I know I had a bad start, from one spoiler, but I am going to bounce back from that and begins some good shows. I'm glad to be a part of the BT! Section and have a few questions.
How do the reviews work?
Do you just read a show and then post your thoughts?
Do you have to type out entire matches, from start to end?
I there a limit on the length of shows?
What are some of the rules/guidelines that the BT! Members follow (basic things that the group made/thought of)?
When you review, don't just repeat what happened. Give constructive feedback - I prefer to call it feedback - about what worked for you and what you think could have been done different. Suggest ideas about quality of matches, promos etc ... If you think a promo of Edge (for example) didn't sound like Edge, say so. The booker can then consider whether he needs to watch more Edge promos on YouTube - or might ignore you! Also, it's polite to return a review but don't wait for them. As a newcomer, I think you should review some shows to get an idea of what works, what doesn't work and to get a feel of BT - then you can establish your style that you will include in your BT.
Match length is up to you. Sometimes, as I'm finding of late, full matches from start to finish is something you cannot sustain. For now, I'm writing summary matches apart from the main events although the PPV's will get full matches for definite. I think the general consensus is PPV's as full shows, I like to see main events of TV shows in full too. The rest, I'm not too sure many people will read every match you write. So a summarised match on RAW/SMACKDOWN or whatever can be best - I summarise the match until the crunch moments at the end. Check out some of my matches (sounds a little arrogant but I think they're OK!) and especially GrandSword, Peep, Theo and Proph. Mr. HD's WrestleMania is well written too.
No limit on length but too long is too long and too short is too short. For a TV show, I don't want to give up half an hour to read it. For a PPV, I can make an exception if you've hooked me in. I like to think people look forward to my PPV's so I make them absolute monsters (my recent Vengeance PPV had to spread over 8 posts - it would have fitted on 6 but I wanted to space it logically. That's a lot. But if people enjoy your show, they'll read it. In terms of what is too short, if there is little detail, I'll not get into your storylines - you need to make a bit of a commitment to your story if you're serious about others reading it and enjoying it. Again, check out other's work - that should guide you.
Be prepared for constructive criticism early on - we're good at that. Nobody is perfect at BT, people will always disagree with your choices - you will improve over time. Sometimes people's criticisms have to be ignored if you know the bigger picture - who criticised my early push of Kofi, people?!!! In my BT, people said they couldn't take Kofi's elevation into the World Title scene seriously but after a few great matches, they started to think he'd win the title very soon. He hasn't yet but I know of at least three who think he'll win my Royal Rumble coming up soon ... Learn from comments and make your show better.
Right, that's my advice done. Take that as an apology for calling you an idiot. I still don't think the spoiler was needed BUT I was feeling crabby and rough so don't take it personally. Good luck with your BT, look forward to reading it.
GCB
