For me I think it's enjoying the process. That, and the feeling (however fleeting it might be) that I actually am communicating with an audience. When I feel that at my core, I'm happy.

Bravo, Duane! I'm so happy for you. First drafts are the hardest. Take a break. You've earned it. :)

Thanks Duane. Good to be reminded of that. And your unique POV -- both from Seattle and on culture you've taken in elsewhere in your travels -- has enriched the site in so many ways. I'm grateful that you came to this party and that you've stayed... and often for second helpings! :)

Thanks for this, Amy! And as a frequent commenter on the site your presence has been felt in such a big way. I still miss the MAD AS HELL CLUB. I loved the whole feel of it. And what Dennis created was amazing.

Wow, David. Thanks for this. This is so cool. I'm thrilled that E.C. has been able to do some things -- large and small -- for some of us. I will write and post a longer description of how I came to the decision to launch the site and how it has and has not lived up to my expectations or wishes. :)

Great post, David! God, it's amazing. I feel the same way. The more time passes, the more I look at certain choices I made and shake my head in disbelief. In ALL THE RAGE, there was a really cool scene with not much dialogue. It took place in a shower. The main characters are showering together and one of their roommates is banging on the door impatiently while one of them spits water into the other's face. It was probably a 45 sec. scene, if that. I was convinced to cut it while editing in Miami. I don't recall how or why. But I've always regretted it. Oddly, s snippet of that scene still made it into the trailer though it wasn't in the actual film.

Amen! Unstructured time is a godsend to those who rarely enjoy it. To a homeless person, it's hell. Context is everything. I'm so glad to read this, John. You remind me to stop beating myself up every time I lay in bed an extra 25 minutes instead of crawling up and out to the gym. Just one example. I need some serious daydreaming these days. Life has been crushingly stressful. Your post gives me hope that I can maybe try. :)

Thought-provoking and disturbing post, Mr. Sullivan. What you observe about society in general and our collective yawning into ever deeper isolation rings true. Sadly, I've absolutely no clue what to do about it, apart from forcing myself up and out and into the world more often than is comfortable. I also think texting is related to this. No one is comfortable conversing anymore. Everyone just wants to send info out and wait for a response. A conversation presents challenges that may cause immediate discomfort but that I'm sure pays off in the end in terms of deeper more honest connections with other human beings. For more on this topic, check this out. I found this brilliant: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

Sign me up. (I'm THIS close.)

When the author dies, it's done.

You've hit upon one of the great mysteries (and wonders) of all performing arts, I think. The audience is an organism. A completely mystifying bond is formed the minute the house lights go down. It's incredible. And I have no idea how it works.

Fabulous post, Robert. I love this quote: It's a familiar story: dated True Blood, married Mad Men. Although I haven't yet watched True Blood, I can say that the slow burn of Mad Men is for me its largest appeal. It's the tortoise in a sea of hares. (Is that a mixed metaphor? If hares swim?)