I was a Triggerstreeter for many years. The Mystery Man story is just one of many fascinating sagas to come out of the “interactions” on that forum.

Many Triggerstreeters created fictitious usernames, but when we uploaded a script or a short film, we put our real name on the work — it was no secret. But Mystery Man never revealed his identity (his motto if I remember correctly was “I’m not saying”). This led to much speculation — was he a famous Hollywood figure staying incognito? MM even phoned up one member, but the member refused to give any clues. MM’s reviews were always lengthy and generous, with many perceptive suggestions. He began a column with one of the online screenwriting magazines, where he shared further insights.

Then one day we received a note from Mystery Man’s secretary that he had passed away. There were lengthy tributes and reminiscences on the message board. We were sad, but life went on. Somewhat later, it somehow came out that the death was a hoax. Apparently MM just got tired of the persona he had created. (Turns out he was in Public Relations at one of the nation’s largest theme parks — not the Hollywood insider many of us had thought.)

Some Triggerstreeters accepted the news; others were angry and felt betrayed. As the site wound down, many of the staunchest message board participants renewed relationships on Facebook. I kept up with Mystery Man there (he used his real name); apparently he never returned to writing screenplays or writing about screenplays.

My take on the limitations of screenwriting groups (or books, blogs, podcasts, courses, etc.): A good resource is an invaluable way to learn the craft. And everyone needs to learn the craft (well, there were a few Triggerstreeters who felt they didn’t). I became a much better writer because of the feedback and encouragement and discussions I had there. But I never became a good writer.

Any of these rational approaches can only take you so far. At some point, screenwriting has to become visceral and not intellectual. (This is why I prefer your approach, Scott — it is principle-based rather than rule-based.)

I think most writers (including me) are analytical rather than intuitive. We can read dozens of books, blogs etc. and learn something each time. But the writers who succeed, who write really good stories, are largely intuitive. Sure, they have to learn the craft, but in their bones they know what they have to do next. It’s a risky and even frightening transition, and most analytical writers would rather stick with reading books, arguing on discussion boards, etc.

Learning the craft (through books, peer writing groups, etc.) is necessary, but it’s not sufficient. In my opinion, Triggerstreet fell apart because the writers and short film makers felt the site wasn’t doing enough to advance their careers, while the founder (Dana Brunetti) seemed to be disappointed that the writers and filmmakers there weren’t progressing to that last level (Brunetti had hoped that the site would be a feeder of scripts and other talent to the Triggerstreet production company.) In the long run, no one was satisfied.