I am frankly shocked by the number of DUers who are

[cboy4]

boasting how they can't wait to watch their favorite shows, despite the two month old Writers Guild of America strike.

This is a blatant crossing of a union picket line -- albeit a virtual picket line.

A number of popular shows are reportedly going back into production.

I love Stewart and Colbert and Letterman and Maher probably as much as anyone.

However, I plan on demonstrating my writer solidarity the only way I know how. I won't watch.

Yea, I know. What difference does it make if I don't watch? Probably no difference.

However, having grown up in a union family...I just can't cross a picket line.

The guilt would be hefty.

These writers, who help make funny people funnier, receive so little glory as it is.

And they really do have a valid beef, IMO.

It's just disappointing so many DUers appear indifferent about a union strike.


Q&A: Hollywood writers' strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7092571.stm

[cosmik debris]

1. I won't watch scab shows.

And I won't support strike breakers.

It's all about solidarity.

[JFN1]

89. Same here!

Doing just fine without them in my life - and I can easily last until the striking writers get a fair shake.

[Xenotime]

91. count me in. The right wing entertainment machine can line their pockets with sombody else's money

[MannyGoldstein]

2. I Think The Strikers Are About To Win

Putting Leno, Stuart, and the rest back on without writers can only be an act of extreme despiration. Those shows each have 40-50 writers - each writer gets, on average, only a few seconds of material on the show each day.

If it takes 40-50 writers for minutes of material, than how good could these shows be without any writers? How badly might the networks injure themselves if the shows go on the air and look awful?

This move is a hail-Mary pass by the networks - either they break the strike or fold - it'll happen quick.

[riverdeep]

85. What would happen if the shows were about the same, or even better?

Not saying it would happen, but what if it did. The execs would be saying to themselves 'you know, we can write schlock pretty well all by ourselves, hmmm'.

[soothsayer]

3. Agreed! solidarity

[Richard Steele]

4. The writers have a VERY legitimate grievance. I'll not be watching the scab shows either. nm

[King Coal]

8. What is their grievance? I haven't heard what it is, as of yet.

edited for whatnot

[cboy4]

14. Dude, I linked that information in my OP under

Q&A: Hollywood writers' strike

[King Coal]

37. Sorry, guy. My bad.

[gratuitous]

17. Residuals from internet revenues

The writers would like to get some of the money they claim the networks are making from online content. The networks claim that the new-fangled tubes of the internets are just sooooo complicated and confusing that they don't know whether they're making any money from providing their shows online, so the writers aren't entitled to any of that money. If there is any. And nobody knows for sure how much of a revenue stream it is or might be, and besides, this new and untested form of communication is just so expensive and dicey that it would bankrupt the studios (bankrupt them, I tell you!) to re-write their contracts with the writers (who are, after all, merely minor cogs in the creative process, certainly not nearly as important as the producers and their first, second, third and fourth assistants) to include a clause to provide anyone any compensation for any potential income stream from the internet. Which nobody could ever possibly figure out if it's profitable or not.

[Fierce]

5. It surprises me, too,

how people brag about how they can't possibly live life without their shows. About how they cannot go on without Colbert and Stewart, and how GREAT it is that they're crossing the line, so people can watch them again. Taking pride in such a thing is weird to me.

[shadowknows69]

6. I want my "Heroes" back

But I'm a former NABET/CWA union member and I've given up my Sunday Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad. No scab shows for me. Are DVD's ok?

[Donnachaidh]

62. IIRC, part of the grievances was for payment for DVD sales

The writers get bupkiss on DVD sales. So, I'd have to say NO - DVD's aren't kosher either.

[demnan]

7. I don't support scabs

Our education system tries to hide the importance of the union to everything we hold dear. Like the five day work week. You can't totally blame younger DUers for not understanding the importance of this. Many grew up in affluent families and didn't know about unions first hand. No way they are going to learn in school or college either.

[cboy4]

18. I know. Well, I didn't grow up in an affluent family and

as a kid, I remember my mother crying when my dad went on strike (telephone company), because we had been living paycheck to paycheck as it was.

[King Coal]

38. That is why they are heroes. They sacrificed for the benefit of others.

[hlthe2b]

9. Unfortunately, the strike seems to be helping only Netflix & Blockbuster

I think the awards ceremonies should be cancelled and the damned networks should get together to SETTLE!

