Occasionally, folks will shmooze me in the hopes that I will finance and produce their films for them, without telling me what the communication is really about.  Instead of finding value for myself in the information they give me, I have to use it to piece together what they want.  Professionals want to know what's on the table and why.  Up-and-comers think it keeps their options open to play this kind of information close to the vest, but it just alienates the real decision makers.

Here's what I recently wrote someone approaching me, presumably, to finance their film:

Decent beggars make 40 grand a year.  Decent online film critics make 15 or 20.  What that tells you is that just wandering around town randomly asking people for money is actually more than twice as effective as talking about making movies all day, when it comes to securing your budget.  Think about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, contrary to rumor, honesty and forthrightness are the foundation of good business.  Tell people what you want in life, and always ask for the deal.