn't any publicity good publicity?The Film Reelhttp://hagiblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-12087100599747030482010-01-19T17:14:35.530-05:002010-01-19T17:14:35.530-05:00Brian, I'm sure you've faced this dilemma ...Brian, I'm sure you've faced this dilemma more than any of us! But that rule about not reviewing unless distribution is in place sounds like a very good idea to me. I just might adopt it as well.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-13800566487926785042010-01-19T16:04:05.475-05:002010-01-19T16:04:05.475-05:00Great post, Brian. As a rule I no longer review s...Great post, Brian. As a rule I no longer review screeners that do not have distribution in place. I had an instance where I did and then the producer accused me of hurting his film's chance for distribution. While I certainly doubt my site wields that much power, I did feel a bit guilty, and would rather just not get into that situation again.<br /><br />For a film festival like Screamfest, however, where a lot of the films are indeed seeking distribution, I go on a case by case basis. Even if I'm there for free, they are still asking people to pay to see the film, which means it should be reviewed along the same criteria as anything else.BChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06480847497966171794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-28024608374490652802010-01-19T09:23:26.590-05:002010-01-19T09:23:26.590-05:00Dark, it might be a resolution issue on your monit...Dark, it might be a resolution issue on your monitor, or perhaps you have your text size setting too small. The page has always looked perfectly readable for me on any monitor on which I've read it.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-53310448156105197592010-01-19T01:47:15.067-05:002010-01-19T01:47:15.067-05:00This is something that's been on my mind of la...This is something that's been on my mind of late. I don't get movies, but instead get books. Something that haunts me is when I get contacted and asked first if I want a review copy AND THEN in sucks. And then I feel obligated to read it because I asked for it. It's not worth it. I also hate it when I pan a book and the author thanks me for being "even-handed."<br />While we're all being honest with each other here, I have to tell you that the tiny white type on the stamped metal background you've got going on makes your blog nearly unreadable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-53450138648348878602010-01-18T11:14:55.001-05:002010-01-18T11:14:55.001-05:00This is a great article. While I have never been ...This is a great article. While I have never been offered DVD's for review on my blog, I have reviewed numerous games to review from one marketing company. Luckily for me, this company has encouraged me to post my reviews honestly and have not tried to interfere when I have posted criticisms about their game. Either I have lucked out in this regard or the film industry is more particular about what they wish to here. I have however, read reviews at other blogs that are way too positive for games that I found were mediocre at best.riesen2bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08390945187372387472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-41458385931211640312010-01-18T10:01:35.701-05:002010-01-18T10:01:35.701-05:00Very nice post, B-Sol. It's unfortunate that m...Very nice post, B-Sol. It's unfortunate that more bloggers don't show as much backbone. Then again, by not doing so, they inject the beginnings of their own demise anyway.Robert Ringhttp://scifiblock.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-74108775489917135092010-01-17T23:12:13.977-05:002010-01-17T23:12:13.977-05:00OK now I'm fired up on this! I just lent my Fr...OK now I'm fired up on this! I just lent my Friend Zombie Diaries. I like this film, allot. It's not FANTASTIC but I had a good time with it, and have watched it multiple times. I also lent him Paranormal activity, I LOVE this film, and it is FANTASTIC. I haven't been that creeped out in years. Before he left he asked "are these any good" and what could I say, yes, there both great, you'll have a lot of fun with these. If he comes back with some bullshit comment like " you SAID these were good and I just wasted 4 hours of my life" I'll punch him in the aorta! I have said this before, Horror films are like wines, lots of different flavors and every one has there favorite, but weather a wine is "GOOD" is a matter of opinion, and no one is wrong. So my question to everyone, B, Zoc, BJ-C, EVERYONE. how do you know that the film you like is really that good at all? How can you say that a Film is "AWESOME" and not run the risk of someone disagreeing? <br /><br />And why doe a waiter approach a table of people he has never met and recommend the Chardonnay?