But since I cut the cable two years ago, I am minimally affected. Right is right, though. The writers should prevail.

[KittyWampus]

10. And you have zero proof that Stewart and Colbert will be using scabs. You're talking out your ass

like so many other DU'ers who speak just hear their own voices despite a serious lack of factual information.

[cosmik debris]

13. Here is some proof

Letterman and Leno are both members of the Writer's guild. If they go on the air, they are automatically scabs. No doubt about it. They are scabs by definition.

If Colbert and Stewart are members of the Guild, they will become scabs too.

[dysfunctional press]

24. what if they don't write anything for the shows, and do it all ad-lib...?

are they still scabs?

[cboy4]

30. That's like asking, what if the supermarket has its

customers ring up their own groceries, instead of using replacements for the striking cashiers.

See what I mean?

You're getting into technicalities.

People like Stewart and others should honor the strike, especially because the writers make them look so good, and it would seem to me they would feel indebted.

Stewart is funny. But he owes a lot of thanks to his support staff.


on edit...typo

[dysfunctional press]

34. not at all.

if nothing is pre-written for the show, and everything is ad-lib, how is it being a scab?

btw- why aren't writers for news shows part of the wga?

[cboy4]

45. Question, it's irrelevant whether the material is

is ad-lib/not pre-written.

The bottom line is the work is being done in place of striking employees.

And therefore. their jobs are being stolen.

News writers, depending on which television stations/networks are unionized, mostly belong to NABET: National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians

http://www.nabetcwa.org/

[dysfunctional press]

70. then they shouldn't be broadcasting anything, should they?

and if the unionized cameramen deem that it's okay to cross the picket lines and work- then i have no choice but to support them in their endeavors.

and why aren't other unions involved in the broadcasting of written material(such as NABET) supporting them in their strike...?

and- why can't some production companies sign agreements with the wga to honor retroactively whatever contract they eventually come to? that's how it worked when i was a union construction laborer- when any one trade union went on strike- ALL the construction unions honored the picket lines and jobsites were shut down COMPLETELY...BUT- those contractors that signed agreements with the unions could get back to work.

[cboy4]

80. Hey, it's your conscious if you want to cross the picket

line.

That's the bottom line.

Two wrongs don't make a right, if indeed the production people who will be involved in puting Stewart and others back on the air, are also crossing the picket line.

I don't know if that's the case.

Not all television news anchors, reporters, writers, producers, photographers, directors, etc are unionized....there are many non-union "shops" in television.

There are also non-union production companies.

The industry is not uniform when it comes to unions.

I mean, there are union stores (Safeway, etc.) and non-union stores (WalMart).

I follow a self-enforced universal "I won't cross any picket line" policy.

Again, if you feel like crossing picket lines, that's your decision.

But don't waste your time grasping at straws to justify it.

You know?

[Two Americas]

103. it is a picket line

You don't cross a picket line. Helping management get along without striking workers is being a scab.

[jakem]

26. speaking of talking without knowledge-

Letterman negotiated a separate settlement. he is very pro-union.

[Nickster]

39. No, actually he didn't. They talked and got nowhere. They might, but not as of yet.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-12-22-letterman-writers_N.htm


http://weblogs.variety.com/wga_strike_blog/2007/12/no-movement-on.html

As you probably gleaned from the WGA statement below, no decision appeared to come out of today's talks between Worldwide Pants and the Writers Guild.

Worldwide Pants is looking to secure a waiver for "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," both of which the company owns; topper Rob Burnett (left) has been increasingly vocal that he believes the company deserves an "interim agreement" to bring the shows' writers back to work.

In a statement, Burnett said the two sides will continue to negotiate next week: "We had a substantive discussion today with the WGA and look forward to continuing these talks next week."

[jakem]

59. you are right-

last i checked, it was in the works...

still, Letterman is hardly a 'scab' or is he anti-union. He has been pushing quite reasonably for settlement in favor of writers from what i have read-

[cosmik debris]

46. I searched google and found no story on a signed deal

Perhaps you will help me out with a link.

Thanks.

[Lex]

97. Here's a link for you. A deal's been struck.

NEW YORK — After eight weeks of reruns, David Letterman should be in a joking mood next Wednesday: Not only does he join his late-night brethren back on the air, but he'll have his writers backing him up.

So Dave was the last to announce his return. Big deal _ now the joke's on Jay, Conan and the other writer-less hosts.

