I do think that people confuse things they pay for - contests, consultants, etc. - with how the industry actually functions.

I've seen similar things with film school students, who are used to professors catering to them and are then shocked when reps & execs do not.

I've tried to explain that when a script goes out, you have no control over who reads it, when they read it, what mood they're in, how closely they read it, etc. As you noted above, the only thing you can do is try to make it as great as possible so it's hard to say No to.

Love this response and approach. Great insight.

You are 100% correct and it’s taken me too long to realize this same exact thing.

Often feels like there is search for anyone or anything to blame for their lack of forward momentum, beyond the most obvious reason.

This tracks with my understanding as well.

And having replied to some of it on Twitter to say that, you were smarter than me by avoiding getting into it.

This tracks with my experience as well.

Congrats! What an incredible team to be working with!

Congrats Carter! Super cool news... What a great way to end the year!