Writer’s Strike - A Longer View
In at least some of the so-called news there is a sense that somehow the end of the writer’s strike is not a good thing for writers. Take, for example, an article today in The New York Times called: Who Won the Writers Strike? Although the article certainly calls the strike a win for the long haul, there’s also a lot of talk about how, in the short term, Hollywood writers are hurting.
Ye gods, what does the Times and the writers expect? Of course it hurts in the short term, but look at the gains! For the very first time members of the Writers Guild of America actually will have a piece of the digital pie. This is significant not just for members of the Writers Guild, but potentially for all of us who work on the ‘net and with the digital media.
None of the labor “rights” were won without huge sacrifice on the part of those who were willing to strike. We owe the striking writers a big thanks, and we need to stay alert so all of us can take reasonable advantage of similar gains.
What do you think? Let us know.
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3 opinions for Writer’s Strike - A Longer View
April Storm
Feb 12, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I have to agree with the fact that we owe current writers a huge debt of gratitude. But bear in mind that these writers have been working in an area that pays monumentally more than an average copywriter makes. We might one day aspire to making an actual living off of our writing salary but so far all I can do is buy a couple of latte’s and pay my ISP bill.
Will this open up opportunities in the long run…. I certainly hope so, but it has to end for us to see what inroads have been gained. I am waiting….
Matt Keegan
Feb 13, 2008 at 6:47 am
Although my current compensation level doesn’t reach what the average television writer makes (is it 110K per year?) I am glad that their piece of the pie has been protected.
Every writer should care how other writers are compensated, even if we don’t write for t.v. or the movies. When one writer gets whacked, we all suffer. Kudos to the WGA for hanging tight!
I shared my thoughts about the strike today too.
Inkthinker » Blog Archive » The Writer’s Strike Is Finally Over! Round-Up of Blog Commentary
Feb 13, 2008 at 11:34 am
[…] THE GOLDEN PENCIL In at least some of the so-called news there is a sense that somehow the end of the writer’s strike is not a good thing for writers. Take, for example, an article today in The New York Times called: Who Won the Writers Strike? Although the article certainly calls the strike a win for the long haul, there’s also a lot of talk about how, in the short term, Hollywood writers are hurting. Read more >>> […]
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