Defining "good" and "bad"

PJ - can you explain the difference between good and bad notes? When you say bad notes do you mean notes that you don't like or disagree with or do you mean notes that might be true but are delivered in such a way that it's discouraging or hurtful? Or when you say bad notes do you mean notes that are just - bad. I often work with writers who are initially really surprised that the notes they got are not good - meaning, they thought the script was way better than it was. They are good notes in that they are valid, but there is much work to be done. I think a clarification of what you mean by "good" and "bad" in this context would be helpful. Not to be Semantic Sally, but when are bad notes legitimate? What's the difference between good and bad outside of the perception of the recipient?

Miss Cupkcake, let me be perfectly clear: you may get notes that tear your script apart, you may get notes you violently disagree with, but it doesn't make them "bad" notes if the notes are given in a consistent, logical, concise, constructive manner. "Bad" notes in the sense I mean are destructive and add no value to the script or help to the writer. For example, I recently got notes on a script about how the lead character, a pregnant woman, "constantly" drank coffee. First, she drank coffee in only one scene, and second, her drinking one cup or a thousand had no bearing on the plot or story whatsoever. I call this kind of note less than useful.

For Wavers interested in reading more about notes and how to deal with them emotionally and intellectually, here are some past Rouge Wave posts that may entertain and enlighten you:

Kick or Kiss - The Truth Hurts
Giving Feedback

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