# Reddit Post Preparation - FRE-641

**Created:** 2026-04-27
**Subreddits:** r/SideProject, r/Screenwriting, r/Filmmakers
**Post Date:** Launch day, 10:00 PT
**Owner:** CMO

---

## Account Preparation

### Requirements Check

**Minimum Account Stats:**
- [ ] Account age: 30+ days (most subs require this)
- [ ] Karma: 100+ in target subreddits
- [ ] No recent spam violations
- [ ] Verified email on Reddit account

**If Account is New:**
- Wait until account meets requirements
- Or use existing account with history
- Do NOT create multiple accounts (against TOS)

### Subreddit Rules Review

#### r/SideProject (500K+ members)
**URL:** reddit.com/r/SideProject
**Rules:**
- Self-promotion OK if you participate in community
- Use "Show HN" flair for launches
- Be present in comments
- No spam or low-effort posts

**Mod Mail:** https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FSideProject

#### r/Screenwriting (400K+ members)
**URL:** reddit.com/r/Screenwriting
**Rules:**
- Check self-promo rules (may require weekly thread)
- Use "Resource" flair
- Must be genuine contribution
- No direct sales pitches

**Mod Mail:** https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FScreenwriting

#### r/Filmmakers (1.2M+ members)
**URL:** reddit.com/r/Filmmakers
**Rules:**
- Self-promo in weekly thread only
- Check current weekly thread
- Must be relevant to filmmaking
- No spam

**Mod Mail:** https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Filmmakers

---

## Main Post: r/SideProject

### Post Details

**Flair:** Show HN

**Title:**
```
Show HN: We built a modern screenwriting app to take on WriterDuet
```

**Alternative Titles:**
```
- Show HN: Screenwriting software built with Tauri + SolidJS (10x faster than WriterDuet)
- Show HN: We're challenging WriterDuet with a modern, AI-powered screenwriting app
```

**Post Body:**
```
Hey r/SideProject! 👋

We just launched **Scripter** - a screenwriting platform built to compete with WriterDuet, but with a modern tech stack and AI features.

## The Problem

WriterDuet has 2M+ users but it's built on Firebase + React from 2015. Their desktop app is Electron-based (500MB+ RAM), mobile apps feel bolted-on, and there are no AI features. Plus it's $13.99/mo for premium.

## Our Solution

We built Scripter from scratch with:

- **Tauri + SolidJS** - 50MB RAM, instant startup, native desktop apps
- **AI writing assistant** - Scene continuation, character analysis, format fixing
- **Real-time collaboration** - Multi-user editing + built-in video chat
- **Free tier** - Unlimited projects (vs WriterDuet's 3-project limit)
- **Better pricing** - Pro at $7.99/mo (20% less than WriterDuet)

## Tech Stack

- **Frontend:** SolidJS (faster than React, smaller bundle)
- **Desktop:** Tauri (Rust-based, not Electron)
- **Backend:** Turso DB (SQLite at edge), tRPC, Drizzle ORM
- **Real-time:** WebSocket + CRDT for conflict-free editing
- **Auth:** Clerk
- **Storage:** S3-compatible for assets

## Why We Did This

Screenwriting software hasn't evolved in 10 years. Final Draft charges $199 one-time for desktop-only. WriterDuet went freemium but is showing its age. We saw an opportunity to build something modern, fast, and affordable.

## Traction

We're launching today! Already have:
- 500 beta testers
- 3,000 waitlist signups
- Working web + desktop apps (macOS, Windows, Linux)

## Ask for Feedback

We'd love feedback from this community, especially:
1. **Screenwriters:** What features do you need that WriterDuet doesn't have?
2. **Developers:** Thoughts on our tech stack? Any gotchas we should know?
3. **Everyone:** What would make you switch from your current tool?

## Try It Free

🎬 [Scripter.app](https://scripter.app?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=sideproject)

No credit card required. Unlimited projects on free tier.

## AMA

I'm the CMO. Our Founding Engineer is also here to answer technical questions. Ask us anything!

---

**Edit 1:** Wow, this blew up! Thanks for all the questions. We're reading every comment.

**Edit 2:** Top question: "Can I import from WriterDuet?" - We support Fountain + Final Draft XML import now. Direct WriterDuet import is on the roadmap. DM us if you need help migrating.

**Edit 3:** Another common question: "Offline mode?" - Desktop apps work fully offline. Cloud sync happens when you're back online.
```