An interim agreement with the Writers Guild of America will allow the full writing staffs for "Late Show with David Letterman" as well as "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" to return to work, even as the Hollywood writers strike continues to shutter much TV and movie production. It could prove to be a huge advantage for both these CBS late-night shows, which are produced by the Letterman-owned Worldwide Pants.

"I am grateful to the WGA for granting us this agreement," Letterman said in a statement Friday. "This is not a solution to the strike, which unfortunately continues to disrupt the lives of thousands. But I hope it will be seen as a step in the right direction."

More ---> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20071228/hollywood-labor-letterman/

[cosmik debris]

101. Thank you. but ...

That article was published after my post.

[Lex]

105. I'm sorry, did I say differently?

I was updating you with the fact that a deal had been struck.

[cboy4]

23. The only person talking out of their ass would be the

person whose screen name starts with c and ends with ryingshame.

Where did I write in my post that Stewart and Colbert will be using scabs?

Ohhhhh, that's right. I didn't. :crazy:

And what difference does it make if they don't use scabs?

They're still figuratively pissing all over the striking writers by going on with the show.

But you go right ahead and implement your anti-union position by watching.

[dysfunctional press]

25. if the shows are done completely ad-lib, how are they being scabs?

:shrug:

[Whisp]

67. the whole idea is that the Show Must Not Go On

until the writers are fairly treated.

why is this so hard to understand?

[dysfunctional press]

69. then why is it ok to broadcast shows that have already been written?

seems like that show is still going on...and why are tv news writers not part of the wga? :shrug:

[Whisp]

71. probably because...

those shows are Owned by the makers of, they've already Paid the Writers, Actors, etc., to Make that product. it is theirs and they can re-run it all they want.

[LanternWaste]

73. I think they are copy editors, not writers

"and why are tv news writers not part of the wga?"

I think they are technically copy editors, not writers-- different unions. Additionally, even the copy editors are getting 'written' out so to speak, as more and more newscasters edit their own stories, even on the local level.

[katty]

95. they were written before the actual work stoppage strike date

[CTyankee]

66. You are right: not crossing the picket line means not crossing the picket line, period.

I don't like the idea of anybody having their own private "agreement" anyway; it undermines the strike effort.

This is all about justice and it is clear whose side you should be on, IMHO.

[Donnachaidh]

63. Do YOU have proof they won't be using scabs?

Rather than rant at people who are trying to back the striking writers - why don't YOU show some proof they AREN'T using scabs. It should be easy for you - as you seem to be so dead sure of it.

[katty]

96. they did in 1988 and even WGA members write under fake names

this has ALWAYS happened in Hollywood.

[KharmaTrain]

11. I Still Stand Strong With The WGA

I'll be bypassing a lot of the scab shows when they return...including the Daily Show and Colbert Report.

It's a tough situation for many who work on these shows and have gone 2 months without paychecks or are contractually obligated to perform. But they're caught in the middle of this situation and if the WGA falls, they're next.

[NashVegas]

12. Sad to Say I'm Fairly Indifferent to This Union

But it's kind of hard to be fully sympathetic to them while the crews get zilch and lose their jobs.

Whatever unions represented the crews should have joined the strike and fed their workers. Why they chose not to, I don't know.

There's also this little matter of reality the writers are going to have to face, as many others in the entertainment industry are now facing or have already - and many more still will: people are entertaining themselves again, for the first time in 50-60 years.

The *entire* industry has been up-ended by the internet, and no one can accurately predict what the successful, paying, models will be.

And me? I'm sitting here going, where were these writers when people in other industries were begging for help against consolidation and outsourcing?

[Warren Stupidity]

20. Do you have any evidence that the WGA has not honored picket lines?

That is a serious allegation, I'm sure you did not make it without having any evidence to back it up, so could you please provide the evidence?

[NashVegas]

32. I Think You Meant This For Someone Else

I didn't make that allegation.

If you refer to what I wrote about the crews, I meant the stage and sound crews who are out of work while this happens, yet aren't receiving any union stipend to see them through.

[Warren Stupidity]

36. Nice edit job.

I really do have to remember to quote the offensive text in order to avoid this sort of dishonesty. Congratulations, you win this round.

[NashVegas]

44. My Edit

Was to add about how the entertainment industry's current business model re: the internet is fucked. I had absolutely nothing to offer about scabs.

Your reply came 9 minutes after any changes I made to my post. Whatever you think you saw was never there to begin with.