<br /><br />Later days,<br /><br />Christopher ZengaChristopher Zengahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04621627648001812605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-19441881806003568102010-01-17T20:39:45.162-05:002010-01-17T20:39:45.162-05:00A fan told me at the the FanExpo last year that th...A fan told me at the the FanExpo last year that they prefer Blogs over any other media. He said the reviews and opinions he reads he believes wholeheartedly. That the blogger is not confined by rules, or an editor who has to keep a PC tone to maintain public approval. There palms aren't getting greased by a big studio for that "positive comment" or fears disapproval of his or her peers. When the blogger sits down at there computer to open his or her heart to the world, or to give his or her opinion on a book or DVD they are doing so under no contractual obligation and with no confirmed paycheck in sight. The blogger blogs because they are passionate about blogging!<br /><br />"Bloggers are passionate about blogging!" There is not a more truer statement.<br /><br />Later days,<br /><br />ChristopherChristopher Zengahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04621627648001812605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-78729720204912586042010-01-17T19:00:20.201-05:002010-01-17T19:00:20.201-05:00This article raises a lot of good points Brian. So...This article raises a lot of good points Brian. Some time ago when Gail Greene, the famed food critic of New York Magazine was let go I took the time to read a few good articles on her career. One thing that struck me, and stuck with me, was how in food criticism it is not ethical to accept any free meals. The second you do so you compromise your journalistic integrity. I remember we took on an ad campaign for Paranormal Activity, and in doing so it put us under fire. We were at the premiere, but our review was questioned because of the ad campaign. (I still maintain it was every bit as great as we posted it to be), but you can see what kind of situation this creates? (On the flip side you might see that Rob Zombie has an ad campaign on our site and I never hesitate to roast that guy.) <br /><br />In the film and entertainment business press junkets, set visits, press day screenings, etc are designed less for news reporting than they are pre-release marketing, so the challenge to reporters, writers, and bloggers is that you want to be able to report on news, and cut honest reviews but avoid hype. It's great to get an early screener, but you have to maintain fair and honest criticism. <br /><br />Ultimately the question you have to ask yourself is - who are you writing for? Are you writing for the studios? Or are you writing for the audience who's about to decide what film they want to spend their hard earned cash on? <br /><br />The great news, and my takeaway, in all this is we don't need to take the Boy Scout (or Girl Scout) pledge. We all know what bullshit smells like and we should all know not to step in it.Marchttp://www.brutalashell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-87215499177384357162010-01-17T15:17:35.930-05:002010-01-17T15:17:35.930-05:00B-Sol - Awesome post.
I had the same conflict a c...B-Sol - Awesome post.<br /><br />I had the same conflict a couple months ago. I got a screener of an indie horror movie called Incest Death Squad (<a href="http://jadedviewer.com/2009/10/incest-death-squad-review.html" rel="nofollow">see review here</a>)<br /><br />I had posted the trailer and <a href="http://jadedviewer.com/2009/09/incest-death-squad-dvd-release.html" rel="nofollow">he took a quote from my trailer review and put it on the DVD cover!</a> (with my permission of course)<br /><br />After I reviewed the movie I told him it was a mixed review and he was ok with it but I did feel conflicted but I had to be honest and though the trailer looked good, the movie was average.<br /><br />Good post...this conflict is a blogosphere problem that happens alot.the jaded viewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187249754406306760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-74463175326991324142010-01-17T14:49:39.950-05:002010-01-17T14:49:39.950-05:00I applaud your professionalism and ethics. Such t...I applaud your professionalism and ethics. Such things were always a rare commodity, and are more rare than ever in our post-post modern world.RayRayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08718037136482754673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-49503716624994131832010-01-17T13:58:00.960-05:002010-01-17T13:58:00.960-05:00Wow, it sure took a while to scroll down through t...Wow, it sure took a while to scroll down through the comments (that's a good thing). This is a great post about a well-stated dilemma. As a filmmaker and blogger myself, it makes it all the more difficult for me to post negative reviews of indie films. I can see