---

## Crosspost: r/Screenwriting

### Post Details

**Flair:** Resource

**Title:**
```
We built a screenwriting app that's 10x faster than WriterDuet (and free to start)
```

**Post Body:**
```
Hey r/Screenwriting!

We just launched **Scripter** - a modern screenwriting platform built to compete with WriterDuet.

## What Makes It Different

- **10x faster** - Built with Tauri + SolidJS (not Electron)
- **AI features** - Scene continuation, character analysis, formatting
- **Free tier** - Unlimited projects (WriterDuet limits to 3)
- **Cheaper** - Pro at $7.99/mo vs WriterDuet's $11.99/mo
- **Better collaboration** - Real-time editing + built-in video chat

## Industry Standard

- Proper screenplay formatting (auto-formats as you type)
- Export to PDF, Final Draft XML, Fountain
- Tagger for production (props, costumes, locations)
- Revision tracking with colored changes
- Character breakdowns and reports

## Free to Try

🎬 [Scripter.app](https://scripter.app?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=screenwriting)

No credit card required. Unlimited projects on free tier.

## AMA

We're here to answer questions! What features do you need in a screenwriting app?

---

**Note:** This is a crosspost from r/SideProject. Full details and tech discussion in the original post.
```

---

## Engagement Strategy

### Pre-Post (1 Week Before)
- [ ] Create Reddit account (if needed)
- [ ] Build karma by commenting in target subs
- [ ] Read subreddit rules carefully
- [ ] Prepare post draft in document

### Launch Day (10:00 PT)
- [ ] Post to r/SideProject
- [ ] Crosspost to r/Screenwriting (if allowed)
- [ ] Respond to first comments within 15 min
- [ ] Upvote thoughtful questions
- [ ] Share honest answers about limitations

### First 4 Hours (Critical)
- [ ] Respond to EVERY comment
- [ ] Be transparent about limitations
- [ ] Have engineer ready for technical questions
- [ ] Update post with top Q&A (edits)

### Rest of Day
- [ ] Check comments every 2 hours
- [ ] Continue responding to new comments
- [ ] Share 1-2 key insights on Twitter
- [ ] Monitor upvote ratio (aim for 80%+)

---

## Response Templates

### Common Questions

**"Looks cool, but why not just use WriterDuet?"**
```
Totally fair question. We built Scripter because WriterDuet's tech is 10 years old. 
Their desktop app uses 10x more RAM, has no AI features, and costs 20% more. We're 
not saying we're perfect, but we're trying to push the industry forward. Give us a 
shot - free tier has unlimited projects.
```

**"How's the mobile experience?"**
```
Our web app is a PWA and works great on mobile browsers. Native iOS/Android apps 
are in development. What features would you need in a mobile app?
```

**"Is this another AI hype project?"**
```
Fair skepticism. Our AI isn't a chatbot - it's built into the writing flow. Hit a 
button and it suggests your next scene beat, or analyzes your character's arc, or 
fixes formatting errors. It's like a writing partner, not replacing you. Try it 
free and judge for yourself.
```

**"What about Final Draft compatibility?"**
```
We export to Final Draft XML and PDF. Import works with Fountain + Final Draft XML. 
Direct .fdx import is on the roadmap. Most producers accept PDFs anyway.
```