[Warren Stupidity]

47. Like I said, you win that round. nt.

[treestar]

56. Me too, I'd be more sympathetic if it were miners or other people

who don't make a lot of money in the first place. The "unfairness" of it all doesn't quite get to me that much, since they still have means to live on and could have saved up for it.

I also tend to disrespect their product for the most part. They crank out all that junk and get so much money for it, even if it is unfairly distributed between themselves and the producers, it's hard to get upset at that. Life is already pretty fair to them in general. They'll make out fine in the end.

[terrya]

15. Hey, I miss new episodes of "Ugly Betty"

But I was raised in a household where my dad was a union member. I know how vitally important unions are...especially today.

They're just television shows, basically. They're not life or death.

The striking writers have my full, unqualified support.

Thank you for posting this.

[madokie]

16. I'm right there with you

I can't enjoy what I'm not comfortable with and crossing a picket line I'll not be doing. I'm pretty safe as the only teevee I watch for the most part is Countdown and Bill Moyers Journal on pbs

[bryant69]

19. I support the writers - but it's harder to get morally worked up

about people who are really doing very well financially and are fighting to get a larger piece of the pie. I think they deserve it, but this ain't exactly like a coal miners strike.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Warren Stupidity]

22. "people who are really doing very well financially"

The median income of WGA members is something like $5,000. A few WGA members do very well indeed, bringing the average up to around 200K. The Bullshit Media System has obviously managed to get inside your head. Fact check: its always a good idea.

http://www.thetalentshow.org/2007/11/16/wga-strike-lying-with-numbers/

[bryant69]

27. The median income is $5,000 because half the writers belonging to the guild

don't work in a given year. Maybe half the members of the guild are lousy writers who should find other careers.

Bryant

[Warren Stupidity]

33. Wow. I simply don't have anything to add to that.

Your words speak volumes.

[bryant69]

35. The sticking point seems to be residuals - i.e. dvd and internet sales of the product

If writers aren't working, they aren't eligible for any residuals anyway.

Why do my words speak volumes? Because I don't think people are entitled to a free lunch?

Bryant

[Whisp]

68. yikes yes, volumes, and he wrote all that crap too. nt

[Lorien]

58. People always assume that everyone is making megabucks in the

entertainment industry. Heck, when I worked on big budget Hollywood films (one even nominated for a best picture Oscar) I never made over $46,000 a year-and my name was always at the beginning of the credit crawl; I wasn't just catering or something. I know plenty of character actors who you would recognise who spend much of the year drawing unemployment checks. My cousin used to live with the late actor Floyd Red Crow Westerman is a modest Santa Monica home. He had to have a renter to keep up with the mortgage. Most film workers are scraping to get by, in all honesty.

[earth mom]

31. That sounds like something a freeper would say.

Most writers free lance. They don't have steady jobs and so don't have a steady income. They are the owners of their written work and should get paid when that work is sold to any outlet, be it in book form, a screenplay or on the internet.

Seriously, who gives a flying fart how much they earn or if they deserve it?! :grr: The point is they are getting ripped off!!!

[Nickster]

41. More than half of their membership didn't make enough to qualify for health benefits. The salary the

y have to hit is 30k to qualify for health benefits. Just saying.

[Phillycat]

43. That's not true.

Most writers in Hollywood make abour 28 to 32K. Hell, I make more than that!

[IndianaJones]

21. thats why they invented sports and reality shows. nt.

[L0oniX]

28. glory? Holy shit. I suppose they are heros too.

While some of them do write for the very few good shows left, most write teenage and soap trash. Who needs that shit? It's just more moron food.

[Truth2Tell]

61. And coal fucks up the environment

but that doesn't mean the miners don't deserve a living wage and their kids don't deserve health coverage.

I'd bet ya a million bucks that most of the writers on those shit shows hate that they have to write that shit to get by. But they still have to pay the rent.

just sayin'

[peekaloo]

29. I'm disappointed by Stewart.

and yeah I would miss any new Boston Legal, Scrubs, Pushing Daisies, and 30 Rock shows, but a scab is a scab.

[gatorboy]

40. Can't Bill Maher's show work without writers?

Other shows, it's understandable, but who really watches Maher for the shitty skits? We want the round table discussion, no writers needed.

