with all the brouhaha about the prose/script debate, I thought I'd
throw in my own two cents..

First off, neither is superior.  Each style is superior in the hands
of a superior writer, period.  There are great scripts, and
there are great prose writings out there.  (far too many to 
number, actually ^_^)

On the merits of each, prose truly is the work for description. 
You want long, lengthly detail of the area around you, the exact
moment and place?  Prose is definately the way to go.  The
main advantage, I feel, is it's ability to bring a person into
the story.  Since the scene (in general, mind you) is more
fleshed out, it gives you a real sense of place.

What it doesn't do for me, or at least better than script, is reveal
thought.  I personally dislike total intropspection of
a character.  Scenes like 'Ranma pondered about Akane: why did
they always fight so much?' (yes, I know it's a bad example, and
badly written!)  My own personal preference for this kind of thing
is script actually.  I'd write it something like this:
[scene after a big inevitable fight between Ranma and Akane.  Ranma's
sitting on the roof, looking up into the night sky.  He takes a 
quick glance down, at Akane's window, but quickly looks away.  He
lets out a quiet sigh.]

.. or something to that effect.  Prose can bring you in, but script,
if done a little out of format, can be JUST as visual.  It still is 
admittedly (usually) a somewhat detached form, which makes it hard 
to feel like you're a part of a story.  however, the story can be 
just as good!

Personally, I have leanings towards script format in some respects.
I'm big on subtle indications of characters feelings, as opposed to
some introspective little dialogue of his thoughts.  Sure, the 
introspection can be great in some cases, but IMO, it's a minority.
I like subtle indications, not a blaring sign.  :)
(and yes, this can be done in prose too, but people seem less 
inclined to do so..)

My biggest plus for scripts is that they are fast.  Maybe some people
say it's 'lazy' for you to write a script, but I tell you, it helps 
in the case of a fast-paced storyline.  With a script, it's just
line, line, line.   Things flow quickly, and if you do it right,
it can reach an enjoyably manic pace.  Prose can't do this as well,
since it does tend to get caught up in the descriptions...
..This is of course, entirely my own opinion.  Others may (and probably
do) feel differently.

And hey, I can't knock prose either though!  I love it for some of the
things it can do, that just cannot be done in script.  I read one 
story a friend wrote once called 'M&Ms', which while a little rough, had
me rolling in the aisles.  Introspection isn't always sucessful, but
when done properly, damn it's good..

And I wouldnt admonish anyone for working in either style. In many 
ways, script can be just as refined, just as DIFFICULT, and also, just
as good as prose!  Neither is superior, and both are only good in the
hands of an able writer.  It's obvious when a writer is lazy, and
the indication is not what format it's written in...  ;)

And don't knock a 'script' just because it's written in that format. 
Just because it has the names before each line, doesn't mean it's
going to be a huge string of quotes.  I agree, if someone wrote in the
REAL script format, it'd be a pretty dry fic.  But to be perfectly
honest, I don't think I *have* seen a 'script' fic that has been
written in the proper script format..  With the possible exception
of DnR..  And that's one of my favourite fanfics!  ^_^

But then, people are still reading Shakespeare in school, aren't they?  
They aren't meant to  be read, but I actually enjoy reading scripts to
plays.  But who knows?  I might just be strange....  :)

Well, that's all I have to say, really.  I personally write in both
styles, and I get equal enjoyment out of both.  It really depends
on the style you're trying to achieve.  Work with what's best for 
whatever you're trying to do!  (and don't knock one style because
of preconceptions - they're both fun..  provided writing in general
is fun for you.  ;)  )

Hey just remember this - the *story* is what counts.  The actual events, 
thoughts, plot, characters, etc..  If you have a bad idea, it isn't 
going to work in either format.  If you have a good one, it will work 
in either!

Jya ne!

 - ERic   (AKA 'the fence sitter' and 'Mr. Neutral' by some... ^_^)