**"How do you make money with unlimited free projects?"**
```
Free tier has all core writing features. Pro ($7.99/mo) adds video chat, revision 
tracking, and production tools. Premium ($10.99/mo) adds AI features and auto-translate. 
Conversion math: if 3% of free users upgrade, we're sustainable. Virality from free 
tier drives growth.
```

**"Tech question: How's real-time sync work without Firebase?"**
```
Great question! We use WebSocket connections + CRDT (Conflict-free Replicated Data 
Types) for conflict resolution. Turso DB stores state at the edge. It's more work 
than Firebase but gives us control and better performance. Our Founding Engineer 
can dive deeper if you're curious.
```

**"When will you add [feature X]?"**
```
Thanks for the suggestion! We're tracking feature requests at [link]. Can you share 
more about your use case? That helps us prioritize.
```

**"This looks like [competitor]."**
```
We've looked at [competitor]! They do [X] well. We're focused on [our differentiation]. 
What do you like about [competitor]?
```

---

## Mod Outreach (Optional but Recommended)

### When to Contact Mods

**Contact mods if:**
- Unsure about self-promo rules
- Want to ensure post won't be removed
- Building relationship for future posts
- Subreddit requires approval

### Mod Message Template

```
Subject: Quick question about self-promo post

Hi r/SideProject mods,

I'm planning to share our new screenwriting app (Scripter) with the community. 
It's a modern alternative to WriterDuet built with Tauri + SolidJS.

We've been active in the community [mention any participation], and I wanted to 
check if a "Show HN" style post would be appropriate?

We're not looking to spam - just wanted to share what we built and get feedback 
from fellow developers and indie makers.

Thanks for keeping the sub great!
- [Your name], CMO at Scripter
```

### Send To
- r/SideProject: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FSideProject
- r/Screenwriting: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FScreenwriting

---

## Metrics to Track

### Reddit Native Analytics

**First 24 Hours:**
- Upvotes (target: 500+)
- Comments (target: 100+)
- Awards (target: 3+)
- Upvote ratio (target: 80%+)

**First Week:**
- Total upvotes (target: 1,000+)
- Total comments (target: 200+)
- Post views (Reddit doesn't show, estimate from engagement)
- Referral signups (via UTM tracking)

### Tracking Spreadsheet

| Metric | Target | Actual |
|--------|--------|--------|
| Upvotes (day 1) | 500+ | |
| Comments (day 1) | 100+ | |
| Awards (day 1) | 3+ | |
| Upvote ratio | 80%+ | |
| Referral signups (week 1) | 200+ | |

---

## Risk Mitigation

| Risk | Mitigation |
|------|------------|
| Post removed | Contact mods, explain, repost if allowed |
| Downvoted heavily | Engage genuinely, delete if ratio < 50% |
| "AI hype" backlash | Be transparent about AI limitations |
| Tech skepticism | Have engineer answer deep questions |
| Comparison hate | Acknowledge competitors, highlight differentiators |
| Spam accusations | Show community participation history |

---

## Post-Launch Follow-Up

### Same Day
- [ ] Thank community for engagement
- [ ] Update post with key insights
- [ ] Share top comments on Twitter
- [ ] Track referral signups

### Next Day
- [ ] Continue responding to comments
- [ ] Share learnings on Twitter
- [ ] Compile feedback for product team

### Week After
- [ ] Write post-mortem
- [ ] Identify top-performing content
- [ ] Plan follow-up posts (updates, features)

---

## Best Practices

### Do's ✅
- Be present in comments (first 4 hours critical)
- Answer honestly and transparently
- Acknowledge limitations
- Thank users for feedback
- Update post with top Q&A
- Engage with related posts in community

### Don'ts ❌
- Don't delete negative comments (unless spam/hate)
- Don't argue with critics
- Don't over-promise features
- Don't spam multiple subs same day
- Don't use throwaway account
- Don't buy upvotes (Reddit will ban)

---

**Status:** Ready to execute
**Owner:** CMO
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-27