[underpants]

50. I don't think you understand the amount of writing involved in a show like that

Everything is scripted out or at least he has talkingpoints/jokes for all the most likely lines of discussion. There is research into these as well as research/talking points off of punditry as well. Yes some of it is from the hip but there is an awful lot of writing that goes on as well.

[gatorboy]

51. I can understand that there's quite a bit of effort in all these shows.

But Maher's a capable man, politically. If need be he could probably research the discussions himself. And he's quick witted enough not to have to rely on zingers written by his writers. But you're probably right. Probably too much work for a single individual.

[dysfunctional press]

74. they send topic outlines and research material to the guests on the panel

and that stuff all has to be written.

HOWEVER- i do believe that maher's show could be done without writers. he wouldn't necessarily be able to do monologues or "bits"- but they could certainly have the discussion portion...the guests would just have to prep themselves from the newspaper.

[Morrisons Ghost]

42. I hope the strike

Is over by the time Dexter is sceduled to start its third season. Last season was just awesome.

[derby378]

48. The 2008 elections will not be cancelled because of a writer's strike

Stewart, Colbert, and Maher are between a rock and a hard place, but someone has to be there to distill all the spin going on at the Hill.

[treestar]

57. True! The fiction writers at Faux Noise never go on strike!

[Lex]

49. Letterman's company was in talks with the writers.

I haven't heard that he plans to come back without a deal with them.

[LWolf]

52. I don't have any favorite shows.

I won't be watching, and I also won't be missing anything.

[Neshanic]

53. Why are you surprised? It's not like it's a real important thing like an air controller...

It's not surprising because they don't think or make the connection that this is to bust this union up for good, so the media companies can do whatever they want. Remember these musings about their favorite shows not being on, and how terrible that is, is from the same group that thinks that Brian Williams is a comedian, a "romanticized/edgy" show about a war currently being waged is cool, among other oddities.

All these shows from Letterman to Stewart require writers, and the hosts of these shows are under pressure from the networks to get back on the air. One thing is that if Letterman gets back on the air, CBS will wish he was not as he will let loose on them and make his past jabs at Moonvies and CBS look tame.

I wish that no shows were put on until this thing is settled, and the writers get what they deserve. They deserve much more than they get now. Much more.

[treestar]

54. This is a rather exotic union, though

And you're extending picket line to mean buying the product. How do we know we don't cross such a picket line every day? Somebody could be on strike somewhere, affecting whatever you buy today - better keep up with the news pretty well.

I was in Paris during a transit strike. I walked around the city all day. Was I crossing that picket line? Because that would be analogous. If I didn't take a scab taxi, I was still getting around and seeing things. Were my legs providing scab transportation? Without the strike, I would have taken the metro. So when the product is transportation, is staying put the only way not to cross the picket line?

[Lorien]

55. I agree. Though I rarely watch TV, I'll be sure th stick to my DVDs

from Netflix and the library until the strike is over. I really enjoy the Maher podcast, but as someone who used to work in the motion picture industry I can't listen to it in good conscience until the strike ends.

[CorpGovActivist]

60. K & R

Cboy, the more I find out about you, the more it seems we have in common.

: )

- Dave

[LSK]

64. I dont watch any network TV shows, so I am not affected

Yeah I miss Stewart / Colbert, but I can live without them too.

[fortyfeetunder]

65. I'm missing something?

Since I am not a regular viewer of these shows, I don't have any incentive to tune in.
Understand the struggle and won't cross the virtual picket line....

[dysfunctional press]

72. if they use union crews/cameramen to broadcast the shows...

and those related unions have deemed it okay to return to broadcasting the shows, why should i have a problem watching them?

[LanternWaste]

75. Much like if the UAW went on..

Much like if the UAW went on strike yet the (industry related) Springfield-Kelly Goodyear union went on making tires, there's no reason to support the strike...?

[dysfunctional press]

78. you make an EXCELLENT point. if the UAW goes on strike- none of us stop driving...

AND- if your car breaks down during a uaw strike, you still get it repaired, don't you?

so if the writers are on strike, why should that stop anyone from watching anything that is broadcast?

[Jamastiene]

76. I watched a couple of scab shows. They sucked.

I'll join you if it's not too late.

[cboy4]

79. It's never too late for solidarity. We understand it takes

some people longer than others to come to their senses. ;)

[asdjrocky]

77. No scabs for this union supporter. No way. n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

81. Won't watch

[mrreowwr_kittty]

82. I'll just keep watching classic movies on TCM til it's over.

Tonight I watched The White Cliffs of Dover .