myself making the same mistakes (and I have) and trying desperately to get my movie seen. If there is any connection to the actual filmmaker, this makes it even harder. <br /><br />However, honesty is important. And believe me, filmmakers (even amateur ones) are used to negative feedback. They probably have received way more criticism than positive response, regardless of how good their movie is. Yeah, it stings when people don't like your movie and yeah, you want to jump to its defense, but it's probably all been said by somebody else. I mean, my own mother told me she didn't really like my thesis film because of the sad story. Haha.B-Movie Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09301865641232633502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-57248643475322943252010-01-17T13:46:25.177-05:002010-01-17T13:46:25.177-05:00This attitude bothers me, where some filmmakers fl...This attitude bothers me, where some filmmakers flip out over negative reviews and get personal. I really think they get so used to reading their own press, with so many phony reviews, that they start to believe it. And freak out when someone is honest.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-59158426572907147012010-01-17T13:40:09.404-05:002010-01-17T13:40:09.404-05:00I've been sent several screeners. One review (...I've been sent several screeners. One review (US SINNERS) was so negative it was pulled off the site I posted it on (HorrorNews.net) and replaced with a glowing positive. The director got royally pissed at me, and it was hilarious. <br /><br />Another screener (THIICKER THAN WATER) was so laughable that again it received a horribly negative review. The director contacted me but did not flip out like the other guy, and for that reason alone I respect him. <br /><br />The other screener I reviewed was EVIL THINGS, which received a mixed review that erred on the positive side. The review is linked on their Wikipedia page along with a dozen others. <br /><br />I will in no way sacrifice my integrity to suck the cock of an indie filmmaker or distributor. If negative feedback is a concern, you're in the wrong industry.I Love Horrorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10050339449801917732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-58528914699227065322010-01-17T12:24:13.113-05:002010-01-17T12:24:13.113-05:00This is for Vince! ;)
http://billylovesstue.blogs...This is for Vince! ;)<br /><br />http://billylovesstue.blogspot.com/2010/01/union-of-independent-horror-bloggers.htmlPax Romanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00951019083510283683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470604276410220159.post-32730170909314118292010-01-17T09:58:27.052-05:002010-01-17T09:58:27.052-05:00I'm glad this post seems to have struck a chor...I'm glad this post seems to have struck a chord with so many people.<br /><br />Corey: Yes, I remember the Somebody Help Me debacle. That was my first as well. And it really is so awkward and inappropriate for filmmakers to directly contact and chide critics about negative reviews. This issue needs to be addressed, and I don't think some filmmakers even realize what they're doing is wrong.<br /><br />Andre: I hear where you're coming from, and here's my take. Whether you liked SERIAL and I hated it doesn't matter, we're both entitled to an opinion, and entitled to make it known on our blogs. For me personally, and I know this goes against your intrinsically friendly nature, but I make it a point NOT to get too friendly with filmmakers. I keep them at arm's length, especially if they're brand new filmmakers, and especially if I haven't seen their movie yet. Cause otherwise, you kind of paint yourself into a corner. That's the plight of the movie critic. As for the bloggers who don't review screeners, I fully respect that decision, and understand why they make it. You open up a whole Pandora's box when you decide to review screeners, but I think if you open it, you have to be prepared to deal with the consequences.<br /><br />Pax: If Vince McMahon heard you say that, you'd be planted at the bottom of Long Island Sound by now!<br /><br />Steve: My thing is this. I appreciate and respect the work that goes into making an indie horror flick. I just don't think that entitles anyone to have writers go out of their way to pump it up. What matters still, is making a good movie. There's no such thing as an "E for Effort". The digital age has made it possible for every kid who loves horror movies and has a digi-cam to become a filmmaker. This is NOT always a good thing.<br /><br />Highly Caffeinated: Thanks for reading, and for understanding. Truly passionate filmmakers want the criticism. They wanna learn and grow and improve, they don't want some kinda shady con game.B-Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717121313061173603noreply@blogger.com