[otherlander]

83. I won't watch.

[Blue-Jay]

84. Can I still watch rerun?

What did you think I was talking about?

[Warren Stupidity]

88. You may have all the rerun you want. nt.

[orleans]

86. i hate to admit it but i'm curious to see how much these shows are going to suck

i don't understand why letterman can go on but i read/heard it is because he owns the show or the production company. i don't get how anyone else can go back on either.

[DCKit]

87. I'm saving my scorn for the greedy studios.

Stewart, Colbert and Maher are the best sources of real news and analysis out there.

It's too important that they be on-air and paying attention to the issues that really matter. The blazing incompetence of the administration and the various blunders of the candidates are the scabs that will be writing their shows.

We're just too damn close to the primaries and, yes, the studios will cave soon. They're out of excuses and it's starting to cost them real money now.

[rucky]

90. I watch reruns of House and Anthony Bourdain.

and that is all.

[JustAnotherGen]

92. Well

I've come to rely on my TV5 Monde for a good movie every night from 8:00 to 10:00 . . . this means Colbert and John have lost me as a viewer. There's also great 'new shows' on there. All it takes is a little knowledge of French and your glasses for the subtitles.

Yeah - I haven't had much use for Network TV for a long time . . .Never watched Lost, American Idol, 24, How I Met Your Mother. Our television programming is indicative of our foggy minds and complacence as a people.

[RadioRaheem84]

93. support the strikes

yes..

[McCamy Taylor]

94. Agree 100%. Vote Union. Buy Union. Watch Union.

[Lex]

98. UPDATE: Letterman's coming back. He struck a deal with his writers.

NEW YORK — After eight weeks of reruns, David Letterman should be in a joking mood next Wednesday: Not only does he join his late-night brethren back on the air, but he'll have his writers backing him up.

So Dave was the last to announce his return. Big deal _ now the joke's on Jay, Conan and the other writer-less hosts.

An interim agreement with the Writers Guild of America will allow the full writing staffs for "Late Show with David Letterman" as well as "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" to return to work, even as the Hollywood writers strike continues to shutter much TV and movie production. It could prove to be a huge advantage for both these CBS late-night shows, which are produced by the Letterman-owned Worldwide Pants.

"I am grateful to the WGA for granting us this agreement," Letterman said in a statement Friday. "This is not a solution to the strike, which unfortunately continues to disrupt the lives of thousands. But I hope it will be seen as a step in the right direction."

More ---> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20071228/hollywood-labor-letterman/

[taught_me_patience]

99. I support the writers and won't watch scab shows! n/t

[Lex]

106. P.S. Letterman's isn't a scab show.

nt

[debbierlus]

100. I don't watch t.v. period.

Writer's strike? What writers strike?

[avenger64]

102. I would feel guilty but I don't watch episodic TV.

Does this affect National Geographic, History Channel, or ESPN?

[mitchtv]

104. I did my time on the picket line

CWA 9410. It is my honor to honor this picket line. I will not watch TDS, et al. I can wait.

[Kucinich4America]

107. While it sucks that the few good shows actually left on TV will be hurt by the strike

...I got a stack of books that I need to catch up on anyway. I won't watch anything written by scabs, should it come to that.

I suspect there may be bloodshed if this strike isn't settled by February though. I've heard that's when the backlog of daytime soap opera scripts run out, and that's a fanatical following I wouldn't want pissed off at me.

Ironically, the soap writers won't benefit at all from what the other writers are asking for, since they don't sell old soap operas on DVD anyway. But it's a union solidarity thing, so they're in for the duration, and God bless 'em for it.

[AnnieBW]

108. Are Stewart and Colbert writing their own material

or are they using scab writers? If they're doing their own stuff, I'll watch them. But if they're using scabs, forget it.

As for my scripted dramas, I'll watch the ones that come on, because they were made prior to the strike. Most of the stuff I watch (Heroes, BSG, Lost, etc.) has been shut down by the strike. Other shows like Supernatural and Reaper are covered under the Canadian chapter of the WGA, which isn't on strike.

My dad was a teacher back when they had teachers strikes all of the time. We didn't have Christmas one year because he was out for so long that they used up their strike fund. But then he became a Vice-Principal and became management. So I know all about "white-collar" unions.

Hang tough, WGA!!!